The BMW 728i, part of the E38 7 Series facelift produced from 1998 to 2001, represented a compelling entry point into BMW’s flagship luxury sedan range. Positioned below the more powerful 740i and 750iL models, the 728i offered a balance of refinement, performance, and relative affordability. This variant was primarily aimed at buyers who desired the prestige and comfort of the E38 7 Series but didn’t require the outright power of its larger-engined siblings. It served as a key model in maintaining the 7 Series’ market presence during a period of increasing competition from Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series (E38, facelift 1998) |
| Type (Engine) | 728i (193 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 1998 |
| End of production | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 16.5 l/100 km (14.3 US mpg, 17.1 UK mpg, 6.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.1 l/100 km (21.2 US mpg, 25.4 UK mpg, 9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 226 km/h (140.43 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp, 110.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm, 160.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 193 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 69.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 3500 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M52B28 |
| Engine displacement | 2793 cm3 (170.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.75 l (6.08 US qt, 5.06 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 11 l (11.62 US qt, 9.68 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2285 kg (5037.56 lbs.) |
| Max load | 545 kg (1201.52 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 85 l (22.45 US gal, 18.7 UK gal) |
| Length | 4984 mm (196.22 in.) |
| Width | 1862 mm (73.31 in.) |
| Height | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2930 mm (115.35 in.) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1568 mm (61.73 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Inclined Lever |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 728i was powered by the BMW M52B28 engine, a 2.8-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine, a descendant of the M50 and M52 families, was known for its smooth operation and robust construction. The M52B28 featured a cast iron block with an aluminum cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a Bosch Motronic multi-port fuel injection system, optimizing fuel efficiency and emissions. The engine produced 193 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm. The “Steptronic” transmission was BMW’s marketing name for their 5-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission offered both fully automatic operation and a manual shift mode, allowing drivers to have more control over gear selection. The transmission was designed to provide smooth and responsive shifts, complementing the engine’s characteristics.
Driving Characteristics
The 728i’s driving experience was characterized by a blend of comfort and composure. While not as overtly sporty as the 740i, the 728i offered sufficient power for relaxed highway cruising and confident overtaking. The automatic transmission, while smooth, did slightly diminish the engine’s responsiveness compared to the available manual transmission. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency and comfort, rather than outright acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of around 9.1 seconds was respectable for the era, but noticeably slower than the 740i. The 728i’s weight of approximately 3836 lbs contributed to its less agile feel compared to lighter-weight competitors.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 728i came standard with a comprehensive list of features befitting a luxury sedan. These included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a sunroof. Optional extras included rear seat entertainment, upgraded leather trim, and a navigation system. The interior design was typical of BMW at the time, emphasizing functionality and understated elegance. The dashboard layout was clean and intuitive, with all essential controls within easy reach of the driver. Trim levels were relatively limited, with most customization options available as individual selections rather than pre-defined packages.
Chassis & Braking
The E38 7 Series featured a robust chassis with independent suspension at all four wheels. The front suspension utilized a double wishbone design, while the rear employed an inclined lever setup. This suspension configuration provided a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics. The 728i was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack-and-pinion system with hydraulic power assistance, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 728i was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its comfortable ride, refined interior, and balanced performance. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the punch of the 740i and 750iL. Fuel economy was considered reasonable for a vehicle of its size and class, averaging around 21.2 US mpg in combined driving. Compared to the 740i, the 728i offered a more affordable entry point into the 7 Series range, but at the expense of performance. The 740i, with its larger 4.4-liter V8 engine, provided significantly more power and a more engaging driving experience. In terms of reliability, the M52B28 engine proved to be a durable and dependable unit, although routine maintenance was essential to prevent issues such as oil leaks and cooling system failures.
Legacy
The BMW E38 728i remains a sought-after classic among BMW enthusiasts. Its combination of luxury, comfort, and reliability has ensured its continued appeal in the used car market. While not the fastest or most prestigious model in the E38 lineup, the 728i offers a compelling value proposition for those seeking a well-built and refined luxury sedan. The M52B28 engine is known for its longevity and relatively straightforward maintenance, making it a practical choice for owners who plan to use the vehicle regularly. Today, well-maintained examples of the 728i command respectable prices, reflecting their enduring desirability and the growing appreciation for classic BMWs.
