1995-2001 BMW 7-Series: 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.