Any experts on the 7-series out there..??

[turbo tim]

Can anyone give me a brief history of the previous model 7-series (not sure of the E-number), but this one....



Basically, I'd just like to know 'what was changed when' during it's model-life i.e when it was introduced, and when any minor/major facelifts took place (and what was involved)?

Thanks all

[off_again]

Crikey, not really up on my 7's. But, introduced around the same time as the E39 and its the E38. Basically the same engines, electrics and loads of other stuff as the E39 5, just bigger. About the same time as the 5 was refreshed the 7 was too. So it got the clear lenses, updated wheels and interior about 1999.

That particular picture has had a lot done to it. Its got chromed replica wheels and non-standard lights. Hate to think about the interior. A bit to bling for me...

[Andrew D]

Yeah, similar engines to the E39 5-Series except for the 750i, which has a V12 under the hood and is a real beast! You can also get it in Imola Red, making it probably the coolest mega-barge ever! (although the one in the picture could use a wash!)



More details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E39

Not wild about the one in your picture, looks a little bit "slammed" for my taste.

Edited by Andrew D on Tuesday 4th July 07:53

[turbo tim]

Andrew D said:

More details at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E39

Top link!

Andrew D said:

Not wild about the one in your picture, looks a little bit "slammed" for my taste.

I like it.

[turbo tim]

Partly inspired by the ‘barge bargain’ thread, and partly by the fact that the car pictured in my opening post is back for sale right here on the PH classifieds (using the same photos that the original seller used!), I’m seriously tempted to buy one of these for wafting up and down the motorways.

Anyway, the reason for reviving this thread is that, although I really, really want a LWB, which dictates I must have either the 740iL or the 750iL, is the fuel economy going to be drastically worse than the 728i? My thinking is that, althogh smaller engines tend to be more economical, the bigger engine doesn't have to work as hard to move the 2 tons of metal, and therefore won't be drastically worse in terms of fuel consumption whilst motorway cruising.

Any owners out there that can share their MPG's for either model?

Thanks.

[StuB]

I think the larger engined cars are worse on economy than the 2.8 & 3.0's. My local indie has run a 740iL for a while and says it's chronic around town, but he loves the car and doesn't do many miles.

Check the 7 series Technical forum for lots of useful stuff.

[Umar B]

I've got a 728i which has the sraight 6. it certainly no slouch! i've found it great around town but was really happy with a long run to Leeds, thats 200 miles from Slough,it only cost me £30 all the way there! OK so there wasn't that much traffic on the M1 but even so i still managed to get just over 40 mpg.

I was really please with that as i thougth i'd have to spend my entire months wages on petrol

Have a read of www.bmw7resource.co.uk/forum/index.php and also www.bmwland.co.uk/talker/portal.php as these are good websites for the 7.

Hope that helps a bit

[derin100]

I've had two E38 740i's in the past:

www.bmwclassics.co.uk/blue740i/index.html

And

www.bmwclassics.co.uk/740i/bmwc_740i_23.html

Both were the fitted with the later M62 4.4L engines. I never drove either in a town setting but on the open road on two long journeys in each (Motorway plus A-roads) the green one did an average of just over 29 mpg...the blue one managed 31 mpg and whilst I was 'booting' them I wasn't crawling along either.

[Umar B]

derin100 said:

I've had two E38 740i's in the past:

www.bmwclassics.co.uk/740i/bmwc_740i_23.html

wow! that one is near as makes no difference the same as mine, apart from mine being a 728i

i thing the coloe combo of green/tan leather is one of the nicer ones i've seen...

[agent006]

turbo tim said:

I really, really want a LWB, which dictates I must have either the 740iL or the 750iL

Have seen a 730iL for sale abroad. So if you're REALLY deperate, try investigating Japan Oz and Cyprus cars.

[turbo tim]

agent006 said:

turbo tim said:

I really, really want a LWB, which dictates I must have either the 740iL or the 750iL

Have seen a 730iL for sale abroad. So if you're REALLY deperate, try investigating Japan Oz and Cyprus cars.

Thanks. Didn't know they did any other LWB's other then the 740iL & 750iL....

[turbo tim]

someone on another website said:

There are several things to watch for. I would avoid anything without a full history and excellent service records. I would also lean towards a CPO or aftermarket warranty.

Some things to check:
Loosing pixel display in temperature, mileage display.
Catalytic converters failing
Power steering hoses leaking
Cup holders failing
Nikasil engine block problems in 95 V8
Oil pump bolts backing out, generally pre 99 years
Radiator failures. Plastic neck breaking, all years
A/C stepper motors failing.
Original Water pumps with plastic impellers failing
Coolant thermostat failing
Poor quality jack
Electric cooling fan failing in year 98 and newer
Sunroof wind noise
CD player skipping in models older than 97
Older A/C temperature displays failing
Phones not being upgradeable without major cost or modifications
A/C drain lines need re-routing to stop gurgling sound


Summary of model years:

1996
New 4.4 liter engine. Horsepower remained the same but torque went up from 295@4500 rpm to 310@3900 rpm. Standard steel sunroof changed, glass moonroof instead.

1997
Side impact airbags standard for front seat passengers. Navigation system became available but fitted into few cars.

1998
DSC became standard. HPS head airbags also standard and rear-seat side airbags optional. Navigation system more available. New AC control panel as well (although this was retrofitted to many pre-98 cars).

1999
Mild face-lift with scalloped headlights, crystalized taillamps, door scoop illumination, and chrome strip on the trunk. The 4.4 liter engine receives VANOS variable valve timing and torque rises from 310 to 324. Updated side skirts without the round hole plugs for the jack. Sport package consisting of 18-inch rims, blackout trim, lower gear ratio, and vavona redwood interior trim became available on the 740i.

2000
Features as standard that were options before. Xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, headlight washer nozzles, Navigation, DSP stereo with cassette in the dash and 6 disk changer in the trunk. Sport package became available on 740iL/750iL models, sans the lower gearing.

2001
For the last year, they added body colored side skirts, and front and rear air dams (all were black until 2001) and crystal clear turn signals. Features as standard that were options before, Star tac phone with mayday system, 16 way comfort seats, side airbags with head protection skirts. Mid year (9/00 production and later) they changed to a wide navigation screen.