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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  Best car ever owned - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Judith Speth - May 14 - 1:44 pm

  Since Ive owned this vehicle Ive had only one repair. Take it in annually for an oil change, but thats about it. Its fun to drive and Ive yet to be beaten in a race. We abuse it since we own rentals and load it up to drive the 300 miles to our rentals. My husband owns 2 vehicles but my BMW is our car of choice and hes trading his Audi All Road for a 750li. We always vacation in the Beamer.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By bmw_bill - May 7 - 6:03 pm

  I always loved the E38 Seven Series. When the Sport Package came out I was even more impressed. I never thought I would own one. A deal came up this past winter and now my dream is reality. The car is awesome. Performance is stellar, the ownership experience is beyond expectation. Whats amazing is that while the car is five years old, it demands the respect of a brand new premium car. I intend on keeping it for a very long time or until BMW gives me a compelling reason to upgrade and the new Seven, even with the improvements to the new design, wont do the trick. Ill keep my "used" car.

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  Fun car to drive but it is no Lexus - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By jh - May 4 - 7:43 pm

  The BMW 740 is with out a doubt the best driving large sedan on the market. However, it suffers from serious flaws that one would not expect from a car that costs in excess ot $65,000. The on board computer dispay failed (the dealer said pixel burnout was common at about 3 years). I have a broken the cupholder and numerous climate control knobs fail. One door panel has had problems staying on as does the side panel. It seems to cost me 2-4 thousand dollars every time I see my dealer. I have probably had $5000 worth of suspension work done over the last 18 months. My previous car was a Mercedes S420 at about the same age had very few problems. Quite frankly the BMW has been a terrible car.

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  Not worth it! - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By Jbmw5 - May 4 - 4:05 am

  After having numerous BMWs from different segments (3, 5 series) I decided to move up to the flagship: the 7 series. I should have realized before buying the car that there would be problems. The engine was just replaced by BMW b/c of a recall. I bought it with 36,000 miles and a warranty on the engine. However, 3 months after having the car the transmission failed! It costs me $5,000 for a rebuilt tranny and another $1200 to install it. The car was an electrical nightmare! I spent over $1,000 in just the electrical failures (windows, moonroof, seats switches) Although, it was fun to drive the costs of maintenance is not worth it. Stick with the 3 and 5 series!

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  Its the ultimate driving machine - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By ryan - April 26 - 12:45 am

  I bought my car used with a mileage of 75,000. This is the best car I have ever had. I love to drive this car especially on freeways because it have a lot of power in it. Its very comfortable to drive no matter how far your going. I love the engine its very reponsive, have a lot of power and very quiet. I love the looks, the projector headlamps to the roller sunblinds. This is the best BMW 7 series ever made.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By 01AnthGray740iSport - April 24 - 7:44 pm

  I searched for just the right car - a 2001 740i Sport in Anthracite Metallic Gray with Black leather - stunning. I bought from a BMW dealership and paid to have it certified (smartest thing Ive done). Ive had the car for 5 months now and it has been to the dealership several times. They had to replace the radiator, the power steering controls, navigation screen, cupholders and now the opera shade in the back. However, I knew I wasnt buying a brand new car, and at 4 years old it is in great shape and now flawless! I will definitely keep this one until I can afford a 05!

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  road trip heaven - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By driverdriver - April 24 - 8:57 am

  Bought this car knowing Id be making many trips from Jax to Tampa. 40,000 miles later, I still am in love. Yes it hurts to pay $53 to fill up right now, but two near miss situations (I avoided stupid drivers) are worth every single penny. I cannot imagine driving anything else.

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  Excellent Car - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Alex - April 22 - 7:29 pm

  I bought this car year ago. It very well made car and also its the best car I ever drove (out of 100+ cars). Performance is excellent, style, comfort and reliability. This car has "bullet proof" engine. Im seeing people are complaining about cup holders - honestly that is the last thing I would think of. BMW 740 is the top of the line luxury sedan rather than comfy couch with convinient cup- holder. People who looking a cars as an expensive appliance should go for Toyota - Lexus, Honda... BMW is more for drive enthusiasts.

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  This is a bad car - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Irvin Chuck - April 21 - 12:06 am

  I bought this car but now i love Mercedes S-Class, which i thought i hated, but now i love compared to this PIECE OF JUNK!!!

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  E38 Flagship model from BMW. Beautiful simpler. - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By John - April 15 - 5:14 am

  This is a great comfortable car to own I owned it for 10 years and I have to admit, nothing comes even close on comfort on long stretch of road. Exceptional comfort. I have traveled cross country on this car for many times and seats on these cars are simply best there is.( 16 way extra comfort and roomy cabin its a first class seating like airplane.) One thing people do not realize is that if you are buying this car after 15 year of production, BE READY to spend money to tune this. If you are tight on budget. this is NOT a good car for you. if you want to restore, enjoy riding this like new, this is one beautiful car. much simpler to troubleshoot then newer models with a lot of gadgets. Get the 2001 last year and look for well cared car with detail service history its worth a while.