Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury accoutrements in the German automaker's lineup.
As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige
For that reason, the BMW 7 Series is the definitive super luxury sedan for people who like to drive.
> CURRENT BMW 7 SERIES
This new 7 Series erases the foul taste left in the mouth of many BIMMERPHIlLES car enthusiasts who disliked the previous 7. While there are certainly some brash elements -- particularly the flared nostril grilles -- BMW's flagship is significantly more visually pleasing. The bodywork now appears tauter, the light clusters are more harmonious and the bulbous trunk lid has been put on a diet. The interior is also more traditional in design (the gear selector is now on the center console rather than the steering column) and the I Drive electronics interface is vastly improved versus past editions.
The 7 Series remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess -- particularly in regards to steering feel.
There are many worthy choices in this illustrious car segment, but the BMW 7 Series is one of the most appealing.
> USED BMW 7 SERIES MODELS
The modernist exterior styling of this generation carried on in the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout gave way to an all-in-one system called I Drive that governed climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although I Drive assured the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve proved bewildering for many a 7 Series driver. During this 7's lifespan, I Drive was consistently upgraded, so newer 7 Series will come with the later (and less maddening) versions of this control device. Make sure to thoroughly examine I Drive before purchasing a 7 Series, or at the very least, driving it off the lot
Any 7 Series from this generation would make a fine purchase. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, repair costs can be hefty as they age.
The main advantage to choosing a car from later in the model cycle is added standard feature content. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, for example, debuted across the line for 1998.
This was the first 7 Series to include both regular- and long-wheelbase models, the advantage to the latter being increased rear legroom. For most of the cycle, the base engine was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder offered in 735i and 735iL models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual was offered as well. The 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 replaced the inline-6 in 1993, yielding the 740i and 740iL, both of which took a five-speed automatic only. The BMW 750iL was offered throughout the run.
It was the largest sedan the company had ever built and directly targeted the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All 7s of this era were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.
FIVE GENERATIONS OF THE 7 SERIES
Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)
Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
The BMW E23 is the first BMW 7 Series luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the BMW E3 large sedan, the E23 was produced for ten years from 1977 to 1987 and was replaced by the BMW E32 7 Series in 1986
The E23 7 series cars were very upscale and sophisticated for their time. They were the first BMWs fitted with service interval indicators, a 'check control' that alerted the driver to various system faults, and complex climate control systems
A minor styling update in 1983 affected the 'nose' of the car (the front 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumpers etc) as well as the dashboard and instrument panels which received updates plus (in the UK) the 735i received the Motronic 3430 cc engine (replacing the 3453 cc) and rear suspension modifications as well as numerous other minor changes. In the US, 1984 saw the arrival of the optional 4 speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3 speed unit previously offered), upgraded wood trim above the glove compartment and on the ashtray (previously plastic in all US models)
Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
In July 1986 BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mph).
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number),
In which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point. It was in all years 88-94 in the U.S.
Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission; 730d, 740d, 740i/IL, and 750i/IL had a 5-speed ZF automatic standard. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i. In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i/IL were powered by a 4.4 L V8 engine. The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL. The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12 was BMW's flagship vehicle, with a 5.4 L 322 BHP(240 kW) engine, also shared by the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. V8 and V12 cars had long-wheelbase variants, with the "L" added to the designation. A rare European executive long-wheelbase limousine model was also produced, called the BMW L7, available as both 740iL (4.4 L V8) and 750iL (5.4 L V12) variants. Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, again utilizing the 740iL and 750iL platforms, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
When the E38 was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new E65, sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced.
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, not least the lack of functionality of iDrive. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from the original 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) coverage. The UK however was only covered by the standard 3 yr/unlimited mileage warranty on this model.
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)
The car's official unveiling occurred in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The unusual nature of the unveiling had been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. The new BMW 7 series was placed in the upper half of an acrylic, glass, and steel hourglass.
The front end is inspired by the BMW CS Concept, from the large twin grilles to the headlamps, which have "eyebrows" and internal configuration similar to individual lamps but slightly different in shape. It now looks more conventional and less controversial than the vehicle it replaces. The interior has also been reworked and the column-mounted shifter has relocated to the center console.
Dynamic Drive Control with optional Adaptive Drive added COMFORT setting in addition to Comfort, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, with reduced stability control intervention in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.
The cargo capacity is 500 liter. Optional features include 4-zone automatic air conditioning, telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, an electrically swivelling trailer hook.
Furthermore 8 Airbags (driver/front passenger, head curtain airbags (both rows) and two sideairbags,front outboard and rear outboard, as well as driver and passenger knee airbags) and active headrests in front. The adaptive brake lights indicate how strongly the vehicle is braking. In the case of an emergency stop, the normal LED running lights (on when low beams are on) are illuminated to the same intensity of the brighter normal LED brake indicator light, creating a large, extra bright light to warn drivers behind. Also, adaptive bi-xenon headlights (low beam) swivel in accordance with the steering wheel for curves, level when going over hills, or when the car is loaded, to reduce glare to other drivers. Also, side turn indicators are standard on every BMW on the front quarter-panels.
As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige
For that reason, the BMW 7 Series is the definitive super luxury sedan for people who like to drive.
> CURRENT BMW 7 SERIES
This new 7 Series erases the foul taste left in the mouth of many BIMMERPHIlLES car enthusiasts who disliked the previous 7. While there are certainly some brash elements -- particularly the flared nostril grilles -- BMW's flagship is significantly more visually pleasing. The bodywork now appears tauter, the light clusters are more harmonious and the bulbous trunk lid has been put on a diet. The interior is also more traditional in design (the gear selector is now on the center console rather than the steering column) and the I Drive electronics interface is vastly improved versus past editions.
The 7 Series remains a class benchmark for its handling prowess -- particularly in regards to steering feel.
There are many worthy choices in this illustrious car segment, but the BMW 7 Series is one of the most appealing.
> USED BMW 7 SERIES MODELS
The modernist exterior styling of this generation carried on in the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout gave way to an all-in-one system called I Drive that governed climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although I Drive assured the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve proved bewildering for many a 7 Series driver. During this 7's lifespan, I Drive was consistently upgraded, so newer 7 Series will come with the later (and less maddening) versions of this control device. Make sure to thoroughly examine I Drive before purchasing a 7 Series, or at the very least, driving it off the lot
Any 7 Series from this generation would make a fine purchase. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, repair costs can be hefty as they age.
The main advantage to choosing a car from later in the model cycle is added standard feature content. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, for example, debuted across the line for 1998.
This was the first 7 Series to include both regular- and long-wheelbase models, the advantage to the latter being increased rear legroom. For most of the cycle, the base engine was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder offered in 735i and 735iL models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual was offered as well. The 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 replaced the inline-6 in 1993, yielding the 740i and 740iL, both of which took a five-speed automatic only. The BMW 750iL was offered throughout the run.
It was the largest sedan the company had ever built and directly targeted the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All 7s of this era were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine.
FIVE GENERATIONS OF THE 7 SERIES
Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)
Ø BMW E23 (1977-1986)
The BMW E23 is the first BMW 7 Series luxury car, produced by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the BMW E3 large sedan, the E23 was produced for ten years from 1977 to 1987 and was replaced by the BMW E32 7 Series in 1986
The E23 7 series cars were very upscale and sophisticated for their time. They were the first BMWs fitted with service interval indicators, a 'check control' that alerted the driver to various system faults, and complex climate control systems
A minor styling update in 1983 affected the 'nose' of the car (the front 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumpers etc) as well as the dashboard and instrument panels which received updates plus (in the UK) the 735i received the Motronic 3430 cc engine (replacing the 3453 cc) and rear suspension modifications as well as numerous other minor changes. In the US, 1984 saw the arrival of the optional 4 speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3 speed unit previously offered), upgraded wood trim above the glove compartment and on the ashtray (previously plastic in all US models)
Ø BMW E32 (1987-1994)
In July 1986 BMW introduced the second generation of the 7 series known internally as the E32. Aimed at the high end of the luxury market, the car offered some of the latest innovations in automotive technology, and a new, top-of-the-line V12 engine. Some luxury options featured on the E32 included integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler, double glazing, electronic stability control, and a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windshield wipers, to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Autobahn speeds. Incidentally, the E32 was the first car adhering to BMW's self-imposed speed limit of 250 km/h (155.37 mph).
The car was also available in a stretched version (indicated by an 'L' after the model number),
In which case an extra 11.4 centimetres (4.5 in) of leg room was available to the rear passengers by stretching the rear doors, and the body at this point. It was in all years 88-94 in the U.S.
Ø BMW E38(1995-2001)
Ø The E38 models were offered with either a five-speed automatic or manual transmission; 730d, 740d, 740i/IL, and 750i/IL had a 5-speed ZF automatic standard. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i. In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i/IL were powered by a 4.4 L V8 engine. The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL. The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12 was BMW's flagship vehicle, with a 5.4 L 322 BHP(240 kW) engine, also shared by the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph. V8 and V12 cars had long-wheelbase variants, with the "L" added to the designation. A rare European executive long-wheelbase limousine model was also produced, called the BMW L7, available as both 740iL (4.4 L V8) and 750iL (5.4 L V12) variants. Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, again utilizing the 740iL and 750iL platforms, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
When the E38 was phased out in 2001 to make way for the new E65, sales of E38s increased noticeably in the car's final months of production as people moved to buy the car before it was replaced.
Ø BMW E65/E66(2002-2008)
Early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, not least the lack of functionality of iDrive. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km) from the original 4-year or 50,000-mile (80,000 km) coverage. The UK however was only covered by the standard 3 yr/unlimited mileage warranty on this model.
Ø BMW F01 (2009-present)
The car's official unveiling occurred in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The unusual nature of the unveiling had been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. The new BMW 7 series was placed in the upper half of an acrylic, glass, and steel hourglass.
The front end is inspired by the BMW CS Concept, from the large twin grilles to the headlamps, which have "eyebrows" and internal configuration similar to individual lamps but slightly different in shape. It now looks more conventional and less controversial than the vehicle it replaces. The interior has also been reworked and the column-mounted shifter has relocated to the center console.
Dynamic Drive Control with optional Adaptive Drive added COMFORT setting in addition to Comfort, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, with reduced stability control intervention in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.
The cargo capacity is 500 liter. Optional features include 4-zone automatic air conditioning, telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, an electrically swivelling trailer hook.
Furthermore 8 Airbags (driver/front passenger, head curtain airbags (both rows) and two sideairbags,front outboard and rear outboard, as well as driver and passenger knee airbags) and active headrests in front. The adaptive brake lights indicate how strongly the vehicle is braking. In the case of an emergency stop, the normal LED running lights (on when low beams are on) are illuminated to the same intensity of the brighter normal LED brake indicator light, creating a large, extra bright light to warn drivers behind. Also, adaptive bi-xenon headlights (low beam) swivel in accordance with the steering wheel for curves, level when going over hills, or when the car is loaded, to reduce glare to other drivers. Also, side turn indicators are standard on every BMW on the front quarter-panels.
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