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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  Nice Car - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By Jim G - December 20 - 8:32 pm

  This car has it all!!! The "Comfort Seats" are the most comfortable I have ever had. The car is quick, quiet, and beautiful. I like the I drive with the exception of the navigation system. It is not easy to use. I would definately buy this car again.

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  Lemon law? A class-action suit? - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By wkisse - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I first picked up my 745i on 10-08 and it has been out of service a total of 20 days as of 11-16. The problem?...I am on my FOURTH new 745i loaner and all these cars have been plagued with intermittent electronics! Intermittent - nav system, cell phone, trunk release, headrests going up without warning, dash reverting to metric, radio/CD, engine check light, no audio from phone/sound system... A great dealership, but they have been plagued with a lot of problem cars.

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  745 Li an Awesome Ride - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By tc - December 16 - 1:57 am

  This is the flagship on the road, what a wonderful ride either on short or long trips, this car will turn heads!

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  My 745Li is practically perfect! - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By GNGator - December 16 - 12:50 am

  After eight months with my new 745Li, I have had not a single complaint! It rides and drives like a magic carpet. The features, including I-Drive, become more simple and user-friendly the longer I have the car. It is smooth and silent on the highway. Handling is tight and incredibly responsive. I love the sound system. The integrated hands-free phone is very good. I dont use the voice activated features much, but should get used to it more. Navigation system is great with accurate computer-determined arrival time. The back seat is huge and very comfortable. I really like the rear/side sunshade screens in our hot Florida summer. Lives up to its "Ultimate Driving Machine" title!

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  A great car but watch out! - 1990 BMW 7-Series
  By ED - December 11 - 2:02 pm

  We purchased this car back in 2001 and it has been pretty good for us. Things have gone out include a bearing on the water pump a crack in one of the fuel lines which caused it to drip on the exhaust headers! And various electrical gremlins have plagged the car but other than those it has been a great car. Very fast for its size. Mine is a 90 and it has things like a 6 disc cd changer and all power seats and a completely electronic engine. Others have had a lot more things go worng so my adive is if your not a car person youll become one. Dealer charges way too much and i have found many helpgul sites for making repairs. Overall do some research before buying.

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  New 745Li Owner - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By mjshaq - December 10 - 10:04 pm

  I have owned a 1998 528, 2001 M3 which I currently still own. Although, the looks could be better they do grow on you. The quality and the way this car drives is awesome. I also love the phone in the car and also like the iDrive. It is a little hard to learn everything but once you get it down I can operate it without taking my eyes off the road. Hope this helps.

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  The Perfect Luxury Sedan - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By BMW - December 9 - 11:09 pm

  The BMW 760i is arguably the best buy that I have made. Although the styling is a complete change from the beloved previous-gen 7er, it remains a statement to the trust and courage of BMW. Cruising down the highway is no problem, and at 100 mph on the Texas panhandle with all your friends, nothing can be more enjoyable (exept on the autobahn, of course)

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  Not reliable at all - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Jenny - December 9 - 1:00 am

  The car is fun to drive, but at $73,000, I wouldn’t expect this many problems. The front suspension has been replaced, twice, the trannie was replaced, the dash stopped working, the fan blades EXPLODED and cut the radiator lines and punctured the hood. The drivers seat has stopped working 3 times, the nav system display broke, the engine leaks oil, and the car has less than 50,000 miles on it. Not worth the price paid at any cost.

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  farese bmw valuation - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By frank farese - December 8 - 5:41 pm

  Never a problem in 4 years. Garage kept year round, rarely used in winter.Twice a year detailing - looks like new. Had windshield replaced, thats about it. Also has a facia shield on the lights, hood facing, etc - which is imperceptibel but guarantees against cracks, knicks etc.

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  BMW 7 Series - Own It - Understand It! - 2005 BMW 7-Series
  By RZ - December 1 - 11:11 pm

  The 7 Series is a truly great car. After owning 4 other 7s, I believe I can speak with some authority. Whenever a review is written, all aspects of the car are praised except the styling and the IDrive. The styling is a matter of taste. But, for all the 7s I have owned, this one gets the most positive comment. It is the true definition of "Road Presence". IDrive is an initial attempt to provide extensive information and operations into a "user friendly" interface. True, it takes some getting use to, but, once learned it provides all the information and control a person requires. One does not have to access all its functions. But, it is good to know you can.