The E38 735i/L

The BMW E38 735i represents a solid middle ground in the E38 7 Series lineup, offering a combination of luxury, performance, and sophistication. It was paired with an M62B35 engine, and later the VANOS-upgraded M62TUB35, both overall great engines.

One question that might arise is - did BMW E38 really need such V8 considering it already had a 730i and a 740i in its lineup? Enthusiast answered - and it was a yes. 28,444 units were equipped with this engine worldwide. Keep in mind that US car marked did never get such engines.

Engine Overview and Specs

The M62B35 engine in the E38 735i was part of BMW's M62 family of V8 engines, featuring a DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) configuration and 32 valves (four valves per cylinder), which improved airflow and combustion efficiency. This was a naturally aspirated engine known for decent power delivery and responsiveness across the rev range. It also featured Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management, which optimized fuel injection and ignition timing for better performance and fuel efficiency.

Early production E38's (1996-1998) were equiped with a non-VANOS M62B35, producing 235hp (173kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque.

In the later models (1998-2001), the M62TU (Technical Update) version introduced Double-VANOS (variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust), enhancing torque at lower RPMs and improving fuel efficiency. This made the engine more responsive and efficient, especially in day-to-day driving. While power was only bumped with 3hp, the torque figures went from 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) to 345 Nm (254 lb-ft).

Power and Performance

Here's a short breakdown of the BMW E38 735i's engine capabilities:

M62B35

  • Horsepower: 235 hp (173kW) @5,700 rpm
  • Torque: 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) @ 3,900 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 8 seconds
  • Top Speed: 240 km/h (143 mph)

M62TUB35

  • Horsepower: 238 hp (177.5 kW) @ 5,700 rpm
  • Torque: 345 Nm (254 lb-ft) @ 3,800 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 7.5 seconds
  • Top Speed: 242 km/h (150 mph)

735i/L Sound


735i/L Acceleration

Fuel efficiency

AS you would expect, the 735i/L sits right in the middle, with the overall consumption lower than the 740i but still higher than the 730i. Interesting fact, comparing the 3.5i to its bigger brother, the 740i M62B44, you will find the difference is rather unnoticeable. So perhaps, you would be better off with buying the more powerful version, if power is your thing.

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

vs the 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)

From an enthusiast standpoint, the 740i is generally a bit more appreciated than the 735i since it is essentially the most powerful V8 available on the E38 7 Series, which often results in a higher asking price. Also keep in mind that very few E38 740i's were paired with a manual gearbox (2.371 units), therefore being considered by the collectors as the most sought-after V8 configuration available on the E38 chassis. If you managed to grab one of these driving-oriented masterpieces, consider yourself lucky - you got a true gem on your hands.

The E38 735i was also available with a manual transmission, with a total of around 4000 units produced in this configuration, so still a pretty rare E38, nevertheless.

Reliability and Common Issues

While the M62B35 V8 engine was known for its reliability and longevity, there were several areas that could develop problems over time, particularly as the car aged:

  • Cooling System Failures: Like many BMWs from this era, the cooling system in the 735i can be a weak point. Components like the water pump, radiator, and thermostat are prone to failure and should be replaced preemptively to avoid overheating, which could lead to more severe engine damage.
  • VANOS Unit Failures: In models with Double-VANOS, the system can become noisy or fail over time, particularly if oil changes are neglected. This can result in poor low-end torque and rough idling, but it is repairable with replacement seals or unit refurbishment.
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: The M62 engine is known to develop oil leaks around the valve cover gaskets as they age, which can lead to oil dripping onto hot engine parts, causing burning smells or even smoke. Regular inspections can catch this early.
  • Timing Chain Guide Wear: A more serious issue, the plastic timing chain guides in the M62 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.