The E38 750i/L

The BMW E38 750i/L is the pinnacle of the 7 Series lineup, a true flagship combining opulence and raw V12 power. Powered by the mighty M73B54 5.4-liter V12 engine, it delivers 326 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque, pushing this luxury beast from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. With effortless acceleration, silky-smooth power delivery, and an engine known for its refinement, the 750i/L represents the ultimate in BMW luxury performance.


Performance

The E38 750i/L sits at the top of the lineup, and it feels every bit like the flagship it was meant to be. With a rear-wheel-drive layout and BMW's signature chassis balance, the 750i/L offers a surprisingly composed and refined driving experience for a car of its size and weight. But where the six-cylinder models were nimble and understated, the V12 brings an entirely different flavor—effortless power and silky delivery.

This isn't about raw aggression—it's about smooth, unrelenting torque. The M73 V12 engine is a masterpiece of refinement, designed more for grand touring comfort than outright sportiness, but it still delivers when asked. Thanks to its near-silent power delivery and seamless throttle response, the 750 glides down highways with authority, yet remains composed on twisty roads. It's not agile in the traditional sense, but it's remarkably stable and predictable—a true autobahn cruiser with real-world power.

  • Power Output: 326 hp (240 kW) @ 5,000 rpm
  • Torque: 490 Nm (361 lb-ft) @ 3,900 rpm
  • 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
  • Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph, electronically limited)

It may not be a sports car, but the 750 V12 isn't trying to be. What it offers instead is a seamless wave of power, a near-silent cabin, and the kind of presence and refinement that few sedans of its era (or even today) can match. The E38 750 isn't just a luxury car - it's an experience.

750i/L Sound


750i Acceleration

Fuel Consumption

Fuel economy was never the E38 750i/L's strong suit—and it doesn't pretend otherwise. With a 5.4-liter V12 under the hood, sipping fuel modestly was not on the design brief. But for what it is—a full-sized luxury sedan with 12 cylinders and effortless performance—the 750i manages respectable consumption figures, especially on long highway stretches.

You'll notice the difference most in city traffic, where the V12's thirst becomes apparent. But on the open road, the engine settles into a smooth, low-rev rhythm that makes cross-country cruising surprisingly efficient for such a big engine. If you're regularly commuting through dense traffic, though, be prepared: premium fuel and frequent fill-ups come with the badge.

Fuel Consumption:

  • Urban: 20.0 l/100 km (11.8 mpg)

  • Extra Urban: 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 mpg)

  • Combined: 14.2 l/100 km (16.6 mpg)

  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 85 liters (22.5 gallons)

While far from economical by modern standards, the 750i/L offers a perfect blend of comfort, prestige, and performance, justifying its fuel needs with an experience that few other sedans can replicate. If you're behind the wheel of a V12, chances are, you're not counting every drop, but enjoying every mile.


Reliability and Common Issues

The BMW M73 V12 powering the E38 750i/L is known for its refinement and smooth operation, but it also brings complexity and higher maintenance expectations. While generally robust if well-maintained, the V12 does come with its own set of common issues—mostly due to the age and complexity of the V12 engine and the systems supporting it.

Common Issues with the V12:

  • Cooling System
    Like most BMWs of this era, the cooling system is a weak point. The water pump, radiator, and thermostat can fail and lead to overheating if not addressed early. With the added heat and space constraints of a V12, cooling issues are even more critical on the 750i/L than on its V8 or inline-six siblings.

  • Throttle Bodies and Drive-by-Wire System
    The M73 uses two throttle bodies (one for each bank of cylinders), controlled electronically. These can fail or become sluggish with age, causing hesitation or rough idle. Cleaning or replacing the throttle actuators can solve the issue, but diagnosing them can be tricky.

  • Ignition System
    With 12 individual coils and spark plugs, ignition maintenance is more expensive than on smaller engines. Misfires can occur if coil packs or plugs wear out. Regular service is crucial to keeping the engine smooth.

  • Vacuum Leaks and Intake Gaskets
    Old rubber hoses and intake manifold gaskets are prone to cracking and leaking over time. These can cause poor fuel economy, rough idle, or check engine lights. It's a common age-related issue that requires patience and precision to track down on a tightly packed V12.

  • Oil Leaks
    Valve cover and upper timing cover gasket leaks are fairly common. Given the V12 layout, even small leaks can turn into labor-intensive repairs, especially if they drip onto exhaust components.

  • Electronic Gremlins
    Being a flagship model, the 750i/L is packed with electronics—from soft-close doors to complex climate and seat control modules. These systems can fail with age and are often expensive or difficult to replace without sourcing used parts