The same «Boomer» to thereby xenon. But - not black, and dark green. A car for burgher and highways. Looking at the stocky, elegant silhouette, it is difficult to understand how this car in general has become a refined «Boomer»?

The seventh series in body E38, replaced in 2001 the new generation E65, the first of BMW has fallen a victim of new Bavarian style. Whether Chris Bengla's design experiments — to Germans are justified from the economic point of view more visibly. Sales like grow. But in due time graceful 7 BMW E38 has outstripped on sales Mercedes-Benz W140.

Have looked at BMW E38

«Thirty eighth» a body — one of the most beautiful German cars of 90th years. And it is not discussed, is as though old-fashioned it did not look today.

The interior of old "seven", in my opinion, also does not concede the modern. At least thanks to the first class ergonomics. For the organisation of the panel of devices to Bavarians — thanks. All controls are very convenient and successfully located: to get to any button, it is not necessary even to unbend a hand completely. In ergonomics of "seven" engineers have reached an ideal. But any peak of development is replaced by recession, and in following generation of 7 series E65 sophisticated system I-Drive became "whipping boy" which was not abused only by the lazy.

On the other hand, «all near at hand» means that the armchair of the driver is densely clamped between a door, a powerful central tunnel and a steering wheel. In BMW there is no also a hint on "air" in salon, characteristic, for example, for the American cars.

Inconvenient lever KP arrangement seemed. Buyers of all E38, except for the top version 750i with motor V12, could choose between a mechanical transmission and five-step "automatic machine" ZF. On the test at us the car with mechanical transmission has visited. The lever is established close to an armrest. If to go correctly, both hands keeping for a wheel at each gear change the wrist of the right hand "is stuck" into an armrest that is unpleasant. A unique exit — to put a hand on an armrest "permanently" and to click lever KP one brush, the blessing moves it easily. But drive one hand in «a pose of the pensioner» — it is inconvenient and dangerous. In general, a box "automatic machine" — a correct choice for this car.

Seats BMW E38 — aerobatics. Unless massage is not present. Even headrests are put forward by an electromotor. By the way, massage armchairs are in expensive complete sets E38 last years of release. But most of all the back seat was pleasant. The parity of the sizes of a pillow, a back and an angle of slope are very close to an ideal. To sit, having drawn in feet as it is convenient, as well as having extended them forward. And places for feet here it is valid much. Anyway more than in Mercedes-Benz S-class W140 which obviously does not justify the dimensions.

Luggage carrier — weakness E38. And though in figures the volume of 500 l not seems insufficient, luggage carrier possibilities are limited because of the narrow and long form.

Have gone

It is considered to be that "seven" begins with eight-cylinder motors. And six-cylinder versions too slow. It not absolutely the truth. Even the weakest in scale the diesel motor 2.5 tds, known on the third and fifth series BMW, it disperses 1,7-ton "seven" to 100 km/h for 11,4 seconds it is quite good even to modern measures. And at petrol "six" of 2,8 l it turns out much faster. At intensive dispersal with раскручиваниeм the motor to 4-5 thousand turns acceleration turns out very impressive. At desire even on base BMW 728i it is possible for the first to leave from a traffic light, and the maximum speed inspires respect. Then why the motor is considered weak? And that is why.

BMW E38 in comparison with competitors on the higher class F weighs not too much. Even at the most powerful updating 750i the equipped weight of 1960 kg. And eight-cylinder versions on 100-150 kg it is easier. Nevertheless with such weight six-cylinder engines cope with work. The arrow of a tachometre should not fall below 2,5 thousand turns at all. Otherwise — "death" to dispersal. At 60 km/h on the third transfer the tachometre shows just 2400-2500 turns. If on 60 to include the fourth and to press gas — first in general occurs nothing, and after kind one and a half second the car starts to be dispersed — unwillingly, with juicy roar inline "six".

Also it is impressions of the person driving. Back passengers even at the moment of intensive dispersal continue relax. If to close eyes — sensation of flight will be very plausible. Sound insulation in BMW the remarkable. Overtaking along the street a tractor, you will not hear noise of its engine. And head wind noise at all is absent even for the speed under hundred fifty.

The suspension bracket also is adjusted on comfort. To cause a longitudinal swing, it is necessary to call in in very big pothole. And "seven" simply does not notice small roughnesses. Thus BMW remains BMW: a steering "sharp enough", and lists in bends are minimum — difficultly to achieve the best results from the long and heavy car.

That is pleasant — at the wheel "seven" at all do not feel that operate very big car. But any problems with sensation of dimensions, and even the review back thanks to a low luggage carrier does not cause censures. The only thing what it is necessary to remember — about long wheel base and a small road gleam in 12 see And after all there are still extended versions (with a letter «L» in a model index) where the wheel base reaches 307 see

E38 conclusion

And any it not «bumer». The magnificent, refined and cosy car which allows to move smoothly in space. Is better to do it slowly. Then E38 will indulge you with silence and serenity of driving. It would be desirable faster — not a question. Only the motor take more powerful or a box "automatic machine", and that the hand will get tired to pull the transmission lever. The main advantage of "seven" — universality. It can go differently and does it with advantage. Though — it is necessary to attach self-made "rear wing" on a luggage carrier, and you receive real "boom-bumer". But it is a theme for separate conversation.

And what with E38 spare parts?

The main deficiency — «body». That is deficiency as that is not present, but body detail, especially for a forward part, are in demand. Because and the prices high. Owners restyling BMW E38 after 1999 on body spend spare parts most. Also various details of an interior and an ex-terrier perfectly are on sale: the list of possible equipment BMW 7 very long, and by means of dismantlings it is possible «complete» the car than the soul wishes — from the big wheels to massage armchairs.

E38

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