The BMW 750iL (E38) represented the pinnacle of BMW’s luxury sedan offerings from 1994 to 1998. As the long-wheelbase variant of the E38 7 Series, the 750iL was specifically designed to appeal to buyers prioritizing rear passenger space and a supremely comfortable ride. It was positioned as the flagship model, boasting the most powerful engine available in the range and a comprehensive suite of luxury features. The “L” designation signified the extended wheelbase, adding approximately 5.5 inches to the standard 7 Series length, almost all of which benefited rear seat legroom. This generation of the 7 Series was a significant departure from its predecessor, introducing a more rounded design language and a greater emphasis on technological innovation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series Long (E38) |
| Type (Engine) | 750iL (326 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 21.2 l/100 km (11.1 US mpg, 13.3 UK mpg, 4.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 14.2 l/100 km (16.6 US mpg, 19.9 UK mpg, 7 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.1 kg/Hp, 163.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm, 245.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 326 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 60.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 490 Nm @ 3900 rpm (361.41 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M73B54 |
| Engine displacement | 5379 cm3 (328.25 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 85 mm (3.35 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 13 l (13.74 US qt | 11.44 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1995 kg (4398.22 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2530 kg (5577.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 95 l (25.1 US gal | 20.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 5124 mm (201.73 in.) |
| Width | 1862 mm (73.31 in.) |
| Height | 1425 mm (56.1 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3070 mm (120.87 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.2 m (40.03 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 | 235/50 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 750iL was the M73B54, a 5.4-liter (5379cc) naturally aspirated V12 engine. This engine was a significant engineering achievement, featuring all-aluminum construction, double overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, and BMW’s Double-VANOS variable valve timing system. The M73 utilized multi-port fuel injection, delivering precise fuel metering for optimal performance and efficiency. The engine produced 326 horsepower at 5000 rpm and a substantial 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) of torque at 3900 rpm. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission, branded 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, complementing the V12’s refined power delivery.
Driving Characteristics
The 750iL offered a driving experience focused on effortless power and supreme comfort. The V12 engine provided ample acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 6.3 seconds. While not a sports car, the 750iL felt remarkably composed and stable at highway speeds. The Steptronic transmission was well-matched to the engine’s characteristics, providing smooth and seamless gear changes. Compared to the 740i (inline-six) or the 735i (V8) models, the 750iL offered a significantly more powerful and refined driving experience. The increased weight of the V12 engine did slightly impact handling agility, but the sophisticated suspension system minimized body roll and provided a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces. The gear ratios were tuned for relaxed cruising, prioritizing smooth acceleration over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 750iL came standard with a comprehensive array of luxury features. Leather upholstery was standard, along with power-adjustable front seats with memory function, a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and a sunroof. The extended wheelbase provided significantly more rear legroom, making it a favorite among chauffeured executives. Optional extras included rear seat entertainment systems, heated seats (front and rear), a navigation system, and upgraded leather trim. The interior design was characterized by its understated elegance and high-quality materials. The dashboard layout was clean and functional, with intuitive controls and a focus on driver ergonomics.
Chassis & Braking
The E38 7 Series featured an independent suspension system all around, with wishbone front suspension and an inclined lever rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 750iL was equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking. The steering system was a rack-and-pinion setup with hydraulic power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The 750iL rode on 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R16 tires.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 750iL was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and comfortable ride. However, its high price tag and relatively poor fuel economy were often cited as drawbacks. Compared to its competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Lexus LS400, the 750iL offered a more driver-focused experience, with sharper handling and a more powerful engine. Fuel economy was notably lower than the six and eight-cylinder models, averaging around 16.6 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although the complex V12 engine and its associated systems could be expensive to maintain.
Legacy
The E38 750iL remains a highly sought-after classic car among BMW enthusiasts. Its combination of luxury, performance, and technological innovation has cemented its place in automotive history. While maintenance costs can be significant due to the complexity of the V12 engine, well-maintained examples are known for their longevity and reliability. Today, the E38 750iL represents a bygone era of automotive engineering, offering a unique and rewarding driving experience that is difficult to replicate in modern luxury sedans. The M73 V12 engine, while thirsty, is considered a masterpiece of engineering and continues to impress with its smooth power delivery and refined character.
