Overview & Reviews
The big news for 2003 is the late-fall arrival of the 760Li, which combines all the greatness of the 745 while adding a 6.0-liter V12. BMW has not released U.S. output ratings, but European specs have it at 408 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The more interesting aspect of the 760Li is that it's the first BMW with direct gasoline injection, which, in combination with the Valvetronic technology already used in the 745 models, allows for stellar performance, and according to BMW, "outstanding fuel economy." We'll wait and see on that one. In other news, all models get rear head-protection airbags, and Active Cruise Control finally makes it to the options list, along with run-flat tires. The Rear Comfort Seat package for the 745Li now includes rear-seat ventilation.
- Superb driving dynamics, highly advanced technology, dizzying array of features, sumptuous furnishings.
- Toys can be distracting from the task at hand, confusing secondary controls, odd styling details.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 125.00-
Looks Can Be Deceiving. - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By SportyDave - July 20 - 10:48 pmThis seems like a brilliant car, the interior is sumptuous with a gorgeous dashboard (especially when the navigation is on). Ride is smooth, and engine just purrs. Every angle of this car grabs attention. However, the reliability is abysmal! This car has been in the shop so many times, I eventually just sold it. Glitches in interior parts (too many motors and unnecessary gizmos prone to go bad over time) just added to the gamut of problems. This car is atrocious in the winter or any slick conditions. The fat rear tires get no traction, and on subject, tires they DO sell are outrageously expensive. $400 a tire! And they barely make 10k miles. In fact, most parts for this car are absurd.
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Owner review - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By Richard - January 26 - 9:43 amImagine on a 36 month lease, shop time in excess of 45 days! One and half months out of 36! Three days to "re- program" the computer, replacement parts always available, but not the same day. Two repairs to the trunk lid, an engine hood that doesnt stay open. This was my second 7 series car and a total disappointment relative to reliability. After the dealership initiated a daily rate for a loaner car I chose to take my business elsewhere. Imagine paying for a loaner for the second repair to a warrantee covered item - on a car in this price range.
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Never again - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By NEVER AGAIN - June 8 - 1:44 pmEach required visit to the dealer for repair results in having to return to have at least 2 additional items corrected. Idiot drive aside, safety issues are of primary concern. 4 months for BMW to figure out they had to replace the modual that controls the remote key (Plastic emergency key required to open a $85,000 car). Intermitant operation of headlights and tail lights. Engine goes into idle mode at the slightest touch of break pedal. I thought the 2000 S-430 was trouble prone but would gladly trade back. The 745LI is my wifes car which I have limited her use to daylight driving only. For security reasons, she drives our Expedition or Town car when venturing out after dark.
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2003 745I I am worried for BMW - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By JERSEY - November 5 - 2:00 amThe Engine,transmission, seats are possibly the best I have ever witnessed. However the car is pathetically confusing for valets, loved ones and owners. Nothing works correctly from memory to auto close trun that remains half up everytime. BMW service has been great, BMW company has been great. I do worry about this car causing everyone to run away!
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believe what people are telling you abou - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By wishI hadnt - August 23 - 2:00 amI also got one of the early models. Had tremendous number of problems. The dealership could never fix them. I just traded it in on a Mercedes S class and they gave me $50K trade in due to all the problems...they know noone wants the car.
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Livin For The Shop... - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By CAJ - June 2 - 2:00 amWith over 50+ days (in less than 1 year) spent in the shop...Im settled to driving my 80k dollar 3 series loaner. This car cannot be fixed and would look better painted yellow. Having owned 2 prior 7s, I expected a great reliable car. This car is a warranty shops dream. No mortal man can afford one when it goes out of warranty. Best advice...DONT EVEN TAKE A TEST DRIVE!
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The Car From Hell - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By snookered - April 21 - 2:00 amRUN away from this vehicle. Fast. I have had the misfortune of having 2 745is, when my dealer replaced my 2002 745i with a 2003 model. The first one was in the shop 7 times in 6 mos. The second one in shop 3 times in 1 mo. It was the most absurd, frustrating & disappointing experience ever with a new car. Tomorrow is my last day of having this car. My dealer is taking it back. As much as I loved it, it was totally unreliable. Quality control stinks. Not only were there problems with the electronics, but mechanical problems as well. Towed twice to my dealer. SAVE YOURSELF AGGRAVATION. GET SOMETHING ELSE.
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worst car I have ever owned - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By sjk - March 7 - 2:00 amThe 745 is the biggest car buying mistake I have ever made. The car was released before the technology was perfected. After being stranded several times, I got rid of it. A 70K plus car should not be hooked up to a two truck several times. I know many others that have expereinced similar problems. Moreover, BMW and the dealership would not stand behind the automobile. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER BMW. ANYONE THAT BUYS THIS CAR IS TAKING A HUGE RISK!!!!
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BMW 2 Months Old, In Shop 4 times - 2003 BMW 7-Series
By Jason Langley - February 3 - 2:00 amDont expect BMW service to figure out the blank screen, or zero electronic activation after you put the keyfob into starter ignition. I now have 3 new sets of keyfobs, and a new processor, yet car was dead after a 3 day airport layover. Very familiar with BMW roadside assistance, they are good! $68,789.00 Mistake.
