2003 BMW 7-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

A V12 flagship and a new Sport Package for V8 models are midyear additions to BMW's top-line sedans. The 7-Series features 745i, 745Li, and new 760Li models. The Li suffix denotes a 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase and body for more rear leg room. The 745 models use a V8 engine, the 760Li a V12. All come with a 6-speed automatic transmission that at midyear gained full upshift and downshift capability via steering-wheel buttons. Standard features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, traction/antiskid control, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean. Standard on 760Li and optional on other 7s is an Adaptive Ride Package with automatically adjusting shock absorbers and rear self-leveling suspension. The V8s come with 18-inch wheels. The 760Li and V8 Sport Package use 19s.

Standard are front knee airbags, front torso side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. Airbags deploy only if an occupant is detected. All 7s have BMW's iDrive--audio, navigation, phone, and climate functions controlled by a console "joystick" knob. Their settings display on a dashboard screen. Conventional switches are also provided for basic audio and climate adjustments. Features standard on the 760Li and optional on other 7s include front- and rear-obstacle detection and ventilated front and rear seats. New '03 options include 18-inch run-flat tires and active cruise control designed to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead. The 745i/745Li Sport Package adds exclusive wheels and trim, sport suspension, sport-contour front seats, and a steering wheel with three spokes vs. four.

Competition

With wide price ranges and numerous body configurations, this diverse segment has two clear Best Buy choices--the refined Lexus LS 430 and the unique Audi A6. The LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at around $55,000, while the A6 earns Best Buy status for its blend of space, performance, design sophistication, powertrain choices, and workmanship at prices below those of most rivals.

We Recommend the Acura RL--a steal at around $45,000 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. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille.

News

Aside from new standard and optional features like this year's active cruise control, the latest 7-Series should carry on as is for a while. There's lately been talk of a rear-end restyle, perhaps by 2005, to answer criticism that the existing treatment looks ungainly and unfinished. However, it's still just talk right now. Another current rumor has BMW simplifying the complex "i-Drive" control system, which has been roundly criticized too. But buyers seem to be overlooking these and other flaws, as 7-Series sales jumped no less than 64 percent in 2002 after a 19.4-percent decline in '01.

2003 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

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
7	7	6.5

Only standard-length 745i made available for test so far. Acceleration is robust--BMW quotes 5.9 sec 0-60 mph--though traction control can intrude to take some steam out of standing-start sprints. Two test examples also stuttered from a stop or walking pace. Effortless high-speed cruising.

Fuel Economy

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	9	8.2

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

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

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	8	7.8

Wind a murmur. Engine hits rich, strident note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes rivals.

Controls

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
3	3	5.7

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 most controls are easy to reach, but 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 interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambiance.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
10	10	8.1

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support. Tall drivers may wish for more seat travel, however. And only Luxury seat option gives V8 models independent adjustment of side bolsters and headrest height. Front headrests block some over-shoulder vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
9	9	7.6

Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.

Cargo Room

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
6	6	4.8

Large, luxuriously finished trunk; four golf bags fit transversely. Optional power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage good.

Value within Class

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Smooth, powerful, athletic, the new 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-cabin travel by any standard. How well you adapt to 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	64.7

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		51
Average Score		64
High Score		80

2003 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/29/2003

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

745i 4-door sedan	$68,500	$62,495	$695

745Li 4-door sedan	$72,500	$66,135	$695

760Li 4-door sedan	$115,800	$105,540	$695

Price note: 760Li adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

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 and rear side head-protection airbags, front knee airbags, front-seat active head restraints (745Li), 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/front and rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, navigation system, cellular telephone, BMW Assist, memory system (steering wheel, driver seat, mirrors), leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/power headrests and 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/automatic day/night and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer and heated washer jets, automatic day/night rearview mirror, map lights, front and rear 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.

760Li adds to 745:

Powertrain

6.0-liter dohc V12 engine.

Safety

Front-seat active head restraints, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, 16-way power front ventilated and massaging seats, 10-way power ventilated rear seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power closing doors and decklid, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, power rear sunshade, rear side sunshades.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Electronic shock-absorber control, self-leveling rear suspension, 245/45YR19 front tires, 275/45YR19 rear tires.

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-seat active head restraints (745i). NA w/Cold Weather Pkg.

Adaptive Ride Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$1,900	$1,730
Electronic shock-absorber control, self-leveling rear suspension.

Sport Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$3,200	$2,910
Sport steering wheel and seats, unique exterior trim, sport suspension, 245/45R19 front tires, 275/45R19 rear tires, special alloy wheels. NA w/Adaptive Ride Pkg., Luxury Seating Pkg., Cold Weather Pkg.

Convenience Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$1,000	$910
Automatic soft-close doors, power trunk opening and closing.

Cold Weather Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$1,100	$1,000
Heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, trunk pass-through w/ski sack.

Premium Sound Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$1,800	$1,640
In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.

Safety
Rear side airbags
745, 760Li	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
745i, 745Li	$700	$635


Break-resistant security glass
745, 760Li	$2,600	$2,365


Tire-pressure monitor
745, 760Li	$300	$275


Comfort and Convenience Features
Active cruise control
745, 760Li	$2,200	$2,000


Rear climate controls
760Li	$1,800	$1,640
Includes rear cool box. Deletes trunk pass-through w/ski sack.

Front Comfort Seats
745i	$1,400	$1,275
16-way front ventilated comfort seats w/multiple backrest adjustments, front passenger-seat memory, active head restraints. Std. 745Li.

Rear ventilated comfort seats
745Li	$3,500	$3,185
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg.

Heated front seats
745i, 745Li	$450	$410


Heated steering wheel
745i, 745Li	$150	$135
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg. or front comfort seats.

AM/FM/cassette
745, 760Li	$0	$0


High gloss wood interior trim
745i, 745Li	$0	$0


Power rear sunshade
745i, 745Li	$750	$685
Includes side window sunshades.

Ski sack
745i, 745Li	$150	$135


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Star-spoke alloy wheels
745i, 745Li	$1,300	$1,185
Includes 245/45YR19 front tires, 275/40YR19 rear tires.

245/50R18 run-flat tires
745, 760Li	$0	$0
Requires tire-pressure monitor.

245/50R18 all-season tires
760Li	$0	$0

2003 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW 745i 4-door sedan	BMW 745Li/760Li 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	58.7

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.	41.9	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	38.5	38.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.4	43.4

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

Engines

	dohc V8	dohc V12

Size, liters/cu. in.	4.4 /268	6.0 /366

Horsepower @ rpm.	325 @ 6100	438 @ 6000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	330 @ 3600	444 @ 3950

Availability	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed automatic	18/26	15/22

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/760Li 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

< 2003 BMW 7-Series Photos

Also in the 2003 BMW 7-Series Review:

BMW 7-Series

BMW 7-Series Road Test

BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 7-Series Photos

BMW 7-Series Full Review

All BMW 7-Series

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