BMW 7 E65 body was produced in the period 2001-2008. During these seven years, about 330,000 cars were produced.
Back in 1997, Chris Bangle organized a meeting with the best designers from DesignworksUSA, where he expressed his personal vision of the new car design, using vivid expressions such as "design leap" (a breakthrough in design) and "top product" (top product). As a result of the meeting, as many as 12 sketches for the models were selected, of which only five were left later. At the end of the competition, three plasticine models were prepared in full size. The winner of the competition was the work of designer Adrian van Hooydonk.
History
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The presentation of the car was held in Munich at the FIZ Research Center (FIZ), 2 months before its official premiere at the 2001 Motor Show, which took place in Frankfurt am Main. Although the popular Times magazine called the model one of the 50 worst in world history, it turned out to be the best-selling BMW in the 7 Series during its production period.
At the start of sales in November 2001, only 735i and 745i models were available. However, already in April 2002, models appeared with an increased wheelbase up to 140 millimeters - the 735Li model and the 745Li model. And a couple of months later, the line of engines was supplemented with diesel units - 730d and 740d. Since the spring of 2003, two more motors have been developed - the 730i and 760i. 
65 body e65 bmw in the 7th series, in addition to technological innovations from the past, was also equipped with modern systems, among them it is important to note Valvetronic, a system that regulates the stroke of all intake valves. The use of this system made it possible to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and the toxicity of exhaust gases; and significantly increase the dynamic characteristics of machines.
All engines were equipped with six-speed automatic transmissions from ZF. Gear control (automatic, neutral, reverse, parking,) in the box was carried out using a lever located under the steering wheel. It was possible to change gears using the buttons on the steering wheel.
Body e65 bmw body 7 series of the fourth generation were produced only equipped with rear wheel drive. The basic configuration of the car included a passive suspension (on the McPherson front struts "McPherson"; at the rear - multi-link), for an additional payment it was possible to install the following systems: Dynamic Drive (these are active stabilizers for lateral stability and both suspensions and reduce the roll of the car) and the EDC system ( designed to adjust the stiffness of all shock absorbers, the adjustment had two modes: comfortable and sporty). In addition, it was possible to use a rear air suspension, which maintained a constant ground clearance regardless of the load on the rear axle.
Several smart systems helped the driver manage the car at once:
- DSC (inherited from the third generation BMW 7 Series. The system slows down the rotation of some wheels, thereby increasing stability on slippery surfaces) is controlled by the ASC subsystem, it reduces the fuel supply, slows down the rotation of the skid wheel.
- DTC is a system that allows limited slip for the drive wheels.
A unique innovation is the iDrive system, which can replace numerous control details for all service devices. It is a computer controlled by a single controller, the controller is located on the central panel. Using it, you can navigate within the system menu, the menu is divided into eight groups:
- telephone
- Bmw assist
- onboard information
- help
- navigation
- settings
- entertainment
- climate
In the interior of the car, black cherry or ash was used. The seats for the front passengers were electrically powered. Superior comfort seats were also available for a surcharge (they had several additional adjustments: lumbar support, thigh support, shoulder support, back width, and headrest height) or sports seats (with additional adjustments for the thigh support and headrest height). In addition to all this, the front and rear seats could be equipped with heating, ventilation and massage. Several types of leather and velor were offered for upholstery. 
The safety of passengers in the car in an accident was ensured by six airbags at once (two front airbags for the driver and his front passenger, in addition to them - the rear side and front airbags for second-row passengers). It was possible to install additional head airbags, front and rear.
The parking brake is activated by pressing a button on the instrument panel. This brake was able to stop the car in the event of a malfunction of the main braking system.
Features of the machine:
- If parking mode is on, then the electronic assistant notifies you with sound, and also shows the distance to the obstacle on the monitor
- The car is equipped with latches for open doors, thanks to them, an open door can be fixed in any position you need
- The luggage compartment lid is equipped with an electric drive, which ensures its opening. When, when opening the lid, it bumps into an obstacle, then its lifting stops
- The electronic key, which is used in the ignition, stores information about the car (for example, VIN, unit status and mileage). If you forgot the key inside the passenger compartment or trunk of the car, then the car simply will not close.
- When you press the unlocking of the locks, the outer door handles light up
Restyling 2005-2008
In 2005, the BMW 65 BMW body underwent restyling. The innovations were of a complex nature and concerned the exterior design of the car and its technical component. 
The car has redesigned (changed) the design of the headlights, radiator grill and bumper. The rear edge of the hood was raised by 20 millimeters. As for the rear of the body, the boot lid has also changed, and additional taillights have appeared. The brake lights were made adaptive (the brightness of the signals depends directly on the intensity of braking), the rear wheel track was expanded by 14 millimeters.
The main innovation of the interior can be safely called the redesigned iDrive system. In it, the form of the control controller was changed and a key "menu" was added, pressing this key opens the main page of the control menu. The cut of the seats has changed, the dashboard controls have received a graceful chrome edging. The super modern multimedia system, unlike the previous versions, allows you to watch even digital television (the so-called DVB-T), and not just standard channels and DVD. D trim, black cherry was replaced with American walnut.
The engine lineup, with the exception of the 760i, has also been upgraded. For example, the 735i and 745i Motors gave way to the 740i and 750i respectively, and the 745d diesel engine was replaced by the 740d. In September 2005, the first extended model equipped with a diesel engine, the 730Ld, appeared.
How paid additional options appeared:
- "Adaptive" turn lights
- Three-spoke sports steering wheel
Famous modifications and versions
BMW 7th series of the fourth generation was produced in the following modifications:
- E65 - was the most common modification with a shortened wheelbase
- And the E66, on the contrary, had a wheelbase increased by 140 millimeters. Equipped with rear seats with enhanced comfort, and a refrigerator was built in the niche between the seats
- E67 - the development was equipped with factory armor, in addition, the car had a B7 security level, according to the highest protection standards. It was equipped with an automatic fire extinguishing system, sensors that detect a gas attack, a system for supplying fresh air to the cabin, an oxygen cylinder for being under water, a built-in radio beacon and other protective equipment. It was possible to start the engine from a distance of 150 meters in order to protect the owner from blowing up the car by terrorists by installing explosives into it. Car tires were manufactured using RunFlat technology, they allow you to rush 50 kilometers at a speed of at least 80 km / h when all wheels are pierced. The armored floor under the front seats was able to withstand the explosion of hand grenades.
- E68 - produced only for individual orders, the car ran on hydrogen and gasoline.
The BMW Individual modification offered additional interior and exterior paint options. 
The modified, sporty Alpina with a short wheelbase BMW 750i was produced on the assembly line in Dingolfing, where the production model was. For the USA, a limited edition of Alpina B7 cars was released, only 800 pieces, the models quickly sold out.
What is a BMW 7 Series? This is prestige, power, comfort and very, well, very big money. Only really rich people are able to buy a new G7. However, even a 3-5-year-old car is not available to a very large number of Russians. After all, even a used "seven" is a pretty decent financial investment both when buying and operating a car.
The first appearance of the BMW 7 Series in the back of the E65 in 2001 caused a real shock among the public. Nobody expected such a bold design from BMW. A significant part of motorists considered and still consider the BMW 7 Series E65 to be the ugliest car in the entire history of the brand's existence. However, now people have already got used to its design.
In fact, these are good times for buyers of used BMW 7 Series. Many aftermarket vehicles are 3-6 years old and are relatively inexpensive compared to new ones. Moreover, you can save a decent amount, because such expensive cars are getting cheaper quickly. At the same time, the BMW 7-series in the back of the E65 is still being produced (in 2005, the model was modernized, but externally restyled cars are not much different from the "sevens" of the old model). And this only adds prestige to the owner.
Our market for BMW 7 Series is now mainly supplied from the USA. Due to the difference in the exchange rate of the dollar and the euro, the American "sevens" are so profitable that it simply does not make sense to bring them from the Old World. And if there is a BMW 7 Series on the market “a week from Germany”, you need to be especially careful: it must have already been in a serious accident and passed through the hands of the Baltic masters (or there is a criminal trail behind it). According to the craftsmen, BMW 7 Series from America mostly come to us in good condition, because the buyers of such cars were very wealthy people and hardly saved on maintenance (however, do not forget to demand from the seller an auction list and “break through »Before buying a car according to Carfax and AutoCheck databases). There are also cars on the market that were originally sold in Russia. The main advantage of such "sevens" is that you can almost always trace their fate and thereby protect yourself from buying a stolen car.
BMW 7-series, like almost all models of the "F" class according to the European classification, was produced in two modifications - with a short and long wheelbase (E66 body). The difference in length between them is 140 mm. Considering that even a "small" "seven" is a very large car, the extra 140 mm is not so important, especially if you yourself sit behind the wheel. But, on the other hand, there is a question of prestige - elongated cars look more serious. In addition, armored vehicles can also be found on sale. It is not recommended to buy such a used car unless your life is really in danger. Armor is, of course, "cool", but is it worth overpaying for it, especially considering that such cars break down more often than ordinary ones?
Masters advise not only to inspect the body for an accident, but also to check how the doors work. They are equipped with special hydraulic cylinders, thanks to which the door is fixed in any position. Moreover, for its maximum opening, additional effort is required.
Salon "seven" is full of electronics. Naturally, you need to carefully check the functionality of the iDrive, watch how the controller rotates, located next to the center armrest. And you also need to make sure that the electronic key, parking sensors and heated seats are working (often the chairs also have the function of a massager).
At first, two V8 engines were installed under the hood of the BMW 7 Series: a volume of 3.6 liters (272 hp) and 4.4 liters (333 hp). Accordingly, cars with such engines were called BMW 735i and BMW 745i. But then the BMW 730i became available with a 6-cylinder gasoline unit with a volume of 3.0 liters (231 hp), a 730d with a 3-liter diesel engine (218 hp) and a 740d with a 3.9-liter V8 diesel engine (258 hp). hp). But the coolest "seven" was the version of the BMW 760i with a 6.0 liter V12, which produces 445 hp. At the moment, buyers of used cars will most likely choose among these powertrains.
If there is money for a relatively fresh restyled "seven", the following models will be available: BMW 730i (3.0 l, 258 hp), 740i (4.0 l, 306 hp), 750i (4, 8 L, 367 HP), 760i (6.0 L, 445 HP), 730d (3.0 L, 231 HP) and 745d (4.4 L, 300 HP). , and recently already 330 hp). We can also mention the unique BMW Hydrogen 7 - the hydrogen "seven". However, such cars with a V12 volume of 6.0 liters (260 hp) did not go on sale to the public, and it is currently impossible to find it on the secondary market.
Which engine to take is up to the buyer. Moreover, the choice must be made based not on the technical characteristics, volume or maximum speed of the car - it all depends on what impression the owner wants to make on others. After all, even the simplest "seven" has excellent dynamics. In fact, in terms of price / quality ratio, cars with a 3-liter gasoline engine or a V8 with a volume of 3.6 liters are optimal.
There are no complaints about the reliability of the power units. The BMW service technicians cannot recall even the relatively weak points of these engines. Moreover, what is very important, BMW engines with a system of constantly changing phases of operation of intake and exhaust valves Bi-VANOS and a system of continuous valve lift control Valvetronic consume Russian fuel relatively calmly. BMW assures that any unleaded gasoline with an octane rating from 91 to 98 can be poured into the tank of the car (some masters even advise using the 92nd fuel, which contains fewer additives).
"Seven" in the back of E65 / 66 has a diagnostic system for monitoring the technical condition of the car, which itself prompts when a service visit is required. Experience shows that, on average, 7 Series owners have to do maintenance every 15,000–20,000 km.
The "seven" has only one gearbox - a 6-speed "automatic" with the possibility of manual switching developed by ZF. The main feature of the transmission is the location of the shift selector. It is not located between the driver and passenger, but under the steering wheel, as in many American cars. The box is very reliable, but by now on some machines it can be "killed". And here you need to be careful, because the purchase of a new "machine" will require about $ 6,000, and it is not always amenable to repair.
The suspension is of two types. With simple motors, there is often a traditional chassis, but cars with V12 necessarily have not only a system for continuously changing the stiffness of the shock absorbers, but also a Dynamic Drive system. The latter is the so-called active anti-roll bars, which are equipped with a hydraulic motor. Thanks to these intelligent anti-roll bars, body roll during cornering is significantly reduced. A car with all these suspension "bells and whistles" turns out to be more comfortable than the car in the basic configuration. Therefore, if you take a BMW 7 Series with this option, you will probably not be disappointed (for cars with 6- and 8-cylinder engines, all this went as an option and cost about $ 5500). However, there is a flip side to the coin: after a run of 60,000-100,000 km, these very stabilizers may become unusable on our roads, replacement of which will cost at least a couple of thousand dollars. Plus, we shouldn't forget about complex pneumatic struts with adjustable stiffness, which also cost a lot. As for the levers, their resource in Russia is about 70,000 km (a set for one wheel costs about $ 350).
The steering on the BMW 7 Series E65 / 66 is more reliable than before. Although if the car has already covered more than 120,000 km, problems may appear here too. True, it usually does not come to replacing the rail. As for the steering rods that often wear out on our roads, there is nothing wrong with that, because their replacement costs only about $ 150. For a car like the BMW 7 Series, that's a pittance.
The BMW 7 Series E65 / 66 is one of the most prestigious vehicles in our aftermarket. The price of more or less decent "sevens" starts at $ 40,000. Anything that is cheaper is probably not worth taking: it is easy to run into broken, stolen or frankly rolled cars. Generally speaking, the "seven" has shown itself to be a very reliable car. She has only two relatively weak points: the electrics (more precisely, a huge number of all kinds of "bells and whistles" that sometimes "glitch") and the suspension. The latter, however, wears out quickly solely because of the quality of our asphalt.
EXCURSION
The first BMW 7 Series appeared back in 1977. This model with the E23 body was equipped with 2.8 liter and 3.5 liter carburetor engines producing 170 hp. and 184 hp. respectively. In 1978, the car received a 3.5 liter injection engine (197 hp), and in 1979 a version of the 750i Turbo with a turbocharged 3.2 liter engine (252 hp) appeared.
The second generation of the BMW 7 Series was released in 1986 (E32 body). This car was made not only in a standard form, but also with an extended wheelbase. Under the hood of the E32, engines with a volume of 3.0 liters (188 hp), 3.4 liters (211 hp or 220 hp) and 5.0 liters (300 hp) were installed.
The third generation of the "seven" was introduced in 1994. The model received the internal factory designation E38. It was this car that became a truly real competitor to the Mercedes-Benz S-class. The car was equipped with the following gasoline units: 2.8 liters (193 hp), 3.5 liters (238 hp), 4.4 liters (286 hp) and 5.4 liters (326 hp). with.). The diesels had a volume of 2.5 liters, 2.9 liters and 4.0 liters (143 hp, 193 hp and 245 hp, respectively).
Well, the premiere of the fourth generation BMW 7 Series took place in 2001 (an extended version was shown in 2002).
The body received the designation E65 (E66 - for a model with an increased wheelbase). In 2005, the car underwent an upgrade. Currently BMW sells "sevens" in the following modifications: 730i (3.0 liters, 258 hp), 740i (4.0 liters, 306 hp), 750i (4.8 liters, 367 hp). from.), 760i (6.0 L, 445 HP), diesel 730d (3.0 L, 231 HP) and 745d (4.4 L, 330 HP).
It is assumed that at the end of this or early 2009, BMW will unveil a completely new "seven".
BMW E65 7 Series the fourth generation of luxury sedans, which was unveiled at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show and launched in Europe on November 17, 2001.
This model became a replacement for and was produced until September 2008. The development of the car began in early 1996 and was completed in mid-2001, the exterior of the car was created by chief designer Chris Bangle.
In the fourth generation of the 7 Series, for the first time, special body versions were designated with a separate code: the extended version -, the armored version had an internal number - and the hydrogen version was designated as -.
Specifications
Engines and modifications
For the first time, the 735i and 745i with a V-engine were launched on the market.
In March 2002, an extended version of the E66 (140 mm longer than the base version) was presented at the Geneva Motor Show - the 735Li and 745Li with the same engines as the 735i and 745i.
In September 2002, production began on a diesel version with a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine and a V-shaped 3.9-liter turbo-diesel engine capacity. A diesel version of the extended 740 model was not available.
In January 2003, the most powerful version was presented - and with a 6.0-liter V-shaped engine.
In the same year, in February, an armored model was presented, and in March, production of the 730i started with the new Sport Package.
In October, cars began to be equipped with adaptive headlights, an IDrive system with two additional buttons, a Bluetooth connection with a mobile phone, an advanced screen and automatic climate control with a fog sensor.
| Motor | Volume, cubic meters cm | Power, h.p. | Torque, Nm | |
| 730i / Li | N52B30 |
2979 2996 |
231 258 |
300 300 |
| 735i / Li | N62B36 | 3600 | 272 | 360 |
| 740i / Li | N62B40 | 4000 | 306 | 390 |
| 745i / Li | N62B44 | 4398 | 333 | 450 |
| 750i / Li | N62B48 | 4799 | 367 | 490 |
| 760i / Li | N73B60 | 5972 | 445 | 600 |
| 730d / Ld | M57TUD30 M57TU2D30 |
2993 2993 |
218 231 |
500 520 |
| 740d | M67D39 | 3901 | 258 | 600 |
| 745d | M67D44 | 4423 | 329 | 750 |
Dimensions (edit)
Restyling
In April 2005, the 7 series lineup was updated. The sedan has become more refined and sporty. New engine options were presented for the 730Li - 3.0-liter
Test drive BMW E65 from Vladimir Potanin
Videos of BMW E66 / E67 7 Series
BMW in the back of E65 / E66 was released in 2001 and produced until 2008. The model impresses with the quality of the finish, the combination of dynamics and controllability and the progressiveness of the equipment. However, not everyone can afford to maintain a 15-year-old "premium". Let's see what the owners are complaining about. And why do they still choose E65 / E66.
The background of the model is simple: the well-deserved E38 retired, and its place was taken by the "hippo". So called for a sharply different design of the E65 ordinary people. The massive design was criticized and praised by buyers - in a couple of years the car overtook its predecessors in sales. Well, the list of equipment was amazing: iDrive multimedia system, automatic "handbrake", adaptive suspension, turning headlights, engine start from a button, the first 6-speed "automatic" ZF and even before a bunch of options and chips like a door closer or loading maps into the navigator from DVDs.
There is no need to even talk about comfort and convenience, as well as about the quality of finishing of this "seven". Well, the Dynamic Drive system raised the car's handling to such a level that the BMW E65 became the best driver's sedan in the F class, beating both the 220th and the Audi S8.
Main complaints from owners associated with electronics glitches (and there are many of them) and, in particular, with the operation of the multimedia system. The bulk of iDrive issues were resolved by the manufacturer in the early years of the model's release, but the complex design of the system requires not only constant updating, but also intervention in the filling.
With motors, the situation is as follows - at first, the E65 was equipped with reliable series of the legendary M54, M57 and good N62 units. But after restyling, they were replaced with new and not so reliable engines of the N52 and N62 families.
The ZF 6HP26 series box contains several major flaws. We wrote about them in detail.
Body and interior
The body of the E65 is durable, well painted by the manufacturer. Many elements are made of aluminum. The owners do not notice serious corrosion on this model - rather, it will be a sign of poor recovery from an accident. Deserved "age" corrosion should be looked for on the rear arches and in places where plastic parts are attached to the bottom.
It is also important to choose the E65 with the original elements of the underbody kit and sills - plastic parts are easily lost, are expensive and are directly related to comfortable noise insulation in the cabin.
The salon is filled with such high-quality materials that the "crumpled" interiors will be a sign of a company car.
Electronics
What can you say about the E65 electronic system? Very difficult. Multiplex data buses, many controllers and control units ... Almost everything is electronically controlled in the machine. Shock absorbers, active anti-roll bars, active steering - all this is looked after by a whole group of sensors and control units, which is also included in the iDrive kit. This is a potential problem for owners.
The electrician herself is made with high quality, but the wiring on the engine panel, power contacts and a generator loaded to the eyeballs are becoming a frequent problem.
Software failures of numerous blocks directly make a hole in the owners' budget, and not every specialist will undertake to troubleshoot. The pre-styling versions of the E65 are especially prone to breakdowns.
The leader in terms of the number of complaints about electronics is, of course, the Dynamic Drive active suspension control system. Often, the hydraulic shock absorber of the boot lid, starters and batteries fail. Owners also complain about a malfunction in the steering column, which is expressed in the failure of electrical adjustments.
Engines
- On the 730i / Li version, gasoline engines of the M54 family were initially installed, after restyling in 2005 they were replaced by the 3.0-liter N52 (231 and 258 hp, respectively).
- Versions 735i / Li and 740i / Li received V-shaped in-line "eights" of the N62 family, with a capacity of 272 hp. and 306 hp. Forced up to 333 and 367 "horses", depending on the version, the same "eights" N62 were put on 745i / Li and 750i / Li.
- The top-end gasoline engine, the N73 with a volume of 6.0 liters and a capacity of 445 hp, received a modification of the 760i / Li.
- Diesel versions of the "seven" with a volume of 3.0 liters., 730d / Ld, equipped with the legendary M57TU, with a capacity of 218 to 231, depending on the year of manufacture.
- Versions 740d and 745d received units of the M67 family, with a capacity of 258 and 329 hp. respectively.
Inline “sixes” of the M series, regardless of the type of fuel, are the most successful engines of the Bavarians in principle. Gasoline M54s were installed on the BMW E65 until 2005, diesel M57s - until the end of the model's production. After restyling, the engines of the M54 family were replaced with new ones from the N52 series, which became rather a disadvantage. The tendency of the latter to coke piston rings and to other problems has reduced their resource. At the same time, the expected increase in power did not occur.
Gasoline V-shaped "eights" N62 set the entire production period of the model, and all the time the owners complained about the coking of this engine, even with scrupulous service at a dealer with original consumables. But in general, the design of the motor allows you to get a good resource.
True, for this you will have to take serious care of the N62: change a good oil every 8-10 thousand km, not save on consumables and reprogram the engine control unit in order to change the thermostat operation to a "colder" mode.
As for the V12 engines of the N73 series, they perfectly pull a heavy car, and their resource is clearly higher than that of other engines of the N family. But the complex design with vanos and direct injection significantly increases the cost of their maintenance.
A stone in the garden of diesel M57 can be thrown only in terms of fragile piezo injectors. But if you do not drive with an empty tank and refuel with normal fuel, these motors are traditionally considered the most successful in terms of traction and reliability.
The problem of the diesel V8 of the M67 series is perhaps the delicate fuel equipment and the EGR valve, which must be promptly repaired (changed) at the first sign of a malfunction.
Transmission
A mechanical box for this "seven" was not provided in principle.
The classic 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP26 cannot be called reliable. The wear of the torque converter lock-up linings, bushings and the valve body of the mechatronics - all these troubles await the owners who do not observe the oil change interval and like to drive. The box is maintainable, but the costs cannot be called small.
It is logical that the resource of the box is higher on versions with in-line petrol "sixes" and below - on the V12. The owners go to some tricks to extend the life of the "machine". For example, they install additional radiators and change the gaskets of the plastic pallet of the automatic transmission every time the oil is changed.
Suspension and steering
BMW E65 received a traditional solution for the Bavarian concern: McPherson front and multi-link rear suspension. In general, the unpretentious design is distinguished by high prices for original parts, especially for racks with EDC.
Suspension arms run on average 30-70 thousand km without major repairs, depending on operating conditions. For owners of versions with Dynamic Drive, replacing the active anti-roll bar costs a penny and you have to pay dearly for the pleasure.
The most expensive thing in the rear suspension is pneumatics, not the cylinders themselves, but pneumatic drives and a control unit. Therefore, connoisseurs try to avoid versions with air suspension.
Steering with a Servotronic system is fraught with the unpredictability of the life of the rail - on some cars it starts knocking after 30 thousand km, but sometimes it even goes over 300 thousand. It is difficult to sort it out; replacement is required.
The resource of steering rods and tips with careful operation can really double and even triple, compared with an average value of 30 thousand km.
Some owners are fond of high-speed maneuvers and quickly wear out the brake pads, which is not surprising given such a mass of the car and the capabilities of its dynamics. Deformed discs are common and are associated, among other things, with the passage of puddles.
Hub bearings are quite reliable. Even in versions with V12 and in combination with low-profile tires, they go 30-40 thousand km.
Total
If you decide to buy a BMW E65 / 66, consider the cost of owning such a car. To maintain good condition, this sedan will require investments, and considerable - and this is if you do not have to restore it after the previous owners. A lot of components, a complex design with a bunch of sensors and expensive spare parts - all this will hurt your pocket. But the pleasure of driving such a "premium" is guaranteed to you.
To minimize risks, choose options with in-line gasoline "sixes" and a reliable diesel M57. But it is better to refrain from buying top-end versions with V8, V12.
Don't miss other reviews of popular BMW models:
- BMW E39 - read
- BMW E46 - read
- BMW E60 - read
- BMW E90 - read
One of the federal channels still constantly broadcasts films of this kind. I will not say which one. I will only say that its name begins with "H" and ends with "TV". But times are changing - so are the "war chariots". Take the same Boomer. A true lifestyle icon and a textbook for young people whose style is an elegant combination of a tracksuit and classic pointed shoes.
And here it is just right to talk about the "seven" BMW in the back of the E38, which appears throughout the film as the fifth protagonist. They stopped producing this car almost fifteen years ago, but even now hardly anyone can say that its design looks outdated. The car is big, imposing, formidable, and still makes you respect yourself on the roads. At least provincial towns. Moreover, those who have bought such a car will have a chance, and even more than once, to feel the aura of fear experienced by older people on old Zhiguli cars, a reminder of the times when jeans and gum were just gaining popularity in Russia. And this means that she is liked, mainly, by young people under thirty, dressed in tracksuits and continuing to snap seeds, even when they are going to baine. I'm serious! Take a closer look the next time the tinted window of the E38 opens at a traffic light: you will certainly see a young guy shaking out the husk on the asphalt.
BMW 7-Series (E38)
However, to hell with sentimentality! The car is really legendary, stuffed with innovations (by the standards of that time), which, in addition, was Frank Martin's personal transport in the movie "The Carrier". She really can interest many. In one of the specialized Internet clubs, you will find crowds of people who are ready to part with their grandma for organs rather than with their E38.
But is this "seven" so good? And where did the young guys get the executive class cars? I generally keep quiet about grannies. I'll try to explain. The car in this body was produced until 2001. That is, any existing specimen today is at least 14 years old. And given the cost of maintaining such an artifact, the number of advertisements for sale on electronic platforms is understandable. To find a fresher copy, we set the last three years of release in the selection criteria, and a half-thousand armada opens to us. Price tags start at 150 thousand rubles. for rubbish on Latvian numbers and with a dubious history. We bet that under the putty of such a car there will be a dozen nine-millimeter holes, and under the carpets - the husk of seeds? The price ceiling rests at 750 thousand for copies in excellent condition with two or three names in the TCP. If only you do not trade in crime, keeping the stalls near your house in fear, then, I suppose, you will come to a reasonable 450-470 thousand.
BMW 7-Series (E38)
What can you buy with this money? Lada Priora or Largus. And even Benladu. Moreover, five copies at once, one for each working day.
Well, I do not! The true fanatic will opt for the BMW 750i version with a 5.4-liter V12. Judge for yourself: the M73 engine relies on a solid wheelbase, leather interior (brought to a subcutaneous state, and yet), door closers and a BMW nameplate on the trunk, which, in the end, will push a neighbor to come to you one evening for salt or matches. But do not rush to run to the seller, waving your passbook. Because then everything will not be as rosy as you might think.
"More powerful" means "better"?
Most often, the 7th series of those years meets with 4.4 and 5.4 liter engines under the hood. Both are good, resourceful, but also demanding on consumables. The basic 3.0-liter unit also comes across, but for such a heavy car it is frankly not enough. Of course, the more power you have in stock, the less the engine is straining to drag you around town. Hence, a larger motor has a greater resource. Considering the mileage of 300-400 thousand km, it would be reasonable to take a larger engine in order to insure yourself at least against major repairs during the possession of the well-worn "seven".
V12 engine under the hood of the BMW 7-Series (E38)
That is why today we are talking about the V12. They say that he is a vivid representative of those very "millionaires" about which they make up legends. I must admit that this seems to be true. In official testing, BMW has launched the M73 at the stand. At 16,000 (!) Rpm, he worked continuously for 32 days before he was stopped. And after such critical loads, the engine, as you probably thought, was eating butter, like Joy Chestnut, the hamburger-eating champion during his favorite pastime. But no. Having disassembled the unit, the engineers did not find critical defects in the clearances and put it into production.
At the same time, it is the best and at the same time the worst of all the details. A very controversial unit. The point is not even that any engine on the E38 is prone to overheating, which can happen both from a flooded unregulated antifreeze and from a clogged radiator, which is usually never cleaned over the years. And not even that the optimal period for changing the oil in it is 6 thousand km, while the oil also requires strict adherence to the regulations and requirements for quality and viscosity. The real problem with the 750 is the expense. If you put an explosive charge on the gas pedal, which is triggered by touching your foot, and you strap your right boot to the seat to save yourself from the temptation to sink in, the consumption will still be at least 16 liters per hundred. Well, if you decide to put a "Hooligan" sticker on your windshield and turn the engine to a cut-off, then a consumption of 30 liters will make you cry at the gas station.
You can, of course, switch the car to gas, but modern equipment, coupled with the installation, costs 60-70 thousand rubles, which means that by putting it on, you will be eating "infusions" and radish for a couple of months and, most likely, you will earn heartburn ...
The interior of the BMW 7 Series in the back of E38
The gearbox was also bad luck. No, it is from Aston Martin and is quite good, but it was not calculated on the huge torque (490 Nm), which gives out our V12. This means that if you start to drive aggressively, expect problems. , theoretically, maintenance-free, but if the oil has not been changed in it, and the car has already run more than 200 thousand km, then with each switch you will have a good kick, so by the end of the day you will get home with back pain. Therefore, when examining this machine, pay attention to the behavior of the "machine". There is reason to doubt the smoothness of switching - bargain boldly.
The suspension is good. The front aluminum multi-link holds this two-ton bumpkin back on the road amazingly, but it does have one. When one element fails, then soon it pulls all the neighboring suspension elements with it into the grave. It is the same as if they sneezed on you, and you, having given up aspirin, fell ill after a week in intensive care. An unpleasant feature. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that in case of a minor breakdown, while the part ordered from the store is delivered, you will have to walk for a week, holding your back, cursing the suspension and lamenting that you have been beaten up by the gearbox.
The interior of a car that was produced 20 years ago looks decent even today
We count expenses
The market is full of cars of this kind for several reasons. First, there is no “past generation” of the “seven”. After the release of a new one, the rest immediately turn out to be old, hence the loss in price. When a car depreciates in value by half or more, those who could not afford such a car "from scratch" lay their eyes on it. Then they drive out the entire resource to the limit, up to major service, after which they try to get rid of the car.
In a word, instead of a new foreign B-class car, of course, you can buy a 15-year-old "old woman", but is it worth it? Replacing 10 liters of oil in a box costs 8,000 rubles. The suspension requires the replacement of consumables, such as the silent blocks of the rear levers (two 1500 rubles each), the bushings of the front stabilizers (two 600 rubles each), the tips of the stabilizers (two 800 rubles each) every two years, even with careful driving. And we are talking about analogues of branded spare parts!
Add here the front (2,600 rubles) and rear (1,500 rubles) pads, which have a hard time with a car weighing two tons, the steering linkage (7,000 rubles) - another weak point, as well as the cost of work (about a third of each amount ). Why is there a suspension, even iridium candles, of which there are twelve, cost 600 rubles apiece, and do not forget that this is a BMW. This means that it will not work with a key "10" and a hammer to make a major overhaul of the engine, as in the "Zhiguli". Most of the work will have to be done at the service station.
Looking for an alternative
Haven't you changed your mind yet? Then the only reasonable decision against this background seems to be buying a "seven" in the next body. Remember, this is the controversial one that Chris Bangle had a hand in? The car with it looks more modern, rather brutal, there are pneumatic elements in the back, and this is the best-selling BMW 7 Series in its entire existence. You can choose the 4.4 engine, which, although gluttonous like a sumo wrestler, still does not ruin you in two trips around the city, like the V12 on the E38. Having spent the same half a million on the purchase of the 7th series in the back of the E65, you will not bother pressing buttons, because there is an iDrive joystick that adjusts all the systems of the car. And the neighbor's salt will run out much more regularly.
Generally speaking, what does a person really want when buying such a car? Manageability? Maybe comfort? Hardly. After all, then he would have preferred a more affordable 5-series (for example). Including in terms of ownership. Then maybe ergonomics? Also unlikely. In this case, why not choose a Ford Focus or any other golf-class car that is not inferior in this criterion?
The point is still in an unfulfilled dream, which, as you know, has no statute of limitations. But if it was formed by films based on the dashing 90s, then I have shocking news for you. Today, tough guys mostly drive big SUVs.
So there is only one reason for the purchase, and it seems to be the most reliable. The reason is in the girl. The one you are trying to get the attention of, admit it. But is it necessary to buy a BMW 7, a tracksuit and a gold chain? It would be cheaper and wiser to spend money on a bouquet of flowers and a dinner at a restaurant to achieve her location, right?
If you are simply a connoisseur of the German eternal, then there are several recommendations for you. First, take your time with the choice. This is the very purchase that cannot be made with the heart without connecting the mind. Be careful, be patient and wait for "your" copy. After waiting, do not rush to drive the car for service diagnostics, although this is a mandatory procedure that can save you a lot of nerves and money in the future. First, talk to the owner, understand who is in front of you and whether this person could keep such a car in a decent condition. An owner who loves his car is almost always happy to talk about the problems that befell him and the decisions that had to be made to fix the problem.
Be afraid of cars whose wheels are shod with winter tires in the summer, as well as those who bought a "German", and then drove for three years and only changed the oil. In fact, this means that you will have to change all the parts that have exhausted their resource. Also, avoid people who for no apparent reason are selling a car after a couple of months of ownership. Be vigilant and pragmatic. Better yet, buy something simpler and fresher.
