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, but..... - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By glfahlcron - January 25 - 2:00 am

  this is the ultimate driving vehicle...the only problem i have is when i have to put it in the shop for repairs. expect to dig deep... nevertheless, when i get back behind the wheel it seems all worth it.

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  1994 740i stay away - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Golf - January 23 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has a short block issue. The car run good at high speed, but performs badly at stand still. Idle is low due to a leak down engine problem. The problem was well noted by BMW and 180,000 units were affected. The Engine is this car does not do well with American gas due to a Nakusil material that the short block is made of. Theres material on the web that supports this claim. The car is no good for that year. I wonder if the BMW engineer was terminated. The dealer sold me the car knowing that it had a problem that they could not fix. As a consumer it only to me one day to late to figure that out.

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  The "quarter to eight" tops all !! - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By CEO Joel - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Before I purchased the 745li BMW - I would catch myself staring at it at every dealership, as it cruised by in the freeway, or on bmws website. I saw nothing on the road like it! Everything is is comparable - but when you see the 745 on the road - theres no mistaking it for something else. I could only imagine that all those that stare at my car are thinking the same thing as I ride pass them. The only complaint I have is that no one can keep their eyes off this vehicle.

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  Bug Alert - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By Bummed BMW Buyer - January 20 - 2:00 am

  If you happen to get one which has some sort of bug in the complex computer system which runs the vehicle, you are doomed. I have had the same problems over and over again. Faults in the airbag/restriant system keep occuring. Something is draining on the battery and keeps shutting the car down such that interior lights dont work, the convenience package portion stops working, CDs keep shuffling through the changer and starting at the 1st CD every time, etc. Things have a mind of their own and reset themselves constantly. The bells and whistles dont work half the time. My advice, the vehicle is not worth the money they are charging.

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  Flagship BMW - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By msk600 - January 19 - 2:00 am

  What a smooth, quite ride. Although I purchased used, it feels and rides like a brand new car. If you can find a well maintained used one, go for it. Suprisingly, I get more than 20 MPG on highway driving fully utilizing its V12 power.

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  Weve got 2 and love them both - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By AaronRBose - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Weve got two 745Lis loaded with every available option except the sport package and adaptive ride package. Car is absolutely amazing - definetely worth the $90K each of them were. Absolutely fantastic cars that look and handle great - iDrive is very easy, even for my computer illiterate grandparents. If youre going to spend the $$, this is the car!

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  High miles good value - 2000 BMW 7-Series
  By Tony from Kansas cit - January 15 - 2:00 am

  With 69K miles, I was not too concerned, since the car was extremely clean and new brakes and rotors. Since purchased, had to replace camshaft positioning sensor - $180 installed. Car was running poorly and engine light was on - fixed now. Moreover, had to replace front sway bar tie rod ends - $80.00 self installed. Car still running strong - next maintenance will be plugs, fluid changes.

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  BMW Flagship Car, a luxury ICON worth owning! - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By J. Peters - January 13 - 5:07 pm

  This fabulous motorcar is the most comfortable luxury vehicle that I have ever owned. Although it takes -- and deserves -- premium gasoline, my 2001 BMW 740iL is surprisingly gas-efficient! If well-maintained, annual maintenance costs are less than what would be paid for annual lease payments on a Toyota. My BMW dealer recently allowed me to use a 2016 "loaner" while servicing my 2001 740iL but getting back into my 2001 felt like returning to heaven as it remains superior to any 2016 BMW model.

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  Too Many Parts - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By disatisfied ob-gyn - January 12 - 2:00 am

  It has been a lifelong dream to finally own the car. Now the bad part. The car has been into the dealership more times than I can remember. Problems started with the electronic keyfob system. Ive been stuck along the side of many roads and in many parking lots waiting for BMW roadside. I thought it was my fault that the doors were left open and my belongs ransacked but as I tried to lock them I saw that the locks open up by themselves. Overall I cant say that I am satisfied. I probably should have bought an S series Benz. To have so much electronic equipment and not train the mechanics is just Bad Business.

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  No Morre Mercedes - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By CEODepot - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I did not want a BMW it was a "honey do" thing, my wife wanted one. Now there is another reason for the "I told you sos" I love the car, love the feel, love the perfomance....it is a great car. I went from a Mercedes S500....and will never look back.