BMW E38
| BMW 7-Series (E38) | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1994–2001 340,242 built |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Designer | Boyke Boyer (1990, 1991) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
SWB: 2,930 mm (115.4 in) LWB: 3,070 mm (121 in) |
| Length |
SWB: 4,984 mm (196.2 in) LWB: 5,124 mm (201.7 in) |
| Width | 1,862 mm (73.3 in) |
| Height |
SWB: 1,425 mm (56.1 in) LWB: 1,435 mm (56.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,710–2,085 kg (3,770–4,597 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW 7 Series (E32) |
| Successor | BMW 7 Series (E65) |
The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series, which was produced from 1995 to 2001. It replaced the E32 and was available with straight-six, V8 and V12 engines. In 2001, the E38 was replaced by the E65 7 Series.
The E38 was the first car available with curtain airbags. It was also the first car to offer satellite navigation and an in-built television. The E38 was the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine.
In early 1988, development began on the third generation 7-series. From 1989 to 1990 styling work was done initially under design director Claus Luthe (through April 1990), when Boyke Boyer's concept design was chosen and further refined into production form.
In February 1991, the final production design for the new 7-series was approved by the board 36 months ahead of 1994 production. On April 27, 1993 German design patents were filed featuring a pre-production prototype as a design representation. Patents were later filed on October 27, 1993 in the United States.
Production started on July 23, 1993 on pilot production models and US specification variants on January 13, 1994, with series production commencing on February 17, 1994 and US-specification in the second half of the year. In May 1994, the 1995 model year E38 BMW 7-Series was unveiled.
Safety features include ASC+T traction control, headlight washers, auto-leveling low beam xenon HID headlamps. Side tubular airbags (called "Head Protection System) were fitted as standard equipment. "Active Comfort Seats" were introduced in 1998, to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger. This system uses two fluid-filled bladders which alternate in height.
The E38 was the world's first car to be available with satellite navigation. Other equipment includes Electronic Damper Control (called EDC III), power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, dual zone climate control, electric drivers seat adjustment and electric steering wheel adjustment. A "multi-function" steering wheel, with controls for the audio, phone, cruise control and air recirculation, was standard equipment.
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