1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW 7-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW 7-Series.

1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Review

BMW's version of the big, luxurious German flagship sedan earned a sleek redesign for 1995, not unlike the midsize 5-Series. Still rear-wheel drive, it went against the cream of the competition: Infiniti Q45, Lexus LS 400, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Part "executive express" and part technical showcase, the 7-Series came with a choice of two engines: V8 for the 740i and long-wheelbase 740iL, or V12 for the long-wheelbase 750iL. Extended wheelbases were 5.5 inches longer than the standard 740i model.The 740i went on sale first, followed by the long-wheelbase editions. Longer than before, the new model was slightly wider and lower, and about 150 pounds heavier. Beneath the hood of the 740i/iL sat the same 282 horsepower, dual-cam 4.0-liter V8 engine as before, driving a 5-speed electronic automatic transmission. The 740iL gained adaptive shift control, which changes shifts points based on how the car was driven. Exchanging its previous 4-speed automatic transmission for a 5-speed unit, the 750iL also lost its 5.0-liter V12 engine in favor of a more potent 5.2 liter edition. Horsepower rose from 296 to 322. A new "door-anchoring system" was said to "hook" trailing edges of the doors into the main body structure, for greater rigidity in a crash. Doors would be released after the impact. A new "residual heat" feature could warm the interior for 16 minutes after the engine was shut off. New 14-way power front seats with 4-way lumbar adjustment were installed (8-way lumbar in the 750iL). A new 330-watt audio system was standard in the 750iL.

Year to Year Changes

1996 BMW 7-Series: Only long-wheelbase (740iL and 750iL) sedans went on sale this year. The 740iL traded in its 4.0 liter V8 for a 4.4-liter engine, gaining some torque output but retaining the same horsepower rating. A glass moonroof replaced the steel sunroof as standard on both models. Traction control became standard (formerly an option) for the 740iL. Electronic Damping Control was a new option, automatically adjusting suspension firmness based on driving conditions. An electrically heated steering wheel became standard in the 750iL. That model also gained an antiskid system called Dynamic Stability Control, using sensors for the ABS and traction control systems to detect when any wheel was locking or slipping. If so, it would reduce engine power and apply individual brakes to maintain traction and steering control.

1997 BMW 7-Series: Side-impact airbags became standard this season, as the shorter-wheelbase 740i returned after a year's absence. Just three other notable changes marked the 1997 model year. The power-adjustable steering wheel now automatically lifted up upon opening a door, to ease entry/exit. An improved version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control antiskid system became standard. Finally, to please certain high-end buyers, break-resistant security glass was a new option for the long-wheelbase models.

1998 BMW 7-Series: The '98 models debuted in June 1997, with two changes, both related to safety. Rear side airbags became optional. A new Head Protection System was installed, claimed to be a "first." A tubular airbag inflates during a side impact, popping out from just above the front door to protect occupant heads and shoulders.

1999 BMW 7-Series: Styling revisions front and rear were mild for 1999. A new Sport Package was optional for the 740i sedan, including a numerically higher axle ratio, 18-inch alloy wheels (instead of the usual 16-inchers), blackout trim, sport suspension and rear auto leveling, and a Steptronic transmission with separate manual-shift capability. Steptronic and the auto-leveling rear suspension were standard on the costly 750iL. Dynamic Stability Control, previously exclusive to the 750iL, now was standard in all models.

2000 BMW 7-Series: All models gained rain sensing wipers this year, and V8 sedans added an onboard navigation system as standard equipment. They also gained xenon headlights and premium audio with a 6-disc CD changer, to match the 750iL. Also new for the 740s was an optional Active Ride Package that borrowed the V12 sedan's Electronic Damping Control shock absorbers and self-leveling rear suspension. Newly standard on the 750iL and optional on its V8 mates was BMW's Active Comfort driver's seat, with rollers in the cushion that move periodically in an effort to minimize fatigue. Rear head-protection airbags were now part of the rear side airbag option.

2001 BMW 7-Series: For '01, minor styling changes were made, and all models gained optional rear torso side airbags that included head-protecting side airbags. Also, the handling-oriented Sport Package became available for the 740iL. An Adaptive Ride Package with electronically controlled shock absorbers and rear self-leveling was also new this year--standard on the 750iL, optional for 740s.

1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Ride	Control layout

Steering/handling

Passenger room/comfort

Build quality

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Side airbags (later models)

Head-protection system (later models)

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Ride quality is excellent--as it should be. That's a benefit of the car's sophisticated suspension design and its bump-flattening weight. Brakes are well up to the task of coping with so much heft. In fact, they're capable of short and stable emergency stops in most any situation. A 740 model has enough low-end muscle to accelerate briskly from a standstill and permit swift passing at highway speeds. The V8 is strong enough, and so silky, that we see little need to pay so much more for a V12. Gas mileage is discouraging--again, no big surprise. We've averaged only 13.2 mpg in a 750iL, with a third of the driving on highways. Frugal it is not. A 740iL did better at 18.8 mpg overall, with more than half of its miles taking place on the highway. Another 740iL returned 16.5 mpg overall. There's definitely no shortage of interior of cargo space in a 740i. The long wheelbase 740iL or 750iL has more passenger room than most family sedans, as well as unusually easy all-around entry/exit. Seats are supportive and comfortable for long drives, in all models. Other bonuses include clear gauges, controls that are strategically placed for easy access, and a multitude of standard amenities. Unfortunately, having so many gadgets means a lot of buttons and switches--and not all of them are clearly marked. Worst offender is the combination climate/audio/cell-phone display, which is likely to confuse new owners. Although it works effectively, the available in-dash navigation system, with its video screen and cryptic controls, seems sharply at odds with BMW's no-nonsense driving philosophy. Flawless workmanship and impressive materials are the rule in big BMWs. All models feel stout and substantial from behind the wheel. Detail finish is nothing short of exemplary throughout, though one test car suffered several rattles.

Value for the Money
BMW builds great automobiles, no doubt about it. Then again, so does Mercedes-Benz. Which is best for you if shopping in this stratospheric league? That's a toss-up, which should be a pleasure to ponder.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

BMW 740iL	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	10

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	8

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	9

Room/Comfort (rear)	9

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	3

Total:	65

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: The air conditioning may leak and one of the hoses was being replaced whenever the vehicle was in for routine service. (1995-96)

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission will malfunction, and eventually fail, if the wrong transmission fluid is added. (1995)

Dashboard lights: The oil warning light may come on due to a faulty oil pressure switch. (1995-96)

Headlights: The Xenon headlights may not illuminate if the switch is turned while cranking engine. (2000)

Odometer: The trip odometer resets itself after about 650 miles. (1995-98)

Oil leak: Oil and coolant leak from valley in V8 engine could be a rear main seal leaks. (1993-2001)

Paint/body: Using the jack bends the rocker panel on 740i models and the jacks were being replaced whenever the car was in for other service. (1995)

Poor transmission shift: The transmission will not shift out of third gear if there is a difference in tire sizes caused by low air pressure, mismatched tires, etc. (1997)

Power seats: The power seats fail due to wires being chafed underneath the seat. (1995-98)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$800

Alternator	$925

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$810

Brakes	$775

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$975

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,300

Exhaust System	$725

Radiator	$730

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,500

Timing Chain or Belt	$415

NHTSA Recall History

1995: Lower suspension-arm mounting eye on right rear axle-hub carrier has casting flaw and could crack and break, causing loss of control.

1995: Malfunction or failure of coolant system component can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.

1995-97 740i: Plastic bushing for cruise control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car then might not decelerate as expected.

1995-97: Road grit and gravel on winter roads can damage lower front spring mounts; breakage of spring's bottom coil could affect ride height and dynamic stability, and also cause noise.

1998: Differential pinion shaft was produced without appropriate surface hardening, which can result in premature wear; would cause noise from differential and, ultimately, failure of the shaft and loss of power to rear wheels.

1999 740i: Thickness of main positive electrical cable is less than specified, making it susceptible to abrasion by attaching clip; short circuit could then occur.

1999 740i w/automatic transmission: Premature wear of ring gear can occur in some cars, leading to loss of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and reverse gears.

2000: Brake-lamp switch could fail internally, remaining either in "off" or "on" position.

2001 w/18-inch wheels: Tire sidewalls may have been damaged at the manufacturer. The damaged area could weaken to the point where a sudden loss of air from the tire could occur.

2001: Failure of the engine auxiliary/cooling fan motor can cause the electrical circuitry of the fan control unit to overload and fail, causing the fan to stop operating.

1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1995
740i/iL	$4,500-5,400	$3,700-4,500	$1,600-1,900
750iL	$6,200-7,200	$5,400-6,300	$2,700-3,100

1996
740iL	$5,700-6,700	$4,800-5,700	$2,300-2,700
750iL	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

1997
740i/iL	$7,000-8,200	$6,200-7,300	$3,300-3,900
750iL	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200

1998
740i/iL	$8,400-9,700	$7,600-8,700	$4,400-5,000
750iL	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,400-5,900

1999
740i/iL	$9,900-11,200	$8,900-10,100	$5,100-5,800
750iL	$12,500-13,700	$11,300-12,300	$7,100-7,800

2000
740i/iL	$12,000-13,500	$10,800-12,200	$6,700-7,600
750iL	$15,000-16,500	$13,700-15,000	$9,500-10,400

2001
740i/iL	$15,000-16,800	$13,700-15,300	$9,500-10,600
750iL	$18,300-20,000	$16,800-18,400	$11,700-12,800

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	115.4

Overall Length, in.	196.2

Overall Width, in.	73.3

Overall Height, in.	56.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	4255

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	13.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	22.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.7

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For its first year in this form, a 4.0-liter dual-overhead-cam V8 engine powered the 740i/iL sedan. That engine grew to 4.4 liters in 1996, producing the same 282 horsepower. A 5.4-liter V12 has been installed in each 750iL sedan. All 7 Series BMWs have a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V8	4.0 / 243	282	295	5-speed automatic: 16/24	5-speed automatic: --

dohc V8	4.4 / 268	282	310-324	5-speed automatic: 17/24	5-speed automatic: 16.5

ohc V12	5.4 / 328	322-326	361	5-speed automatic: 15/20	5-speed automatic: 13.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1995-2001 BMW 7-Series Review:

BMW 7-Series

BMW 7-Series Road Test

BMW 7-Series Reliability

BMW 7-Series Prices

BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 7-Series Photos

BMW 7-Series Full Review