BMW 7 Series (E38)
BMW · 7-SERIES · E38
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Reliability snapshot
The E38 7 Series is a classic luxury flagship, admired for its clean design. As an older complex car, common items are the plastic cooling system, front suspension bushings, and age-related electronics and comfort features; V8 M62 cars can show timing-chain-guide and cooling wear. It is durable when maintained, but buyers should budget for the upkeep that any high-specification luxury car of this age requires.
Top problems on the E38
Most expensive and most frequently reported issues — ordered by repair cost
- Caution — monitor closelyAge-related electronics and comfort features
- Caution — monitor closelyAgeing plastic cooling components
Engines and trims
E38 production variants
3.5–4.4L V8 (M62)
3.0L diesel (M57)
5.4L V12 (M73)
M52 2.0–2.8 inline-6
2.0–2.8L I6
NA inline-six.
M57 3.0 diesel
3.0L I6 Diesel
Robust inline-six diesel.
M62 3.5–4.4 V8
3.5–4.4L V8
NA V8; timing-chain guides and cooling are age items.
2.0–2.8L petrol (M52)
Maintenance overview
Key service intervals (varies by engine and driving conditions)
| Service item | Interval | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter Per BMW's Condition Based Service schedule | 12,000–15,000 km | |
| Cooling-system refresh Preventive — or sooner by vehicle age | 120,000–150,000 km |