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The 'BMW 7 Series' is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker 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

E23 (1977–1986)

E32 (1987–1994)

E38 (1995–2001)

E65/E66 (2002–present)

2006

2007

Hydrogen 7

Future

Competitors

Self-Parking System

References

Other links

E23 (1977–1986)

Main articles: BMW E23

Models offered were the 725i, 728, 728i/iS, 730, 730i, 732i, 733i, 735i, 745i Turbo, 745i South Africa, and L7.

E32 (1987–1994)

Main articles: BMW E32

The E32 was introduced in 1987, 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 V12 engine for the 750i. In 1992, 3.0 L and 4.0 L 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.

Model	Engine Code	Engine Type	Displacement (cc)	Power (BHP)	Torque (NM)	0-100 km/h (s)	Years made
730i	M30	I6 12V	2986	188 @ 5800	260 @ 4000	9.3 (man) / 10.6 (aut)	1986-1994
735i	M30	I6 12V	3430	211 @ 5700	305 @ 4000	8.3 (man) / 9.1 (aut)	1986-1992
730i V8	M60	V8 32V	2997	218 @ 5800	290 @ 4500	8.5 (man) / 9.3 (aut)	1992-1994
740i	M60	V8 32V	3982	286 @ 5800	400 @ 4500	7.4 (aut)	1992-1994
750i	M70	V12 24V	4988	299 @ 5200	450 @ 4100	7.4(aut)	1987-1994

''Figures may differ slightly for stretched and/or international versions (for instance, the 750i was rated at 296 BHP in the USA)''

E38 (1995–2001)

Main articles: BMW E38

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.

E65/E66 (2002–present)

Main articles: BMW E65/E66


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 was largely rejected by BMW enthusiasts and resulted in BMW giving the 7-Series a facelift early on in the 7-Series' life cycle, focusing on the rear of the car. Though the general consensus deemed it an improvement, it was still largely unpopular with BMW enthusiasts, resulting in a third facelift.
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 many for being too complex and for distracting the driver from the road. Mercedes-Benz and Audi have introduced similar systems that were largely perceived as more intuitive and better designed than the iDrive system.
"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 on sale in Europe, with four available in the U.S. since diesel models are not yet available there.

	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.''
In America, only the 750i, 750Li and 760Li are available from BMW dealerships. The 730i, 730d, 740i, 740d Turbodiesel and their long wheelbase counterparts are available in the rest of the world, in addition to the short wheelbase 760i.
In US:

★ 2002-2005 '745i' - 4.4 L V8, 325 hp.

★ 2002-2005 '745Li' - 4.4 L V8, 325 hp.

★ 2006- '750i' - 4.8 L V8, 360 hp.

★ 2006- '750Li' - 4.8 L V8, 360 hp.

★ 2004-2006 '760i' - 6.0 L V12, 438 hp.

★ 2003- '760Li' - 6.0 L V12, 438 hp.

★ 2007- 'Alpina B7' - 4.4 L supercharged V8, 500 hp.

2006

The 7 Series was facelifted for 2005 with a restyled front and rear and a larger range of engines, the N62B48.
Considerable work went into the rear quarter of the car to reduce the "Bangle Butt" design. 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 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]
760Li	6.0 L petrol (gasoline) V12	327 kW (445 bhp DIN)	600 N·m (444 lbf·ft)	5.6 s	250 km/h (155 mph) ★ ★ [5]

★ ''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.

2007

In 2007 the 7 series received minor updates both inside and out. On the exterior, a new choice of rims is now available and power folding mirrors are standard. On the inside, an update to the iDrive system featuring RealTime traffic updates is also made standard. Also inside is an auxiliary input for connecting an audio source. Engine options remain the same as with the 2006 model, but the short wheelbase 760i, is 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. 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]

Future

The BMW 7 series will undergo its next redesign and facelift in 2008 which is thought to be a "Baby Roller", with the new model going on sale in early 2009. Both the controversial front and rear ends are expected to undergo extensive redesign. This will be the only luxury vehicle in the world to offer petrol, diesel, hybrid and now a 'hydrogen' powertrain.

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.

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.

References

1. http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/12/autos/bmw_hydrogen/index.htm?postversion=2006091212

Other links

★ BMW Active Seat Technology Guide

★ BMW demos a self-parking BMW 730i

★ Night vision technology in the BMW 7-Series

★ 733i TV Review