The BMW 740i, part of the E38 7 Series facelift produced from 1998 to 2001, represented a significant blend of luxury, performance, and technology for its time. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the E38 lineup – sitting between the 730i and the flagship 750iL – the 740i aimed to provide a compelling balance for buyers seeking a powerful yet refined driving experience. This variant was primarily marketed towards executives and discerning customers in North America, Europe, and Asia who desired a full-size luxury sedan with a robust V8 engine and the convenience of an automatic transmission.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series (E38, facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 740i (286 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 18.1 l/100 km (13 US mpg, 15.6 UK mpg, 5.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 US mpg, 22.6 UK mpg, 8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 237.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 286 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65 Hp/l |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 3600 rpm (324.53 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M62B44 |
| Engine displacement | 4398 cm3 (268.38 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.7 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| 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 | 1850 kg (4078.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2385 kg (5258.02 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.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| 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 | 235/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 740i was the M62B44 engine, a 4.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. This engine, a successor to the M60 and M62 families, featured all-aluminum construction, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder, and a Bosch Motronic engine management system. The multi-port fuel injection system delivered fuel directly into the intake ports, optimizing combustion efficiency. The M62B44 produced 286 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 440 Nm (324.53 lb-ft) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s design prioritized smooth power delivery and refinement over outright peak performance. Paired with the engine was a 5-speed automatic transmission marketed as “Steptronic.” This transmission offered both fully automatic operation and a manual shift mode, allowing drivers to exert more control over gear selection. The Steptronic transmission was known for its smooth shifts and responsiveness, contributing to the overall luxurious driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 740i’s driving experience was characterized by a blend of power and comfort. While not as overtly sporty as some of its competitors, the 740i offered ample acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in approximately 6.7 seconds. The Steptronic transmission, while smooth, wasn’t as quick-shifting as some later automatic transmissions. The gear ratios were tuned for relaxed cruising and effortless highway passing. Compared to the 730i, the 740i provided a noticeable increase in performance, particularly in mid-range acceleration. However, it lacked the outright punch of the 750iL’s V12 engine. The suspension, tuned for comfort, absorbed bumps and imperfections in the road effectively, providing a smooth and isolated ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 740i came standard with a comprehensive list of features befitting a luxury sedan of its era. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. Optional extras included rear seat entertainment systems, upgraded leather options, and various driver assistance features. The interior design emphasized elegance and sophistication, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Dashboard configuration was generally consistent across the E38 range, with a focus on intuitive controls and a clean, uncluttered layout.
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 employed an inclined lever setup. This configuration provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling stability. The 740i was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and safety. The steering system was a hydraulic power-assisted rack and pinion setup, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 740i was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its powerful engine, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. However, some critics noted that the Steptronic transmission could feel slightly hesitant at times. Compared to the 730i, the 740i offered a significant performance upgrade, making it a more appealing choice for drivers who prioritized power. Fuel economy, however, was considerably lower than the 730i. Against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS400, the 740i held its own, offering a unique blend of German engineering and luxury features.
Legacy
The M62B44 engine, found in the 740i, is generally considered a reliable powerplant when properly maintained. Common issues include oil leaks, thermostat failures, and occasional cooling system problems. The Steptronic transmission, while generally durable, can require servicing over time. Today, the E38 740i is a sought-after classic among BMW enthusiasts. Well-maintained examples command respectable prices in the used car market. Its combination of luxury, performance, and timeless design continues to appeal to collectors and drivers alike. The E38 generation, and the 740i specifically, is remembered as a high point in BMW’s history, representing a commitment to engineering excellence and driving pleasure.
