BMW 7 Series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| BMW 7 Series | |
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| Manufacturer: | BMW |
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| Production: | 1977–present |
| Predecessor: | BMW New Six |
| Class: | Full-size luxury car |
| Body style: | 4-door sedan |
| Platform: | FR |
| Similar: | Audi A8 Infiniti Q45 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Lexus LS460 Maserati Quattroporte |
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury car made by BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan.
There have been four generations of the 7 Series:
- BMW E23 (1977–1986)
- BMW E32 (1987–1994)
- BMW E38 (1995–2001)
- BMW E65/E66 (2002–present)
Contents |
[edit] E23 (1977–1986)
Models offered were the 725i, 728, 728i/iS, 730, 730i, 732i, 733i, 735i, 745i Turbo, 745i South Africa, and L7. (More information about the BMW E23)
[edit] E32 (1987–1994)
The E32 was introduced in 1987, with the 730i and 735i featuring 3.0l and 3.5l straight-6 engines respectively, and a new, 5-liter, 300 horsepower V12 engine for the 750i. In 1992, 3.0l and 4.0l V8 engines were added to the lineup (730i and 740i). All models were also available in a stretched 'L' version, which had 10 cm of extra legroom for the rear passengers. See BMW E32 article for more information.
[edit] E38 (1995–2001)
The E38 generation (1995-2001) had a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 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 L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). 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 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.
[edit] E65/E66 (2002–present)
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 is 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 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 some for being too complex and for distracting the driver from the road.
"Active" Seat continuous passive motion technology is 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 has been available in twelve variants[1]—of those, 11 are now in production and in sale in Europe, with slightly fewer in the U.S. since the Diesel models are not available there yet.
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h* | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 730i | 3.0 L petrol (gasoline) I6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 300 N·m (221 lbf·ft) | 8.1 s | 237 km/h (147 mph) |
| 730Li | 3.0 L petrol (gasoline) I6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 300 N·m (221 lbf·ft) | 8.3 s | 237 km/h (147 mph) |
| 730d | 3.0 L diesel I6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 520 N·m (383 lbf·ft) | 7.8 s | 238 km/h (148 mph) |
| 730Ld | 3.0 L diesel I6 | 170 kW (231 bhp DIN) | 520 N·m (383 lbf·ft) | 7.9 s | 238 km/h (148 mph)[2] |
| 735i/735Li** | 3.6 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 200 kW (272 bhp DIN) | 360 N·m (266 lbf·ft) | 7.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 740d | 3.9 L diesel V8 | 190 kW (258 bhp DIN) | 600 N·m (442 lbf·ft) | 7.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 745d | 4.4 L diesel V8 | 242 kW (330 bhp DIN) | 750 N·m (553 lbf·ft) | 6.6 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 745i/745Li** | 4.4 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 245 kW (333 bhp DIN) | 450 N·m (332 lbf·ft) | 6.3 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 760i | 6.0 L petrol (gasoline) V12 | 327 kW (445 bhp DIN) | 600 N·m (442 lbf·ft) | 5.5 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)*** |
| 760Li | 6.0 L petrol (gasoline) V12 | 327 kW (445 bhp DIN) | 600 N·m (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 745i and 745Li are identical.
***All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Also, note that in the Americas, only the 750i, 750Li, 760i and 760Li are sold as new and that the 745d, as all other Turbodiesel-models are only available in mainland Europe and the rest of the world.
[edit] 2006
The 7 Series was refreshed for 2006 with tweaked front and rear styling and a larger, more powerful V8 engine, the N62B48
Considerable work went into the rear quarter of the car to reduce the "Bangle Butt" design. The refreshed 7 Series sport a new taillight and reduced height for the trunk lid. The front headlight and the kidney grille was also raised a tad, 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 bhp DIN) | 490 N·m (361 lbf·ft) | 5.9 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)**[3] |
| 750Li | 4.8 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 270 kW (367 bhp DIN) | 490 N·m (361 lbf·ft) | 6.0 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)**[4] |
*0–62 mph
**All roadgoing BMWs have an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. 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 (270 kW) and 361 ft·lbf (490 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 (242 kW) has replaced the 740d. As before, a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.
Pricing (MSRP) for the 750i begins at around $71,800 USD and for the 750Li at $75,800 USD.
[edit] 2007
For 2007 the 7 series receives updates both inside and out. On the exterior, a new choice of rims is now availiable and power folding mirrors are standard. On the inside, an updated iDrive system featuring RealTime traffic updates is also made standard. Engine options remain the same as with the 2006 model, but the short wheelbase 760i, is no longer avaliable for the North American market.
[edit] Hydrogen 7
BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen, to be called the Hydrogen 7. Drivers will be able to switch what fuel they are using with the push of a button. However, only 100 will be built in total.[1]
[edit] Competitors
The 7 Series' competitors include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Jaguar XJ, the Volkswagen Phaeton, the Lexus LS, the Audi A8, and the Maserati Quattroporte. Cadillac has showed interest in introducing a 7 Series competitor, dubbed the "ULS" (Ultra-Luxury Sedan) in the near future.
[edit] Self-Parking System
BMW has developed a parking-assist technology that can park your car for you while you stand outside the car and watch as the internal robotics park it using a combination of sensors. A prototype of the system has been completed and a demo video was recorded using a BMW 730i.
