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2005 BMW 7-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2005 BMW 7-Series Review:
2005 BMW 7-Series Review
Rear DVD entertainment and keyless access are among the new-for-2005 options for BMW's flagship sedans. The 7-Series comes in two body lengths. The Li models have a 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase and body than i models. The 745i and 745Li have a V8 engine. The 760i and 760Li have 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 760s and optional on 745s 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. The 760i comes with 20s.
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, 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. Newly standard for '05 are steering-linked headlights and front and rear obstacle detection. Ventilated front seats are standard on all but the 745i, where they're optional. Ventilated rear seats are standard on 760Li, optional on 745Li. Newly optional are rear DVD entertainment, and keyless access that allows entry and starting without removing keyfob from pocket or purse.
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, 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. Newly standard for '05 are steering-linked headlights and front and rear obstacle detection. Ventilated front seats are standard on all but the 745i, where they're optional. Ventilated rear seats are standard on 760Li, optional on 745Li. Newly optional are rear DVD entertainment, and keyless access that allows entry and starting without removing keyfob from pocket or purse.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
News
A high-performance M7 is said to be imminent. Timing is unknown at present, but look for a much sportier chassis and the same 5.0-liter 500-hp V10 found in the scorching new M5 sedan and M6 coupe. BMW has never offered an M-version of its biggest sedan, but has doubtless noted the sales success of Mercedes' hot-rod AMG S-Class models.
At the other extreme, BMW says a hydrogen-fueled 7 will be on sale before the current series is replaced around 2009-10. No details yet, but BMW's work in this area so far suggests a conventional V8 or V12 with special electronic controls that allow running on compressed hydrogen or gasoline. BMW has spent big on developing this bi-fuel system, and apparently feels it's now ready for consumers. Though no one else is following BMW down this road to the "hydrogen age," the company believes its approach is more acceptable in the luxury class than a gas/electric powertrain. It also claims the technology offers near-zero-emissions benefits today, and is much cheaper than hydrogen fuel cells that won't be practical or affordable for some years yet. Again, no word on timing, but you can bet the hydrogen 7 will be a costly, limited-production item.
At the other extreme, BMW says a hydrogen-fueled 7 will be on sale before the current series is replaced around 2009-10. No details yet, but BMW's work in this area so far suggests a conventional V8 or V12 with special electronic controls that allow running on compressed hydrogen or gasoline. BMW has spent big on developing this bi-fuel system, and apparently feels it's now ready for consumers. Though no one else is following BMW down this road to the "hydrogen age," the company believes its approach is more acceptable in the luxury class than a gas/electric powertrain. It also claims the technology offers near-zero-emissions benefits today, and is much cheaper than hydrogen fuel cells that won't be practical or affordable for some years yet. Again, no word on timing, but you can bet the hydrogen 7 will be a costly, limited-production item.
2005 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
No opportunity to test 745Li or 760i, but curb weights of long-wheelbase models are within 100 lb of shorter versions. The 745i 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.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
No opportunity to test 745Li or 760i, but curb weights of long-wheelbase models are within 100 lb of shorter versions. The 745i 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
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium-grade fuel required.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.1 |
Test 745i averaged 17.0 mpg, helped by a long highway trip. Test 760Li averaged 14.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Premium-grade fuel required.
Ride Quality
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.
| 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
Sportiest premium-luxury sedan. Never feels ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. Steering alert, turn-in crisp, grip tenacious.
| 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. Steering alert, turn-in crisp, grip tenacious.
Quietness
Wind a murmur. Engine hits rich note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 8.5 |
Wind a murmur. Engine hits rich note at full throttle, hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise not as hidden as in Lexus, Mercedes-Benz rivals.
Controls
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. 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. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambience.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 6.2 |
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. 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. Quality materials and generous use of wood gives the interior a sophisticated, modern-furniture ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
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-the-shoulder vision.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.7 |
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-the-shoulder vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Li models shame some limousines. Doors could open wider for easier foot clearance, though.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 10 | 8.3 |
Lap of luxury, especially for two adults. Li models shame some limousines. 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 the push of a button. Cabin storage good.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
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
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.
| 745i | 745i w/19-inch wheels | 760Li | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 2 | 5.7 |
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 |
| 69 | 68 | 66 | 68.2 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 58 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 79 |
2005 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/28/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 745i 4-door sedan | $69,900 | $63,790 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 745Li 4-door sedan | $73,900 | $67,430 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 760i 4-door sedan | $109,900 | $100,190 | $695 |
|
|
|||
| 760Li 4-door sedan | $117,300 | $106,925 | $695 |
Price note: 760i, 760Li add $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
745i/745Li
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, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, Active Roll Stabilization, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, 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/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, navigation system, cellular telephone, BMW Assist system, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), passenger-seat memory (745Li), 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, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer and heated washer jets, 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase (745Li), rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, 245/50VR18 tires, alloy wheels.
760i adds to 745i:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front and rear seats, 16-way front ventilated and massaging power seats, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Electronic shock-absorber control, self-leveling rear suspension, 245/40VR20 front tires, 275/35VR20 rear tires.
760Li adds to 760i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
10-way power ventilated rear seat, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power-closing doors and decklid, heated steering wheel, power rear and side sunshades, 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase, alcantara headliner.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/45WR19 front tires, 275/40WR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
745i, 745Li
|
$3,200
|
$2,910
|
|
Sport seats and steering wheel, special wood interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim, color-keyed roof-rail trim (745Li), sport suspension, 245/45WR19 front and 275/40WR19 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, passenger-seat memory (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, 760i
|
$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 sack.
|
||
|
Premium Sound Pkg.
|
||
|
745i, 745Li
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Rear side airbags
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$385
|
$350
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Active cruise control
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$2,200
|
$2,000
|
|
Keyless access and starting
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
Rear dual-zone climate controls
|
||
|
760Li
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
Includes armrest cool box. Deletes ski sack.
|
||
|
Front Comfort Seats
|
||
|
745i
|
$1,400
|
$1,275
|
|
745i w/Sport Pkg.
|
$900
|
$820
|
|
16-way ventilated comfort front seats w/multiple backrest adjustments, front passenger-seat memory.
|
||
|
Ventilated comfort rear seats
|
||
|
745Li
|
$3,500
|
$3,185
|
|
Requires Luxury Seating Pkg.
|
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
745i, 745Li
|
$500
|
$455
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
745i, 745Li, 760i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
745i, 745Li require heated front seats.
|
||
|
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$2,200
|
$2,000
|
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$595
|
$540
|
|
Satellite radio prep
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$75
|
$70
|
|
High gloss wood interior trim
|
||
|
745i, 745Li
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Power rear and side sunshades
|
||
|
745i, 745Li, 760i
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
Ski sack
|
||
|
760i
|
$150
|
$135
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Security glass
|
||
|
745i/745Li, 760Li, 760i
|
$2,600
|
$2,365
|
|
245/45WR19 front tires/275/40WR19 rear tires
|
||
|
745i, 745Li
|
$1,300
|
$1,185
|
|
245/50VR18 tires
|
||
|
760Li
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
2005 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 7-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 7-Series (long wheelbase) 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 7-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 7-Series (long wheelbase) 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
Also in the 2005 BMW 7-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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