2002-2008 BMW 7-Series: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Build quality
- Interior materials
- Ride
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
- Passenger room
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Control layout
Vehicle Highlights
BMW redesigned its flagship rear-drive sedans for 2002, giving them fresh styling, an innovative control layout, and the industry's first six-speed automatic transmission. Both the iDrive control setup and the imaginative body profile engendered considerable controversy, prompting love-it-or-hate-it responses from both the media and the public. Compared to the old 7-Series, the 2002s were about 2 inches longer in wheelbase, overall length, and height. These luxury four-doors were also 1.6 inches wider and some 120 pounds heavier. A 4.4-liter V8 continued in renamed 745i and long-wheelbase 745Li models, but it was actually a new design with 43 more horsepower than the previous 740i/740iL. The six-speed automatic transmission operated from a stalklike steering-column control instead of a conventional console-mounted lever. BMW's new Active Roll Stabilization system adjusted front and rear antiroll bars to minimize body lean in turns. An Adaptive Ride Package with electronically adjusted shock absorbers and rear self-leveling, via new air springs, was an Li option. Both models rode standard 18-inch wheels but could have 19s at additional cost. Each had antilock all-disc brakes and a traction control/antiskid system. Inside, front knee airbags joined torso and head-protecting side airbags as standard equipment. Rear torso side airbags also were available, coupled with tubular head-protecting airbags that ran the full car length on each side. Sensors deployed any airbag only if an occupant was detected. Antiwhiplash front head restraints were standard. BMW's iDrive control used a console "joystick" to select and change various audio, climate, and navigation functions, as well as operation of an available phone. The settings displayed on a dashboard screen. Conventional switches were provided for a few frequently-used adjustments of the audio and climate systems. Options included a tire-pressure monitor, front/rear obstacle detection, in-dash CD changer, break-resistant window glass, and power rear sunshades. Power 20-way front seats with internal fan ventilation and a power "massage" feature also were available.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | BMW 745i Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series.
Year to Year Changes
2003 BMW 7-Series:
A V12 flagship joined BMW's top-line sedans for 2003. The 7-Series was now offered as the 745i, the 5.5-inch-longer 745Li, and the new 760Li. The 745 models used a V8 engine, but the 760Li got a 6.0-liter V12. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Inside, full-length head-protecting side airbags moved from the options list to become standard equipment. All models had BMW's iDrive, with its "joystick" knob to operate audio, navigation, and some phone and climate functions. BMW's Adaptive Ride Package was standard on the 760Li, optional on others. The 760Li also included front/rear obstacle detection, and ventilated front and rear seats. Rear seats in the 745Li could have internal fan ventilation as an option. New options for 2003 included active cruise control, designed to maintain a preset distance from traffic ahead, as well as 18-inch run-flat tires.
2004 BMW 7-Series:
Satellite radio was a new option on 2004 models, but little else changed.
2005 BMW 7-Series:
Rear DVD entertainment and keyless access that allows entry and starting without removing keyfob from pocket or purse are among the new-for-2005 options. Newly standard for '05 are steering-linked headlights and front and rear obstacle detection.
2006 BMW 7-Series:
Updated styling and more V8 power highlight BMW's 2006 flagship sedans. All get revisions to exterior appearance, interior trim, dashboard, and chassis. A 360-hp V8 powers 750i and 750Li models, which replace the 325-hp 745i and 745Li. Also newly revised is BMW's iDrive, which adjusts audio, navigation, and climate settings via a console "joystick" knob and dashboard screen. Added for '06 is a wireless cell phone connection.
2007 BMW 7-Series:
A sport-themed model was a midyear addition to BMW's large sedan lineup for 2007. The 750 offered an optional Sport Package with firmer suspension and, for '07, 20-inch wheels. Standard power folding door mirrors were new for '07, and 750s gained heated 16-way "comfort" front seats. Newly optional were BMW Individual packages with various mixes of trim and features. Also available were DVD entertainment and keyless entry and starting.
2008 BMW 7-Series:
There were no changes of note to the 2008 BMW 7-Series lineup.
Our road test for the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration with the V8 is robust, though traction control intrudes to take some steam out of starting-stopping sprints. Some examples tested when new also suffered stuttering movement from a stop or walking pace. All told, though, you can expect effortless high-speed cruising. BMW quoted 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds for the V8 model and 5.4 seconds for the 760Li. Fuel economy is about as expected. A test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel is required. Any 7-Series is a model of smooth discipline on the road, less-isolated than a Lexus LS 430 or 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 ranks as the sportiest among premium luxury sedans. A 7-Series is never ponderous, and Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. With 19-inch tires, steering feels even more alert, turn-in crisper, and grip tenacious. Wind is a mere murmur on the highway. The V8 engine hits a rich, strident note at full throttle, but is hardly noticed otherwise. Instruments/controls are another story. The unfamiliar design of important controls compels reorientation to a different world of driving. The gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper, with spring-back movements and push-pull activation that's not self-evident. Anything more than the simplest climate and audio adjustments forces interaction with iDrive. Accessing a daunting range of communication, navigation, and entertainment tools; it even adjusts suspension firmness and deactivates the antiskid control. Sadly, learning its ways and coordinating its joystick movement while driving takes hours of practice and diverts attention from the road. Controls are easy to reach, at least, though the iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and the power-seat cluster is awkwardly mounted on the console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives each 7-Series interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambience. Firm, roomy front seats promise fine contour and support, though tall drivers may wish for more seat travel. And only V8 models with a "Comfort" or "Luxury" seat option have independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-the-shoulder vision. Stepping into the rear means entering the lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Back doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though. Four golf bags fit transversely into the large, luxuriously finished trunk. The optional power lid (if installed) opens and closes with the push of a button. Cabin storage is good.
Value for the Money
Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series is virtually devoid of dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceeding comfortable, it delivers first-cabin travel by any standard. How you cope with iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology. Be sure to try the system carefully before considering a 7-Series sedan.
Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series is virtually devoid of dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceeding comfortable, it delivers first-cabin travel by any standard. How you cope with iDrive and the other new-think controls depends on how comfortable you are with cutting-edge technology. Be sure to try the system carefully before considering a 7-Series sedan.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | BMW 745i Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 8 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 7 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 8 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation BMW 7-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation BMW 7-Series .
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.
Battery:
The battery may die overnight if the key is left in the ignition on vehicles with electronic immobilizer system. (2004-06)
Electrical problem:
The instrument display may switch back and forth between US and metric requiring the computer to be recoded. (2002)
Electrical problem:
Night vision display malfunctions due to wiring harness damage near headlights. (2006-07)
Electrical problem:
The Cingular digital phone may malfunction (dropped calls, failure to receive incoming calls, etc.) requiring reprogramming of the telephone control unit. (2002)
Electrical problem:
Automatic headlights may not go off when exiting a tunnel or parking garage due to conflict between headlight module and rain sensor. (2005-06)
Engine noise:
Engine may ping under light load, idle high or stumble when cold requiring software update. (2005-07)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may intermittently go into fail-safe mode (and may feel strange) due to controller area network (CAN) bus system errors. (2005-06)
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 | $810 |
| Alternator | $765 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $6,550 |
| Brakes | $600 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $950 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $650 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,890 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,825 |
Our price chart for this generation BMW 7-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| 750Li | $67,000-70,500 | $63,700-67,000 | $50,900-53,600 |
| 750i | $63,000-67,000 | $59,900-63,700 | $47,300-50,300 |
| 760Li | $88,000-92,000 | $83,600-87,400 | $67,800-70,800 |
| Alpina B7 | $86,000-90,000 | $81,700-85,500 | $66,200-69,300 |
| 2007 | |||
| 750Li | $54,500-58,000 | $51,200-54,500 | $40,900-43,500 |
| 750i | $51,500-55,000 | $48,400-51,700 | $38,600-41,300 |
| 760i/Li | $73,500-77,000 | $69,800-73,200 | $55,900-58,500 |
| Alpina B7 | $80,000-84,000 | $76,000-79,800 | $61,600-64,700 |
| 2006 | |||
| 750Li | $44,000-46,500 | $41,400-43,700 | $32,100-33,900 |
| 750i | $41,000-44,000 | $38,100-40,900 | $29,900-32,100 |
| 760Li | $57,500-61,000 | $54,600-58,000 | $43,100-45,800 |
| 760i | $54,500-57,500 | $51,200-54,100 | $40,900-43,100 |
| 2005 | |||
| 745Li | $34,500-37,000 | $32,100-34,400 | $24,500-26,300 |
| 745i | $31,500-33,500 | $29,300-31,200 | $22,100-23,500 |
| 760Li | $49,500-52,000 | $46,500-48,900 | $37,100-39,000 |
| 760i | $46,500-49,000 | $43,700-46,100 | $34,400-36,300 |
| 2004 | |||
| 745Li | $29,500-31,500 | $27,400-29,300 | $20,400-21,700 |
| 745i | $27,000-29,000 | $25,100-27,000 | $18,100-19,400 |
| 760i/Li | $41,000-44,000 | $38,100-40,900 | $29,900-32,100 |
| 2003 | |||
| 745Li | $25,500-27,500 | $23,700-25,600 | $16,800-18,200 |
| 745i | $23,000-25,000 | $21,200-23,000 | $15,000-16,300 |
| 760Li | $38,000-40,000 | $35,300-37,200 | $27,000-28,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| 745Li | $21,500-23,500 | $19,800-21,600 | $14,000-15,300 |
| 745i | $19,500-21,500 | $17,900-19,800 | $12,700-14,000 |
|
|
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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.
Specs for this generation BMW 7-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 117.7 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.0 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.9 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4376 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.3 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.2 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
For its first season, the 7-Series came only with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that made 325 horsepower. A 760Li sedan with a 438-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 engine joined for 2003. Both engines drive a six-speed automatic transmission. In 2006, a 360-hp V8 powers 750i and 750Li models, which replace the 325-hp 745i and 745Li.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V8 | 4.4 / 268 | 325 | 330 | 6-speed automatic: 18/26 | 6-speed automatic: 17 |
| dohc V12 | 6.0 / 366 | 438 | 444 | 6-speed automatic: -- | 6-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | / 4.8 | 360 | 360 | 6-speed automatic: 17/25 | 6-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation BMW 7-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
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%. Sideimpact 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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2002-2008 BMW 7-Series directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2002:
The fuel pump control system may have been programmed wrong, causing it to run at the wrong speed, leading to possible engine stall. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-03:
Due to a software error, the engine may stall and drivers may not be able to restart it. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003:
An oil leak may occur due to a faulty oil filter drain plug. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2003-04:
Heating mat in backrest's side bolster of cars with front-seat heating could be damaged by excessive contact when entering/exiting the vehicle; overheating could melt a small hole in the seat cover and possibly burn the occupant.
2004:
In certain crash conditions, driver's frontal airbag, knee airbag, head protection system, and safety belt pretensioner may not deploy.
2004:
On 8 and 12 cylinder vehicles, engine stalling and a loss of power steering might occur because of faulty digital engine management control units. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2004:
On certain cars, engine stalling may occur after short period of operation; engine may be unable to restart.
2004:
The driver's seat occupant detection system may be unreliable, and cause the airbags to remain inactive during a crash due to incorrect programming. Dealers will reprogram the software.
2005 745i:
Incorrectly-manufactured parking pawl guide plate could cause parking lock system not to engage, after transmission is placed in "Park" position.
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