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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  Love it/Hate it - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By dfish3 - January 9 - 9:28 am

  After months of searching for the right 740, I have come to the conclusion that no matter the mileage you need to be prepared for service costs. It takes 2-3 years to understand that the 38 series is "bought on emotion, sold out of frustration". Absolutely one of the best looking sedans ever made and if you are ready for the reality of costs, you will love it.

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  BMW 750 is the worst car I have ever owned. - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By rachael9 - October 16 - 7:48 pm

  I have owned various high end vehicles and have always found them to be well constructed and a pleasure to drive. That is, until my BMW 750IL. During the warranty period I had to make numerous visits to service for warning lights etc. and the dealer mechanics could never identify a problem. That is, until the car was just outside the 50K miles warranty. Then the problems started en masse. At 52K, major engine repairs (valve seals) and three of the four electric window controls failed. About 1K miles later had to repair ball joints, leaking oils components, battery, etc. My view, stay away from BMW at ANY cost. They claim superior enginerring but exact opposite in my case.

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  horrible customer service - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By lennyv1 - September 17 - 9:28 am

  i leased BMW 750i for 3 years and can tell you that I will never lease it again, I had the worst customer service experience and was overcharged by $650 at the end of the lease...

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  1997 Bmw 740iL Luxury Luxury And Performance - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By bmwenthusiast7 - September 7 - 7:17 pm

  I recently bought a 1997 Bmw 740iL Luxury Sedan with 154,000 original miles. I bought it for $1,500 and all it needed was a hood latch. Then I finished it off with fifteen inch chrome and black wheels and a premium navigation system. The power is amazing and it has all the options to make it considered a luxury vehicle. It is simply five out of five stars.

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  Just sold the car - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By psecondo - September 2 - 6:21 pm

  My car 2003 760 IL was a fantastic car. I said "was" because after the first few years it became eminently unreliable and extremely expensive to fix. But I loved the car and, admittedly, I kept it for too long. Finally I just sold it after it developed a fuel problem (problems to start the car and to idle) that the BMW dealership deemed "unfixable".....the car had only 64,000 miles! I had a 760il of the previous generation that developed valve problems at 80,000 miles. I had a lot of problems with big Mercedes as well. I think I will skip German for a while.

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  2nd 750iL - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By motts71 - September 1 - 8:20 pm

  This is my second 750iL. The first one had a wiring harness that disintegrated and would not pass emission because of the harness not connecting the oBD-II socket. This car has been every bit as enjoyable as the first one. The only non maintenance item that I have had to replace are the window regulators. Other than that, just normal oil and filter changes. I have over 150,000 miles and it runs as strong as ever. 17mpg in town and 25mpg on the highway at 80mph. An awesome handling and comfortable car. It handles better than my S-class Mercedes.

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  It will get you there, but wont bring you back! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By foreigngirl - March 10 - 12:15 pm

  My 2006 BMW 750LI I shif the gear into Drive, it will automaticaly shifs to Park, I shift to Reverse it automatically shifs to Park, it will not let you drive off, it give me a message, drive moderelty, I have sat in parking lots and gas stations for 30 min to an hour before I was able to shift it into Drive, and drive away. Ive had BMW Mech. look at it and they say faulty codes come us and they cleared them, had a 2nd Mec. they said the same thing. A month latter its stats up agin. Is any one else having this issues and how to repair it?

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  7th Wonder? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By shinjitsu - January 19 - 10:49 am

  The car overall is fantastic. ItÂ’s an almost do everything type of vehicle if youÂ’re looking for something to be a commuter by day and sports car by night. Do your homework (service records) before buying one and make sure able to afford the maintenance required for this car. ItÂ’s not a Toyota. If you can at the time of purchase buy and extended or aftermarket warranty. The parts for this car are a little pricey but when itÂ’s all said and done, itÂ’s hard to find anything else out there that drives and handles like it.

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  This Used to be my Dream Car, but has become a Nightmare... - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By rhs408 - December 23 - 4:21 am

  I see a lot of great reviews about this car, and not surprisingly, most of them were written within 5 years or so of the car being born - the others must just be those really lucky ones (laugh). I bought this car in 2008 with 120k miles on it, it now has 210k. In that time, Ive spent roughly $15000 on the various repairs and upkeep of the car. Im not a wealthy man, and in short, this car has ruined me financially. Im going to be selling it soon for a Camry or Avalon - I just want something reliable, first and foremost, after having the unfortunate experience of dealing with the expensive repairs needed to keep this beautiful car running.

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  BMW745li wont go in gear after its driven - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By karace07 - August 17 - 11:54 pm

  I have a BMW 745li that the transmission was replaced at 20000. If I drive it now and turn the car off it may not go in gear for at least an hour. It will start but not move. BMW dealership could not tell me the problem. The car is still under 100000 but no longer under warranty because of the year. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem. Any repair suggestions?