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2002 BMW 7-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2002 BMW 7-Series Review:
2002 BMW 7-Series Review
BMW redesigns its flagship sedan for 2002, with fresh styling, an innovative control layout, and the industry's first 6-speed automatic transmission. The 745Li version is 5.5 inches longer than the 745i to provide more rear leg room. Both grow slightly in length, height, and width vs. the 1995-2001 models, and are about 120 lb heavier. A 4.4-liter V8 continues in both, but it's a new design with an additional 43 hp. The 6-speed automatic operates from a steering-column lever. Joining standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and a traction-control/antiskid system is BMW's new Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean in turns. An optional Adaptive Ride Package has automatically adjusting shock absorbers and rear self-leveling system. Both models have 18-inch wheels or optional 19s.
Inside, front knee airbags join torso and head-protecting side airbags. Optional rear torso side airbags come with head-protecting airbags running the full interior length on each side. Sensors deploy any airbag only if an occupant is detected. These 7s introduce BMW's iDrive with a console "joystick" knob to operate audio, navigation, and some phone and climate functions. The settings display on a dashboard screen. Conventional switches are also featured for basic audio and climate adjustments. Among options are a power trunklid, front- and rear-obstacle detection, break-resistant window glass, power rear sunshades, and front seats with internal fan ventilation. A V12 replacement for the 750iL is due for 2003.
Inside, front knee airbags join torso and head-protecting side airbags. Optional rear torso side airbags come with head-protecting airbags running the full interior length on each side. Sensors deploy any airbag only if an occupant is detected. These 7s introduce BMW's iDrive with a console "joystick" knob to operate audio, navigation, and some phone and climate functions. The settings display on a dashboard screen. Conventional switches are also featured for basic audio and climate adjustments. Among options are a power trunklid, front- and rear-obstacle detection, break-resistant window glass, power rear sunshades, and front seats with internal fan ventilation. A V12 replacement for the 750iL is due for 2003.
Competition
This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.
News
The 7-Series posted a 9-percent year-to-year drop in U.S. sales for calendar 2000, then an 8.5-percent decline for the first half of 2001. These results parallel the sharp downturn in the general economy, but also the somewhat elderly design vs that of high-luxury rivals.
Now, of course, BMW has rejuvenated its flagship sedans, though it remains to be seen whether sales will improve in the much-changed climate after the September 11th attacks. The only near-term news to report (as mentioned in Highlights above) is a new-generation V12 model for 2003. Likely to bow next fall, this 760Li shares the long platform of the V8 745Li, but packs a clean-sheet 6.0-liter engine producing 325 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque in U.S. trim. The new top-line 7 should come with most every feature that's optional on lesser models, plus a few gizmos of its own, so expect Tiffany's pricing, perhaps just under $100-grand.
Now, of course, BMW has rejuvenated its flagship sedans, though it remains to be seen whether sales will improve in the much-changed climate after the September 11th attacks. The only near-term news to report (as mentioned in Highlights above) is a new-generation V12 model for 2003. Likely to bow next fall, this 760Li shares the long platform of the V8 745Li, but packs a clean-sheet 6.0-liter engine producing 325 horsepower and 330 foot-pounds of torque in U.S. trim. The new top-line 7 should come with most every feature that's optional on lesser models, plus a few gizmos of its own, so expect Tiffany's pricing, perhaps just under $100-grand.
2002 BMW 7-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Control layout |
| Steering/handling | Fuel economy |
| Ride | |
| Passenger room | |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Standard-length 745i only model made available for test so far. BMW quotes 5.9 sec 0-60 mph, and acceleration is robust, though traction control intrudes to take some steam out of starting-stop sprints. And two examples tested also suffered stuttering movement from a stop or walking pace. Effortless high-speed cruising.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Standard-length 745i only model made available for test so far. BMW quotes 5.9 sec 0-60 mph, and acceleration is robust, though traction control intrudes to take some steam out of starting-stop sprints. And two examples tested also suffered stuttering movement from a stop or walking pace. Effortless high-speed cruising.
Fuel Economy
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel required.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel required.
Ride Quality
A model of smooth discipline. Less-isolated than Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19-inch tires slap into sharp bumps, but detract only slightly.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8 |
A model of smooth discipline. Less-isolated than Lexus LS 430 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement, but never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19-inch tires slap into sharp bumps, but detract only slightly.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, grip tenacious.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 6.6 |
Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, grip tenacious.
Quietness
Wind a murmur on highway. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 7.5 |
Wind a murmur on highway. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals.
Controls
Unfamiliar design of important controls compels reorientation to new world of driving. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with spring-back movement and push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Anything more than simplest climate and audio adjustments forces interaction with iDrive. It accesses a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates antiskid control. But learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement while driving takes hours of practice and diverts attention from the road. At least controls are easy to reach, though iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster is awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambiance.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.3 |
Unfamiliar design of important controls compels reorientation to new world of driving. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with spring-back movement and push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Anything more than simplest climate and audio adjustments forces interaction with iDrive. It accesses a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates antiskid control. But learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement while driving takes hours of practice and diverts attention from the road. At least controls are easy to reach, though iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster is awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour and support. Tall drivers, however, may wish for more seat travel. And you must order the "Comfort" or "Luxury" seat option to get independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-the-shoulder vision.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 7.8 |
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour and support. Tall drivers, however, may wish for more seat travel. And you must order the "Comfort" or "Luxury" seat option to get independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-the-shoulder vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Some testers say the doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7 |
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Some testers say the doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.
Cargo Room
Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at push of button. Cabin storage good.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at push of button. Cabin storage good.
Value within Class
Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series is virtually without dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How you accept iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series is virtually without dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How you accept iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology.
Total Score
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | Class Average |
| 71 | 71 | 62.4 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 51 | |
| Average Score | 62 | |
| High Score | 78 |
2002 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/26/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 745i 4-door sedan | $67,850 | $61,905 | $645 |
|
|
|||
| 745Li 4-door sedan | $71,850 | $65,545 | $645 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
745
Powertrain
4.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protection airbags, front knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power steering, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual automatic climate control, interior air filter, navigation system, cellular telephone, BMW Assist, memory system (steering wheel, driver seat, mirrors), leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, 10-way power driver seat (745i), 8-way power passenger seat (745i), 16-way power front comfort seats (745Li), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers and heated windshield-washer jets, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, rear defogger, remote decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, antiroll system, 245/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Luxury Seating Pkg.
|
||
|
745i
|
$2,500
|
$2,275
|
|
745Li
|
$1,600
|
$1,455
|
|
Heated front and rear seats, 16-way front ventilated and massaging comfort seats w/multiple backrest adjustments, front passenger-seat memory, front active head restraints. NA w/Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
Adaptive Ride Pkg.
|
||
|
745
|
$1,900
|
$1,730
|
|
Electronic shock-absorber control, self-leveling rear suspension.
|
||
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
745
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
Automatic soft-close doors, power trunk opening and closing.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
||
|
745
|
$1,100
|
$1,000
|
|
Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, ski bag.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg.
|
||
|
745
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags and rear side head-protection airbags
|
||
|
745
|
$550
|
$500
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
745
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
Break-resistant security glass
|
||
|
745
|
$2,600
|
$2,365
|
|
Tire-pressure monitor
|
||
|
745
|
$300
|
$275
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Front Comfort Seats
|
||
|
740i
|
$1,400
|
$1,275
|
|
16-way front ventilated comfort seats w/multiple backrest adjustments, front passenger-seat memory, active head restraints. Std. 745Li.
|
||
|
Rear comfort seats
|
||
|
745Li
|
$2,900
|
$2,640
|
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
745
|
$450
|
$410
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
745
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg. or front comfort seats.
|
||
|
AM/FM/cassette
|
||
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
High gloss wood interior trim
|
||
|
745
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Power rear sunshade
|
||
|
745
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Includes side window sun shades.
|
||
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
745
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Star-spoke alloy wheels
|
||
|
745
|
$1,300
|
$1,185
|
|
Includes 245/45R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires.
|
||
|
|
||
2002 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 745i 4-door sedan | BMW 745Li 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 117.7 | 123.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.0 | 203.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.9 | 74.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 | 58.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4376 | 4464 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | 18.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.3 | 23.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | 39.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.2 | 43.1 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.4 /268 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 325 @ 6100 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 330 @ 3600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed automatic | 18/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 745i 4-door sedan | BMW 745Li 4-door sedan |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 BMW 7-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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