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2008 BMW 7-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2008 BMW 7-Series Review:
5.
6.
BMW 7-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 BMW 7-Series Review
There are no changes of note to the 2008 BMW 7-Series lineup, which includes the 750i, 750Li, Alpina B7, and 760Li. The "L" versions of BMW's flagship sedan ride a 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase. The 750i and 750Li have a 360-horsepower V8. The Alpina B7 has a supercharged 500-hp 4.4-liter V8. The 760Li has a 438-horsepower V12. All 7s have a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel buttons for manual control. ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counter body lean are standard. So are front knee airbags, front side airbags, and head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. Included on 760Li and optional for 750s is an Adaptive Ride Package with driver-adjustable suspension. V8s offer an optional Sport Package with firmer suspension and 20-inch wheels. A navigation system and wireless cell phone link are standard, as is BMW's iDrive control for audio, navigation, and climate settings. The Alpina B7 includes sport suspension, uprated brakes, 21-inch tires, heated and cooled front seats with 20-way power adjustment, and keyless access and starting. All models include steering-linked headlights, front/rear obstacle detection, and BMW Assist emergency/concierge service. Also available are DVD entertainment and keyless entry and starting.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
News
Industry moles say a redesigned 7-Series is due in the U.S. during calendar 2008 as an '09 model. The current design, launched for 2002, generated controversy with its un-BMW styling and complicated iDrive systems controller. It will be interesting to see whether the replacement will be so daring. Sources say a new 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard for the next 7-Series, then spread to other BMW models early in the next decade.
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2008 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
Both the base V8 and V12 engines provide effortless high-speed cruising but also suffer a delay in low-speed throttle response. A test 750i did 5.7 seconds 0-60 mph. Long-wheelbase 750s are less than 100 lb heavier than shorter versions and have similar performance. BMW claims the V12 does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, reflecting its narrow performance advantage at low to medium speeds, though highway passing power is stronger. No Alpina B7 models have been made available for us to test.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Both the base V8 and V12 engines provide effortless high-speed cruising but also suffer a delay in low-speed throttle response. A test 750i did 5.7 seconds 0-60 mph. Long-wheelbase 750s are less than 100 lb heavier than shorter versions and have similar performance. BMW claims the V12 does 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, reflecting its narrow performance advantage at low to medium speeds, though highway passing power is stronger. No Alpina B7 models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
Test 750i averaged 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test 760Li averaged 11.5 mpg in mostly city driving, 20.8 mpg in mostly highway use. All 7-Series cars require premium-grade gas.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 5 | 2 | 3.3 |
Test 750i averaged 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test 760Li averaged 11.5 mpg in mostly city driving, 20.8 mpg in mostly highway use. All 7-Series cars require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The 7-Series is a model of smooth discipline, though the 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All 7s are less isolated than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement but are never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19- and 20-inch tires thump more over sharp bumps than some luxury buyers may like, especially in tandem with sport suspension.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 9 | 8 | 8.2 |
The 7-Series is a model of smooth discipline, though the 760Li exhibits occasional mild float and bob on wavy surfaces. All 7s are less isolated than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class on flawed pavement but are never uncomfortable. Low-profile 19- and 20-inch tires thump more over sharp bumps than some luxury buyers may like, especially in tandem with sport suspension.
Steering/Handling/Braking
These are the sportiest premium-luxury sedans, and despite their heft, never feel ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. Alert steering, crisp turn-in, tenacious grip, and excellent brakes are 7-Series trademarks.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
These are the sportiest premium-luxury sedans, and despite their heft, never feel ponderous. Active Roll Stabilization uncannily quells most body lean. Alert steering, crisp turn-in, tenacious grip, and excellent brakes are 7-Series trademarks.
Quietness
Wind rush is just a murmur at highway speeds. Engines hit rich notes at full throttle but are hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise is low, if not as muted as in Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Wind rush is just a murmur at highway speeds. Engines hit rich notes at full throttle but are hardly noticed otherwise. Tire noise is low, if not as muted as in Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals.
Controls
Instrumentation is clear and simple, but the steering wheel blocks access to the wiper, cruise, and headlight switches. Other controls are needlessly unconventional. The gearshift, for example, is a small flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. The dashboard has conventional controls for only basic audio and climate adjustments. Everything else requires using iDrive with its many distracting menus and settings, plus a display screen that washes out in bright sunlight.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 5.9 |
Instrumentation is clear and simple, but the steering wheel blocks access to the wiper, cruise, and headlight switches. Other controls are needlessly unconventional. The gearshift, for example, is a small flipper with push/pull activation that's not self-evident. The dashboard has conventional controls for only basic audio and climate adjustments. Everything else requires using iDrive with its many distracting menus and settings, plus a display screen that washes out in bright sunlight.
Details
Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 8.4 |
Top-notch materials and generous use of wood give interiors a sophisticated, modern ambience.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, and range of adjustment make for comfortable driver seating, though really tall drivers may wish the 750i had more seat travel. Front headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 8.8 |
Firm, roomy seats with fine contour, support, and range of adjustment make for comfortable driver seating, though really tall drivers may wish the 750i had more seat travel. Front headrests interfere with over-the-shoulder view.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Two adults enjoy spacious opulence. Li models even shame some limousines. Still, doors could open wider for easier foot clearance.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 8 | 10 | 7.9 |
Two adults enjoy spacious opulence. Li models even shame some limousines. Still, doors could open wider for easier foot clearance.
Cargo Room
Large, handsomely finished trunk can hold four golf bags crosswise. Available power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage is good, not great.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Large, handsomely finished trunk can hold four golf bags crosswise. Available power lid opens and closes at the push of a button. Cabin storage is good, not great.
Value within Class
Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. It's also spacious and very comfortable, affording true first-class travel. Workmanship matches the lofty pricing, but BMW's iDrive control makes many simple adjustments frustratingly complex.
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 5 | 2 | 5.5 |
Smooth, powerful, and athletic, the 7-Series has precious few dynamic flaws. It's also spacious and very comfortable, affording true first-class travel. Workmanship matches the lofty pricing, but BMW's iDrive control makes many simple adjustments frustratingly complex.
Total Score
| 750i | 760Li | Class Average |
| 77 | 72 | 74.7 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2008 BMW 7-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/12/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 750i 4-door sedan | $75,800 | $69,735 | $775 |
|
|
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| 750Li 4-door sedan | $78,900 | $72,590 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| Alpina B7 4-door sedan | $115,000 | $105,800 | $775 |
|
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| 760Li 4-door sedan | $122,600 | $112,790 | $775 |
Price note: Alpina B7 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. 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
750i/750Li
Powertrain
4.8-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, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, navigation system w/voice recognition, BMW Assist system, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), leather upholstery, heated 16-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, cooled center console, wood interior trim, heated power-folding 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-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/deicer and heated washer jets, 5.5-inch-longer wheelbase (750Li), rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, headlight washers, fog lights, Active Roll Stabilization, 245/50R18 tires, alloy wheels.
Alpina B7 adds to 750i/750Li:
Powertrain
4.4-liter supercharged V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled 20-way front seats, heated rear seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, alcantara headliner, keyless access and starting, power closing doors and trunklid, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, satellite radio, power rear and side sunshades.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 235/35ZR21 front tires, 285/30ZR21 rear tires.
760Li adds to 750i/750Li:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated steering wheel, front massaging and ventilated seats, 14-way power heated/ventilated rear seats, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, upgraded sound system, power closing doors and trunklid, power rear and side sunshades, alcantara headliner, 5.5-inch longer wheelbase.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension, 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
750i, 750Li
|
$3,000
|
$2,730
|
|
Sport steering wheel, special wood interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim, sport suspension, 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear performance tires, unique alloy wheels.
|
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Luxury Seating Pkg.
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||
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750i, 750Li
|
$2,200
|
$2,000
|
|
Heated rear seats, front ventilated seats, active and massaging driver seat, heated steering wheel, power rear sunshade and manual side sunshades, ski sack. NA w/Cold Weather Pkg.
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Adaptive Ride Pkg.
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750i, 750Li
|
$1,900
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$1,730
|
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Electronic shock absorber control, load-leveling suspension.
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Convenience Pkg.
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750i, 750Li
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
Automatic soft-close doors, power trunklid opening and closing.
|
||
|
Cold Weather Pkg.
|
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750i, 750Li
|
$700
|
$635
|
|
Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, ski sack.
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Premium Sound Pkg.
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750i, 750Li
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
|
In-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, upgraded sound system.
|
||
|
BMW Individual Composition
|
||
|
750i, 750Li
|
$11,000
|
$9,300
|
|
760Li
|
$10,000
|
$8,300
|
|
Full leather upholstery, alcantara headliner, illuminated door sills, unique interior trim, 20-inch alloy wheels. NA w/Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
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Safety |
||
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Rear side airbags
|
||
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750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
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$385
|
$350
|
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Night vision
|
||
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750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
|
$2,200
|
$1,695
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
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750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
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$2,400
|
$2,135
|
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Keyless access and starting
|
||
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750i, 750Li, 760Li
|
$1,000
|
$910
|
|
Rear dual-zone climate controls
|
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760Li
|
$1,800
|
$1,640
|
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Includes armrest cool box. Deletes ski sack.
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Ventilated comfort rear seats
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750Li
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$3,500
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$3,185
|
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Requires Luxury Seating Pkg.
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DVD entertainment system
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750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
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$2,200
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$2,000
|
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High definition radio
|
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750i/750Li, 760Li, Alpina B7
|
$350
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$315
|
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Satellite radio
|
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750i, 750Li, 760Li
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$595
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$540
|
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High gloss wood interior trim
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750i, 750Li
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$0
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$0
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Power rear and side sunshades
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750i, 750Li
|
$750
|
$685
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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750i, 750Li, 760Li
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$3,000
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$2,750
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Requires BMW Individual Composition.
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245/45R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires
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750i, 750Li
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$1,300
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$1,185
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245/50R18 tires
|
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760Li
|
$0
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$0
|
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 BMW 7-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 7-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 7-Series Li 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 117.7 | 123.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 198.4 | 203.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.9 | 74.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.7 | 58.4 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4486 | 4552 |
| 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 | 43.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | Supercharged dohc V8 | dohc V12 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.8 /293 | 4.4 /268 | 6.0 /364 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 360 @ 6300 | 500 @ 5500 | 438 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 360 @ 3400 | 516 @ 4250 | 444 @ 3950 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed automatic | 15/23 | 14/21 | 13/20 |
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 Li 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 BMW 7-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BMW 7-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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