The BMW 7 Series is the flagship full-size sedan from the German automaker. Along with its arch rival—the Mercedes-Benz S-Class—it’s always been at the cutting edge of technology, even if the design has been fairly conservative. It had an on-board computer and a dictaphone back in the 1980s, adopted safety technology such as rear-view cameras well before the masses, and incorporated night vision and smart keys in the early 2000s.
Another big selling point for the BMW 7 Series sedan is its variety of powertrains. From diesel to electric, this sedan has had it all. It added a hybrid in 2010, moved into plug-in electric hybrids in 2016, and then added a battery electric vehicle in 2022. It even offered a diesel option in the U.S. until 2019.
The 7 Series has grown longer, larger and more luxurious over time. Now in its seventh generation, it’s the pinnacle of a powerful luxury sedan, and leans into the brand’s sporting nature.
BMW 7 Series Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- BMW 7 Series Pros and Cons
- BMW 7 Series Generations
- BMW 7 Series Seventh Generation (2023–Present)
- BMW 7 Series Sixth Generation (2016–2022)
- BMW 7 Series Fifth Generation (2009–2015)
- BMW 7 Series Fourth Generation (2002–2008)
- BMW 7 Series Third Generation (1995–2001)
- BMW 7 Series Second Generation (1986–1994)
- BMW 7 Series First Generation (1977–1986)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMW 7 Series years are the best?
German vehicles have a reputation for being expensive to maintain, so if your heart isn’t set on an older 7 Series, newer is better when it comes to reliability. There were no recent complaints listed on CarComplaints.com at the time of writing, and Consumer Reports gave the new BMW 7 Series an average predictive reliability rating. EnginePatrol.com says models built from 2020 have higher reliability and do better in owner satisfaction scores.
What are the worst BMW 7 Series years?
There is one year with several issues: 2012. It has the most overall complaints according to CarComplaints.com, and the most frequently reported problem is a seized engine. Early 2000s cars also had a flurry of powertrain problems, radiator issues, and coolant system troubles. In short, fourth-generation models are best avoided.
Is a used BMW 7 Series a good deal?
As Kelley Blue Book points out, the BMW 7 Series has a huge problem with depreciation, which is bad for those selling a new BMW, but great for used buyers. So, yes, we think the BMW 7 Series is a good deal. Take the 2021 7 Series as an example: its value fell by $41,000 in the three years to 2024, so you can get a vehicle with an original MSRP of $80,000 for less than half that.
BMW 7 Series Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong engines
- Comfortable but sporty ride and handling
- Excellent rear passenger room
Cons:
- Expensive options
- High depreciation
- Poor turning circle
BMW 7 Series Generations
## BMW 7 Series Seventh Generation (2023–Present) The current BMW 7 Series began production in 2022 for the 2023 model year and had the internal designation G70. This generation marks the electrification of the entire 7 Series lineup, as it now consists of 48-volt mild hybrids, a plug-in hybrid, and a zero-emission all-electric model, known as the i7.
It did away with the long-wheelbase designation, as that’s now the only option in the U.S., and it’s a full 5.1 inches longer than the long-wheelbase model from the previous generation. It sports the biggest grille to date and adopts the same split-headlight treatment seen on the BMW X7. The i7 even features Swarovski crystals as headlamps. Both the 7 Series and the i7 are available with rear- and all-wheel drive (xDrive).
It’s a proper luxury car, and the interior is brimming with tech, including what BMW calls a Live Cockpit setup, which combines a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a 14.9-inch curved infotainment display. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, in-car gaming, a standard head-up display, quad-zone climate control, USB-C charge ports, front seat massagers, a panoramic glass roof, and a host of driver assistance features. For the first time on a 7 Series, BMW offers a leather-free configuration, while the good old M Sport package adds uprated brakes and sports styling features.
There’s double wishbone aluminum suspension at the front, integral-V multilink aluminum suspension at the rear, adaptive air suspension, active anti-roll bars, and all-wheel steering (known as BMW’s Integral Active Steering).
As for specs, there is one 3.0-liter inline-six powertrain available in the 740i, delivering 318 horsepower and the 4.4-liter V8 engine in the 760i delivers 544hp—both are fitted with 48-volt mild hybrid systems to boost mpg. There are two plug-in hybrids available—the 483hp 750e and the 560hp M760e 560 hp—each with the 3.0-liter inline-six paired with an electric motor.
The i7 offers three variants: the rear-wheel drive, rear-motor i7 eDrive50 and two dual-motor all-wheel drive models, the i7 xDrive60 and i7 M70 xDrive sedan. Power output for the three models is 449hp, 536hp, and 650hp, respectively. The i7 comes with a CCS port and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes using a DC fast charger and there’s 274 to 321 miles of electric range, depending on the model and the powertrain.
As this 7 Series is still relatively new, used prices remain high. Average retail prices for used examples range from $72,000 to $89,000 according to Consumer Reports, and you’ll spend between $96,000 and $121,000 for a new model. The i7 has an average used retail price of $81,000, and if you’re buying one new, you’ll spend between $106,000 and $169,000.
BMW 7 Series Sixth Generation (2016–2022)
The sixth-generation BMW 7 Series continued with standard- and long-wheelbase models, dubbed the G11 and G12, respectively. This version was based on the BMW CLAR (cluster architecture) platform, and had a passenger cell made of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), tensile steel and aluminum, which resulted in this generation dropping 88 pounds. It had an even larger kidney grille, which incorporated grille shutters to increase airflow to the engine and boost aerodynamics accordingly.
It was the first 7 Series to have four-wheel steering (BMW’s Integral Active Steering, available with all-wheel drive models) and featured an upgraded iDrive system with gesture controls and touch-screen capability, an LED “light carpet” or puddle lamp to illuminate your entry, ambient lighting, a standard rear-view camera, and parking sensors. This was also the first generation of BMW 7 Series available as a plug-in hybrid.
This BMW 7 Series launched in 2016 with a 325hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six engine and a 450hp, 4.4-liter turbo V8. There was a single diesel option in the U.S.: the 740d/dL, equipped with a 315-hp inline-six turbo, along with a plug-in hybrid, fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four mated to an electric motor for a combined 325hp. A V12 engine returned in 2017, delivering 610 hp. Every powertrain except the base unit received a power upgrades in 2019, and the plug-in hybrid swapped out the inline-four for the inline-six, with a combined power output of 395hp. The last V12 appeared in 2022, and was appropriately known as “The Final V12” limited edition model.
The sixth-gen BMW 7 Series received a facelift for the 2020 model year, including an even larger kidney grille, sleeker headlights, optional laser headlights, an available hands-free driving system, LED taillights, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and an upgraded iDrive system with a voice assistant.
Prices can vary enormously, with used listing ranging from $5,000 to $132,000 for a top-tier Alpina B7 model with xDrive. According to Consumer Reports, the average retail prices start at $15,000 for a 2016 model to $76,400 for a high-end 2022 example.
BMW 7 Series Fifth Generation (2009–2015)
For the fifth-gen BMW 7 Series, known internally as the F1, had relatively subtle styling. It got a bigger kidney grille, sleeker headlights, and gained almost two inches in length.
Continuing the tradition of firsts, this generation was the first BMW to get an available hybrid powertrain, an eight-speed transmission, and a turbocharged V12 engine, known as the BMW 760i. It was also available with rear-wheel steering, all-wheel drive (xDrive), pedestrian recognition within the night vision system, blind spot monitoring, massaging rear seats, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality.
There were four engine options at launch: a 322hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, a 402hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, and a 536hp, 6.0-liter V12. In the mid-cycle refresh of 2013, the twin-turbo inline-six and the twin-turbo V8 were replaced with a 315hp turbo and a 444hp twin-turbo respectively. The hybrid hit the scene in 2010, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and a combined power output of 456hp. It was replaced in 2012 with a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, which had a lower combined power output of 349hp. There was just one diesel engine available in the U.S.: the 730d, fitted with a 241hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, bumped to 255hp in 2013.
The mid-cycle refresh rolled out in the middle of 2012 for the 2013 model year. Other than the engine changes already noted, it also brought full-LED headlamps, a revised kidney grille and headlights, standard self-leveling air suspension, automated parking assist, driver drowsiness detection, and automatic emergency braking.
The fifth-generation 7 Series is readily available used, and average retail prices start at around $6,000 for early models, while newer examples typically go for around $16,000. We saw more than 300 results when we searched for vehicles in this generation, the bulk of which ranged from $11,000 to $15,000, although some low-mileage versions with V12 engines topped $30,000.
BMW 7 Series Fourth Generation (2002–2008)
The fourth-generation BMW 7 Series was launched in the fall of 2001 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, and was known for its controversial styling, overseen by designer Chris Bangle, and a lot of interesting tech. Dubbed the E65 (standard wheelbase) and E66 (long wheelbase) internally, this 7 Series had an elongated rear decklid, which was nicknamed “the Bangle Butt” by critics. It was nearly two inches longer and 1.5 inches wider than the E38 it replaced, but only 33 pounds heavier.
The E65 7 Series was the first BMW to include the iDrive infotainment system, and also moved the traditional console-mounted gear shifter to a stalk on the steering column. In its place, BMW added two front cup holders. And yes, this meant the only transmission available throughout this generation was a six-speed automatic. Other new features included active anti-roll bars, an electronic smart key, and night vision.
Out of the gate, the fourth-gen BMW 7 Series had a pair of V8 engines: a 3.6-liter unit with 268hp and a 4.4-liter version with 329hp. In 2004, BMW added a 228-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, which it swapped in 2005 for a 255hp 3.0-liter inline-six. The V12 engine returned in 2002 with a capacity of 6.0 liters and 439hp, and the original V8s were replaced with larger and more powerful equivalents—a 302hp 4.0 and a 362hp 4.8—at the mid-cycle refresh in 2005. There was also a solitary diesel engine available: the 215hp, 3.0-liter turbo inline-six in the 730d.
The 2005 facelift included revised front and rear styling, an updated iDrive system with clearer graphics, and upgraded adaptive cruise control.
Listing for this generation went from $600 for a junk yard find to $26,000 for a low-mileage model with a clean record, but the majority were advertised in the $5,000 to $7,000 range.
BMW 7 Series Third Generation (1995 – 2001)
Continuing with the innovative spirit, the third-generation BMW 7 Series was the first car available with curtain airbags, the first European car to offer satellite navigation, the first BMW with an in-built television, and the first 7 Series available with a diesel engine. It was also the last generation with a manual transmission.
Similar to the second-gen model, the E38 BMW 7 Series offered both standard and long wheelbase (iL) sedans, but also added a limousine-length model (L7). The base powertrain was a 193hp 2.8-liter straight-six found in the 728i/iL. The 730i/iL was still initially offered, but it was upgraded to a 218hp 3.0-liter V8, and replaced by a 235hp 3.5-liter V8 in 1996. The 740i/iL initially carried over the BMW M60 engine with four additional horsepower, but it was replaced in 1996 by a 286hp 4.4-liter V8. The 750i/iL upgraded to a 5.4-liter 326hp V12, and the 740d—equipped with a 245hp 3.9-liter V8—was the only diesel option in the U.S., and was sold from 1999.
The primary transmission for the E38 was a five-speed automatic, but a five-speed manual was offered with the 728i/iL, the 730i/iL, and the 735i/iL, and six-speed manual was available with the 740i.
The E38 was facelifted for the 1999 model year, which comprised revised styling for the headlights and taillights, an available sport package, standard electronic stability control, and standard head airbags.
The third-generation 7 Series is relatively abundant next to the now-scarce first- and second-generation examples. We saw listings ranging from $2,000 for a high-mileage model to $33,000 for a low-mileage V8 in excellent condition. However, average prices were in the region of $10,000.
BMW 7 Series Second Generation (1986 – 1994)
Production of the second-generation BMW 7 Series—known as the E32—kicked off in 1986 and, curiously the first-gen model remained on sale simultaneously for a year. This generation introduced a lot of BMW firsts, including Electronic Damper Control, Xenon headlights, traction control, and dual-zone climate control.
The E32 was available in long-wheelbase versions (indicated by an “L”) and had an extra 4.5 inches of legroom. It had L-shaped taillights and circular headlights, plus BMW’s trademark Hofmeister kink in the rear window line. Models fitted with the straight-six engines were differentiated from the V8 and V12 by a narrower kidney grille.
Initially, the E32 7 Series models were available with a pair of BMW M30 inline-six engines, and the launch versions consisted of the 730i/iL and 735i/iL, available with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The 750i/Li, released in 1987, was also considered a launch model, and it was the first BMW with V12 engine since World War II. This 5.0-liter M70 engine delivered 295 horsepower and was only available with a four-speed automatic transmission. In 1992, the 7 Series got BMW’s first V8 engine since the 501/502, which was last produced in 1962. This M60 engine was found in the 740i/Li, delivered 282 horsepower, and only had a five-speed automatic transmission.
Classics.com showed auction sale prices of $2,000 to $44,000 for this 7 Series, while the average sold price hovers at around $10,000. When we looked at online listing, we could only find 1994 740i models, and prices ranged from $2,000 for a junker to about $16,000 for a low-mileage, one-owner vehicle.
BMW 7 Series First Generation (1977 – 1986)
The first-generation BMW 7 Series followed the New Six sedan series, also known as the E3, which was produced from 1968 to 1977. Unveiled in 1977, the 7 Series, known as the E23 internally, featured inline six-cylinder engines and an inward-sloped grille that gave it a shark nose profile. This generation introduced lots of electronic features, including an on-board computer, warning lights, and a Dictaphone. It was also the first BMW to offer anti-lock brakes.
Initially, the E23 BMW 7 Series had three inline-six engine options: a 150hp 2.5 in the 725, a 170hp 2.8 in the 728, and a 184hp 3.0 in the 730. The U.S. added a 177hp 3.2 in the 733i in 1978, and the 725, 728, and 730 were ditched in 1979. The 733i was replaced by the 735i in 1985, which was equipped with a 218hp 3.4-liter engine. The 725 and 728 had three-speed automatic and four-speed manual transmission options, the 730 offered four-speed automatic and manual transmissions, and both the 733i and the 735i offered three-speed automatic and four-speed manual transmissions.
The first-generation BMW 7 Series got a mid-cycle refresh in 1983, which included a wider “kidney” grille, new bumper bars, and a new instrument cluster. The rear suspension was also updated. In 1985, the E23 received an optional driver’s side airbag and redesigned front suspension.
The L7, available from 1985 to 1987, was a more luxurious version of the 735i, and only available in the U.S. It included leather seats, dash, and door padding, as well as a power glass moonroof and more standard features. It was only available with an automatic transmission and had a standard driver’s airbag.
Classics.com recorded sold prices of $550 to $200,000 for this generation, but the average prices were typically $12,000 to $13,000.
