Overview & Reviews

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 in the German automaker's lineup. As such, it's an obvious choice for discerning buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige.

There's a fair amount of competition in this elite vehicle class, but the 7 Series sedan's athletic handling dynamics have long set it apart, starting with the early 733s and carrying through to the five present-day 7 Series models. While other manufacturers have historically been content to build high-end sedans with soft, serene rides, BMW engineers its 7s to engage their drivers on an emotional level. There are a few recent contenders that have gone after this emotional engagement, so the 7 Series is no longer the only game in town, but it remains a prime luxury sedan for people who like to drive.

Current BMW 7 Series
The current 7 Series is offered in five different models. The 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li feature a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 750i and 750Li feature a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that cranks out 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The top-of-the-line 760Li features a 6.0-liter V12 that produces 535 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard across the board, while all-wheel drive ("xDrive") is optional for the 740 and 750 models. All are very quick, with even the 740i being able to run from zero to 60 mph in a claimed 5.6 seconds.

The 7 Series boasts a handsome, spacious interior with supple leather and rich wood accents adorning almost every surface. Highly adjustable front seats ensure comfort for virtually every body type. The 7 also showcases a wealth of high-tech luxury features such as a night-vision camera and sideview cameras. Some may still find the iDrive electronics interface system a bit complicated, but we think the current model's improved layout is an elegant solution to a button-heavy dashboard.

Although rear passenger space is limolike, especially in Li form, the 7 Series remains a standout in the handling department. The "Dynamic Driving Control" system contributes to this status, featuring four different settings that alter the driving characteristics of the car. We'd bet good money that most folks will leave it on "Normal," but it certainly rewards owners who like to customize their cars to their own driving tastes. Only recently has the 7 Series begun to be challenged by athletic new rivals in this segment.

Used BMW 7 Series Models
The current, fifth-generation 7 Series debuted for 2009. Compared to the controversial previous model, its styling is considerably more restrained, with tauter bodywork and a conventional trunk design. The interior is also more traditional. The gear selector has migrated from the steering column back to the center console, for example, and the iDrive electronics interface is vastly improved. Turbocharged engines are now the norm for BMW's top sedan.

There have been a handful of notable changes during the current 7 Series' production run. In its first year, the big Bimmer could only be had in 750i or 750Li trim with rear-wheel drive. The 760Li arrived for 2010, while the 740i debuted the following year, becoming the first six-cylinder 7 Series in two decades. For 2013, the 750's twin-turbo V8 was upgraded from its original output (400 hp, 450 lb-ft) to current levels, while the 740 received a new inline-6 with a single turbocharger in place of the original twin-turbo engine. The iDrive interface was also updated for 2013, and an eight-speed automatic became the standard transmission on all 7 Series models.

The previous-generation BMW 7 Series was produced from 2002-'08 and was by far the most radical version of the nameplate. Traditional exterior styling cues from the previous 25 years were largely abandoned in favor of a more aggressive, avant-garde design. The car was still recognizable as a 7 Series, but many purists found the look abrasive. A refresh for 2006 smoothed out some of the harsher elements, but it's still a stretch to call this car beautiful, whether in standard-wheelbase 750i or long-wheelbase 750Li/760Li form (previously known as "iL").

With the exception of 2002, when only a V8 was offered, the fourth-generation 7 Series lineup always included sophisticated eight- and 12-cylinder engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 745i and 745Li sold from 2002-'05 were equipped with a 325-hp 4.4-liter V8, while the 750i and 750Li that succeeded them had a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. The 750s were slightly heavier, so performance was about the same as for the 745s.

Offered continuously from 2003, the 760Li had a 6.0-liter V12 capable of 438 hp. Unlike the V8s, which are eager to rev, the V12 delivers a massive wave of thrust as soon as you nudge the accelerator pedal. BMW offered a short-wheelbase 760i from 2004-'06.

The edgy exterior styling of this generation carried over to the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout gave way to an all-in-one system called iDrive that governed climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although iDrive assured the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve proved bewildering for many a 7 Series driver. During the car's lifespan, iDrive was consistently upgraded, so newer models will come with later (and less maddening) versions of this control device. Be sure to thoroughly exercise the iDrive system before purchasing a 7 Series of this vintage.

Despite its quirks, the 2002-'08 BMW 7 Series proved quite popular, not least because of its superb driving experience. Here BMW applied its arsenal of technology to great effect, as features like self-stiffening antiroll bars, self-leveling air springs and adaptive shock absorbers worked together to keep the big sedan exceptionally stable when driven hard. However, it's complexity like this that makes the fourth-generation 7 Series an intimidating used car in terms of expected maintenance costs. "Buyer beware" is the operative phrase here.

The third-generation 7 Series, sold from 1995-2001, is generally regarded as a high point in the model's history. It was a true driver's car just like today's 7, but there was less in-car technology to distract from the task at hand. And most people agree that its sleek, classically styled body is easier on the eyes.

The model lineup included the regular-wheelbase 740i sedan, which was offered every year except 1996, and the long-wheelbase 740iL and 750iL, which had an uninterrupted run. The BMW 740s were powered by a 282-hp 4.4-liter (4.0-liter in 1995) V8, while the 750iL had a 5.4-liter V12 good for 326 hp. All 7s came with a five-speed automatic transmission. Either setup provided strong acceleration, but fuel economy was poor by today's standards.

A well-kept third-generation 7 Series could be a rewarding purchase if you've got the time and budget to keep it on the road. 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. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, this 7 Series can incur hefty repair costs over time.

Similar in style and focus to its successor, the second-generation BMW 7 Series was on sale from 1988-'94. 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; the first V12-equipped BMW, it had a 296-hp 5.0-liter engine and a four-speed automatic.

The first-generation BMW 7 Series enjoyed a long run from 1978-'87. 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.

User Reviews:

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  Great blend of luxury and performance - 2008 BMW 7-Series
  By JG - April 20 - 11:19 am

  This is my 2nd 750. This is the perfect blend of interior luxury and sports car handling/performance under $100k. Fit and finish are outstanding. The iDrive is fine but the Nav system is terrible. My only complaint on an otherwise perfect car.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By Riaz - April 17 - 8:52 pm

  Without a doubt this car fits bmws punch line "the ultimate driving machine" this is a real drivers car that can be customized to suit your mood sitting inside makes you feel like you are flying first class and fly you do in this car in sport plus mode the technology is also amazing with blind spot detection, lane assist, night vision to name a few of the new things.

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  I cant believe - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By l. conroe - April 9 - 10:12 am

  The 745i is a great car when I am able to drive it. Ive spent countless hours driving back and forth to the dealership because of malfunctions. Its great they give free maintenance for the first 50 thousand miles because you will need it. My gripe is that I maintained my car with regular service. The "check engine light" came on. I thought it would be some minor repair. Turns out the repair cost is $12000 for "CARBON on the cylinder head!!!!-not a blown head gasket, but CARBON!! Thats like telling me the brake dust on my rotors require a new axle! The ULTIMATE MACHINE has a poorly designed engine if carbon build up requires 12 grand of service. No More BMW for me - Honda/Infiniti here I am.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2009 BMW 7-Series
  By Chas - April 8 - 2:41 pm

  The beauty is on the outside, the beast is under the hood. Ive been waiting for this car to hit the ground since they announced the new model. I thought I have to drive it before I make a decision on what car to purchase next. I thought it couldnt be much more fun to drive than my 07 550I. I was wrong. At low/normal speeds this car is as smooth as silk and a very quite ride. Drop it into sport mode and nail it, and you have a full blown sport sedan thats not only faster than the 550 but handles just as well. Needless to say, I traded the 550 that same day and drove off in the 09 750I. I drove all of the competitors offerings, A8, S550, E550. No comparison. Very solid. Sport option a must.

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  Great Car! - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By JoeyJ - March 23 - 10:24 am

  Great car fun to drive but when something breaks prepare to spend at least $200 in repairs.

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  Will buy a third 7 Series - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Howard - March 19 - 10:38 am

  Big B now has 120,000+ miles on it. Its the second 7 series Ive owned. Great ride and performance! Pulled 24.6mpg running at 85 from Denver to KC last winter. Runs 16 -18mpg around town. No surprises with the owning costs - just budget ~$2500/year. Still cheaper than a new Honda Civic. A used 7 series is a bargain making up for the maintenance costs. Ill keep this 98 until the 09 series starts coming off leases in 2012 or thereabouts.

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  2001 BMW 740i - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By MotorStreet - March 8 - 9:06 pm

  This car is one of the best cars of all time. It can be smooth and quiet on the highway , but when you put your foot down its 4.4L V8 surges forward with 324lb.ft. of torque and 282hp. The steering is heavy and responsive. The suspension soaks up bumps, but delivers sharp handling when you want it. In 5 years of owning this car the only problem was getting the handsfree phone setup. Our car had an outdated navigation system and the rear cup holders once broke, but there were no other problems. This BMW is in my opinion one of the best cars ever overall. This one of the last real BMWs from before the new bigger Bangle designed BMW. It has a classic look, but appears modern.

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  Ultimate Texas Driving Machine update 2 - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By raiderwes - March 4 - 10:08 pm

  I still have the car at 97,000 miles. Replaced air mass meter, PCV valve and head gaskets at 93k mi ($$$). Replaced Kumho Ecsta tires at exactly 30k mi with Michelin Pilot Sport+ ($$).

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  Alpine White - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Anthony - February 25 - 10:11 pm

  This is the first BMW I have ever owned, but I saved the best for last apparently. Bought the car used for a small fortune, but Im loving every minute of driving it. I just retired from the Army, but I get looks from people like Im doing something illegal (lololol). This car is definitely a head turner, and a rocket in disguise. I havent had it long, so I dont know about all the problems others are talking about. Im just enjoying my car and life for now.

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  750 LI - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Lloyd - February 23 - 10:33 am

  This car really let me down, just got it, and not even a month, and the transmission needed to be replace. It only has 37000 miles, my Nissan Maxima has more mileage and runs better. Thank God i still have warranty.