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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  In the shop for the first 30 days - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By John Stadler - April 29 - 8:46 pm

  Nice car was in the shop for 30 days with a noise that caused the dealership to pull the dash, and finaly found it in the sun roof. Not the quality that I would have expected. The blue tooth does not work well. I liked the old hard wired, worked every time

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  Classic Styling - 1992 BMW 7-Series
  By Kyle - April 26 - 1:21 pm

  The 1992 7 series gives the owner classic styling that still looks good after 14 years. A little heavy on the gas, more than Id like. The 6 cyl. auto seems reliable. Very solid, well put together car. Seems like it would protect you in a collision. Nimble, for such a large vehicle. Some people complain about the high price of repairs, but have they checked the price of repairs on any vehicle these days? Still, there are several things you can DIY to save a little money.

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  Too many kinks - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By tom - April 19 - 10:13 pm

  I liked the exterior design and smooth engine, but iDrive is slow and needlessly complicated. Many kinks in the car: 1) window lift mechanism poor as when it malfunctions (happened twice), no way to close the window. 2) key gets stuck in ignition. 3) if park too close to curb, rims hit before the run flat tires. 4) mobile phone connection flimsy

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  Another Home Run! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Sheldon - April 18 - 4:29 pm

  My wife and I are thrilled with our new 750Li. We own a 2004 X5 and this is an amazing and luxurious addition. No problems and the iDrive is finally worth it! The 750Li and its adaptive suspension makes us smile every time life throws us a bump! We will own one for life!

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  Great car once its imported from Germany - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By Mr. Sampson - April 14 - 10:14 pm

  Great car once its imported from Germany. Be sure not to get 1 assembled in the USA.

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  The 750 is the Best! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Rick Alsema - April 14 - 2:20 pm

  I agaonized about a what new car to buy after losing interest and patience with MB. Looked at Jag Super V8, A8 but the 750 was miles ahead of either. The iDrive is a joy and it makes you question the capabilities of current auto journalists who have not gotten used to this in the past 5 years. Love the power, space and most of the features. Extremely comfortable on any road surface. The car just looks great and does everything the way a car should. The power rear seats are a must and the rear DVD system is great on trips. The car has been totally flawless up to this point and everyone who sees it is impressed and curious.

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  Most comfortable car ever - 1996 BMW 7-Series
  By bmwdvr - April 12 - 9:48 pm

  I bought my 740 used with 65k mi. Have had two years and have loved car. Amazing comfort on highway. Huge back seat. Good handler. Amazing ride. Great seats, precise steering. Engine is quiet and smooth but could deliver more power. Car still looks great after 11 years. However if you buy one of these, be pepared to spend a lot of money to repair and keep it going. Ive spent $3000 on maintainance and repairs in the past 30 months. Ive purchased 2004 Lincoln LS V8 to replace BMW because tired of the big repair bills. Even though my BMW is 11 years old, it still is in many ways a nicer car to drive than the almost-new Lincoln.

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  Fast, Great Handling, Reliable Car - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Orange County Driver - April 11 - 11:07 pm

  This 750i with sports package is my fourth BMW. Compared to my past 2001 540i with sports package, this car has a better ride, handling, acceleration, comfort, and features. The comfort sports seats are firm, but not too constraining, with a highly adjustable back rest. The Bluetooth phone with docking cradle works extremely well, with clients believing that I am in the office when talking hands free. Logic 7 stereo with Sirius satellite radio is the best sound system I have had in a car. The 750i handles great, with very good steering wheel/road feel, and near level cornering. The car has been very reliable so far (6000 miles), with only one problem, a creaky windshield that was fixed

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  Best of the Best - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Unique - April 6 - 7:25 am

  This is a great vehicle to have and fantastic. This car beats every other car in style, luxury, looks, options and so on. Extended warranty by BMW up to 6 years or 100,000 miles is great to have, which covers everything from maintenance to replacing bulbs for free of charge.

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  Another Lemon!! - 2006 BMW 7-Series
  By Bret Temple - April 3 - 12:46 pm

  When I first got my 750, I was very excited. its been in the shop now 3 times for major engine problems. The car just died in the middle of driving and had to have the entire ignition system replaced in the first 2 months. it. To me that is unacceptable, and was very dangerous when I was on the Freeway. Im not very happy, and I am currently pursuing The Lemon Law. Its too bad, because I really enjoyed the car. Too many electronics, BMW needs to chill out on that, and just build a reliable car.