BMW 7-Series

The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. Introduced in 1977, it is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan or extended-length limousine. The 7 Series traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before they trickle down to smaller sedans in BMW's lineup.

The BMW 7-Series competes with the Audi A8, 2014 Merc S-Class, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Maserati Quattroporte, etc. 

E23 (1977–1986)

E23

Production	1977–1986
Engine	3.2 L I6 3.4 L I6 2.5 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0 L I6 3.3 L I6 3.5 L I6
Transmission	3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual

Model	Engine	Power				Torque			Built
		PS	kW	hp	at rpm	N·m	ft·lbf	at rpm
725‡	2494 cc I-6	150	110	150	5800	208	153	4000	1977−1979?
728	2788 cc I-6	170	130	170	5800	233	172	4000	1977−1979
728i	2788 cc I-6	184	135	181	5800	235	173	4200	1979−1986
730	2985 cc I-6	184	135	181	5800	255	188	3500	1977−1979
732i	3205 cc I-6	196	144	193	5500	279	206	4500	1979−1986
733i	3205 cc I-6	197	145	194	5500	279	206	4300	1977−1979
735i	3453 cc I-6	218	160	215	5200	304	224	4000	1979−1982
735i	3430 cc I-6	218	160	215	5200	304	224	4000	1982−1986
745i	3205 cc I-6	252	185	249	5200	374	276	2600	1980−1982
745i	3430 cc I-6	252	185	249	4900	374	276	2200	1983−1986
North America and Japan
733i	3210 cc I-6	179	132	177	5500	266	196	4000	MY 1978−1979
733i	3210 cc I-6	176	130	174	5200	255	188	4200	MY 1980−1981
733i	3210 cc I-6	184	135	181	6000	264	195	4000	MY 1982−1984
735i/L7	3430 cc I-6	185	136	182	5400	290	214	4000	MY 1985−1987, L7 1986–1987
South Africa
745i	3453 cc I-6	286	210	282	6500	340	250	4500	198?−198?
Note: ‡ For government agencies and on special order only

E32 (1986–1994)

E32

Production	1986–1994
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3.0–3.4 L I6 3.0–4.0 L V8 5.0 L V12
Transmission	4- or 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,833 mm (111.5 in) 2,947 mm (116.0 in) (long)
Length	4,910 mm (193 in) 5,024 mm (197.8 in) (long)
Width	1,845 mm (72.6 in)
Height	1,400 mm (55 in) 1,435 mm (56.5 in) (long)
Curb weight	1,720 kg (3,800 lb) 1,930 kg (4,300 lb) (long)

The E32 was introduced in 1986, with the 730i and 735i featuring 3.0 L and 3.5 L straight-6 engines respectively, and a new, 5.0 L, 300 horsepower (220 kW) V12 engine for the 750i. In 1992, 3.0 L and 4.0 LV8 engines were added to the lineup (730i and 740i). All models were also available in a stretched 'L' version, which had 10 centimetres (3.9 in) of extra legroom for the rear passengers. This was the last 7 series generation to be available exclusively with gasoline engines (in Europe).

Engine specifications and performance

Model	Engine Code	Engine Type	Displacement (cc)	Power	Torque	Years made
730i	M30B30	I6 12V SOHC	2986	188 PS (138 kW; 185 hp) @ 5800	260 N·m (190 lb·ft) @ 4000	1986–1994
735i	M30B35	I6 12V SOHC	3430	211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) @ 5700	305 N·m (225 lb·ft) @ 4000	1986–1992
730i V8	M60B30	V8 32V 2×DOHC	2997	218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp) @ 5800	290 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 4500	1992–1994
740i	M60B40	V8 32V 2×DOHC	3982	286 PS (210 kW; 282 hp) @ 5800	400 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 4500	1992–1994
750i	M70B50	V12 24V SOHC	4988	300 PS (220 kW; 300 hp) @ 5200	450 N·m (330 lb·ft) @ 4100	1987–1994

E38 (1994–2001)

E38

Production	1994–2001
Engine	2.8 L I6 3.0–4.4 L V8 5.4 L V12 2.5–2.9 L I6 Turbodiesel 3.9 L V8 Turbodiesel
Transmission	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	3,071 mm (120.9 in) 2,931 mm (115.4 in) (base only)
Length	5,123 mm (201.7 in) 4,983 mm (196.2 in) (base only)
Width	1,862 mm (73.3 in)
Height	1,425 mm (56.1 in) 1,435 mm (56.5 in) (base only)

1999 BMW E38 facelift

The E38 generation (1994–2001) had a five-speed automatic. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L Both included Stock Turbo option), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L V12 346 hp (258 kW; 351 PS) engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).

In America, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL shared the same 4.0 L V8 engine in model year 1995, but the next year the V8 grew to 4.4L while stated power stayed at 267 hp (199 kW), though torque grew from 295 to 310 lb·ft (400 to 420 N·m). Then again coinciding with the 1999 facelift, the V8's power again stayed the same but now torque grew further to 324 lb·ft (439 N·m), due to new variable valve timing. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (the "L" is from the German word for long, "lang"). The considerably rarer 5.4 L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The E38 was the first car in the world to feature Xenon headlights. BMW was also the first European car manufacturer to offer an integrated satellite navigation screen which featured on the E38 7 Series.

The 750i was BMW's flagship sedan. It was featured in the 1997 film Tomorrow Never Dies as the car driven by James Bond (Pierce Brosnan). The 735i featured in the film Transporter driven by Jason Statham with manual transmission

E65/E66 (2001–2008)

E65/E66/E67/E68

Production	2001–2008
Model years	2002—2008
Engine	3.0 L 231 hp (172 kW) I6 4.4 L 325 hp (242 kW) V8 4.8 L 360 hp (270 kW) V8 6.0 L 438 hp (327 kW) V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,990 mm (117.7 in) (SWB) 3,129 mm (123.2 in) (LWB)
Length	5,029 mm (198.0 in) (2002-05 E65) 5,169 mm (203.5 in) (2002-05 E66) 5,039 mm (198.4 in) (2006-present E65) 5,179 mm (203.9 in) (2006-present E66)
Width	1,902 mm (74.9 in)
Height	1,491 mm (58.7 in) 1,483 mm (58.4 in) (2006-present LWB) 1,476 mm (58.1 in) (Alpina B7)

The fourth generation was available in four different variants: the standard-wheelbase E65 (2990 mm, 118 in), the extended-wheelbase E66 (3130 mm, 123 in), the High Security version E67 and the hydrogen powered versionE68. It dropped the manual transmission entirely.

The E65/E66/E67/E68 7 Series featured BMW's first of a kind iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the center console that is used in a similar way to a computer mouse. Using a system of eight menus, most of the car's climate, audio, navigation, suspension and communication settings are controlled via iDrive. However, the system has been criticized by many automotive writers as being too complex and not intuitive enough.

"Active" Seat continuous passive motion technology was made standard equipment on the 750/760 models and included in the Luxury Seating Package with heated and ventilated seats for driver and front passenger on the 745 models.

The car was available in thirteen variants—of those, 11 were on sale in Europe, with five available in the U.S. since diesel models were not available there.

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h*	Top speed
730i	3.0 L petrol (gasoline)I6	170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)	300 N·m (220 lb·ft)	8.1 s	237 km/h (147 mph)
730Li	3.0 L petrol (gasoline) I6	170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)	300 N·m (220 lb·ft)	8.3 s	237 km/h (147 mph)
730d	3.0 L diesel I6	170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)	520 N·m (380 lb·ft)	7.8 s	238 km/h (148 mph)
730Ld	3.0 L diesel I6	170 kW (231 PS; 228 hp)	520 N·m (380 lb·ft)	7.9 s	238 km/h (148 mph)
735i/735Li**	3.6 L petrol (gasoline) V8	200 kW (272 PS; 268 hp)	360 N·m (270 lb·ft)	7.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
740d	3.9 L diesel V8	190 kW (258 PS; 255 hp)	600 N·m (440 lb·ft)	7.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
745d	4.4 L diesel V8	242 kW (329 PS; 325 hp)	750 N·m (550 lb·ft)	6.6 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
745i/745Li**	4.4 L petrol (gasoline) V8	245 kW (333 PS; 329 hp)	450 N·m (330 lb·ft)	6.3 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
760i	6.0 L petrol (gasoline)V12	327 kW (445 PS; 439 hp)	600 N·m (440 lb·ft)	5.5 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
760Li	6.0 L petrol (gasoline) V12	327 kW (445 PS; 439 hp)	600 N·m (440 lb·ft)	5.6 s	250 km/h (155 mph)***
Alpina B7	4.4 L petrol (gasoline) V8	373 kW (507 PS; 500 hp)	699 N·m (516 lb·ft)	4.8 s	300 km/h (186 mph)

*0–62 mph
**Performance numbers for the 735i and 735Li are identical, and those for the 745i and 745Li are identical.
***All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

In America, only the 750i, 750Li and 760Li were available from BMW dealerships. The 730i, 730d, 740i, 740d Turbodiesel and their long wheelbase counterparts were available in the rest of the world, in addition to the short wheelbase 760i. Alpina B7 was available for order through BMW dealerships only in United States and Canada, everywhere else it was available through Alpina dealerships.

In US:

• 2002–2005 745i: 4.4 L V8, 325 hp (242 kW)
• 2002–2005 745Li: 4.4 L V8, 325 hp (242 kW)
• 2006– 750i: 4.8 L V8, 360 hp (270 kW)
• 2006– 750Li: 4.8 L V8, 360 hp (270 kW)
• 2004–2006 760i: 6.0 L V12, 438 hp (327 kW)
• 2003– 760Li: 6.0 L V12, 438 hp (327 kW)
• 2007– Alpina B7: 4.4 L V8, 500 hp (370 kW)

2005

2005–2008 BMW 750i (US)

The 7 Series was facelifted in 2005 with a restyled front and rear and a larger range of engines, the N62B48.

The twice-refreshed 7 Series sports a new taillight and reduced height for the trunk lid. The front headlight and the kidney grille was also raised somewhat, as well as a new front air dam and fog light assembly.

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h*	Top speed
750i	4.8 L petrol (gasoline) V8	270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp)	490 N·m (360 lb·ft)	5.9 s	250 km/h (155 mph)**
750Li	4.8 L petrol (gasoline) V8	270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp)	490 N·m (360 lb·ft)	6.0 s	250 km/h (155 mph)**
760Li	6.0 L petrol (gasoline) V12	327 kW (445 PS; 439 hp)	600 N·m (440 lb·ft)	5.6 s	250 km/h (155 mph)**

*0–62 mph
**All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). This limitation does not however apply to the GCC specification models.

The 4.4 L V8 was replaced by a 4.8 L unit producing 367 hp (274 kW) and 361 lb·ft (489 N·m) . The new model with the enlarged engine is now known as 750i and 750Li (for the long wheel-base model). The 750i and 750Li replace the 745i and 745Li in all world markets. The 745d, powered by a 4.4 L turbodiesel producing 329 hp (245 kW) has replaced the 740d. As before, a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.

2007

In 2007 the 7 series received minor updates both inside and out. On the exterior, new wheel designs were made available and power folding mirrors became standard. On the inside, an update to the iDrive system (but still no RTTI: Real Time Traffic Info) was also made standard. 2007 also saw the installation of an auxiliary input for connecting an audio source. Engine options remained the same as with the 2006 model, but the short wheelbase 760i, was no longer available for the North American market.

Hydrogen 7

BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen, to be called the Hydrogen 7. Since the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen-fueled engine is not widely available, the V12 engine also runs on petrol. Drivers will be able to switch what fuel they are using with the push of a button. However, only 100 units have been built up to now for a limited edition. For example, the mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, received one of them. BMW has also developed a newer, more efficient hydrogen combustion engine, now on par with some of the most efficient diesel engines.

High Security

Slovakian protective service custom BMW 7-series.

BMW also built armoured versions of the 7 series vehicles. The models have protection levels VR6/VR7. Security features include laminated windows, carbon fibre reinforced armour plating, under body armour, emergency front windscreen exit, lowered door windows, run flat tires.

Self-parking system

BMW has developed a parking-assist technology that can automatically park the car while the driver stands outside and watches as the internal robotics park it using a combination of sensors. A prototype of the system has been completed and was recorded using a BMW 730i.

F01/F02 (2008–)

F01/F02

Production	2008–present
Model years	2009-present
Class	Full size luxury car
Body style	4-door saloon
Layout	FR Layout, AWD (750i/Li only)
Engine	6.0L 552 PS (406 kW) twin turboV12 4.4L 407 PS (299 kW) twin turboV8 3.0L 326 PS (240 kW) I6 3.0L 245 PS (180 kW) turbodiesel I6 3.0L 306 PS (225 kW) turbodiesel I6
Transmission	6-speed ZF automatic 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic
Wheelbase	3,070 mm (120.9 in) (SWB) 3,210 mm (126.4 in) (LWB)
Length	5,072 mm (199.7 in) (SWB) 5,212 mm (205.2 in) (LWB)
Width	1,902 mm (74.9 in)
Height	1,479 mm (58.2 in) (SWB) 1,478 mm (58.2 in) (LWB)

The 5th generation F01/F02 was introduced in July 2008 and first went on sale on November 15, 2008. The F01/F02 heralded the introduction of the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Five variants are showcased at debut, 750Li, 740Li, 750i, 740i, and 730d.

Numerous engines also power the 7 Series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, straight 6, V8 and V12 motors. An all-aluminum 3.0-liter straight-six-cylinder diesel engine produces 245 hp (183 kW; 248 PS). The peak torque figure of 540 N·m (400 lb·ft) comes in at 1,750 rpm up through 3,000 rpm. Its 194g/km emission figure is class-leading for conventionally powered luxury cars, as is its 38.7 mpg fuel consumption figure.

BMW switched from a MacPherson strut front suspension to a double wishbone design for improved handling. The F01 is also available in a bulletproof version.

Model	Engine Code	Engine Type	Displacement	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h·s)	Years made
760Li	N74B60	V1248V	5,972 cc (364.4 cu in)	542 PS (399 kW; 535 hp) @ 5250 rpm	750 N·m (550 lb·ft) @ 1500-5000 rpm	4.7 (aut)	2009-
745i/745Li 750i/750Li	N61/N63	V832V	4,395 cc (268.2 cu in)	406 PS (299 kW; 400 hp) @ 5500-6400 rpm	610 N·m (450 lb·ft) @ 1800-4500 rpm	5.5 (aut)	2009–
740i/740Li	N54	I6 24V	2,979 cc (181.8 cu in)	326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp) @ 5800 rpm	450 N·m (330 lb·ft) @ 1500-4500 rpm	5.7 (aut)	2009–
730d/730Ld	N57	I6 24V	2,993 cc (182.6 cu in)	245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) @ 4000 rpm	540 N·m (400 lb·ft) @ 1750-3000 rpm	7.2 (aut)	2008–
740d	N57	I6 24V	2,993 cc (182.6 cu in)	306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp)	600 N·m (440 lb·ft) @ 1500–2500 rpm	6.3 (aut)	2008–

In April 2009, BMW announced plans for a 760Li, which will be BMW's new flagship model. The 760Li will be equipped with a twin-turbocharged V12 producing 544 horsepower, which will propel the car from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

In 2010, all-wheel-drive (BMW xDrive) became available on the 7-series.

Improved iDrive

The new F01/F02 is equipped with a more intuitive iDrive system with a full featured web browser.

ActiveHybrid 7

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (U.S).

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008. In August 2009 BMW announced the production versions of the ActiveHybrid 7, together with BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

The 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 is a mild hybrid and features a 0.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The electric motor is combined with BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and new 8-speed automatic transmission to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Estimated EPA fuel economy is 17 miles per US gallon (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg_-imp) city and 26 miles per US gallon (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_-imp) for highway, which represents almost an 18% improvement over the non-hybrid 750i/Li.

US sales began in June 2010 with a base MSRP price of $103,125 for the ActiveHybrid 7 and $107,025 for the long wheelbase ActiveHybrid 7L. The ActiveHybrid 7 initially qualified for a $900 U.S. Federal Tax Credit. Since 2009 only 657 units were sold in the U.S. through September 2012.

2013 model year

BMW introduced a new hybrid powertrain generation with the 2013 model year that improved the fuel economy as compared with the previous version. The 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 share the hybrid powertrain of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and the ActiveHybrid 5. The EPA rating for the 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 is 22 miles per US gallon (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg_-imp) in city driving and 30 miles per US gallon (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg_-imp) on the highway. The 2013 ActiveHybrid 7 also has a lower price than the previous generation and starts at US$84,895.