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BMW 7 Series: Full Size Styling in a BMW

BMW is more than just a small and sporty vehicle although that is usually what most people see when they visit the showroom and travel on the highway. Like any other vehicle manufacturer, BMW offers something for everyone: right from the sports car to the SUV or limousine.
The BMW 7 Series comprises an entire line of full-size luxury cars that BMW first introduced in 1977. This particular series is not available as a small sports or economy size vehicle; the 7 Series is only available as a sedan or limousine.
These models have a tendency to be the pace setters for new technologies before those same designs are incorporated into the smaller BMW sedans.

Evolution of the 7 Series

The 7 Series encompasses a total of five generations:
• E23 (1977-1986)
• E32 (1987-1994)
• E38 (1995-2001)
• E65/E66 (2002-2008)
• F01 (2009-) Present

In addition to the various generations of 7 Series vehicles, there were also several technological changes within the engines and transmissions that occurred in various models throughout the years.

1994-2001

There were several engines and transmissions that were available during this period of time: 2.8 litre Inline 6, 3.0-4.4 litre V8, 5.4 litre V12, 2.5-2.9 litre Inline 6 turbodiesel and 3.9 litre V8 turbo diesel. In addition there were three transmissions available: a 5-speed manual and automatic and a 6-speed manual.
However, for the most part the E38 generation consisted of a five-speed automatic transmission. This series went through a complete facelift in 1999.

2002-2008

This period of time comprises production of the E65/E66/E67/E68. There were three different engine types: 4.4 litre 325 horsepower V8, 4.8 litre 360 horsepower V8, and a 6.0 litre 438 horsepower V12. The transmission was a 5 or 6 speed automatic. In the United States the models were marketed as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL.

2006–2008 BMW 750i (US)

During this time period the 7 Series had a complete makeover that involved new styling for the front and rear with the availability of more engines. There is also a new taillight and lower height of the lid of the boot. Both the headlight in the front and the kidney grille were increased somewhat in height and the fog light assembly was revamped.
Another one of the changes that occurred was the elimination of the 4.4 litre engine for a 4.8 litre variety.
The new larger engine meant more power, so the model was renamed 750i and 750Li with the latter referring to a model with a longer wheelbase. These new models are replacements for the 745i and 745Li all around the world.
The 745d is a replacement for the 740d, but the 6 speed automatic Steptronic transmission remains constant.

2007

There were some minor changes to the 7 series in 2007. On the exterior of the vehicle customers had access to new wheel designs and folding power mirrors became standard equipment. Some updates were made to the iDrive system were completed and became standard.
The manufacturer also installed an auxiliary unit so occupants could connect to an audio source.
No engine changes were made although the 760i was eliminated from markets in North America.

2009 (F01/F02)

The BMW F01/F02 are full-size luxury cars. They have a variety of different engines than range from a 6.0 litre V12 twin turbo to a 3.0 litre Inline 6 with turbo diesel (there are 5 available within those ranges). The transmission in the F01 and F02 is either a 6 or 8 speed ZF automatic.
In January 2009 the F01/F02 began introduction of its 5th generation, which included the introduction of the ZF eight speed automatic transmissions. With other modernisation procedures, BMW changed from its previous MacPherson strut suspension for the front end to a double wishbone style in order to improve the vehicle's handling. There is also a bulletproof version of the F01. The BMW 525i was very popular.

2010

In 2010 BMW added all-wheel drive to all the vehicles in the BMW 7 Series. In addition all new F01/F02 vehicles will include an iDrive system with a completely operational web browser. The new system will also be more intuitive.

2011

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2008 and will make its debut before the public in 2011. The car is a mild hybrid that includes the ability to operate on electrical power or petrol and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. Sales of the new model in the United States began in June 2010 with a base price of $103,125 for the basic model and $107,025 for the long wheelbase.