| Manufacturer | BMW |
|---|---|
| Production | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Dingolfing, Germany Toluca, Mexico[1][2][3] Rayong, Thailand[4] 6th of October City, Egypt[5] |
| Predecessor | BMW E65 |
| Class | full size luxury car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Production | 2008–present |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L V12 Turbo 4.4L V8 Turbo 3.0L I6 Turbo 3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel[6] |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic (760Li and ActiveHybrid7)[7] |
| 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 BMW F01 is the current BMW 7 series that went into production in September 2008. The long-wheelbase model, codenamed BMW F02, is 14 cm (5.5 in) longer than the BMW F01.
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The car's official unveiling occurred in the Red Square in Moscow (Russia) on 8 July 2008. The unusual nature of the unveiling had been attracting attention since 6 July 2008. The new BMW 7 series was placed in the upper half of an acrylic, glass, and steel hourglass. The car was initially hidden by more than 180,000 silvered balls, which gradually dropped into the lower half to reveal the new BMW 7 Series.[8]
For the 7 Series, the previous E65/E66 model marked a revolution in the 7-Series design, while the F01 is more evolutionary. The front end is inspired by the BMW CS Concept, from the large twin grilles to the headlamps, which have "eyebrows" and internal configuration similar to individual lamps but slightly different in shape.[9] It now looks more conventional and less controversial than the vehicle it replaces. The interior has also been reworked and the column-mounted shifter has relocated to the center console. Its tail lights have design cues to the E32 7-series.
The models include a 6-speed automatic transmission (760Li;Activhybrid7: 8-speed automatic). Dynamic Drive Control with optional Adaptive Drive added COMFORT setting in addition to Comfort, NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, with reduced stability control intervention in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.
The cargo capacity is 500 litres. Optional features include 4-zone automatic air conditioning, telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, iPhone integration, Bluetooth, an 80-GB hard disc for navigation data and music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Heads-Up Display, an electrically swiveling trailer hook, long wheelbase, luxury seating: massage, heated seats (front and rear), adaptive steering, and ceramic controls. [10]
Mexican built 7 series also carry the options for a rear refrigerator,[11] selective multi-color ambient lighting,[11] and extended range night vision.[11] They also have several interior trim options only available for the Mexican market including red leather, black & red leather, and tan & black leather.[11] Mexican built 7 series are also available in special police and political services packages. A number of these models are in service with the Mexican Federal Government and the Mexican Federal Police as well as the Public Security Secretary.
All BMW 7 Series have in series safety equipment: Beside ABS including brake assistant and CBC (Cornering Brake control) pretensioner and belt load limiter on all seats, ESP (Dynamic Stability Control, BMW) with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) are present. Furthermore 10 Airbags (driver/front passenger, head curtain airbags (both rows) and two side airbags, front outboard and rear outboard, as well as driver and passenger knee airbags) and active headrests in front. The adaptive brake lights indicate how strongly the vehicle is braking. In the case of an emergency stop, the normal LED running lights (on when low beams are on) are illuminated to the same intensity of the brighter normal LED brake indicator light, creating a large, extra bright light to warn drivers behind. Also, adaptive bi-xenon headlights (low beam) swivel in accordance with the steering wheel for curves, and feature auto-leveling when going over hills or when the car is loaded in order to reduce glare to other drivers. Also, front-mounted side turn indicators are standard on every BMW on the fenders.
In the 7 Series - partly against surcharge - are several driver assistance systems:
It should be noted that at the moment, all engine choices on the F01 are turbocharged with the exception of the 6-cylinder variant for Asian market(730i/Li).[12]
| Model | Engine Code | Engine Type | Power@rpm | Torque@rpm | Years made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol engines | |||||
| 730i/Li | N54B30 | 2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) naturally aspirated I6 24V | 258 PS (190 kW; 254 hp) @6600 | 310 N·m (230 lb·ft) @2600 | 2009- |
| 740i/Li | N54B30 | 2,979 cc (2.979 L; 181.8 cu in) twin turbo I6 24V | 326 PS (240 kW; 322 hp) @5800 | 450 N·m (330 lb·ft) @1500-4500 | 2008- |
| 750i/Li | N63B44 | 4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) twin turbo V8 32V | 407 PS (299 kW; 401 hp) @5500-6400 | 600 N·m (440 lb·ft) @1750-4500 | 2008- |
| 760Li | N74B60 | 5,972 cc (5.972 L; 364.4 cu in) twin turbo V12 48V | 544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp) @5250 | 750 N·m (550 lb·ft) @1500-5000 | 2009- |
| ActiveHybrid7, ActiveHybrid7L | N63B44 | 4,395 cc (4.395 L; 268.2 cu in) twin turbo V8 32V+ electro Engine | 465 PS (342 kW; 459 hp) | 700 N·m (520 lb·ft) | 2010- |
| 760Hi/HLi *(Not confirmed by BMW yet) |
N74B60 | 5,972 cc (5.972 L; 364.4 cu in) twin turbo V12 48V+ electro Engine | 590 PS (430 kW; 580 hp) @5250 | 780 N·m (580 lb·ft) @1500-5000 | - |
| Diesel engines | |||||
| 730d/Ld | N57D30 | 2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) turbo I6 24V | 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp) @4000 | 540 N·m (400 lb·ft) @1750-3000 | 2008-/2009- |
| 740d[6] | N57D30TOP | 2,993 cc (2.993 L; 182.6 cu in) twin turbo I6 24V | 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) @4400 | 600 N·m (440 lb·ft) @1500-2500 | 2009- |
At the 2008 LA Auto Show, BMW announced the North American version of BMW 7 Series would use a 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 engine (from the BMW X6 xDrive50i) rated at 400 bhp (300 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m) of torque.[13] The ActiveHybrid7 is the first BMW with automatic transmission to feature an Auto Start Stop function avoiding idle speed operation of the engine when at a standstill or in traffic jams.
| Model | Type |
|---|---|
| 730i, 730Li | 6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26 transmission) |
| 740i, 740Li | 6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26 transmission) |
| 750i, 750Li | 6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP26 transmission) |
| 760Li | 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP transmission)[14][15] |
| ActiveHybrid7, ActiveHybrid7L | 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP transmission) |
| 730d, 730Ld | 6-speed automatic |
| 740d | 6-speed automatic |
| 760Hi, 760HLi | 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP transmission) |
The following performance figures are taken from the BMW 7 Series web site under 'Models and technical data.'[16] The top speeds are electronically limited where noted with an asterisk.
| Model | Drive | 0–100 km/h acceleration (s) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 730i/730Li | RWD | 7.8 | 245 km/h (152 mph) |
| 740i/740Li | RWD | 5.9/6.0 (5.1 Road&Track) | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
| 750i/750Li | RWD, AWD (optional) | 5.2/5.3 | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
| 760Li | RWD | 4.6 | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
| ActiveHybrid7/ActiveHybrid7L | RWD | 4.9 | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
| 760Hi/760HLi | RWD | 4.6 | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
| 730d/Ld | RWD | 7.2/7.3 | 245 km/h (152 mph) |
| 740d | RWD, AWD (optional) | 6.3 | 250 km/h (160 mph)* |
The N63 twin turbo 4.4L V8 engine of the F01 BMW 750i/Li matches the performance of the previous-generation E65 760i/Li, powered by the naturally aspirated N73 6.0L V12 engine, while also having similar torque to the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, equipped with a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 engine.[17] The V12 engine for the F01 760i/Li was redesigned as a twin turbo 6.0L (BMW N74) in order to maintain its status as the flagship of the range.[18] The 2010 BMW 760Li is priced similarly and has matching performance with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, however the 760Li is positioned more as a cruising limo while the S63 is a hardcore sports sedan; the 760Li is also less expensive and faster than the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 (equipped with a 5.5L biturbo V12 engine).[19][20] Unlike previous generations of the 7 Series, the V12 engine is now only available in the long-wheelbase model.[21]
The N54 twin turbo inline-6 engine of the 740i, despite being down 85 hp (63 kW) and 120 lb·ft (160 N·m) to the 750i’s twin-turbo V-8, weighs about 100 pounds (45 kg) less. In a comparison test, the 740i could make the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) run in 5.1 seconds compared to the 750i's 5.2, although the 750i catches up at 70 mph (110 km/h). Fuel economy of the 740i is 17 mpg city and 25 highway, compared with the 750i’s 15/22 and the ActiveHybrid 7's 17/26.[22]
The F01 is expected to provide 20% of the components for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, slotting in below the ultra-luxury Phantom.[23] This $250,000 car would be assembled by Rolls-Royce in their factory in Goodwood, England.
It is a version of the 740Li sold in Hong Kong market, which does not include TFT screens for the back seats, navigation system and comfort seats, and is HK$200,000 lower than the original.[24]
BMW has also announced the F03 7 Series as their High Security line, including the 750Li High Security and 760Li High Security. Both of them were certified with BRV 2009 and VR7 ballistics protection. The non-transparent sections have been certified as having VR9 levels of protection. This is the first set of cars to be granted such high levels of security.[25]
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a concept model that uses the engine from 750i, but adds an electric motor rated 20 PS (15 kW; 20 hp) and 210 N·m (150 lb·ft) torque. The hybrid system was based on the 2-mode hybrid from Daimler AG. The regenerative braking unit includes 12V Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, running in parallel to 120V electrical network for electric motor. In also included a 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims it improved fuel consumption and reduced emissions by 15% over the non-hybrid model, despite weighing 221 pounds (100 kg) more.[26] The car's exterior profile was designed by Karim Habib, Team Leader, Advanced Design for BMW in Munich, Germany.[27] The car was first unveiled in 2008 Paris Auto Show.[28]
BMW confirmed that the F04 7 Series would be called the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and a production model premiered at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.[29] It will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine and a single electric motor.[29] It goes on sale in Spring 2011 in the US market with a base price of US$103,125.[30]
Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH has produced the ALPINA B7 Bi-Turbo performance variant, also known as the BMW 750i Alpina B7, for the F01/02 7 Series commencing with the 2011 model year. The Alpina B7's engine is assembled by hand at Alpina's facility in Buchloe, Germany, before being shipped to BMW for installation, and the assembled vehicle is then sent back to Alpina for finishing touches.[31][32]
Alpina's variant of the N63 twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 makes 507 PS (373 kW; 500 hp) / 700 N·m (516 lb·ft), while retaining the same fuel economy as the regular N63.[33] This is the first time that BMW M and Alpina are using the same type of forced-induction for their powerplants; Alpina's engine has less horsepower but more torque than the BMW S63.[34]
Alpina's modifications to the standard N63 include high-performance pistons and reinforced cylinder heads to withstand the additional stress from a higher compression ratio. A larger intercooler, with a 35-percent increase in surface area, is fitted to lower intake temperatures. An additional radiator lowers coolant temperatures, and external coolers are added for the engine and transmission oil. The electric fan is also upgraded to increase airflow through the new high-performance components. To move more oxygen through the engine, larger and lighter turbochargers (the vanes measure 44 mm in diameter) are fitted to keep the whole package running smoothly and Alpina engine management software increases boost to 14.5 psi (1.0 bar vs. the standard engine's 0.8 bar) and recalibrates both stability- and traction-control with more aggressive settings. The blowers exhale into three air-to-liquid intercoolers, an arrangement that helps maintain maximum airflow even during long lapping sessions at a racetrack. There is also a bigger (2.7-inch) dual exhaust system that vents gasses out the back through the rear apron.[32]
A ZF six-speed automatic sport transmission with heavy-duty gears (taken from ZF's transmissions for trucks) is found in the B7. The B7 also features a choice of regular or long-wheelbase and/or rear-wheel drive or xDrive.[35]
| Type | Series | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | ||
| Small family | 3 Compact | E36/5 | E46/5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Series | E81 / E82 / E87 / E88 | F20 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact exec | 3 Series | E21 | E30 | E36 | E46 | E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 | F30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Executive | 5 Series | E12 | E28 | E34 | E39 | E60 / E61 | F10 / F11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury Coupé | 6 Series | E24 | E63 / E64 | F12 / F13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Luxury | 7 Series | E23 | E32 | E38 | E65 / E66 / E67 / E68 | F01 / F02 / F03 / F04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | Z Series | E30 (Z1) | E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3) | E85 / E86 (Z4) | E89 (Z4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M | 1 Series M Coupe | E82 M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M3 | E30 M3 | E36 M3 | E46 M3 | E90/92/93 M3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M5 | E28 M5 | E34 M5 | E39 M5 | E60/61 M5 | F10 M5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M6 | E24 M635CSi/"M6" | E63/64 M6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Roadster | E36/7 (Z3) M | E85 (Z4) M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| M Coupé | E36/8 M Coupé | E86 M Coupé | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Supercar/GT | E26 (M1) | E31 (8 series) | E52 (Z8) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports Activity | X1 | E84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X3 | E83 | F25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X5 | E53 | E70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| X6 | E71 / E72 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Progressive Activity | 5 GT | F07 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||