BMW 7 Series third generation
The BMW 7 Series third generation (1995–2001): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 17 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.
Model codes: E38 · Sold in: United Kingdom, United States, and Canada
Dimensions, weights and capacity
| Specification | North America | Wikipedia |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | – | 4,985–5,124 mm |
| Width | – | 1,862 mm |
| Height | – | 1,425–1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | – | 2,930–3,070 mm |
| Weights and towing | ||
| Kerb weight | – | 1,710–2,085 kg |
| Seats and space | ||
| Luggage space (EPA) | 368 L EPA | – |
| Passenger space (EPA) | 2,832–3,030 L EPA | – |
| Performance | ||
| Torque | – | 280–600 Nm |
Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia (en, fr, es), US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Reliability and owner reports
UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age
| Age at test | Pass rate | UK average | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years and older | 78.7% (76.8–80.5) | 69.2% | 1,900 |
What the MOT finds
| Area | This model | UK average, same ages |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 30.5% | 41.6% |
| Brakes | 30.4% | 36.4% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 27.7% | 17.1% |
| Tyres | 16.9% | 31.2% |
| Lights and electrics | 12.6% | 28.8% |
| Visibility (glass, mirrors, wipers) | 11.0% | 11.8% |
First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)
Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)
250 complaints for model years 1995–2001. 12 crashes · 9 fires · 13 injuries
- Engine 45
- Electrical system 39
- Fuel system 31
- Airbags 28
Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints
All 17 versions of the BMW 7 Series third generation
Show all 17 versions
United Kingdom 6 versions
New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000–2001728i Saloon | 2.8 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 11.1–11.3 L/100 km NEDC | 267–272 g/km |
| 2000–2001735i Saloon | 3.5 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.1–12.4 L/100 km NEDC | 291–298 g/km |
| 2000–2001740i Saloon | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.5–12.8 L/100 km NEDC | 301–307 g/km |
| 2000–2001740iL Saloon | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 12.8–13.1 L/100 km NEDC | 306–314 g/km |
| 2000–2001750i Saloon | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.6–13.9 L/100 km NEDC | 327–333 g/km |
| 2000–2001750iL Saloon | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.8–14.1 L/100 km NEDC | 332–338 g/km |
United States 6 versions
Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Drive | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2001(FFS), 2LKUP · (FFS) | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 18 MPG (13.1 L/100 km) EPA | 307 g/km |
| 1999–20013MODE · GUZZLER, 3MODE | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA | 345 g/km |
| 1999–2001GUZZLER | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA | 394 g/km |
| 1998 | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA | 368 g/km |
| 1995–1997(GUZZLER) (FFS) (MPFI), 2LKUP · (GUZZLER) (FFS), 2LKUP | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 15 MPG (15.7 L/100 km) EPA | 368 g/km |
| 1995(GUZZLER) (FFS) | 4.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | Rear-wheel drive | 17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA | 325 g/km |
Canada 5 versions
Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).
| Years and version | Engine | Fuel | Gearbox | Consumption (combined) | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999–2001Mid-size · Full-size | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 308 g/km |
| 1996–2001Full-size | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 15.6–16.2 L/100 km 5-cycle | 359–373 g/km |
| 1996–1998Full-size · Mid-size | 4.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.4 L/100 km 5-cycle | 308 g/km |
| 1995Mid-size | 4.0 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 13.7 L/100 km 5-cycle | 315 g/km |
| 1995Mid-size | 5.4 L | Petrol | 5-speed automatic | 16.1 L/100 km 5-cycle | 370 g/km |
Similar models from other brands
Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.