BMW 7er E38
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
286 PS
4.4L V8 Benzin
V8 Flagship
Fun to Drive!235–238 PS
3.5L V8 Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 7er E38 is available with 5 engine variants — from 163 to 286 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 730d (Diesel, 193 PS) has the M57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW 740d (Diesel, 238–245 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M67D39 (1999–2001, Be Careful) und M67D39 (1999–2001, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 740d!
The BMW 728i (Benziner, 193 PS) has the M52B28 (2.8L 24V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The BMW 735i (Benziner, 235–238 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M62B35 (1996–2001, Stay Away!) und M62B35 (1996–2001, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 735i!
The BMW 740i (Benziner, 286 PS) has the M62B44 (4.4L V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Sill and wheel arch rust Sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially on older examples. Fuel tank tray and brake lines under the floor are also at risk. Symptoms: Visible rust bubbles under door rubbers, brown discolouration in wheel arches, flaking paint on sills. | High |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 39 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 7er E38 (1994–2001) — 32 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: M62B35 (3.5L V8), M57D30 (3.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Rust, Cooling, Electronics, Suspension.
7er (M57D30, 1998–2001) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Turbocharger worn, Swirl flaps break off — risk of engine damage. Power: 193 PS.
7er (M67D39, 1999–2001) — Be Careful: Biturbo failure at high mileage, ECU damage from water ingress, Turbocharger bearing wear. Power: 238–245 PS.
7er (M52B28, 1995–2001) — Be Careful: Water pump impeller broken, Nikasil cylinder bore wear (early production), DISA valve defective. Power: 193 PS.
7er (M62B35, 1996–2001) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide rails broken, Valley pan gasket leaking (V8 valley), Timing chain guide rails break. Power: 235–238 PS.
7er (M62B44, 1996–2001) — Be Careful: Timing chain and guide rails worn, Timing chain guide rails break, VANOS O-rings worn. Power: 286 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW 7er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 7er E38 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 7er E38? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW 7er E38 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 7er E38 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 7er E38? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee