Year-to-year changes
1991
Originally, the 7-Series consisted of a 4-door sedan in these three models -- 735i, 735iL and 750iL.
1993
The two entry-level sedans were renamed the 740i and 740iL.
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. 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.
The 750iL, with its 322-hp 5.4-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.
There were actually three separate 7-series models; the short-wheelbase 740i, plus the 740iL and 750iL, 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 but, new for 1995, now had a 5-speed automatic transmission as well.
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.
Sales of the 8-cylinder 740i sedan began on November 1, 1994 in North America, and the 740iL and 12-cylinder 750iL in February 1995.
Retail prices
- $55,950 (1994 BMW 740i)
- $59,950 (1994 BMW 740iL)
- $83,950 (1994 BMW 750iL)
As of late 1994:
- $57,900 (1995 BMW 740i)
As of February 3, 1995:
- $59,900 (1995 BMW 740iL)
- $87,500 (1995 BMW 750iL)
As of September 15, 1995:
- $59,900 (1995 BMW 740i)
- $61,900 (1995 BMW 740iL)
- $89,900 (1995 BMW 750iL)
As of early 1996:
- $62,490 (1996 BMW 740iL)
- $90,360 (1996 BMW 750iL)
Specifications
| Model year | Trim level | Transmission | Cylinders | Engine Size | Drive | MPG | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 740i | 5-speed automatic | V8 | 4.0L | RWD | 16 City/23 Highway | 282 |
| 1994 | 740iL | 5-speed automatic | V8 | 4.0L | RWD | 16 City/23 Highway | 282 |
| 1994 | 750iL | 4-speed automatic | V12 | 5.0L | RWD | 12 City/18 Highway | 296 |
Gallery
