2004 BMW 7-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Satellite radio is newly optional for 2004 in BMW's flagship sedans. The 7-Series models are called 745i, 745Li, and 760Li. The Li suffix denotes a 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase and body. The 745 models have a V8 engine, the 760Li a V12. All use a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift control via steering-wheel buttons. Standard features include ABS, antiskid/traction 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. V8s come with 18-inch wheels, the 760Li and V8 Sport Package with 19s.

Front knee airbags, front torso side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags are standard. Rear torso side airbags are optional. All 7s have BMW's iDrive, which controls the audio, navigation, phone, and climate functions via a console "joystick" knob and displays the settings on a dashboard screen. Conventional switches are also provided for basic audio and climate adjustments. BMW Assist emergency and concierge service is standard. Features standard on the 760Li and optional on other 7s include front- and rear-obstacle detection and ventilated front and rear seats. Options for all include 18-inch run-flat tires and adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set distance from traffic ahead.

News

It's almost certain the 7-Series will get an unscheduled early facelift for 2005. It's aimed at muting complaints from critics, a few dealers and maybe even some customers that the two-year-old styling is ungainly and unfinished. Words and pictures out of Europe indicate a slimmer grille, headlamps and bumpers, a reprofiled nose and rear deck, simplified taillamps, and possibly new bodyside sheetmetal imparting a less bulbous look. The 7's equally controversial iDrive control system may also be changed, perhaps to the simpler version used in the new 5-Series.

2004 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	760Li	Class Average
7	7	8	6.7

No opportunity to test 745Li, but curb weight is within 100 lb of shorter 745i, which has robust acceleration. 760Li's V12 furnishes even stronger freeway passing power, but has scant advantage over V8 around town. Both engines provide effortless high-speed cruising, but suffer frustrating pause in low-speed throttle response, and traction control can intrude to take steam out of standing-start sprints.

Fuel Economy

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
4	4	2	4.2

Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium fuel required.

Ride Quality

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
9	8	8	8.2

A model of smooth discipline, though 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All models 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 more than some luxury buyers will find appropriate.

Steering/Handling/Braking

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
8	9	8	6.8

Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never feels 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	760Li	Class Average
9	8	9	8

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

Controls

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
3	3	3	6.1

Drivers must reorient to unorthodox design of important controls. Gearshift, for example, is a small electric flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. Adjusting anything more than simplest climate and audio functions forces interaction with iDrive. iDrive 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 takes hours of practice, diverts attention from road. At least most controls easy to reach, but iDrive screen can wash out in sunlight, and power-seat cluster awkwardly mounted on console sidewall. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambience.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
10	10	10	8.6

Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, range of adjustment. Tallest of drivers may wish for more seat travel, however. Front headrests block some over-shoulder vision.

Room/Comfort (rear)

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
9	9	10	8.2

Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. 760Li shames some limousines. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.

Cargo Room

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
6	6	6	4.9

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	760Li	Class Average
6	6	4	5.1

Smooth, powerful, athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. Spacious and exceedingly comfortable, it's first-class 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. We prefer simpler, time-proven systems.

Total Score

745i	745i w/19-inch wheels	760Li	Class Average
71	70	68	66.8

Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score		57
Average Score		66
High Score		80

2004 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/12/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

745i 4-door sedan	$69,300	$63,225	$695

745Li 4-door sedan	$73,300	$66,685	$695

760Li 4-door sedan	$117,200	$106,810	$695

Price note: 760Li adds $1300 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 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/telescope 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 telematics system, memory system (steering wheel, driver seat, mirrors), leather upholstery, front bucket seats w/power headrests and lumbar adjustment, 12-way power driver seat (745i), 10-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, illuminated visor mirrors, universal garage-door opener, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, rear defogger, remote decklid release, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, antiroll system, 245/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.

760 adds to 745:

Powertrain

6.0-liter V12 engine.

Safety

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front and rear seats, 16-way power ventilated and massaging front 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, 275/40YR19 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
745i, 745Li	$3,200	$2,190
Sport seats and steering wheel, Shadowline exterior trim, color-keyed roof-rail trim (745Li), sport suspension, 245/45YR19 front and 275/40YR19 rear performance tires, unique alloy wheels.

Luxury Seating Pkg.
745i	$2,350	$2,140
745Li	$1,450	$1,320
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.

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, ski bag.

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

Safety
Rear side airbags
745, 760	$385	$350


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


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


Dual-zone rear air conditioning
760	$1,800	$1,640


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

Ventilated comfort rear seats
745Li	$3,500	$3,185


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
745i, 745Li	$0	$0


Satellite radio
745, 760	$595	$540


Satellite radio prep
745, 760	$75	$70


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


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

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive headlights
745, 760	$300	$275


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

245/50VR18 run-flat tires
745, 760	$0	$0

2004 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	58.7

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	15/23

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	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2004 BMW 7-Series Photos

Also in the 2004 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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