The BMW 730i, produced between 1994 and 1996, was the entry-level variant of the E38 generation 7 Series. Representing the third generation of BMW’s flagship sedan, the E38 aimed to solidify BMW’s position in the luxury car segment, competing with models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. The 730i, while offering the prestige and technology of the E38 platform, was positioned as a more accessible option, prioritizing a balance of performance and fuel efficiency over the outright power of its larger-engined siblings. It served as a key model for attracting a broader customer base to the 7 Series lineup.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series (E38) |
| Type (Engine) | 730i (218 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.9 l/100 km (15.8 US mpg / 19 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg / 35.3 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.8 l/100 km (21.8 US mpg / 26.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 218 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 4500 rpm (213.89 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M60B30 |
| Engine displacement | 2997 cm3 (182.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 67.6 mm (2.66 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.5 l (13.21 US qt | 11 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1725 kg (3802.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2260 kg (4982.45 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal | 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4984 mm (196.22 in.) |
| Width | 1862 mm (73.31 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2930 mm (115.35 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 730i was powered by the M60B30, a 3.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, part of BMW’s M60 family, featured a 60-degree V-angle and utilized aluminum alloy cylinder heads and block. The M60B30 employed Bosch Motronic 1.7 engine management, controlling multi-port fuel injection and ignition timing. The valvetrain consisted of double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, contributing to the engine’s relatively high specific output for its time. The engine produced 218 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 290 Nm (213.89 lb-ft) of torque at 4500 rpm. The 730i was exclusively offered with a 5-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide smooth and comfortable shifts, aligning with the luxury character of the vehicle. This transmission was a conventional hydraulic automatic, lacking the advanced electronic controls found in later BMW transmissions.
Driving Characteristics
The 730i offered a refined driving experience, prioritizing comfort and ease of use over outright performance. While the 218 hp engine provided adequate power for everyday driving, it wasn’t as responsive as the larger V12 engines available in the 750iL. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 7.9 seconds, and the top speed was electronically limited to 146 mph. The automatic transmission, while smooth, could feel somewhat sluggish in kickdown situations compared to the manual transmissions offered in other 7 Series models. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and relaxed cruising, rather than aggressive acceleration. Compared to the 740i, which featured a larger 4.0-liter V8, the 730i felt noticeably less powerful, particularly during overtaking maneuvers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 730i came standard with a comprehensive list of features expected of a luxury sedan in the mid-1990s. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. Standard safety features included ABS brakes, airbags, and traction control. Optional extras included a navigation system, upgraded leather trim, rear seat entertainment, and a more powerful sound system. The interior design was characterized by its understated elegance and high-quality materials. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with a focus on ergonomics. The 730i typically featured wood trim accents and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Chassis & Braking
The E38 7 Series featured a robust chassis with independent suspension at all four wheels. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone design, while the rear suspension employed an inclined lever setup. This suspension configuration provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 730i was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. ABS brakes were standard, providing enhanced stopping power and stability. The steering system was a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion system, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The 730i’s suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a slightly softer ride compared to the sportier suspension setups found in some other E38 models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 730i was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its comfortable ride, refined interior, and balanced performance. However, some critics noted that the 3.0-liter engine lacked the power and prestige of the larger V8 and V12 engines available in other 7 Series models. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for a large luxury sedan, with combined fuel consumption of around 21.8 US mpg. In terms of reliability, the M60B30 engine proved to be relatively robust, although it was susceptible to certain issues, such as oil leaks and cooling system problems. Compared to the 740i, the 730i offered a more affordable entry point into the E38 7 Series range, making it a popular choice for buyers who prioritized value and fuel efficiency.
Legacy
The E38 730i remains a sought-after classic car among BMW enthusiasts. The M60B30 engine, while not as powerful as some of its counterparts, is known for its smooth operation and relatively simple maintenance requirements. Well-maintained examples of the 730i can still provide a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience today. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related issues, such as corrosion, electrical problems, and worn suspension components. The 730i represents a significant milestone in BMW’s history, showcasing the company’s commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation. Its blend of comfort, refinement, and relatively affordable price point made it a popular choice among discerning buyers in the mid-1990s, and it continues to be appreciated by classic car enthusiasts today.
