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BMW's 7-Series was the full-size top-of-the-line sedan in the lineup. There were actually two separate 7-series models; the short-wheelbase 735i (which replaced the 1981-1984 733i) and the long-wheelbase L7 (introduced in 1986), which each had 5.5 in. added to rear-seat legroom. The V8 had double-overhead cams and a 5-speed automatic, the big V12 used only a single overhead cam for each bank of cylinders.

The E32 generation began with the 1987 model year, with both engine sizes carried over.

The 750iL, introduced in the 1988 model year replacing the L7, with its 296-hp 5.0-liter V12, competed with the Jaguar XJ12 and the Mercedes-Benz S600. In other words, it was among the top luxury sedans in the world, and significantly cheaper than the equivalent Mercedes.

A long-wheelbase V8 called the 735iL was also introduced for 1988.

All three 7-series models came with standard luxury-car features like leather upholstery, automatic climate control, power seats, and automatic dimming mirrors. The only options were heated front seats, AST traction control, electronic damping control and a ski sack that was used to expand into the passenger compartment from behind the rear seat's center armrest and allows one to put long objects into the trunk without messing up the interior upholstery. The 750iL came standard with everything except an optional computerized suspension system. Even the ski sack was standard.

Year-to-year changes

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Discontinued
735i 4DR Sedan 740i 4DR Sedan 2001
735iL 4DR Sedan 740iL 4DR Sedan
750iL 4DR Sedan

1993

The V8 engine sizes were renamed the 740i and 740iL. The 740i with its 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 competed with Jaguar's XJ6 and Mercedes-Benz's S420. This was the same drivetrain used in the smaller BMW 540i. However, the 740i was a bigger, more luxurious car with a more spacious interior.

1995

BMW completely redesigned its 7-series cars for 1995. Every body panel was new, although it still looked very much like the 7-Series from the previous generation. For example, the 750iL was given a bigger engine size of 5.4-liter V12 with 322 horsepower. Also new for 1995, the 750iL had a 5-speed automatic transmission as well.

The 1995 7-Series was unveiled in May 1994, and sales of the short-wheelbased 740i sedan began on November 1, 1994 in North America, and the long-wheelbase 740iL and 12-cylinder 750iL in February 1995.

Retail prices

Model year(s) Engine size Wheelbase List price Effective date
1991 3.5L 111.5" $50,900 February 10, 1991
1991 3.5L 116" $55,000 February 10, 1991
1991 5.0L 116" $74,000 February 10, 1991
1992 3.5L 111.5" $52,990 October 13, 1991
1992 3.5L 116" $56,950 October 13, 1991
1992 5.0L 116" $76,500 February 9, 1992
1993 4.0L 111.5" $54,000 December 1992
1993 4.0L 116" $58,000 December 1992
1993 5.0L 116" $80,900 December 1992
1994 4.0L 111.5" $55,950 Q1 1994
1994 4.0L 116" $59,950 Q1 1994
1994 5.0L 116" $83,950 Q1 1994
1995 4.0L 115.4" $57,900 November 1994
1995 4.0L 121" $59,900 February 3, 1995
1995 5.4L 121" $87,500 February 3, 1995
1995 4.0L 115.4" $59,900 May 22, 1995
1995 4.0L 121" $61,900 May 22, 1995
1995 5.4L 121" $89,900 May 22, 1995
1996 4.0L 121" $62,490 Q1 1996
1996 5.4L 121" $90,360 Q1 1996

Gallery

Video Clips

BMW_740i_4DR_Sedan

BMW 740i 4DR Sedan

BMW_7-Series_4DR_Sedan_(1995)

BMW 7-Series 4DR Sedan (1995)

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