The E38 730i/L

The BMW E38 730i was a real turning point in the 7 Series lineup, especially when compared to its predecessor. Unlike the previous generation, e32 730i, which had an inline-six, the E38 model introduced something special—BMW's smallest displacement V8 engine - 2997cm3. As a result, the 730i got a significant upgrade under the hood with the introduction of a 3.0-liter V8, marking a big step forward in terms of refinement. Though it was the smallest V8 in BMW's arsenal, this engine brought a whole new level of driving experience to the 730i, adding a bit more growl and power without sacrificing the balance that 7 Series enthusiasts love.

Engine Overview and Specs

The heart of the E38 730i is the M60B30 —BMW's smallest V8s at 2997cm3. This marked a significant departure from the inline-six of the previous generation 730i, giving the car more grunt and refinement. The M62B30 produced 218 horsepower (160 kW) at 5,700 rpm and 290 Nm of torque (214 lb-ft) at 3,900 rpm. While this might seem modest for a V8, it provided the 730i with smoothness and effortless power delivery that only a V8 can offer, and it made for a much more luxurious and dynamic driving experience compared to its inline-six predecessors.

  • Power Output: 218 hp @ 5,700 rpm
  • Torque: 290 Nm @ 3,900 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 230 km/h (143 mph)

Buyers shall consider that this 3.0-liter V8 is all about balance—enough power to make the E38 feel lively, with a reasonable, linear power delivery across the rev range. Truth is this is not a fire-breathing beast, but it's got that signature BMW V8 sound, with the extra punch you'd expect from an eight cylinder.

Power and Performance

Switching from an inline-six to a V8 might not sound like a massive leap, but it made a world of difference for the 730i 7 Series. The V8 transformed the way the car drove, as expected. It wasn't just about more horsepower—it was about the sheer driving pleasure and torque you get from a well-built V8, especially at lower revs. The M60/M62V8 gave the 730i a relaxed but confident powerband that made everyday driving easier and more enjoyable, whether you were cruising on the highway or navigating through city streets.

The 730i's rear-wheel-drive layout, paired with this engine, meant you had the perfect balance of performance and handling. The V8 also brought with it that unmistakable sound—a refined growl when you pushed it but a quiet hum during cruising. This made the car feel powerful, yet incredibly composed, a hallmark of BMW's best luxury sedans.

730i/L Sound


730i/L Acceleration

Fuel Efficiency

One of the claimed advantages of the 3.0-liter V8 is that BMW engineered the M60B30/M62B30 to be as efficient as possible, and the result was a car that didn't guzzle fuel like larger V8s but still delivered the performance expected of a luxury sedan. However the diference is not very substantial.


Here is a fuel consumption comparision - 730i vs 735i vs 740i E38 - all petrol-powered V8 engines offered on the E38 chassis.

730i (M60B30)

  • Urban - 14.9 l/100 km (15.7 mpg)
  • Extra urban - 8 l/100 km (29.4 mpg)
  • Combined - 10.8l/100 km (21.8 mpg)

735i (M62B35)

  • Urban - 18 l/100 km (13 mpg)
  • Extra urban - 8.9 l/100 km (26 mpg)
  • Combined - 12.3 l/100 km (19 mpg)

740i (M62B44)

  • Urban - 18.6 l/100 km (12.6 mpg)
  • Extra urban - 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 mpg)
  • Combined - 12.5 l/100 km (18.8 mpg)

For a V8-powered luxury sedan, these numbers were pretty impressive. You got all the perks of having a V8 under the hood without the huge fuel bills, making the 730i an attractive option for those who wanted power and prestige without the running costs of the larger-engined models in the range.

V8 Engineering and Technology

BMW's M60B30 V8 engine in the 730i came with a host of modern features designed to boost both performance and efficiency. This was not just about adding two more cylinders—it was about creating an engine that was smoother, more powerful, and more refined than the inline-six that came before it. Key technologies included:

  • Aluminum Block and Cylinder Heads: The M60 engine was lighter and more compact than previous V8s, which helped keep the car's weight down, improving handling and efficiency.
  • The M60 engine has double overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder.
  • Valves had hydraulic lash adjustment to reduce maintenance.
  • The ignition system is a coil-on-plug design with knock sensors.
  • BMW's first car engine to use a "split conrod" design: sintered connecting rods are made as a single piece and then fractured in order to ensure increased rigidity and an exact fit.
  • Bosch Motronic 3.3 Engine Management System: This advanced system helped control fuel injection and ignition timing, further optimizing performance and fuel economy.

The 730i wasn't trying to be a sports sedan like its more powerful siblings, but that wasn't the point. It was about focusing on luxurious driving experience, with just enough punch to remind you that you've got a V8 under the hood. And with the E38's suspension and chassis, you had a car that was not only comfortable but also nimble enough to make even everyday driving a joy.

Reliability and Common Issues

The V8 engine in the 730i was known for being reliable, provided you kept up with regular maintenance. As with any BMW V8 from this era, the key was staying on top of routine servicing to avoid issues down the line. Some things to watch out for included:

  • Cooling System: Like many BMWs, the cooling system (radiator, water pump, and thermostat) can be a weak point, so regular checks and replacements are important to avoid overheating.
  • Oil Leaks: The valve cover gaskets and timing chain covers can develop oil leaks as the car ages, but these are relatively straightforward to fix.
  • Timming chain guides: This is a common weak link of the V8's produced by BMW in this era. The plastic timing chain guides in the M60 engine are known to wear down over time. If left unchecked, this can cause timing chain noise (a rattling sound) and, in the worst-case scenario, lead to catastrophic engine damage. Replacing the timing chain guides is labor-intensive but essential for long-term reliability.

  • Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Issues: The MAF sensor can fail or become dirty over time, leading to poor engine performance, reduced fuel economy, and rough idling. Cleaning or replacing the sensor can resolve this.

  • Oil Leaks from the Timing Chain Cover: Oil can also leak from the timing chain cover, which is another common issue that arises as the car ages. If not caught early, these leaks can lead to low oil levels and engine performance issues.

Despite these common maintenance issues, the M60 engine in the E38 730i is generally regarded as a solid performer with the potential to cover high mileage if cared for properly.

Conclusively, it is indeed crafted for those who do not mind a little bit less power while still enjoying the characteristic purr of a V8, at a considerably lower price than its competitors - the 740i/L or the 750i/L.