1995-2001 BMW 7-Series: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.