Deep ReportAnalyze a listing

BMW 7 Series E38 740i (4398 cc)

1994–2001 · Sedan
Engine
4.4L 8-cyl · Petrol
Power
286 HP
Torque
400 Nm
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
Drive
RWD
0-100 km/h
7 sec
Top Speed
250 km/h
Fuel consumption
12.5 L/100km
Body
Sedan
Found a specification that does not look right?

Model overview

A model overview is not available for this generation yet.

FREE CAR GUIDE

Engine overview · 4.4L 8-cyl PETROL

A refined BMW V8 with strong specialist support, but E38 age means timing-drive, cooling and sealing condition matter more than the catalogue engine label alone.

Pros

  • Smooth, capable V8 performance.
  • Well-understood enthusiast and specialist platform.
  • Comfortable long-distance character.

Cons

  • Age-related maintenance can be costly.
  • Cooling and timing systems need careful attention.
  • Seals, hoses and electronics may require renewal.

Common problems & ownership concerns

Potential impact: Low · Medium · High. This describes possible consequences, not fault likelihood.

  • Timing-chain guide wear on the M62 4.4-litre applicationHigh
  • Cooling-system ageing on the E38 740i V8 applicationHigh
  • Oil-sealing deterioration on the 4.4-litre V8Medium
  • Vacuum and intake-system ageing on the M62 V8Medium

Maintenance

Follow VIN-specific BMW service information and monitor coolant, leaks, belts, hoses and timing-drive noise.

These are general ownership concerns, not a diagnosis. Equipment and engine details vary by version and production date.

Considering a particular car?

Get a Deep Report on the listing: relevant model risks, gaps in the advert and focused questions for the seller.