BMW 7 Series

Before the 7 Series

BMW's first post-war attempt at a large luxury car was the BMW 501, built from 1952 to 1964. In the difficult economy of post-war Germany it sold so poorly that it almost ruined the company. It was later followed by the E3 saloons, which proved very successful: buyers liked the styling, and they could choose inline six-cylinder engines of 2.5 to 3.3 litres, with Bosch fuel injection on the more expensive versions. The E3 laid the groundwork for the 7 Series, from its engines to its design cues. More of the brand's models are in our BMW catalogue, and its long-time rival is covered in Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

First generation: E23 (1977–1986)

The E23 was presented and put into production in 1977 and was built until 1986, when the E32 replaced it; around 285,000 were sold. At the end of the 1970s BMW organised its range into series by size and equipment, and the 7 Series became the most luxurious, taking on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class directly.

Design and cabin

The E23's styling took account of crash tests, so safety was considered alongside driving qualities. Facelifted cars built from 1983 can be recognised by wider kidney grilles. The E23 had chrome trim around the windows, grille and mirrors, gently flared wheel arches and small rectangular fog lights in the front bumper, with large tail lights and a big boot lid at the rear.

Even in the late 1970s the cabin used fine leather upholstery and wood inserts on the centre console and doors. The driver had a large, thin-rimmed four-spoke steering wheel and clear instruments, including a check-control panel that reported faults and a service-interval indicator — remarkable for the time. The centre console was already angled towards the driver. There was plenty of space front and rear, and the boot held 481 litres.

Engines and chassis

The E23 used refined versions of BMW's M30 inline six with two valves per cylinder, carried over from the E3. Most were fuel-injected using Bosch electronics, though some early versions had carburettors. The most popular was the 3.4-litre with 160 kW (218 PS) and 310 Nm, which reached 100 km/h in about 8 seconds and 217 km/h; it used about 17 l/100 km in town and 8 l/100 km on the open road. From 1980 the BMW 745i added a turbocharged six. Gearboxes were manual or automatic, all cars were rear-wheel drive, and the E23 had fully independent coil-spring suspension, power steering and disc brakes all round with ABS available. It was soft, comfortable and smooth.

Second generation: E32 (1986–1994)

The E32 brought together BMW's latest technology. Production of the 735i began in June 1986, followed by the 730i in December. A long-wheelbase iL version added 114 mm of rear legroom. In total 311,068 E32s were built. Styled by Ercole Spada with Hans Kerschbaum under chief designer Claus Luthe, it was longer, more modern and full of advanced electronics, including dual-zone climate control, BMW's first traction control (ASC) and, in 1991 on the 750iL, the first series-production xenon low-beam headlights.

Design and cabin

The E32 kept a recognisable, purposeful face with four round headlights and a slim bumper with rectangular fog lights. Elegant multi-spoke wheels, flared arches, mouldings and chrome trim completed a restrained, stylish look. Ground clearance was 140 mm.

Build quality and materials improved noticeably. Electric front seats with memory and an electrically adjustable steering column were available on many versions, and some cars had four-zone climate control. Switches were spread more logically across the dashboard. Equipment included electric windows and mirrors, an on-board computer, BMW Bavaria cassette and CD audio systems, at least two airbags, and on luxury versions a BMW car phone. Sound insulation is excellent even by today's standards, the wood trim is real, and the leather rear seat is roomy; some cars had picnic tables, footrests and even a refrigerator. A second battery in the boot supported the electronics. The boot holds 500 litres, though the loading lip is high.

Engines and drivetrain

According to published figures, the 740i reached 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and 240 km/h, and the 750i offered similar performance with slightly higher consumption. Base versions had a five-speed manual, while others used four- or five-speed ZF automatics; all were rear-wheel drive. Suspension used a double-joint front axle and semi-trailing arms at the rear with anti-roll bars, and Servotronic speed-sensitive steering made parking almost effortless.

Third generation: E38 (1994–2001)

BMW unveiled the E38 on 18 February 1994, and it went on sale in Germany in June 1994. It was built until 27 July 2001, when the E65 replaced it, with 340,242 cars produced. Many enthusiasts consider it the last "classic" 7 Series, and it became a film star in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997).

Design and cabin

The E38 kept twin round headlights, now under a single glass cover, with a long bonnet incorporating the kidney grille, a bumper with plastic and chrome elements and fog lights. Gently flared arches, a chrome-topped side moulding and a large glass area gave it a sporty, taut look despite its size; ground clearance was 120 mm. The long boot lid sat above neat oval tail lights.

The cabin combined attractive design, carefully thought-out ergonomics and high-quality materials. A four-spoke multifunction steering wheel controlled the radio, cruise control and air recirculation, and the centre console, angled towards the driver, held the audio and dual-zone climate controls with micro and activated-carbon filters. The wide, firm front seats suit almost any build. The rear seats three, though it is best for two, and the long-wheelbase iL (140 mm longer) gives limousine-like legroom. The boot holds 500 litres. From 1997 BMW also built the L7, a stretched limousine based on the 750iL, 250 mm longer again; 899 were made.

Engines and drivetrain

The E38 was the first 7 Series with a diesel engine and the last with a manual gearbox: five-speed manuals were offered on smaller engines and a six-speed on the 740i, with a five-speed automatic on all models. All versions were rear-wheel drive. According to published figures, the slowest version reached 100 km/h in 12.2 seconds and the fastest in 6.8 seconds, with top speeds of 202 to 250 km/h. Suspension was fully independent, and all four brakes were ventilated discs. The E38 was the first car with tubular curtain airbags and the first European car with satellite navigation, and armoured Protection versions were offered in 2000–2001.