BMW 7 Series Redesign In Depth

Press Release

Page 1 - Short Story
Page 2 - Facts and Figures
Page 3 - BMW 750i/Li and BMW 740i/Li
Page 4 - BMW 745d and BMW 730d
Page 5 - BMW 730i/Li
Page 6 - BMW 760i/Li
Page 7 - Chassis and Suspension
Page 8 - Design
Page 9 - iDrive Control Concept
Page 10 - New Equipment

Short Story:
The most successful BMW 7 Series of all times now ready for the second half of its model cycle

Driving dynamics and sporting performance enhanced significantly, luxury and presence further refined.

Starting in spring 2005, the most successful 7 Series in the history of BMW is once again setting the standard in the luxury performance class: With significantly enhanced performance on the same - to a certain extent even lower - fuel consumption, with optimised suspension features, the enhanced iDrive control system, and with equipment raised to a new, unprecedented level, the BMW 7 Series is once again substantiating its claim to leadership.

Refinement in design visibly expresses the car's enhanced driving dynamics and sporting performance at very first sight, unmistakable presence giving the BMW 7 Series its very own, elegant and charismatic character, as before.

Five out of six engines either new or thoroughly updated.

With the exception of the top-of-the-range V12 power unit in the BMW 760i/Li, the BMW 7 Series features a largely new range of power units as of spring 2005. Looking first at the models with an eight-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW 750i/Li and the BMW 740i/Li are replacing the former BMW 745i/Li and BMW 735i/Li. The BMW 740d is making way for the BMW 745d with its all-new eight-cylinder diesel engine, and the straight-six diesel power unit of the BMW 730d has been fundamentally revised and updated. The entry-level BMW 730i/Li, finally, now comes with the straight-six petrol engine featuring a composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase carried over from the BMW 630i.

Six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is standard on all models.

All engines excel through their high output per litre, their wide useful speed range, their "beefy" torque curve, excellent running refinement and moderate fuel consumption.

BMW 750i/Li and 740i/Li: More power on the same fuel as before.

The key power units driving BMW's luxury saloon featured in more than 60 per cent of all BMW 7 Series worldwide - the superior and refined eight-cylinder petrol engines with fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive - now come with even larger capacity than before, develop maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp and, respectively, 225 kW/306 hp, and offer peak torque of 490 Nm/361 lb-ft and, respectively, 390 Nm/287 lb-ft. And despite this significant increase in engine output and torque, naturally offering a far higher standard of performance, fuel consumption remains almost unchanged.

BMW 745d and 730d: A quantum leap in diesel engine technology. 

Introducing the all-aluminium crankcase, third-generation common rail technology complete with piezo-injection, and naturally complying with the EU4 emission norm with a particle filter fitted as standard, BMW is taking a quantum leap in diesel engine technology in the 7 Series: The eight-cylinder diesel engine in the BMW 745d is an all-new development - and with maximum output of 220 kW/300 hp as well as peak torque of 700 Nm/516 lb-ft all the way from 1,750-2,500 rpm, this engine sets the new benchmark in luxury saloons powered by a V8 diesel.

The high-torque straight-six diesel in the BMW 730d, in turn, which has been thoroughly revised and updated from the ground up, now develops maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp and peak torque of 520 Nm/383 lb-ft from 2,000-2,750 rpm.

The weight of the power units in the BMW 745d and 730d is down, thanks to the all-aluminium crankcase, by 30 and, respectively, 25 kg (66/55 lb), giving the two diesel models a new standard of agility and driving dynamics for a diesel in the luxury class.

Fuel consumption of both models has been further reduced despite
the significant increase in power and torque.

BMW 730i/Li: Straight-six petrol engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase.

BMW's new straight-six petrol engine with its composite magnesium/ aluminium crankcase and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive first introduced in the BMW 630i is now also available in the 7 Series. This engine offers not only the highest output per litre, but also the best power-to-weight ratio in its class, and therefore ranks unique as the most innovative petrol engine currently built in a large production series.

No less than 10 kg or 22 lb lighter than its predecessor, the new power unit develops 190 kW/258 hp, plus maximum torque of 300 Nm/221 lb-ft, consuming 4.7 per cent less fuel than the previous 730i, despite the increase in engine output by 12 per cent. 

BMW 760i/Li: Twelve-cylinder power unit with a unique combination of direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC.

Launched only a short time ago in 2003 in the BMW 760i/Li, the 12-cylinder power unit remains unchanged, with engine output, as before, of 327 kW/445 hp and maximum torque of 600 Nm/442 lb-ft. With its combination of four-valve technology, VALVETRONIC, double-VANOS and direct petrol injection, the BMW 760i/Li remains absolutely unique in the world market, VALVETRONIC being the major factor ensuring the engine's very high level of fuel economy under part load. Direct fuel injection, in turn, serves to increase both torque and output.             

New engines as part of BMW's power unit initiative for a supreme driving experience on the road: More power, greater efficiency, enhanced fuel economy, lower emissions.

Together with its ongoing model initiative, BMW is also taking an engine initiative highlighting the outstanding skills and competence of the Company in building extremely powerful engines leading in technology in every respect.

Examples of this superiority last year were the new 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine with its composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel with Variable Twin Turbo Technology in the BMW 535d, and, of course, the 5.0-litre V10 high-speed power unit in the BMW M5.

In the development of new power units, BMW's engineers carefully consider all parameters and components for their potentials, at the same time
querying virtually all conventional principles. The result is innovative materials, new machining processes, and optimised procedures in production. The BMW customer, in turn, receives far more powerful, lighter and cleaner engines offering a significantly higher standard of fuel economy. This is clearly borne out also by the engines now being introduced on a broad scale in the BMW 7 Series and ensuring an even more superior driving experience.

Efficient Dynamics: Overcoming conventional conflicts of interest.

Increasing engine output and torque while reducing fuel consumption, enhancing agility and nimble performance, and intensifying the experience of driving dynamics enjoyed by the customer: This is what BMW refers to as "Efficient Dynamics", the guiding principle underlying all BMW developments and innovations also in engine construction.

In a nutshell, Efficient Dynamics means consistently solving and eliminating conflicts of interest, since in conventional terms more power also means more fuel, more comfort means more weight, which again means more fuel, and so on and so forth. Particularly in the case of large luxury saloons such as the BMW 7 Series, solving such conflicts of interest is an especially great and demanding challenge.

BMW is able to escape this ongoing spiral through the use of intelligent materials and systems - for example with aluminium giving the chassis and suspension of the 7 Series its light-footed, nimble behaviour. Or through
the use of magnesium again a lot lighter than aluminium on the crankcase of BMW's innovative 3.0-litre petrol engine now also featured in the 7 Series.

Another outstanding example is the intensive research on hydrogen drive BMW has been pursuing for decades, again contributing to the concept of efficient dynamics. Indeed, a BMW 7 Series running on this environmentally-friendly fuel will be introduced into the market in the next few years as a series production model.

Optimised chassis and suspension - three suspension packages straight from the factory.

The BMW 7 Series featuring an aluminium suspension as standard offers supreme steering precision, exceptional agility, and well-balanced driving characteristics. As a result, the chassis and suspension of the 7 Series combines superior agility and sporting performance, on the one hand, with supreme comfort, on the other, thus offering the best of both worlds in every respect.

The chassis and suspension of the BMW 7 Series has now been updated and enhanced to an even higher standard. Apart from track wider by 14 millimetres or 0.55´´ and the enhanced axle kinematics both ensuring a positive influence on the car's driving dynamics, BMW is introducing an even wider range of choice and customisation on the chassis and suspension. In future, therefore, the customer will be able to choose from one standard suspension
set-up and two suspension packages with different qualities and features:

•      The upgraded and further enhanced series suspension continues to offer the superior dynamics and comfort in that unique balance so typical of BMW.

•      The high-end Adaptive Drive suspension now combines Dynamic Drive with BMW's EDC-C continuously adjustable damper control system, thus offering an unprecedented synthesis of supreme driving dynamics and maximum comfort on the road. Dynamic Drive almost completely eliminates body sway in bends and once again improves the car's steering behaviour on the road through the use of fully variable anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles. EDC-C, in turn, consistently adjusts damper characteristics to changing road, load and driving conditions, ranging from very comfortable to sporting and firm.

•      The Sports Package combines the sports set-up of the suspension with Dynamic Drive for a sporting driving experience dedicated to the genuine enthusiast.

As a result, BMW offers the widest choice of suspension control systems in the luxury saloon segment, naturally also including enhanced brakes reflecting the higher level of power and performance.

Refinement in Design: Even more sporting and dynamic, with unmistakable presence and elegance.

The enhanced performance and dynamic qualities of the BMW 7 Series ensured by the new engines are appropriately reflected by suitable refinements in design. Apart from the new, striking powerdome in the engine compartment lid, the kidney grille, the headlights and the front air dam have all been discreetly revised at the front end of the car. The rear, in turn, is characterised by surfaces and body panels with even clearer contours, a new chrome trim strip, modified tail lights and the re-designed rear air dam. At the side the even more pronounced light contour in the side-sills emphasizes the enhanced sportiness and dynamic character of the BMW 7 Series.

In all, therefore, BMW's luxury performance saloon preserves its powerful presence and clearly stands out on the road through its charismatic, elegant and truly unique appearance.

Inside the car, the unique feeling of luxury and peaceful tranquility has been further refined by the choice of materials and colours, the control elements taking up the main lines of the instrument panel. So again, the interior of the 7 Series is now even more luxurious and sophisticated in its style than before.

The iDrive Control Concept: Refined in its details and even more user-friendly than before.

BMW's iDrive control concept introduced by BMW in 2001 as a truly revolutionary philosophy in motoring copied several times in the meantime, has now been further refined in its details for an even higher standard of user-friendliness. In the process the ergonomically sensible combination of single-button control and the display monitor positioned in the top middle of the instrument panel has been consistently improved to an ongoing standard.

No other system in the market allows the driver to focus more consistently
on driving conditions and the traffic around him than BMW's iDrive control system.

The essential highlights of the updated iDrive control system in the BMW 7 Series are optimised menu guidance in the Control Display, revised menu presentation, and direct access to various entertainment functions, in particular direct selection of the audio source and the radio frequency band.

New features for extra safety, comfort and individual style.

Starting in spring 2005, the BMW 7 Series offers an even wider range of standard equipment and customisation options:

•      Xenon headlights and the headlight washer system are now standard on all models in the 7 Series. Adaptive Headlights remain an option.

•      White direction indicators are now also standard.

•      All BMW 7 Series now come with BMW's two-stage Brake Force Display: Whenever the driver applies the brakes harder than usual, motorists following from behind will be warned by larger and brighter brake lights.

•      With digital terrestrial television becoming increasingly popular, the BMW 7 Series is now also available with a DVB-T television set. Apart from receiving analogue television signals, the TV is
therefore now also in a position to receive digital television stations.

•      The optional CD changer is now also able to run MP3s.

•      The BMW Assist telematics service as well as the BMW Online internet portal both come as standard on all cars featuring a telephone and navigation system (only in markets where BMW Assist and BMW Online are offered).

 

•      Last but not least, the updated BMW 7 Series now offers a choice of four new paintwork and three new upholstery colours, as well as two new 18-inch wheels and one new set of 19-inch wheels.

Driving dynamics and sporting performance, luxury, presence
and elegance: The most successful 7 Series in the history of BMW.

Accounting for almost 160,000 units delivered to customers worldwide, the fourth-generation 7 Series is BMW's most successful luxury saloon so far. After 38 months in the market, the current 7 Series has outsold its - already very successful - predecessor by almost 8 per cent. And accounting for 57,899 units sold worldwide in 2003 alone, the BMW 7 Series in its best year so far outperformed the former model in its best year (1997) by almost 14 per cent.

In Germany the BMW 7 Series was the best-selling luxury saloon in 2004, and growth of BMW 7 Series sales in Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Oceania, and Africa has been truly impressive: Compared with its predecessor, the current 7 Series has more than doubled its sales volume within its lifecycle so far of 38 months.

Introducing the current 7 Series, BMW has succeeded in establishing a firm position in the luxury segment also in these up-and-coming markets, catching up with other regions where the 7 Series has always been strong by tradition - in particular Europe and North America.

Worldwide, the BMW 745i/Li featuring BMW's large V8 power unit is the best-selling model, accounting for more than 50 per cent of all sales. The long-wheelbase version, in turn, makes up more than half of all BMW 7 Series sold.

The BMW 7 Series combines two cars in one: On the one hand it is a genuine BMW with the virtues typical of the brand such as driving pleasure, agility, and nimble handling simply perfect for the ambitious self-driving customer. On the other hand the BMW 7 Series is a representative luxury saloon with very generous space and supreme comfort both front and rear, making the 7 Series the ideal saloon for driving with a chauffeur at the wheel.

More than any other car in the market, the 7 Series offers that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand not only in the classic sense of the word, but also in an even broader manner, offering the customer the sheer joy of being driven, too. Indeed, it is precisely this perfect blend of two worlds which customers appreciate particularly about BMW's luxury saloon, making this car the most successful 7 Series of all times.

 

Facts and Figures: The most important facts in brief

Figures in brackets are for the former engine and/or changes versus the former model. Performance and consumption figures relate to the variants with normal wheelbase.

750i/Li replacing 745i/Li: V8 petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS. Fundamental update and enhancement of the engine. 4,799 cc (4,398 cc, + 9 per cent). 270 kW/367 hp at 6,300 rpm (245 kW/333 hp, + 10 per cent). 490 Nm/361 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm (450 Nm/332 lb-ft, + 9 per cent). 0–100 km/h in 5.9 sec (6.3 sec, – 6 per cent). Top speed 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption
EU 11.4 ltr/100 km (24.8 mpg Imp) (+/– 0), EU 4 and ULEV II (EU 4/LEV).

740i/Li replacing 735i/Li: V8 petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS. Fundamental update and enhancement of the engine. 4,000 cc (3,600 cc, + 11 per cent). 225 kW/306 hp at 6,300 rpm (200 kW/272 hp, + 13 per cent). 390 Nm/265 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm (360 Nm/287 lb-ft, + 8 per cent). 0–100 km/h in 6.8 sec (7.5 sec, – 9 per cent). Top speed 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption EU 11.2 ltr/100 km (25.2 mpg Imp) (11.1 ltr/100 km, + 0.9 per cent), EU 4.

745d replacing 740d: V8 diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase (weight down by 30 kg/66 lb), piezo-injection technology and particle filter. New engine. 4,423 cc (3,901 cc, + 13 per cent). 220 kW/300 hp at 4,000 rpm (190 kW/258 hp, + 16 per cent). 700 Nm/516 lb-ft at 1,750–
2,500 rpm (600 Nm/442 lb-ft, + 17 per cent). 0–100 km/h in 6.8 sec (7.4 sec, – 8 per cent). Top speed 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption EU 9.5 ltr/100 km (297 mpg Imp) (9.7 ltr/100 km, – 2.1 per cent), EU 4 (EU 3).

730d: Straight-six diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase (weight down by 25 kg/55 lb), piezo-injection technology and particle filter. Fundamental update and enhancement of the engine. 2,993 cc (+/– 0). 170 kW/231 hp at 4,000 rpm (160 kW/218 hp, + 6 per cent). 520 Nm/383 lb-ft from 2,000–         2,750 rpm (500 Nm/369 lb/ft, + 4 per cent). 0–100 km/h in 7.8 sec (8.0 sec, – 3 per cent). Top speed 238 km/h (147 mph). Fuel consumption EU 8.2 ltr/100 km (34.4 mpg Imp) (8.5 ltr/100 km, – 3,5 per cent), EU 4 (EU 3).

730i/Li: New straight-six petrol engine with the world’s first composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase. 2,996 cc (+/– 0). 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm (170 kW/231 hp, + 12 per cent). 300 Nm/221 lb-ft from
2,500–4,000 rpm (300 Nm/221 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm). 0–100 km/h in 7.8 sec (8.0 sec, – 3 per cent). Top speed 244 km/h (151 mph). Fuel consumption EU 10.1 ltr/100 km (28.0 mpg Imp) (10.6 ltr/100 km, – 4,7 per cent), EU 4.

760i/Li: V12 with VALVETRONIC, double-VANOS and direct petrol injection. Unchanged. 5,972 cc. 327 kW/445 hp at 6,000 rpm. 600 Nm/442 lb-ft at 3,950 rpm. 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Top speed 250 km/h (155 mph). Fuel consumption EU 13.4 ltr/100 km (21.1 mpg Imp), EU 4.

Chassis and Suspension: Updated and enhanced. Three variants available straight from the factory. Standard suspension, high-end Adaptive Drive suspension, sports suspension. Rear track 14 millimetres/0.55´´ wider. Larger brakes reflecting the increase in engine power, varying from one to the other.

Safety: Two-stage automatic brake display and xenon headlights featured as standard.

Design: Elegant exterior with unmistakable presence. Particular focus on the car’s sporting performance and dynamic character featuring the powerdome at the front, the re-designed kidney grille, headlights and front air dam. Clearer contours around the rear with new chrome trim, new rear lights and new rear air dam. New light contour line on the side-sills. Interior with even more sophisticated materials and paint surfaces. Controls and switches with similar functions grouped optically.

Control, Communication and Entertainment: Optimisation of iDrive for even greater user-friendliness. CD changer able to run MP3s. Digital TV set for DVB-T.

 

BMW 750i/Li and 740i/Li: Even more power on the same fuel consumption as before

Fundamentally updated and modified key engines in the BMW 7 Series.
Following BMW’s innovative straight-six petrol and diesel engines which made their debut last year, BMW is now focusing on its V8 power units as the new highlight in the Company’s engine initiative. Accounting for almost 65 per cent of all BMW 7 Series delivered to customers, these key engines in the 7 Series have been fundamentally updated, offering significantly more power and thrust through their increase in size to 4.0 and, respectively, 4.8 litres. Fuel consumption nevertheless remains unchanged, the large V8 now also complying with the strict ULEV II US emission standard.

Unique smoothness and the perfect balance of sound make the BMW 7 Series with its new eight-cylinder power units an absolutely superior luxury saloon. At the same time the 750i/Li and the 740i/Li stand out as very sporting and dynamic cars boasting fast-revving and efficient power units responding spontaneously to the gas pedal.

In their overall combination of power and performance, fuel efficiency, responsiveness, and motoring refinement, the new BMW 7 Series with their eight-cylinder petrol engines rank right at the top of their respective segments.

The new BMW 750i/Li with its 4.8-litre eight-cylinder

 

Significant improvement of all dynamic driving data.

The larger of BMW’s two V8 power units featured in the new 750i/Li displaces 4,799 cc and develops maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp at 6,300 rpm. Given this kind of power, the dynamic 750i accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds (750Li: 6.0 seconds). Maximum torque is a substantial 490 Nm/361 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm, and it almost goes without saying that the car complies with the EU 4 emission standard.

Versus the former 4.4-litre power unit, engine output is up by 10 per cent (previously 245 kW/333 hp) and torque by 9 per cent (previously 450 Nm/332lb-ft). Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is 6 per cent faster than before (previously 6.3 sec). Despite the larger size of the engine, a lot more power and torque, and even more dynamic acceleration, fuel consumption remains unchanged in the EU cycle at 11.4 ltr/100 km (24.8 mpg Imp) and the new 750i/Li have been upgraded in their fulfilment of US emission standards, with an improvement from LEV to ULEV II.

Best-in-class up to 5.0 litres.

Offering truly outstanding power and performance, the 750i/Li featuring BMW VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS play a leading role in the segment of luxury saloons with engines between 4.0 and 5.0 litres capacity. Maximum output of 270 kW/367 hp is an outstanding figure in this segment reflected by appropriate acceleration both from a standstill and at speed.

The most impressive point, however, is the overall package offered by the 750i/Li, making it quite unique in the market: The BMW 750i/Li ensures exceptional engine response and rapid reaction in all driving situations, offering ample power and performance reserves whenever and wherever required. Again reflecting that typical BMW style, the eight-cylinder revs up quickly and smoothly like a turbine, giving both the driver and the passengers an extremely sporting and dynamic driving experience based on supreme agility and nimble handling.

At the same time the BMW 750i/Li offers sheer supremacy in all situations: Through its running smoothness, high torque at low engine speeds and the optimum combination of comfort and sportiness borne out in particular by the aluminium chassis and suspension of the BMW 7 Series, the 750i/Li is the leading luxury saloon in the five-litre class. It stands out both as a sporting four-door and as an elegant saloon full of presence in meeting the highest demands in terms of comfort and design. Just how popular the 750i/Li is among customers in meeting their demands is proved by the fact that more than 50 per cent of all BMW 7 Series ordered by customers so far feature the large V8 power unit.

Efficient Dynamics: Power up by 29 per cent, fuel consumption down by 9 per cent in just four years.

A comparison with the former eight-cylinder in the BMW 740i sold successfully in the market until 2001 clearly underlines the progress made within the 7 Series’ engine compartment: Within just four years, engine output has increased by almost 29 per cent from 210 kW/286 PS, torque is up by more than 11 per cent, and fuel consumption as well as emissions are down by 9 per cent.

 

The new BMW 740i/Li with its 4.0-litre eight-cylinder

 

Making a dynamic and efficient entry into BMW’s upper-class V8 segment.

Displacing exactly 4,000 cc, the smaller of BMW’s two new V8 power units is exactly in line with the new 740i/Li model designation. Maximum output is 225 kW/306 hp at 6,300 rpm, peak torque is 390 Nm/287 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. The new 740i accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds (740Li: 6.9 seconds) and consumes 11.2 litres/100 km in the EU cycle (25.2 mpg Imp), certainly a moderate figure for a V8 saloon with this kind of power and performance. And it almost goes without saying that the 740i/Li comply in full with the EU 4 emission standard.

A convincing boost in power.

The increase and performance on the 740i/Li is also impressive, particularly considering that this improvement comes almost “for free�, that is with virtually no increase in fuel consumption (up by only 0.9 per cent): Compared with the power unit featured so far in the 735i, engine output of the new 740i/Li is up by 13 per cent (previously 200 kW/272 hp), with an increase in torque by 8 per cent (previously 360 Nm/265 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0–100 km/h, in turn, is 9 per cent faster than before (previously 7.5 seconds).

Leading the way in power, performance, dynamics, and efficiency.

Offering a virtually perfect balance of power, performance, elasticity, refinement, dynamics, and fuel economy, the new BMW 740i/Li comes right at the top in its class. Reflecting the concept of Efficient dynamics, all relevant parameters have been jointly improved to the benefit of a higher level of all-round performance for the customer.

In its class, the 740i/Li is unparalleled in terms of both responsiveness and superior torque. This is mainly attributable to the interaction of VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS, a combination of high-tech features exclusive to BMW. As a result, the smaller of the two V8 petrol engines in the 7 Series offers supreme cruising qualities and the muscular sound of eight cylinders, that is features the customer would otherwise only expect from cars with an even larger and more powerful engine. At the same time the 740i/Li leaves behind the competition through its immediate response to the gas pedal and a standard of nimble handling which gives new meaning to BMW’s concept of driver orientation: Also in the guise of the 740i/Li, the BMW 7 Series is a supreme luxury saloon consistently designed and built to give the driver an active motoring experience of the highest calibre.

Power and fuel consumption successfully separated.

Until the year 2001 (in the former model), BMW’s smaller V8 petrol engine developed maximum output of 175 kW/238 hp and peak torque of 345 Nm/254 lb-ft on average fuel consumption of 12.1 ltr/100 km. Since then engine output has been increased by 29, torque by 13 per cent, while at the same time fuel consumption is down 7.4 per cent to 11.2 litres/100 km or 25.2 mpg Imp.

Technical highlights of BMW’s V8 petrol engines

 

VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS making these engines the most progressive in their class. With fuel consumption and emissions reduced by up to 10 per cent.

One of the most outstanding technical features of BMW’s petrol engines – and at the same time a feature coming as standard! – is throttle-free load management by way of BMW’s VALVETRONIC fully variable valve drive. With this technology engine output is no longer controlled by the throttle butterfly, but rather by the valve opening period. The main advantage for the customer is a significant decrease in fuel consumption and emissions, VALVETRONIC reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent above all under part load, that is under the driving conditions experienced most frequently.

Exceptional responsiveness.

BMWs featuring VALVETRONIC power units such as the 750i/Li and the 740i/Li respond perfectly to the gas pedal, in many respects outperforming even the high-performance power units with individual throttle butterflies commonly used in motorsport and acknowledged for their fast reaction. VALVETRONIC transmits the driver’s commands from the gas pedal to the engine by wire, implementing the driver’s instructions directly in the combustion chamber by increasing valve lift. Hence, the period elapsing between the driver’s commands and the actual generation of power is extremely short indeed, VALVETRONIC offering the driver truly outstanding engine response in every situation.

A leading technology suited for all markets.

A point particularly important to a global player such as BMW is to have a technology suitable for reducing fuel consumption which is fully independent of specific conditions and requirements in each market, such as the availability (or non-availability) of low-sulphur fuel. And precisely this is what VALVETRONIC – a leading technology absolutely exclusive to BMW – has to offer. As a result, the BMW 7 Series consistently and successfully meets the wishes and needs of BMW customers in virtually all global markets, offering all customers the same supreme standard of high technology.

Double-VANOS: Fully variable timing on all 32 valves. Precise gas cycle, more power and torque.

Complementing the valve opening periods controlled and masterminded by VALVETRONIC, double-VANOS controls the individual intake and outlet phases with maximum precision and fully variable flexibility. The driver benefits from double-VANOS in terms of much “beefier� torque at low engine speeds and extra power at high speeds.

 

The BMW 745d and BMW 730d

 

·         All-aluminium crankcase

·         Third-generation common rail with piezo-injection technology

·         EU 4 emission management complete with a diesel particle filter

 

The most dynamic V8 diesel of all times: the BMW 745d

 

BMW’s 4.4-litre eight-cylinder diesel developing 220 kW/300 hp and 700 Nm/516 lb-ft – the most powerful and highest-torque engine in its class.

BMW’s new V8 diesel is a quantum leap in diesel drive technology. Maximum output is 220 kW/300 hp at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 700 Nm/516 lb-ft from 1,750–2,500 rpm.

BMW’s new V8 diesel displaces 4,423 cc and is by far the most powerful and highest-torque engine in all luxury saloons with an eight-cylinder diesel.

Maximum performance and lowest fuel consumption of all diesels in the luxury range.

The new BMW 745d accelerates from 0–100 km in 6.8 seconds – sports car performance in an eight-cylinder luxury class diesel-powered saloon. And at the same time the 745d combines that dynamic performance so typical of BMW with efficiency equally typical of the brand: Consuming just 9.5 litres/100 km (29.7 mpg Imp) in the EU cycle, the 745d also sets a segment record in this respect. And again, this is despite the car’s top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph (electronically limited).

The superior potential of the new BMW 745d is borne out not only by absolute facts and figures. Rather, a comparison with the car’s direct predecessor, the 740d, also reveals the new dimensions the BMW 745d is now entering: Output is up by 30 kW/42 hp (+ 16 per cent), torque has increased by 100 Nm/74 lb-ft (+ 17 per cent), and acceleration to 100 km/h is 0.6 seconds better than before (– 8 per cent).

Despite this impressive improvement of all performance data and despite the increase in engine displacement by 13 per cent, fuel economy of 9.5 ltr/100 km or 29.7 mpg Imp is even better than on the former model.

All-aluminium crankcase reducing engine weight by 30 kg or 66 lb.

In a really dynamic car, not only the facts and figures actually mentioned are of significance, but also the subjective feeling of dynamism offered by the car in an experience appreciated by customers worldwide in BMW’s large saloon, together with the exceptional presence of the car. Here, the 745d opens up a new dimension of agility and driving dynamics for diesel cars in the luxury segment.

The crankcase on the new V8 diesel is made entirely of aluminium as a particularly light material. The cylinder liners, in turn, are made of grey-cast iron, and are joined in a thermal fitting process. The entire structure of the crankcase is designed as one complete whole not requiring any inlays in order to strengthen the engine.

Benefitting from this innovative construction and the new material, overall engine weight is down, despite the increase in size over the former model, by 30 kg or 66 lb – a significant saving in weight to the advantage not only of fuel economy, but also of agility.

The new benchmark in agility and driving dynamics in the segment of large-capacity luxury diesels.

With engine weight decreasing, the load acting on the front axle of the new 745d is reduced accordingly, offering appropriate advantages in terms of axle load distribution. Hence, the new 745d is currently the most sporting, agile and nimble saloon with a large diesel engine: The 745d not only offers the performance data of a sports car, but also drives that way.

At the same time the new 745d meets all requirements in terms of motoring culture and running refinement, satisfying all the expectations even the most demanding customer will make of a large and powerful eight-cylinder. Creating the new V8 diesel, BMW’s engine specialists have given the engine the sound of a genuine V8 hardly distinguishable from that of the most advanced eight-cylinder petrol engine. Decades of know-how in engine construction and innovative use of the latest technologies on the 745d give the engine a sound effect clearly characterised by that typical rumble of an eight-cylinder as opposed to the conventional sound of a diesel.

The most sporting and dynamic V8 diesel of all times is also the cleanest V8 diesel the world has ever seen. Making its world debut in the new BMW 745d: The first V8 diesel with a diesel particle filter featured as standard.

The new 745d is the first V8 car diesel in the world fitted as standard with a diesel particle filter. And reflecting BMW’s supreme level of excellence, the particle filter is maintenance-free, operating efficiently and to the highest standard of customer-friendliness without requiring any elaborate additives.

In the 745d the particle filter is fitted in one housing together with the pre-catalyst close to the engine. With, as a result, exhaust emissions entering the treatment process at a particularly high temperature, the catalyst warms up much more quickly to its optimum operating temperature and therefore develops its full cleaning effect at a very early point in time after starting the engine.

Offering this kind of technology, BMW is once again highlighting the leadership function of its upper midrange and luxury segment cars serving as role models also in terms of emission behaviour: With the introduction of the two new diesel engines in the 745d and 730d, all diesels in the 5 and 7 Series now come as standard with a particle filter and fulfil the EU4 emission limits in full.

From their world debut to the present day: A comparison of BMW’s eight-cylinder diesels.

Introducing the BMW 740d in 1999, BMW became the first manufacturer in the world to launch an eight-cylinder diesel-powered passenger car. Back then maximum output of the 740d was 180 kW/245 hp, maximum torque 560 Nm/413 lb-ft.

Today, even the straight-six diesel in the 730d achieves almost the same performance figures, impressively proving the progress in technology BMW has achieved in the development of the diesel engine. Compared with the 740d back in 1999, output of the 745d is up by 22 , maximum torque by 25 per cent. At the same time acceleration from 0–100 km/h has improved by 19 per cent, while fuel consumption is down by 3 per cent.

New era for the BMW 730d

 

Revised and updated 3.0-litre diesel power unit with all the innovations of BMW’s latest diesel generation: All-aluminium crankcase, third-generation common rail with piezo-injection technology, and EU4 emission technology complete with a diesel particle filter.

With its superior synthesis of power, performance, refinement, and efficiency, BMW’s 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine has already achieved a very special position in the market and is indeed acknowledged by many as the benchmark in the 3.0-litre class. Which is not surprising, considering that this unique power unit combines technical achievements of the highest standard with robust motoring qualities, offering the very best on fast stretches of the motorway and in relaxed cruising. And now, proceeding from this high standard, BMW has initiated a new area for the 730d.

Supreme torque in the segment of six-cylinder luxury diesel saloons.

The straight-six diesel engine in the BMW 730d remains unchanged in size at 2,993 cc. At the same time, however, torque has increased to 520 Nm/383 lb-ft all the way from 2,000–2,750 rpm, giving the BMW 730d the highest level of torque in its class. Maximum output is up to 170 kW/231 hp at 4,000 rpm, enabling the 730d to accelerate to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 238 km/h or 148 mph.

Lower weight, greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions.
All-aluminium crankcase reducing engine weight by 25 kg or 55 lb.

Compared with the former version of the 3.0-litre diesel, engine output is up by 10 kW/13 hp (+ 6 per cent), torque by 20 Nm/15 lb-ft (+ 4 per cent). Acceleration to 100 km/h, accordingly, is 0.2 seconds (– 3 per cent) faster than on the former model, while at the same time fuel consumption in the EU cycle has been reduced to 8.2 litres/100 km (34.4 mpg Imp) (– 3.5 per cent), standard fitment of a particle filter significantly reducing exhaust emissions to ensure fulfilment of the EU 4 emission standard.

The quantum leap in technology provided by the drivetrain in the BMW 730d comes initially from the all-aluminium crankcase replacing the former grey-cast-iron engine block and reducing the overall weight of the engine by no less than 25 kg or 55 lb. This obviously takes a significant load off the front axle, with a positive effect on axle load distribution and, as a result, on the car’s driving dynamics.

Like the V8 diesel, BMW’s straight-six diesel engine made of aluminium achieves the requisite level of strength and stiffness without any reinforcement (and weight-increasing) inlays and without any additional supports or connecting bolts.

And it achieves this unique standard despite the exceptional forces typical in particular of a diesel due to the engine’s high compression ratio and supreme torque.

The cylinder liners are made of grey-cast iron and are joined in a thermal sealing process.

Right from the start, all the relevant facts and figures prove that the 730d in its new configuration offers an optimum synthesis of unmarred driving pleasure and maximum efficiency in the luxury performance range. At the same
time the 730d comes with all the spontaneity and light-footed handling rightly expected these days by the truly demanding motorist of such a superior luxury performance saloon.

The BMW 730d increasing its lead. With the highest level of power and performance of all-aluminium diesel engines in the 3.0-litre class.

Numerous innovations and new components giving the new BMW V8 diesel engine a truly unique positon in the market are now being introduced on BMW’s upgraded 3.0-litre straight-six diesel. And while the increase in both power and torque are of course positive factors, the main objectives were not only to enhance the car’s performance, but also to further reduce fuel consumption and, at the same time, to fulfil the EU 4 emission standard.

Diesel engine confirming the leadership in technology of the BMW 7 Series.

Introduction of an aluminium crankcase, implementation of third-generation common rail technology with piezo-fuel injection, the launch of a new generation of turbochargers, refinement of the cylinder head with larger valve diameters, as well as EU 4 technology with a particle filter fitted as standard: Without doubt, the engine of the BMW 730d has changed in more respects than it remains the same (that is in terms of stroke, bore, and the distance between cylinders). So regardless of whether you refer to this engine as thoroughly updated or, indeed, as brand-new, the power unit of the BMW 730d once again proves the leadership in technology of the BMW 7 Series, offering the customer with a particular focus on efficiency an excellent balance of performance on a new, superior level.

The new diesel engines, their innovations and new features in detail

 

Third-generation common rail fuel injections with piezo-injectors.

Both diesel engines feature third-generation common rail fuel injection operating at an injection pressure of 1,600 bar and using the most advanced piezo-injectors. In particular, this ensures an even higher injection volume within the same injection period, boosting power and performance in the process. At the same time fuel is atomised even more finely than before, optimising the entire combustion process.

Piezo-injectors for even more precise fuel injection: Advantages in terms of fuel economy, emissions, and sound management.

Fuel is injected into BMW’s new diesel engines by way of piezo-injectors. The big advantage of this new injector system is the far higher standard of precision versus the solenoid valve injectors used so far as well as their more compact dimensions: The piezo unit in the injector is able to enlarge its volume in a defined process under tension, thus triggering the actual injection of fuel exactly as required.

Thanks to its extremely short response, the system is able to trigger up to five injection processes per operating cycle. And at the same time each injection process is more precise than before, increasing more quickly to the full injection volume required.

Featured by BMW for the first time, this piezo-technology offers the customer benefits in terms of fuel economy, emission management, and noise control. The volume of fuel injected can be set even more precisely to the exact level of power required, optimised pre- and post-injection giving BMW’s diesel engines even greater smoothness and refinement above the high standard they have always offered, anyway.

New generation of turbochargers for even more power and torque, plus enhanced responsiveness.

The new generation of turbochargers used by BMW for the first time in the two new diesel engines comes with rotor blades optimised on the turbine side. The efficiency of the compressor wheel has also been optimised, now compressing even more intake air at the same turbocharger rotation speed.

In all, these improvements ensure an even better response, the new turbocharger, through its even more efficient operation, helping to boost both engine output and torque.

Now BMW’s diesel engines also come with an oil level sensor: Checking the oil level conveniently from the driver’s seat.

Adopting the electronic oil level sensor, all BMW 7 Series now come with this comfort feature additionally comprising a two-stage automatic warning function. All the driver has to do is press a button and briefly check the on-board monitor in order to verify the oil level straight from his seat whenever he wishes. 

Micro-graining – another innovation by BMW for efficient stability.

BMW is introducing the highly innovative micro-graining process in order to master the enormous forces acting on the crankshaft level despite lightweight construction of the crankcase: The main bearing cover made of grey-cast iron features a wedge profile on the contact surface leading to the crankcase, which “grains� into the somewhat softer aluminium during the assembly process, thus establishing a positive connection.

Micro-graining makes the entire bearing unit far stronger and stiffer, the straightforward and highly efficient process avoiding any crosswise movement between the crankcase and the main bearing cover. There is no need for any reinforcing grey-cast iron components which would merely increase the weight of the overall unit, and the smaller number of parts required makes the assembly process easier and more efficient.

Grey-cast cylinder liners jointed in a thermal process.

The cylinder liners are made of grey-cast iron and are inserted into the crankcase in a thermal joining process: Heated and cooled according to specific requirements, the components undergo a minor change in their dimensions allowing the liners to be inserted into the crankcase smoothly and conveniently. Then, returning to normal temperature, the liners and the crankcase are pressed against one another to form one joint, compressed unit.

Even more stable and lighter: Cracked trapezoidal connecting rods now standard technology at BMW.

Like all of BMW’s connecting rods, the conrods on the new diesel engines are cracked: In this process the lower conrod opening encompassing the crankshaft journal is not sawn apart, but rather cracked or broken. The irregular fracture surfaces created in this way give the joint conrod cover and base unit a much higher level of strength and stability in assembly of the crankshaft than a conventional joint would ever be able to provide.

The term “trapezoidal� conrod comes from the shape of the upper connecting rod opening trapezoidal when considered from the side. This offers two advantages: First, the high forces generated within the diesel engine are taken up even more smoothly and efficiently by the entire system. Second, the shape tapering up to the top helps to save weight.

Lightweight construction to the last detail: Hollow camshaft, elastic belt driving the air conditioning, cylinder head cover made of a special synthetic material.

While the substantial reduction of weight on one single component such as the crankcase is by all means spectacular, careful and consistent examination of smaller components for potentials in saving mass and weight adds up bit-by-bit to provide an equally significant contribution to the car’s enhanced driving dynamics.

The camshafts on BMW’s new eight-cylinder diesel and in the straight-six diesel are not cast in the usual process, but are rather assembled as “composite� camshaft structures: The cam rings are first pushed on to a thin-walled steel tube, where they are connected in position in positive engagement by means of inner high-pressure moulding. Then the cams are ground and polished to exactly the right dimensions, down to an accuracy of 1/1,000^th of a millimetre.

Each of these composite camshafts is about 600 grams lighter than a conventional camshaft, meaning a reduction in weight of 1.2 kilos on the straight-six and an even more substantial 2.4 kilos on the V8.

The a/c compressor is now driven by an elastic belt. This means there is no need for a drive belt tensioner, which again helps to save weight. On the cylinder head cover, in turn, the conventional cast aluminium has been replaced by a special synthetic material for further benefits.

With BMW, EU 4 does not start with the particle filter

 

Consistent improvement of all features on the diesel engine for exemplary emission management.

A point often neglected in the current debate on emissions is that the particle filter alone is not sufficient to fulfil the EU 4 standard. One obvious example is that the particle filter does not help in any way to reduce NOx emissions. And since the objective must clearly be to optimise emissions in general, that is all kinds of emissions, particularly modifications and ongoing improvements inside the engine make a significant contribution now implemented consistently in the BMW 730d and 745d.

Making its debut in the V8 power unit: The intake duct with internal switchover.

Instead of a conventional twin duct system, BMW’s new V8 diesel comes with twin-chamber intake air guidance in the cylinder head, with the advantage of being able to close one of the two differently configured intake ducts as a function of current running conditions. On BMW’s new V8 diesel this function is ensured by electrically controlled swirl flaps in the intake duct offering advantages in mixture formation – and, accordingly, in emission management – under part load.

Piezo-injectors.

Operating with an even higher level of precision and ensuring an extremely fast response, the new piezo-injectors directly reduce fuel consumption and optimise emission management accordingly.

New pistons.

Pistons with optimised crowns improve the overall geometry of the combustion chamber and ensure a smoother, “fuller� combustion process. This serves to develop more power and performance from the same amount of fuel, while at the same time the level of pollutants in the exhaust emissions is reduced accordingly.

Electrical valve for recirculating exhaust gas.

Exhaust gas recirculation is now masterminded by an electrical valve instead of a conventional pneumatic valve unit. This new valve operates more quickly and precisely, and is therefore far more effective in minimising the car’s exhaust emissions.

Catalytic converter.

Both diesel models come with a highly effective pre-catalyst in the exhaust system reducing in particular the shares of hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas.

Particle filter featured as standard and free of maintenance.

With the second-generation particle filter now ready for the market, BMW has successively converted all diesel engines in the 5 and 7 Series to this customer-friendly technology. The particle filter system used by BMW incorporates a catalytically coated filter element precisely attuned to the engine management.

The big advantage is that this new system no longer requires additives fed from a separate reservoir and metered in a controlled process. Instead, the customer driving a BMW 7 Series diesel benefits from a filter system he will not even notice when driving – a system operating flawlessly throughout the entire lifecycle of the car without requiring any maintenance (just like a conventional silencer).

 

BMW 730i/Li:                                

The most innovative petrol engine in  the market today

 

Three-litre straight-six power unit with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase ensuring the highest output per litre and the best power-to-weight ratio.

The most innovative petrol engine currently built in large numbers and introduced only recently in both the BMW 6 Series and the new BMW 3 Series Saloon, is now also available in the 7 Series. With its unique composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase and numerous innovations on the ancillary units, this engine in the BMW 7 Series again stakes its claim to leadership, at the same time making the 7 Series the leader in innovation in the luxury performance range also in this respect.

Boasting this new power unit, the 730i/Li develops maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm from an engine capacity of 2,996 cc, thus outperforming the former engine by no less than 20 kW/27 hp (+ 12 per cent). Maximum torque of 300/221 lb-ft, which formerly was achieved only at a peak of 3,500 rpm, is now maintained consistently
all the way from 2,500–4,000 rpm.

With this kind of power coming from the new engine, the BMW 730i accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds (730Li: 7.9 seconds) and has a top speed of 244 km/h or 151 mph. Fuel consumption is a moderate 10.1 l/100 km or 28.0 mpg Imp in the EU cycle, which makes the new engine 0.5 litres (– 4.7 per cent) more fuel-efficient than its predecessor, despite the significant increase in power and performance.

More powerful, more fuel-efficient, lighter: BMW’s straight-six better in every respect. New engine 10 kilos/22 lb lighter than its predecessor.

The revolutionary use of composite magnesium/aluminium technology on the new engine represents a milestone in automotive engineering: With its power-to-weight ratio of 1.18 kW (1.60 hp)/kg, BMW’s new straight-six sets
a new standard in engine output, performance, and efficiency.

Weighing 161 kilos or 355 lb overall, BMW’s new power unit is the lightest six-cylinder in the world in its performance segment. And compared with its competitors, this highly innovative straight-six also sets the benchmark in the overall package of power, performance, fuel economy, running smoothness, and the use of truly revolutionary technologies.

The world’s first composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase.

The crankcase is by far the lightest six-cylinder crankcase worldwide in large-scale engine production. Representing the largest individual component on the engine, the crankcase makes a significant contribution to the reduction of weight by a total of 10 kilos or 22 lb versus the former engine.

The crankcase is made up of an outer magnesium “shell� and an aluminium insert comprising the cylinder liners and the coolant ducts – a combination meeting even the greatest demands in terms of stiffness, noise management, and a long running life.

This makes BMW the first manufacturer to use the significant advantages of magnesium in terms of weight on a water-cooled combustion engine.

From motorsport to series production: The magnesium bedplate as a load-bearing engine component.

The so-called “bedplate� also made of magnesium significantly enhances the structural stiffness of the new straight-six. Featured so far above all in motorsport, this particular design configuration, thanks to its greater strength and stability, allows an increase in engine speed on the six-cylinder to 7,000 rpm (+ 500 rpm), clearly in the interest of a very dynamic and sporting style of motoring with a very wide useful speed range.

Introducing this new engine in the 730i/Li, BMW’s “basic� petrol power unit (190 kW/258 hp) now offers more power than even the top-of-the-range engine in the first 7 Series introduced in 1980, when the 3.2-litre turbocharged straight-six featured in the 745i developed maximum output of 252 hp.

The straight-six power unit: Unparalleled smoothness, running like a turbine.

The construction of truly classic straight-six power units has been one of  BMW’s core competences for no less than 71 years. Indeed, even back then BMW gave preference to the straight-six, as opposed to a V6 configuration, simply because the six-cylinder inline engine excels in particular through its silken-smooth refinement, a feature naturally of great significance on a luxury saloon like the BMW 7 Series.

 

BMW 760i/Li:
Direct petrol injection and VALVETRONIC – a unique combination

Throughout the world of motoring, the twelve-cylinder petrol engine has always been the epitome of exclusivity, smoothness, and motoring comfort. And indeed – no other engine configuration comes closer to physical perfection in vibration behaviour than a 60° V12. Not surprisingly, therefore, the twelve-cylinder is the pinnacle of luxury and supremacy: The motorist who drives a V12 clearly shows the world that he or she will accept nothing but the best.

Given its combination of four-valve technology, VALVETRONIC, double-VANOS, and stochiometric direct fuel injection, the engine technology featured in the BMW 760i/Li ranks absolutely unique in the world market.  VALVETRONIC is responsible for the very low level of fuel consumption under part load. Direct fuel injection serves to increase both torque and engine output to an even higher standard. Stochiometric operation of direct petrol injection in the 760i/Li allows efficient use of the engine in all markets regardless of the sulphur content in the fuel used, since the engine features a highly sophisticated three-way catalytic converter instead of a complicated DeNOx catalyst.

Displacing 5,972 cc, BMW’s V12 power unit develops maximum output of 327 kW/445 hp at 6,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 600 Nm/442 lb-ft at a moderate 3,950 rpm. And indeed, no less than 500 Nm/369 lb-ft is maintained consistently throughout the wide speed range from 1,500– 6,000 rpm. It goes without saying, finally, that the engine complies with both the EU 4 and LEV emission standards.

Fuel consumption of the BMW 760i in the EU cycle is a mere 13.4 litres/100 km (21.1 mpg Imp), with the 760Li consuming only a little more at 13.6 litres/100 km or 20.8 mpg Imp. The 760i accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds (760Li: 5.6 seconds) and reaches 200 km/h or 124 mph in less than 17 seconds. Top speed, finally, is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph.

 

Chassis and Suspension:

A unique combination of motoring comfort and sporting performance

 

·        Driving Pleasure Conveyed Perfectly to the Road

·        BMW remains the leader in chassis technology

 

All-aluminium chassis and suspension for supreme agility, sporting performance and motoring comfort.

Dynamic performance, luxury, powerful presence, and sheer elegance are core values clearly distinguishing the BMW Series. And this is precisely why the chassis and suspension also comes with all of these fortes the customer choosing a luxury performance saloon quite rightly expects. As a result, BMW has succeeded with the 7 Series in creating supreme harmony of agility and sporting performance combined with supreme comfort on the road. Clearly, this allows the owner of a BMW 7 Series to enjoy both extremely comfortable grand touring qualities and to drive his – or her – car very dynamically, in a truly sporting style.

With its aluminium chassis and suspension featured as standard, the 7 Series excels in particular through supreme precision, exceptional agility and handling, as well as well-balanced driving characteristics at all times.

Enhanced axle kinematics and the rear track wider by 14 millimetres or 0.55´´ also help to enhance the dynamic driving qualities of the 7 Series especially with the car in the hands of an ambitious motorist. Together with the modifications in design and styling, these features give even greater emphasis to the sporting and elegant looks of the car. The wheels are now in much better sight particularly from the rear, giving the 7 Series an even more convincing look of powerful presence.

The entire chassis and suspension of the 7 Series, all the way to the swing callipers on the disc brakes, is made exclusively of extra-light aluminium, meaning that BMW uses intelligent lightweight technology precisely where
it offers the customer significant benefits and contributes to the driving experience. Reduced unsprung masses and the even more sensitive response of the lighter components set the foundation for the light-footed nimbleness and precision so characteristic of BMW’s luxury performance saloon on the road.

Depending on the respective model, BMW uses various brake systems on the 7 Series providing stopping power of exactly the right magnitude geared to the engine. As a result, all models continue to offer the very best deceleration despite the increase in engine output: The 740i/Li as well as the 730d come with the brake system featured so far on the 745i, the 750i/Li boasts an upgraded high-performance brake system on the front wheels. The 745d, in turn, comes as standard with the brake system carried over from the 760i/Li as well as 18-inch wheels.

BMW – the only manufacturer in the luxury range to offer a choice of three different suspension set-ups straight from the factory.

BMW’s leadership in chassis and suspension technology is one of the cornerstones ensuring the global success of the 7 Series. And this superiority rests first and foremost on the car’s sophisticated all-aluminium chassis and suspension, highly advanced chassis control systems such as EDC-C and Dynamic Drive helping to give the BMW 7 Series unique performance on the road.

Now the wide range of chassis and suspension options has been re-aligned, customers given the choice of one standard suspension set-up and two suspension packages with various features:

•      Standard suspension:
Chassis and suspension enhanced to an even higher standard, with that typical BMW balance of motoring comfort and dynamic performance.

•      Adaptive Drive:
High-end suspension offering an unprecedented synthesis of supreme driving dynamics and maximum comfort. A combination of Dynamic Drive now enhanced to an even higher standard and BMW’s EDC-C continuously adjustable damper control system.

•      Sports Package:
With a combination of sports configuration and Dynamic Drive, the Sports Package clearly focuses on sporting driving dynamics. In addition, this package comes with further interior and exterior features highlighting the sporting looks and appearance of the car.

The standard suspension in the BMW 7 Series:

Perfect harmony of dynamic performance and motoring comfort

 

Even in standard trim, the chassis and suspension of the BMW 7 Series offers an unusually high standard: It has been further enhanced and re-configured in every respect, giving the driver that typical BMW balance of dynamic performance and superior motoring comfort on a level even higher than before.

In addition, the long-wheelbase versions of the 7 Series in general as well as the 760i come, depending on market specifications, with self-levelling provided by air springs on the rear axle.

The high-end Adaptive Drive suspension package:

Combining supreme driving dynamics with maximum comfort.

 

Two suspensions in one.

Dynamic Drive, the highly innovative suspension control system featured on the BMW 7 Series, has now been combined within the Adaptive Drive function with BMW’s EDC-C continuously adjustable damper control system. This unique combination offers an unprecedented synthesis of truly outstanding driving dynamics and maximum motoring comfort. Hence, Adaptive Drive focuses on the customer who expects supreme driving dynamics without compromises in terms of motoring comfort, making it the right choice both for the self-driver wishing to experience that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW in absolute perfection as well as the customer wishing to enjoy the benefits of being driven by a chauffeur. Indeed, this supreme claim is underlined by the fact that Adaptive Drive comes as standard on the top model in the BMW 7 Series, the 760i/Li.

A particularly important innovation by BMW, Dynamic Drive ensures a very agile and superior style of motoring throughout the car’s entire speed range, allowing the driver to enjoy virtually playful handling even in tight bends. Incorporating fully variable anti-roll bars, Dynamic Drive largely filters out bumps and unsmoothness on straight sections of the road, while almost completely suppressing any body sway in bends. A further advantage of Dynamic Drive is its positive influence on the car’s steering behaviour as a function of driving conditions, for example in the event of a sudden lane change or when suddenly avoiding an obstacle looming up ahead. On the road, this means enhanced steering accuracy and load change behaviour, which ultimately boils down to a higher standard of active driving safety.

Particularly the passengers at the rear will appreciate the significant reduction of body sway, since the rear-seat passengers generally focus less on the traffic around them and thus tend to be more surprised by any sudden reaction of the car.

Now Dynamic Drive avoids this drawback by minimising body sway in bends. And since more than 50 per cent of all customers choose the long-wheelbase version of the 7 Series, meaning that they are in many cases driven by a chauffeur, the benefits of Dynamic Drive are even more significant, the rear seats being used at least from time to time as a kind of “conference area� or mobile office enabling the owner to focus on his work without being disturbed by any external influences.

Interacting with Dynamic Drive, BMW’s continuously adjustable EDC-C (“C� stands for continuous) damper control system likewise makes a significant contribution to the car’s enhanced driving dynamics and motoring comfort: EDC-C adjusts the dampers continuously and infinitely to changing road, driving and load conditions, in the process varying from comfortable all the way to sporting and dynamic. By contrast, a conventional damper is always a compromise between these two extremes, EDC-C now solving this conflict of interests once and for all.

Using the on-board monitor, the driver also has the option to manually activate a more sporting set-up of the dampers and steering forces.

The combination of BMW’s highly innovative Dynamic Drive and EDC-C suspension control systems within the Adaptive Drive Package ensures a new style and feeling of motoring comfort and driving dynamics of the highest standard.

Last but not least, the Adaptive Drive Suspension Package may also be combined with self-levelling provided by air suspension on the rear axles.

The Sports Package on the BMW 7 Series: Focusing on sporting driving dynamics

Equipped with BMW’s Sports Package as an option, the suspension of the 7 Series clearly focuses on sporting performance. This, in turn, clearly accommodates all the wishes and desires of the customer seeking sporting performance also at the wheel of a luxury saloon.

The BMW 7 Series equipped with BMW’s Sports Package thus features not only Dynamic Drive but also a lowered suspension down by 20 mm or 0.79´´ at the front and 10 mm or 0.39´´ at the rear, firmer springs with an adapted damping effect and anti-roll stability, as well as an even more sporting set-up of the steering. The excellent agility and steering precision ensured in this way gives the 7 Series a supreme standard of driving dynamics, offering particularly the sporting and dynamic motorist driving pleasure of the highest calibre.

From outside the 7 Series with BMW’s Sports Package can be clearly distinguished by its 19-inch wheels featured as standard as well as high-gloss Satin Chrome. Inside the car, sports seats, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and exclusive leather as well as wood trim create a truly sporting ambience.

 

Refinement in Design:
Even more sporting and dynamic, with unmistakable presence and elegance

In its design, the BMW 7 Series reflects the enhanced, even more sophisticated substance of the car from every perspective. Focusing on the higher level of sporting and dynamic performance provided by the new engines, BMW’s designers and stylists sought above all to emphasise this superior performance through appropriate details at the front end, the rear and the side of the car. So it almost goes without saying that luxury and presence continue to characterise the charismatic and elegant looks of the BMW 7 Series.

Within the interior the supreme feeling of luxury, tranquillity and roominess has been further enhanced by detailed improvement of the car’s design, materials, and colours.

Exterior Design

Seen from the front, the BMW 7 Series looks sporting and dynamic. The striking contours of the powerdome tapering down from the A-pillars to the kidney grille give the front end of the 7 Series a particularly powerful look through the interplay of light and shade. Together with the wider and higher kidney grille integrated more deeply into the bumper, the powerdome makes a clear statement emphasising the significant increase in engine output.

The headlights now featuring xenon technology as standard follow an inward-oriented angle, taking up the lines of the powerdome and guiding the driver’s eyes to the road. Light conductors seemingly hovering freely around the main headlights give the 7 Series a striking look also at night. The direction indicator lights now coming in white as standard enhance the harmonious appearance of the headlight units, the newly designed bumper merges at the top with the new contours of the kidney grille and headlights.

Approaching the 7 Series from the side, you will notice immediately that the car looks even sleeker and stretched-out in its appearance. This particular effect is ensured, first, by the more distinctive light edge around the sills, while at the same time the windscreen is 20 millimetres or 0.8´´ higher than before relative to the engine compartment lid, thus showing a greater rake versus the steeper kidney grille and adding to the stretched look of the car. In all, this clearly visualises the distinctive orientation of the new 7 Series to active and dynamic motoring.

Seen from the rear, the first obvious point is that the car’s surfaces are more powerfully contoured than before, the transition from the side panels to the rear end following a soft curve. The wide and low-looking rear section (despite the increase in bootlid height by 3 millimetres) accentuates the car’s sporting performance and elegance, while the horizontal orientation of the tail lights and the chrome trim bar emphasises the width of the car.

Extending across from left to right at the same level as the reversing lights, the chrome bar may also be finished as an option in body colour (on models with BMW Satin Chrome). The two rear light elements in the rear wings and the bootlid form a harmonious unit again emphasising the horizontal orientation of the car at night. And last but not least, the discreet rear spoiler optimises the car’s streamlining and gives the entire rear end an even more dynamic, powerful appearance.

Newly applied light contours in the lower section of the rear lid and in the bumper give the entire rear end of the BMW 7 Series an even more sporting look. Below the bumper the diffuser has also been re-designed, while the greater wrap-around effect of the bumper on the wheel arches emphasises the increase in track width by 14 millimetres or 0.55´´, the wheels standing out more clearly and giving the 7 Series an even more powerful look of presence, performance, and dynamism.

The BMW 7 Series is now available in four new paintwork colours:
Michigan Blue metallic, Barbera Red metallic, Monaco Blue metallic, and Deep Green metallic. This enlarges the total range of colours to a choice of no less than 12 different options.

Interior Design

Luxurious and modern, the interior of the BMW 7 Series offers a generous feeling of roominess and comfort. In particular, it is characterised by the freedom in design made possible by BMW’s iDrive control system. With its clear horizontal and vertical lines, as well as surfaces accentuated by attractive wood trim, the interior makes a very clean and tidy appearance enabling the driver to concentrate in full on the traffic around him.

The feeling of luxurious space inside the 7 Series has been further enhanced to an even higher standard, trim strips and panels accentuating the horizontal and vertical lines of the dashboard and adding to the overall impression of harmony.

The function bars and fresh air outlets are finished in special structured soft paint now coming in a lighter colour. The rotary knobs for the lights and air conditioning feature a bracket in pearl gloss chrome, again adding to the look of high class and ensuring an even more pleasant touch.

Controls and instruments which belong together are combined in groups on the dashboard in BMW’s typical “insular design� in discreetly contrasting colours between the buttons or rotary knobs, on the one hand, and the trim itself, on the other.

The luxurious ambience within the car is further accentuated by American walnut trim panels now standard on all models with the exception of the 760i/Li. They replace the Black Cherry light or dark wood trim featured so far.

The Controller, the central control button in the centre console, has also been integrated optically into this special insular design. In its new shape and with its new contours, the Controller is even more solid in its style and is finished in leather at the top. As a result, it rests even more pleasantly and firmly in the driver’s hand. The optional Controller at the rear available in conjunction with a folding rear monitor has also been optimised and enhanced in the same way.

Ever since the 2004 model year, the Controller has been supplemented by two buttons: a menu button for quickly changing to the main menu on the left and a freely programmable button to the right.

The newly designed steering wheel merges harmoniously with the stronger and more powerful contours on the dashboard. With the inner steering wheel boss being split into three sections, the entire unit looks compact and easy to handle – which is naturally the case. A sports steering wheel is fitted in conjunction with the Sports Package, but is also available as a separate option.

To create a particularly individual ambience within the interior of the BMW 7 Series, the customer has the choice of no less than 23 interior colour combinations and five different trim strips and panels.

 

The iDrive Control Concept:

Refined in its details and even more user-friendly

 

BMW’s iDrive – a superior control concept.

Introducing the iDrive control concept in 2001, BMW opened up a new, trendsetting development in driver orientation and vehicle control, enabling the driver to mastermind all kinds of different functions through just a handful of control units in new, logical arrangement. The small number of control elements really crucial to motoring are housed in and on the steering wheel, various basic functions used relatively frequently coming in the middle of the dashboard. Most other functions, on the other hand, are activated through the Controller installed in the centre console for intuitive operation in a precise dialogue with the Control Display in the upper middle section of the instrument panel.

In the meantime many competitors have followed BMW’s example, introducing similar control systems. Clearly, this proves the benefits of this control concept and underlines BMW’s pioneering role in the area of control ergonomics.

BMW’s iDrive control system nevertheless remains the only system of its kind allowing the driver to keep his eyes on the road virtually all the time, reducing any distraction to a minimum: The Controller comes exactly where it should be, where the driver naturally places his hand on the centre console, allowing him to operate the Controller intuitively, without even looking at it. The Control Display, in turn, comes at a higher position in the middle of the dashboard, almost in the driver’s primary line of vision, without requiring him to take his eyes off the road.

Optional voice control rounds off this enhanced control system, enabling the driver to activate more than 200 functions through his voice alone.

Consistent improvement of details for even greater ergonomics
and user-friendliness.

The control system featured in the BMW 7 Series is being revised in numerous details and features as of spring 2005, optimised control surfaces on the Control Display, updated menu presentation and direct access to various entertainment functions being important features of the updated iDrive system in the BMW 7 Series.

The most important modifications at a glance:

•      The new Mode button on the radio operating console enables the user to switch directly from one audio source to another (radio, CD, CD changer, DVD changer).

•      The new AM/FM button on the radio control console allows direct access for changing frequency bands.

•      Colour coding of the four main menus (with an overall range of 8 menus,
as before), ensures easier orientation.

•      The display colours and contrast effects have been modified in the interest of even greater clarity.

•      Consistent subdivision of the monitor into three sections with a clear optical breakdown and new graphics supports intuitive user guidance.

•      A frame and contrasting colour makes the cursor even more clearly visible.

•      “Ticks� clearly mark the functions activated.

•      The angle and orientation of the Controller is presented by a circular line together with an arrow on the screen.

•      Active surfaces are highlighted by 3D presentation.

•      The status bars on the top and lower edge of the monitor are easy to read, but nevertheless remain discreetly in the background.

•      The Navigation and Climate menus have been revised in their structure.

•      Better, uniform structuring of the menus make them even clearer than before.

•      Some function terms and symbols have been changed.

 

New Equipment for Extra Safety, Comfort and Customisation

 

Xenon headlights featured as standard.

Starting immediately, xenon high and low beams are standard on all models in the BMW 7 Series. Adaptive Headlights for optimum illumination of upcoming bends remain an option.

Two-stage Brake Force Display.

Also starting immediately, the BMW 7 Series comes as standard with BMW’s two-stage Brake Force Display, an additional brake light section being activated whenever the driver presses down the brake pedal harder than usual. The two-stage brake lights therefore generate a significantly enhanced warning effect for motorists following from behind, making an important contribution to passive safety in the interest of both the BMW driver and other road users alike.

CD changer with MP3 function.

Starting immediately, the CD changer may also be used for MP3 files, meaning that CDs comprising such files may also be played on the CD changer for maximum convenience. This significantly enhances the choice of music in the car, a CD comprising music data in MP3 format being able to present up to 30 hours of music. With six CDs in the changer, this adds up to 180 hours or more than one week of non-stop music!

Digital television reception (DVB-T).

BMW offers a receiver for both digital and analogue television signals in the 7 Series. The significant customer advantage offered by new digital television is the much higher standard of video and audio quality. Passengers at the rear may watch television on the optional rear monitor while driving (the TV image is automatically blackened on the front screen, with only the sound being transmitted, for reasons of safety).

The TV is operated via the Controller, the system switching automatically between analogue and digital reception as soon as the car leaves a specific broadcasting and transmission area.

BMW also offers a set-top box for retrofitting digital TV reception in current models of the 7 Series built prior to March 2005. This add-on unit is connected directly to the TV function video module.

Digital television (or to use the official term, Digital Video Broadcast–Terrestrial, DVB-T) is acknowledged as the TV technology of the future particularly in the automobile. It offers a high standard of mobility, free access, enhanced quality, and a wider range of programmes than analogue television.

DVB-T is already on air in a number of densely populated areas in Germany and in various European countries such as Finland, Norway, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands, France, and Portugal. And in the foreseeable future there will be only DVB-T services in the major densely populated areas of Germany, analogue being discontinued.

Three new wheels.

Two new 18-inch and one set of 19-inch light-alloy rims are available as optional equipment:

•      19-inch light-alloy rims in spoke styling 176 with different-sized tyres (245/45 R 19 at the front, 275/40 R 19 at the rear)

•      18-inch light-alloy rims in double spoke 174 (245/50 R 18 tyres all-round)

•      18-inch light-alloy rims in star-spoke 175 (245/50 R 18 tyres); standard
on the BMW 745d.

BMW Assist and BMW Online automatically included in cars fitted with a car telephone and navigation system.

The purchaser of a BMW 7 Series in Germany opting for a permanently installed car telephone and navigation system ex works automatically also receives the BMW Assist telematics service as well as the BMW Online mobile internet portal as a no-cost feature in his car. Indeed, use of BMW Online in Germany is free-of-charge in the first six months The BMW Assist telematics service offers the driver an emergency call function activated automatically in the event of an accident, a mobile standby service, and the latest traffic information. Using BMW’s operator-based enquiry service, the driver is also able to call up a wide range of local information and data. The special feature in this case is that when calling the BMW Call Center the system automatically shows the current location of the car, thus ensuring the provision of location-based information and data. So regardless of whether the driver wishes to go to the cinema, find a restaurant, a hotel or a local highlight, the contact data required will go straight from the Call Center to the car’s navigation system or telephone.

BMW Online – which has been available ever since the original market launch of the 7 Series – provides access to a mobile BMW internet portal offering the driver exclusive service and mobility benefits, guiding the BMW driver, for example, to the nearest car park with parking space still available.

The other services provided are an enquiry service complete with directory functions, a telephone enquiry service, flight enquiries, enquiries on pharmacies in the local area, information on the nearest ATMs, information on hotels and restaurants taken from the Red Michelin Guide, information on travel and leisure-time activities provided by the Green Michelin Guide, news and the weather forecast, business news and the latest information from the stock exchange together with a stock search function, stock values and charts as well as a watchlist, and a mobile office function with the driver’s own personal e-mail box and address directory.

Like BMW Assist, BMW Online also maintains a direct link to the car telephone and navigation system for directly downloading addresses as soon as they are found.