BMW 7 Series
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The BMW 7 Series is a luxury 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:
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)
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.
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-body 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.
| Engine | Power | Torque | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 740i/740Li | 4.4 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 210 kW (282 bhp) | 439 N·m (324 lbf·ft) |
| 750Li | 5.4 L petrol (gasoline) V12 | 243 kW (326 bhp) | 489 N·m (361 lbf·ft) |
The E38 was introduced to the American market in 1995 originally with a 4.0L V8 and steel sunroof. For the 1996 model year, a new 4.4L V8 (producing 282 bhp) along with a glass sunroof replaced these features while the base 740i was not offered for the 1996 model year. In 1997, the 740i returned and in 1998, the 7-series received significant safety upgrades: side impact airbags standard up front and optional in the rear with a new, industry first, standard Head Protection System. For the 1999 model year, the 7-series was given a refreshening with new headlights, tail lights, and trunk molding. A sport package is now offered that included larger, 18" wheels, as well as sport suspension, torque converter, and axel. In 2000, the protection models are now offered and in 2001, another minor refreshening took place with clear turn signals and painted lower body work.
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 included 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 included 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) were also standard. The car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous passive motion "Active" seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort for the driver and front passenger.
The 5-speed automatic transmission came 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 included body armor, bullet-resistant glass and run-flat tires.
A rare executive V12-powered stretch limousine was also produced, called the BMW L7.
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 is available in ten variants: [link]
| 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 | 160 kW (218 bhp DIN) | 500 N·m (369 lbf·ft) | 8.0 s | 235 km/h (146 mph) |
| 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)*** |
Also, note that in the Americas, only the 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i and 760Li are sold and that the 740d is only available in mainland Europe.
2005
The 7 Series was refreshed for 2005 with tweaked front and rear styling and a larger, more powerful V8 engine.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.
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h* | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750i | 4.8 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 269 kW (360 bhp DIN) | 488 N·m (360 lbf·ft) | 5.9 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)** |
| 750Li | 4.8 L petrol (gasoline) V8 | 269 kW (360 bhp DIN) | 488 N·m (360 lbf·ft) | 5.9 s | 250 km/h (155 mph)**
|
The 4.4 L V8 was replaced by a 4.8 L unit producing 360 hp (269 kW) and 360 ft·lbf (488 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 diesel producing 295 hp (220 kW), replaces 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.
Hydrogen hybrid
BMW plans to offer a car that runs on both petrol and hydrogen. BMW chief executive Helmut Panke said he would include a hybrid 7-Series car in the company's catalogue soon.#redirect [[Template:Fact]]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. Cadillac has showed interest in introducing a 7 Series competitor, dubbed the "ULS" (Ultra-Luxury Sedan) in the near future.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.
Other links
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