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:

• 

  My Wife Misses the Radio - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By toothdoc - December 11 - 2:00 am

  The car rides great, except if their is snow on the ground. this is no Audi I,m getting the new A8 in June. My wife hates i-drive she needs a radio. I think that not having steptronic in a vehicle that cost 80,000 is unaceptable. the car is a great cruiser and comfortable. i-drive is a little bit of a nuisance, you have to select sport mode each time you start the car for edc control. The shifter and keyless is a nightmare for valet parking and car washes.

• 

  too many defects - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By anheinz - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been into the dealership for so many minor problems, torsion bar instability, brake lights out repeatedly!!!!!!!!!!!!! dealer says thats the way they are!!!!!!!! beautiful wood trim fell off one day. right mirror fell off hanging by wires only. power steering problems. the repair print out on this vehicle takes a few minutes to process. I will admit that the local dealer will address the problems and with the extended warranty, I only have to pay the $50 each time. Radiator inlet cracked and had to replace with new complete radiator. on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 

  2003 745i would do better minus computer - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By jethro bodiiine - December 2 - 2:00 am

  great driving car poor on reliability. I had the car in the shop 4 times in first month to reprogram computer. for 70k this should not happen

• 

  Great Car - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By dynamos - November 30 - 2:00 am

  The 740i is an incredible car. Fun to drive plus has plenty of room both front and back. Loves to cruise at 80 mph+. Quiet and comfortable ride. Have had some problems, radiator and windshield wipers, but both were taken care of on factory warranty. Dealer service has been courteous and prompt.

• 

  Love & Hate - 1995 BMW 7-Series
  By kevlexus10 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car ive ever driven. Great performance and handling. Hugs the curves and rides like a dream on the open highway. But MAN !!! was I in for a surprise when it came to the repairs. Way too costly to maintain. And didnt expect the engine to go out at 100K. Good thing BMW fixed that problem quick. Get the engine checked if you plan on getting a 95 ($7,000-$10,000).

• 

  Fabulous Flagship - 1999 BMW 7-Series
  By CreagerLeasing - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This 740i is truely a remarkable car. Distinctive design with true creature comforts galore. The sound system is a reward to the ear. Stable drive that hugs the pavement. Top notch ergonomics, and you can hear, smell and feel the quality of the build. An absolute joy to drive and own. Plus youve saved over 40% depreciation by buying or leasing this 1999!

• 

  a car built the way it aughta be - 1994 BMW 7-Series
  By Krash - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Im totally in love with this car. Driving has never been such a pleasure - or this comfortable. You could drive for seven hours straight, and still feel great. The ride is incredibly smooth. BMW has made the 740i with no wasted space - intelligent use of every inch. Car handles much better in 4th gear (sports handling) - noted some rear end slip in normal drive gear (economy). Managed to find a beemer with rear headrests (my kids are tall) - very rare in most models. Not cheap to maintain, but neither were my last three Volvos. Worth the money. Im told this car will easily go to 300,000 miles, if well maintained. Life is good.

• 

  Smile on my face - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By gillopez - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. Its by far the most incredible hunk of stylish metal you can possibly drive. If youre old and boring, drive the S-Class... if you still like to have fun get this car. The car has many computer-related problems (thanks Microsoft) so if you have patience, buy the car!

• 

  BMW 740iL 1997 Fan - 1997 BMW 7-Series
  By davethrea - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful to drive. Maintenance is pricey.

• 

  Bought 740il instead of E-Class Benz - 1998 BMW 7-Series
  By Raj - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car from a Mercedes dealer on the recommemdation of the salesman. Was in the marker for a pre-owned E320 but salesman stated that this car was much better vehicle for less than E class.