BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan.

There have been four generations of the 7 Series:

• BMW E23 (1977–1986)
• BMW E32 (1987–1994)
• BMW E38 (1994–2001)
• BMW E65/E66 (2002–present)

E23 (1977–1986)

Main article: BMW E23

Models offered:

• 725i
• 728, 728i, 728iS
• 730, 730i
• 732i
• 733i
• 735i
• 745i Turbo (745i in South Africa)
• L7

E32 (1987–1994)

Main article: BMW E32

The E32 was introduced in 1987, with the 730i and 735i featuring 3.0 L and 3.5 L straight-6 engines respectively, and a new, 5.0 L, 300 horsepower V12 engine for the 750i. In 1992, 3.0 L and 4.0 L V8 engines were added to the lineup (730i and 740i). All models were also available in a stretched 'L' version, which had 10 cm of extra legroom for the rear passengers. See BMW E32 article for more information.

Figures may differ slightly for stretched and/or international versions (for instance, the 750i was rated at 296 BHP in the USA)

E38 (1995–2001)

Main article: BMW E38

The E38 generation (1995-2001) had a five-speed automatic. The engine variants in Europe were 725tds, 728i, 730i, 730d, 735i, 740i (4.0 and 4.4 L), 740d and 750i (with a 5.4L 322bhp [240kW] engine, as was used in the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph).

In the Americas, the models were sold as the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. The 740i and 740iL share the same 4.4L V8 engine. The 740iL is essentially a long-wheelbase 740i (hence the "L" in the model name). The considerably rarer 5.4L V12-powered 750iL was only available as a long-body; there was no E38 750i in the US lineup. The 750iL was BMW's flagship sedan.

E65/E66 (2002–present)

Main article: BMW E65/E66

The current 7 Series is available on two different platforms: the standard-wheelbase E65 (2990mm, 118in) and the extended-wheelbase E66 (3130mm, 123in).