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 IVE EVER OWNED OR DRIVEN - 2017 BMW 7-Series
  By abacomike - November 7 - 10:32 am

  Its a very big car that takes time to get accustomed to. The technology is very advanced and takes an even longer time to master. Its quiet, smooth riding and handles like a sport sedan should. BMW has a team of "Geniuses" in each dealership that walk you through the technology. They schedule appointments a few days after taking delivery of the car to review your experiences and reintroduce all the technology. This is the smoothest, quietest and most luxurious car I have ever owned. I strongly recommend the Executive Pkg, the Drivers Assistance Plus Pkg and the Drivers Assistance Plus II Pkg in order to take advantage of the best safety features available as well as great luxury features. A truly magnificent automobile! Ive had the 740i now for 8 days and have driven it 450 miles. I cant believe that I have mastered 95% of the technology thanks to several sessions with the BMW Genius at my dealer. I am awed by the Audio System - Harman Kardin - even though Ive had many Mercedes vehicles with the same brand, BMW and the Audio Manufacturer have done a magnificent job in creating the best reproduction of high, lows and mediums I have ever experienced in an automobile. I especially like the choices available for ride and handling - there are at least 6 settings available to the driver for adjusting the way the vehicle handles on interstates and freeways and around town. I am averaging 27.8 mpg on the highway and 21 around town. Having the "surround 3D" cameras to guide the vehicle straight into parking spaces, nose first, is a must. It enables the driver to maneuver the vehicle equidistant to the parking lines so you pull in and park straight instead of at an angle. The wide back-up panorama camera is also a must when backing out of a space so you can see cars and pedestrians coming from either side of the road you are perpendicular to. The interior is plush yet sporty. The legroom in the rear passenger part of the cabin is phenomenal and provides more than enough stretch-out space for passengers who are well over 6 feet tall. UPDATE ON OWNERSHIP AND DRIVING EXPERIENCE as of 2/27/17 Ive owned this car for almost 3 months now.  I have just over 3000 miles on the odometer.  Last week, I took a 600 mile round trip to visit with family driving on Turnpikes and Interstates all the way.  I averaged 36.7 mpg each way at an average speed of 75 mph.  The car hugged the interstate.  I used my adaptive cruise control and active steering most of the way which made driving the "yacht" so much easier.  Thanks to the adaptive lane tracking and blind spot monitors, I was able to avoid several close calls with cars cutting me off.  The car responded quickly by braking itself and then resuming when it was safe to do so.  My average fuel economy at this time is about 24.3 mpg combined city/highway.  I had to drive to my the new car dealership to pick up a front sunshade.  I used the ECO PRO setting which provides the best fuel economy.  I averaged 65 mph and fuel economy at the lower highway speeds was 42.3 mpg.  That was amazing to me.  You can use that setting only for highway driving.  At higher speeds (over 65 mph), Comfort Setting and ECO PRO setting provide about the same fuel economy.  I continue to be impressed with the handling and performance of this car.  I have adjusted to the long wheelbase and the size of the car.  I continue to be more and more pleased with this 740i(L) the more I drive it.

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  Best Decision Ive Made..BMW 7series - 2004 BMW 7-Series
  By LSB - September 22 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW, it took me years to break down and buy one. Everything is perfect. Lots of room (3 kids) and extremely nice to handle.

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  Initial disappontment - 2002 BMW 7-Series
  By Japgerm - August 28 - 2:53 pm

  Just picked up a 745 and having issues already. My initial car was never delivered to me due to the dealers inability to fix a code error during the system checkout. So i accepted a different color vehicle with different options. During the drive home from the dealership my speakers POPPED and the Idrive system re-intialized itself.Next day it occurred again and my left front speaker is blown. In all fairness the dealer has so far been excellent since the day I walked in the door..

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  great car however horrible tires - 2012 BMW 7-Series
  By sabrina Greco - June 25 - 9:54 pm

  This is a great car. However we have owned 2 740LI BMWs , we have replaced 7 tires total on these cars. The run flat tires are horrible. We are constantly getting bubbles in the tires. BMW is well aware of this problem anWd offers insurance for the tires however, it isnt about the money for the tires, its about safety!!! A car that costs so much money or any car for that matter should not have a safety issue with tires!

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  It Is the Best BMW Ever - 2001 BMW 7-Series
  By RHBMW - June 3 - 9:25 pm

  Great car. Buy one if you get the chance. Just lost mine to an accident.

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  truth in new technology - 2003 BMW 7-Series
  By Imacgenius - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I think that the 745 is s beautiful car, but after 9 months and many recalls, poor reparirs, computer blow outs, and a few stranded experiences, i am not sure that it is worthy of the BMW name. Wish I got the Mercedes