BY Phil Vivash BMW 7 Series (1986 - 1994) Car Review"
BMW's biggest, the Seven series, introduced just as the roaring Eighties were getting into full swing, launched the company into the big time. The first 'Seven', which dates from the late Seventies, never quite cut it in the executive car park prestige stakes. In contrast, the replacement model's fine-handling chassis and high-tech engineering put the big BMW firmly into Mercedes and Jaguar territory. For the first time, the Bavarians had built a big car without compromises. The 'Seven's' handling and ride changed people's minds about big BMWs - no longer were they seen as unpredictable, hard-riding and unreliable. Which was just as well, since the Seven arrived in late 1986, just in time to challenge Jaguar's new XJ40 for the luxury car crown.
History The first cars reached the UK in November 1986. There were two six-cylinder models at launch, a 3.0-litre 730i and a 3.5-litre 735i. The V12 750i and 750iL (long wheelbase) arrived in late 1987 and offered true supercar performance. Top speed was electronically limited to 155mph, surpassing Jaguar's XJ12 models. Both six and twelve cylinder cars came well-equipped with trip computer, electric windows, mirrors and seats as well as ABS. The launch of the Lexus LS400 with its standard 4.0-litre V8 caused all the luxury car makers to introduce new, smoother powerplants to equal the standard set by the Japanese newcomer. BMW replaced the Seven's original engines in June 1992 with new three and four-litre V-eights, called 730i and 740i. The 750i and L continued unchanged Changes were few over the life of the model. A driver's airbag arrived for the 750 in early 1992, but not until September 1993 for the other models. A replacement 'Seven' arrived in 1994. Initially, there were 3.0 and 4.0-litre V8 engines (these were replaced by uprated 3.5 and 4.4-litre V8 units in 1996 but the badge designation stayed the same). A V12 5.4-litre 750i flagship arrived in December 1994 and a 2.8-litre entry-level 728i variant in 1996. In autumn 1998, the range was subtly revised with a new front end. The 728i version had BMWs latest double-VANOS six cylinder engine and equipment upgrades were made across the range.
Opinion All the luxury and gadgets you could possibly want, and then some. Try radar parking-sensors built into the back bumper of some models... What attracted most buyers to the Seven was its solidity with a dash of sportiness - often lacking in some of its rivals. You can throw the big BMW around and it won't bite back, unlike its predecessors.
Performance 6 Comfort 7 Handling 9 Economy 6 Image 4 Styling 6 Equipment 6 Build 8 Depreciation 10 Insurance 5 Cost The Second generation model was in production for eight years and prices vary enormously between early and late cars. The V12-engined 750 suffered horrendous depreciation to the point where cars sold new for £50,000 can be had for a fraction of that now. If you fancy the V12, look before you leap as big bills can be waiting if maintenance has been neglected. These old 7s are getting on in years now so its best to price each car on an individual basis after checking it over thoroughly.
Problems? In a word, electronics. These are complicated cars and used pioneering technology, especially the V12 models. Stories of giant bills to fix wayward electronic power steering and automatic transmission exist, though they are by no means common. Like any high-performance car, the Seven will give you unrivalled pleasure if it's been well-maintained. If not, look hard before you buy - a 750i in need of a new engine is a scary thought. A full service history must be your starting point with any once-expensive luxury or high performance car. Main dealers will have a good selection of pampered cars so compare the quality of these with the cheaper private examples to see if the extra is worth paying for a dealer warranty and possible peace of mind.
Parts (Approx - based on an L reg 740i) A replacement clutch is around £130, while a full exhaust should be just under. New front brake pads weigh in around £50 and an alternator (exchange) roughly £230.
Road Much more a driver's car than the equivalent Mercedes or possibly Jaguar, though some would take issue with the latter. Designed to sit at 150mph all day and transport German businessmen between cities in comfort and style. In the UK, they make excellent motorway cruisers (if you can with the fuel bills, particularly the five-litre V12's) and most will have spent their life doing just that. Venture onto a B road and the Seven may surprise you. The Ultimate Driving Machine slogan may be overstating it a little, but this is a big car that knows how to hustle.
Overall Typically BMW - the aggressive "lean-forward" look, inspired handling and great road-holding make this one executive car that's anything but soft. A car for executives who want to drive themselves home - why let some chauffeur have all the fun?
Insurance & Finance You have read the review now, so the next step is to find out the cost of financing and insuring this BMW.
Large,Luxurious.
Bit Juicy,Parts Scarce.
Reviewing a 1993 model.
730i Switchable Auto.
Owned for more than 5 years.
Had a 728i e38 for 5 years now.Wish i never bought it. Low MPG heavy and underpowerd and expensive to fix.seems to go through sensors every few months and was charged over £1000 to fix cooling system by a dealer.has a nagging cutting out problem for four years which the garages cant find, bmw want £800 to change the ecu which im not convinced will fix it.already spent over £600 on diagnostic checks and fuel pump and still no nearer. If you want a car that will give you sleepless nights then this could be the car for you.
build and finish is excellant ,big car, cheap now to buy
low mpg ,reliability,bmw dealers,expensive to run,cost of parts
Just bought a 1996 740i. My first 7 series. What an incredible machine! Truly awesome performance delivered in the most silky smooth manner. I doubt I will ever drive anything else again.
1990 H 730i SE Auto with leather in silver metallic, FSH 130,000 miles, £2050, must be a bargain. Bought 6 months & 10K miles ago & marvellous to drive. Watch the fan belt hits the bottom hose - it actuallly broke down, and the climate is a nightmare as it does what it wants! Also the 3.0 litres straight six needs a new cam to cure the tapping (£1000), but I live with that. Overall, excellent continent cruiser; whatever & whenever the usual idiots move over (accellerating) to eventually let you past, it takes them with ease; 23+ mpg & 140mph, and it looks the bees knees!
m-plate 740i. Stunning would be an understatement; bought it at 83k, trading in tomorrow at 88k after a year and if I had the space I'd be keeping it. Whether I do short runs in town or 1,000 miles in Europe at 120mph it never misses a beat. 5-speed auto has more brains than the driver, comfort seats are best i've ever tried, PDC (parking radar) turns you into the reverse-parking king...
Two downsides, one big, the other small. Lots of the early 4.0 litre engines had to be replaced under warranty due to bore wear (UK petrol has too much sulphur in it, say BMW), and if yours hasn't suffered then it will be priced down because people are scared of buying outside warranty and having to spring for a new short block. So check for an engine replacement before you buy! Later 4.4's (P plate and on, I think) don't have this problem.
The other niggle is that the stereo is fully integrated and a very non-standard size & shape, so upgrades are impossible. Furthermore the speaker enclosures in the doors are tiddly, so it never quite sounds like it should.
Owned for 1 year.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed February 2003.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
Just bought 1996 740i in Boston Green with cream leather and all the toys. BMW replacement engine only 30,000 miles ago. What a car! £50k+ motoring for under £10k.
Owned for 1 month.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed July 2002.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
I have had a lot of cars but the 728 I have now is the best ever. Despite only being a 2.8 its not that slow thanks to the slickest box I have ever experienced. I am averaging 29 mpg and I paid less than £10k for it, as for servicing well its cost me less than my mates new ford in the last year. Insurance group 17 is high but not silly
Owned for 1 year.
Preloved Visitor
Reviewed October 2001.
Performance
Reliability
Parts Availability
Overall Value for Money
e38 7 series 1996 model - its a great car! bought it private with 105k on clock . now has 122k and i love it ! im a chauffeur and clients get into it and wont believe its age and mileage! its like new! 18" alloys and looks a million dollars! cost me under 10 grand ! all main dealer history which i am maintaining despite what might seem high costs its peace of mind. Buy wisely and enjoy looking like u just won the lottery!
Owned for 6 months.
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