BMW 7 Series
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The BMW 7 Series is a luxury saloon (sedan) made by BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car.
There have been four generations of the 7 Series:
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E23
Models offered were the 725i, 728, 728i/iS, 730, 732i, 733i, 735i, 745i Turbo, and L7.
E32
Models offered were the 730i, 730iL, 735i, 735iL, 740i, 740iL, 750i, and 750iL.
E38
Dinan750il.JPG
The E38 generation (model years 1995-2001) had a five speed automatic or manual gearbox. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 liter), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4 L 322 bhp [240 kW] engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).
In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4-liter V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-body 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4-liter V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the U.S. lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.
A performance-enhancing sport package was available in the 740i as well; cars with this package are called the 740i Sport. A separate sport package was finally offered in the 740iL and 750iL in 2001, the final year of E38 production.
Features of the E38 7 Series include high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling Xenon low-beam headlamps, power moonroof, a six-CD changer with 14 speakers and four subwoofers, onboard navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features include an automatic climate control system with full left/right controls and a 3-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) are also standard. The car features an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim.
The 5-speed automatic transmission comes with Adaptive Transmission Control, Sport and Manual modes for responsive handling.
The base prices in 2001 were US$62,900 for the 740i, US$66,900 for the 740iL and US$92,100 for the 750iL.
740iL and 750iL Protection Line light-armored vehicles were built from 2000-2001, and cost US$99,100 and US$124,400, respectively. These models include body armoring, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
A rare executive V12-powered stretch limousine was also produced called the BMW L7.
E65/E66
E66_BMW_745iL.jpg
The current 7 Series is available on two different platforms: the standard-wheelbase E65 (2990 mm, 118 in) and the extended-wheelbase E66 (3130 mm, 123 in).
This car was also the first production BMW to be styled by Chris Bangle. The styling has been controversial and has received mixed reviews.
The E65/E66 7 Series features BMW's iDrive system, consisting of a video screen in the dashboard and a controller mounted on the centre 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 criticised by some for being too complex and for distracting the driver from the road.
The car is available in ten variants: [1] (http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/products/automobiles/showroom/7series/sedan/index.html)
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h* | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 730i | 3.0 L petrol straight-6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 300 Nm (221 lbf.ft) | 8.1 s | 237 km/h (147 mph) |
| 730Li | 3.0 L petrol straight-6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 300 Nm (221 lbf.ft) | 8.3 s | 237 km/h (147 mph) |
| 730d | 3.0 L diesel straight-6 | 160 kW (218 bhp DIN) | 500 Nm (369 lbf.ft) | 8.0 s | 235 km/h (146 mph) |
| 735i/735Li** | 3.6 L petrol V8 | 200 kW (272 bhp DIN) | 360 Nm (266 lbf.ft) | 7.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 740d | 3.9 L diesel V8 | 190 kW (258 bhp DIN) | 600 Nm (442 lbf.ft) | 7.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 745i/745Li** | 4.4 L petrol V8 | 245 kW (333 bhp DIN) | 450 Nm (332 lbf.ft) | 6.3 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 760i | 6.0 L petrol V12 | 327 kW (445 bhp DIN) | 600 Nm (442 lbf.ft) | 5.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 760Li | 6.0 L petrol V12 | 327 kW (445 bhp DIN) | 600 Nm (442 lbf.ft) | 5.6 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
*0–62 mph
**Performance numbers for the 735i and 735Li are identical, and those for the 760i and 760Li are identical.
***All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Also, note that in the Americas, only the 745i, 745Li, 760i and 760Li are sold and that the 740d is only available in mainland Europe.
2005
The 7 Series will be refreshed for 2005 with tweaked styling and a new, more powerful V8 engine. The 4.4 L V8 will be replaced by a 4.8 L unit producing 360 hp (269 kW) and 360 ft.lbf (488 Nm).
Competitors
The 7 Series' competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Jaguar XJ, the Volkswagen Phaeton, the Lexus LS 430, the Audi A8, and the Maserati Quattroporte.