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And in its February '03 issue, Automobile Magazine named the 7 Series its choice for Luxury Car over $40,000. "It drives with more verve than its rivals…it repatches emotional links between man and machine that have all but evaporated with the commodification of the luxury car. If this magazine's All-Stars exist to award the risk-taking spirit of the auto business at its best, then the 7 is this year's definitive All-Star."
Indeed. The new 7 Series, while true to BMW traditions and philosophy, moved luxury automobiles courageously into the future with new solutions to esthetic sensibilities of our times and the challenges of contemporary driving. It is a fascinating exercise in the application of original thought to virtually every area of automotive concepts.
For 2004, the 7 Series continues in three models for the U.S. market: the 745i at $69,195 including destination charge; the long-wheelbase 745Li at $73,195; and the $116,495 760Li, first introduced in '03 as an ultimate expression of the 7 Series concept. The two 745 models are powered by an advanced 4.4-liter, 325-hp V-8 engine; the 760Li has a mighty 6.0-liter V-12 under its hood, generating 438 hp.
Changes for 2004:
New standard equipment and options, meaningful evolution of technology
For the new model year, the 7 Series evolves in subtle ways, adding new standard equipment, offering new options, and improving functional aspects of its groundbreaking technology.
- The revolutionary iDrive control system evolves:
- A new Menu button, located behind the system controller between the front seats, makes it easier to select the main menu.
- An additional new button is programmable by the user for preferred functions.
- Simplified setting of radio presets.
- Faster navigation guidance functions.
- Easier phone dialing in the Communication menu.
- New capabilities are added to the already comprehensive automatic climate control:
- A humidity control keeps interior humidity closer to the ideal level.
- Via a misting sensor, the system detects windshield misting and activates to clear it up.
- The 745i and 745Li have a new standard wheel design.
- Adaptive Headlights becomes available as a new option for its standard Xenon headlights. With this feature activated, as soon as the vehicle is moving forward, the headlights steer with the front wheels, guided by an electronic control system and small servo motors. The system responds not merely to the steering angle, but also to vehicle speed and the "yaw rate," or the rate at which the vehicle's direction is changing. As a result, the driver's night vision around corners and curves is enhanced.
- The power/heated exterior mirrors add a power-fold function, with which the driver can fold the mirrors inward at the touch of a switch. This can be useful for parking in very narrow spaces or for going through a car wash.
- SIRIUS Satellite Radio will become available during the '04 model year. SIRIUS delivers 100 streams of the best in digital entertainment coast-to-coast; including 60 streams of 100% commercial-free music in all virtually every genre, plus 40 streams of world-class sports, news, talk and entertainment. SIRIUS streams are optimized for superior sound resolution and beamed by three powerful satellites to SIRIUS-equipped vehicles everywhere in the continental United States. Customer activation is necessary and a monthly fee applies.
Under the hood: V-8 and V-12 engines with unique, patented technology for outstanding power and refinement
Under the long aluminum hood of the 745i and 745Li is a technologically advanced, unique 4.4-liter V-8 engine. Compared to its predecessor, this amazing power plant made dramatic strides in torque, power and efficiency. It embodies state-of-the-art engineering features throughout, but two major technologies, exclusive to and patented by BMW, are the main driving force behind this engine's remarkable capabilities:
Valvetronic. Replacing the conventional throttle with a new, more efficient concept, Valvetronic controls engine "breathing" (and hence power output) by varying valve lift. Incoming air doesn't have to work its way around a throttle, so the engine runs more freely and efficiently.
Fully variable intake system. Many engines employ 2-stage intake manifolds, with one air path tuned for low- to medium-speed operation (improving torque and response), the other for high-speed operation (improving top-end power). BMW engineers have evolved this concept into a system that steplessly varies the path air takes into the engine. This manifold concept eliminates traditional compromises to achieve truly optimum performance at all speeds and under all conditions.
Thanks largely to these two features – but of course also to the all-around development that created the engine – the 745 models' V-8 engine delivers 325 hp and thrusts the 745i to 60 mph in just 5.9 sec. The long-wheelbase 745Li takes only a tenth of a second longer.
The 760Li is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that shares the V-8's basic architecture. It does not have the fully variable intake system; instead, it adds an innovation of its own:
Direct fuel injection. In contrast to conventional fuel injection in gasoline engines (which delivers fuel to the intake ports), direct injection delivers the fuel directly into the cylinder. This brings advantages in power, torque and emission control; together with an extra-high compression ratio (11.5:1) and many other detail innovations, the direct injection helps the V-12 engine attain an impressive 438 hp. The 760Li accelerates to 60 mph in 5.4 sec. – all the more amazing when one considers its sumptuous luxury and 4872-lb. curb weight.
6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission
All 7 Series models transmit their engine power to the rear wheels via a state-of-the-art 6-speed automatic transmission, engineered to deliver power almost seamlessly.
Although 6-speed automatics are now appearing in other BMW models, the 7 Series transmission has a unique driver interface. Instead of a conventional shift lever, an electric selector, positioned just ahead of the steering-wheel rim, affords fingertip selection of Park, Neutral, Reverse or Drive. On the steering wheel's face is a button with which to select Normal (Drive), Sport or Manual modes. In Manual, the driver controls shifting via shift buttons: facing the driver for downshifts, on the forward side (away from the driver) for upshifts.
Automatic Hold: "hillholder" or no-creep function
Via the iDrive monitor's Configuration menu, the driver can select the Automatic Hold feature. This automatically holds hydraulic pressure to the wheel brakes anytime the vehicle comes to a stop, eliminating any tendency of the vehicle to "creep" when the engine is idling and the transmission engaged. (Thanks to the transmission's design, creep is minimal even without Automatic Hold.) The feature can also hold the vehicle stationary when it is stopped on a hill; and when it is activated the electromechanical parking brake engages automatically anytime the engine is switched off. "Auto P" (referring to the parking brake) appears in the instrument cluster when Auto Hold is selected.
Handling, ride and braking:
traditional BMW attributes plus new-age innovations
The 7 Series comes with a generous helping of the advances one traditionally expects of a new BMW: namely, evolution in suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires. But make no mistake: The 7 Series also propels the road capabilities of the largest BMW Series decisively into the future with fascinating innovations:
Aluminum suspension. Most major components are of aluminum, which compared to steel reduces unsprung weight. In turn, this enhances riding comfort and, on irregular road surfaces, handling as well. The brake calipers, which move up and down with the wheels as they encounter road irregularities, are also of aluminum for the same reason.
And not to be neglected here is that the hood and front fenders are of aluminum, contributing to optimum front/rear weight distribution of nearly 50/50 for both 745 models.
Active Roll Stabilization. Combining with the evolutionary aluminum suspension, Active Roll Stabilization is a revolutionary feature. Its primary function is to reduce body roll in cornering, which improves handling by virtue of improved suspension geometry (wheel angles relative to vertical) resulting from the reduced roll. In place of conventional, purely mechanical anti-roll (stabilizer) bars, ARS senses cornering motion and hydraulically twists specially configured anti-roll bars to counteract body roll; drivers and passengers alike marvel at the 7 Series' amazingly "flat" cornering.
For even more amazing handling and ride comfort: Electronic Damping Control
Offered as part of an optional Adaptive Ride Package on the 745 models and standard on the 760Li, EDC takes handling and ride capabilities to an even higher level. Yet EDC has evolved in a way that makes it significantly better than before. Like so many of the 7 Series' innovations, this system too is "stepless," adjusting the shock absorbers to any level of firmness between their softest and firmest settings, with a range of benefits:
- Ride firmness is always at the optimum level for the current road conditions, vehicle speed and the passenger-and-cargo load carried.
- On smooth roads, the shock absorbers are kept "soft" for best comfort.
- When the vehicle is rounding a sharp corner or curve, the shock absorbers are instantly adjusted to a firmer, just-right level.
- When the vehicle encounters irregular road surfaces, such as bumps or ripples ("washboard" surface), the shocks are automatically adjusted to the optimum level of firmness to control ride motions, keep riding comfort at an acceptable level, and maintain adhesion to the road.
- Additionally, there is a Sport setting via a console switch that increases firmness for a sportier driving feel.
A user's preferred EDC setting can be captured in the Key Memory settings, so that when that user's remote is the one that unlocks the vehicle and turns on the ignition, his or her EDC setting is automatically selected.
Rear air suspension: effective self-leveling
Self-leveling rear suspension is also part of the 745i/Li Adaptive Ride Package and standard on the 760Li. Air springs replace the rear coil springs; self-leveling is achieved by an electric air compressor and sensors that recognize changes in vehicle loading. Whenever the sensors detect a longer-term change in the ride height at the rear (as with a full passenger load or heavy loads in the trunk), the pressure in the air springs is increased to bring the vehicle back to its normal attitude.
Variable-ratio, variable-assist, rack-and-pinion steering
The 7 Series steering system features a variable steering ratio. Its rack-and-pinion gear teeth are profiled to make the steering ratio "quicker" as the wheel is turned away from the center position. This fine-tunes steering response according to the situation one is in, be it on an Interstate at today's high cruising speeds or maneuvering into a parking space. Power assist is also variable, via the Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive system.
Variable steering ratio and variable power assist are not the same thing; they are two separate features, here optimally complementing each other.
Brakes: among BMW's largest, most powerful ever
BMW brakes' swift, sure stopping power is legend, so it should be no surprise that the 7 Series incorporates one of the most powerful braking systems ever employed in a production BMW. The brake discs are ventilated all around, with robust 348-mm/13.6-in. diameter at the front and 345-mm/13.7-in. diameter at the rear. But large dimensions are by no means these brakes' only salient features:
Aluminum calipers, mentioned earlier in the suspension context, reduce unsprung weight.
Electronic brake proportioning. Via the Dynamic Stability Control wheel-speed sensors, the amount of slip at each wheel is measured when the brakes are applied, and pressure is apportioned to the front and rear brakes accordingly. This makes best use of the available braking traction at the tires and helps distribute brake and tire wear more evenly.
Dynamic Brake Control reinforces the driver's pedal effort in emergency braking and thus helps the driver achieve the shortest possible stopping distance.
Electromechanical parking brake. The parking brake is applied electrically rather than directly by human effort. To engage it, the driver presses a button at the lower left side of the instrument panel; engaging Drive or Reverse releases it.
Brake-wear display. Instead of a simple warning indicating that it's time to renew the brake pads, the iDrive monitor can display the estimated mileage at which replacement of the pads will be due.
Generously dimensioned wheels and tires
Every 7 Series model is standard-equipped with very substantial wheels and tires: 18-in. on the 745i and 745Li, 19-in. on the 760Li.
On the two 745 models, 18 x 8.0 wheels carry 245/50R-18 V-rated all-season tires. Optional on the 745i/Li (stand-alone option or as part of the Sport Package) and standard on the 760Li are 19 x 9.0 front/19 x 10.0 rear wheels with 245/45R-19 front / 275/40R-19 rear W-rated performance tires. This equipment further enhances handling and sporty appearance.
The 760Li is also available with elegant forged-alloy 18-in. wheels and all-season tires.
Stability-enhancing technology: Dynamic Traction Control
The normal traction-control function not only applies the brakes of individual wheels as they start to slip, but also reduces engine power. This keeps the vehicle very stable, but under certain conditions (such as climbing a snow-covered hill) can leave little power to move forward. At low speeds and in gentle cornering maneuvers, DTC allows more wheel spin by de-activating engine intervention. As speed and/or cornering vigor increases, DTC restores engine intervention. To the driver, DTC means –
- Enhanced traction under low-friction conditions (sand, gravel, deep or packed snow).
- Allowing greater use of the driver's skill at low speeds under these low-friction conditions.
- Maintenance of full DSC stability benefits under higher-speed, more vigorous driving conditions.
iDrive: the new way to command a BMW
Contemporary automobiles – particularly luxury cars – pose the challenge to their designers of how to accommodate the extensive functions that modern technology offers without overwhelming the driver. iDrive is BMW's solution to this challenge.
The menus: eight "compass points"
Each time the remote is inserted into the ignition lock, or anytime the user presses the new Menu button on the console, the monitor displays its main menu. This shows the eight directions in which the controller can be moved to select the control menus. Beginning at "north" (top) and proceeding in steps of 90˚ around the monitor, the primary menus and their basic functions are:
Communication – memory dialing, display of missed calls and other functions.
GPS Navigation – Simplified route instructions appear in the tachometer face. Full displays and instructions appear in the color monitor. Operation of these guidance functions has been made faster for '04.
Entertainment. In addition to basic audio controls on the instrument panel, extensive functions are available on the screen: FM/AM/CD selection, radio tuning and station presets (now simplified), tone, and Digital Sound Processing of the Logic 7 system are among these.
Climate. Frequently used climate controls are located at dash center; less commonly used settings are in the iDrive system. One may override the automatic airflow settings, for example; airflow and temperature scales are depicted graphically.
The secondary menus are at diagonal compass positions. Beginning with "northwest" (top left), these are:
BMW Assist. A simple screen, but a critically important one with just three soft buttons:
- Roadside Assistance. When selected, the vehicle's actual location is shown on the monitor and an Activate button appears. Clicking on this transmits the vehicle's location and other data and then connects the user to BMW Roadside Assistance for an accurate dispatch of assistance.
- Your BMW Center. Connects you to your preferred BMW Center.
- Customer Relations. Connects you to a 7 Series specialist.
In an emergency, the user need only press the SOS button above the windshield to be connected to the BMW Assist Response Center with urgent priority. If an airbag deploys, the car makes the call automatically. For more details on BMW Assist, see pages 17-18 of this text.
- Trip Computer – with functions including Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), distance, range, two fuel-economy averages, two speed averages, speed limit and stopwatch.
- Service/Check – BMW's Condition-Based Service system. 30 service items; click on each one to get mileage remaining to required service.
Settings. (Bottom Left) Users choose the units of display – choices like mpg, liters/100 km or km/liter; 12- or 24-hour clock; ˚F or ˚C; etc. – and the language in which displays read. English, French and Spanish are offered in U.S. models.
This is also the screen where one can –
- Activate or de-activate DSC and DTC.
- Select the EDC Sport or Comfort settings.
- Select or de-select Automatic Hold.
- Select a Park Distance Control graphic that depicts in color on a vehicle plan view the fields that PDC monitors around the front and rear of the vehicle, and shows where actual obstacles are encountered by the sensors.
- Vehicle & Key Memory settings chosen by the user (as opposed to those that must be set by the BMW Center).
- Operate other features and functions. There are now two soft buttons by which the user can program a desired function for a "blank" switch: one on the steering wheel, one on the console behind the controller.
These functions automatically become associated with which remote is currently inserted in the ignition switch (Key Memory).
The 7 Series cabin is full of unique and innovative feature. Among them are –
Stepless door checks. Even with the 2-position door checks of other BMWs, how many times have we wished for another place to hold the door open so that we could get in or out while avoiding hitting something with the door? The 7's door checks are hydraulic and stepless, holding the door at any position to which the occupant opens it. They are effective with the vehicle pointing uphill up to 10˚, or leaning to one side or the other up to 6˚.
Soft-close doors are available as part of the Convenience Package on 745s, standard on the 760Li.
Auto-dimming inside and outside mirrors.
Seating: many choices. The head restraints are coupled with fore-aft seat adjustment: farther forward (shorter driver), lower head restraint and vice versa. (Fine adjustment of the head restraints is manual.) Counting the head-restraint movement as a power adjustment, the front seats are 14-way driver / 12-way passenger, including 4-way power lumbar. The standard memory system captures two preferred positions (per user) for the driver's seat, steering wheel, outside mirrors and safety-belt height.
20-way front Comfort Seats, standard in the long-wheelbase 745Li and optional in the regular-wheelbase 745i. In addition to the distinctive separately adjustable upper backrest section, they offer other amenities:
- Adjustable thigh support, as in BMW sport seats
- Adjustable backrest width
- Memory for passenger's seat
- Active head restraints (see safety engineering and features) with side support.
In contrast to the standard seats, fine adjustment of head-restraint height is powered. The restraints include fold-out sides that help support the head of an occupant using them as headrests, as for example when sleeping.
16-way power front sport seats. Included in the 745i/Li Sport Package.
Further front seating options (for details see options): - Heated front seats, stand-alone or as part of the Cold Weather Package or Luxury Seating Package in the 745s, standard in the 760Li.
- Fatigue-reducing Active Support, now combined with Active Seat Ventilation. Included in the Luxury Seating Package for 745s, standard in the 760Li.
Versatile console compartment with dual lockable lids. The compartment is climate-controlled and illuminated; it holds the phone handset, a coinholder and the trunk-release lockout.
Sophisticated power-window feature: As each window approaches fully closed or open, it slows down gradually, reducing any noise at these points.
Automatic climate control, uncommonly comprehensive. It includes these features (new features for '04 are indicated by an asterisk): - Left/right temperature controls
- Left/right user override of airflow volume and distribution
- Activated-charcoal microfilter
- Automatic recirculation control (2 gas sensors)
- Solar sensor for front compartment
- Temperature-controlled rear air outlets, left/right controllable
- Heat at Rest function
- Automatic ventilation system
- Preferred override settings for individual users via Key Memory
- Humidity control*
- Windshield misting control*
- Air outlets in the B-pillars (for rear passengers, airflow adjustable).
Audio systems. The base 10-speaker, 180-watt audio system comes with an in-dash single-disc CD player. As with the climate system, the most frequently used audio controls are "out in the open," centrally located on the dash; other controls are selected via the iDrive ENTERTAINMENT screen. The optional Logic 7 audio system is described under options.
Standard BMW Cellular Phone System. BMW's CPT 9000 phone system is standard, and includes a Telecommander. This second phone keypad, carried in a convenient pull-out tray in the dash near the driver, lets the driver manually dial, send or end calls and turn the phone system on or off – all more easily than with the handset in the center console. For safety, the console handset is inoperable when the vehicle is moving.
Voice Command System. Via the hands-free microphone, voice input can be used to activate a number of phone, navigation and notepad functions.
Upholstery. Standard in all models is a premium leather grade called Nasca, with micro-perforations for natural ventilation; these facilitate the available Active Seat Ventilation. Sport Package-equipped 745s get distinctive Pearl leather; the 760Li has more extensive leather areas.
Wood trim. Distinctive matte-finish Black Cherry wood trim is standard in the 745s, appearing in two colors depending upon the interior colors; high-gloss Ash, also in two colors, is optional at no extra cost. The 760Li has its own, especially rich 2-tone Ash wood with discreet inlays.
Trunk. The trunk can carry four golf bags transversely. Special single-link tubular hinges do not intrude into the trunk space, and facilitate both the standard full opening (via a spring pack) and the available automatic trunk opening/closing (see options).
Safety engineering and features
According to Josef Mahalek, Safety-Systems Electronics Development Manager for the 7 Series, BMW's goal was "to develop the safest automobile in the world."
The Series incorporates a number of notable safety features:
Active Knee Protection – a dedicated airbag ahead of the padded surfaces that meet the occupants' knees in a frontal impact. This accomplishes several things:
- Reduces the amount of space occupied by the knee protection, leaving room for features customers value.
- Increases the knee protection's effectiveness.
- Allows finer "tuning" of the safety belts and front airbags.
Active Head Restraints. Via two dedicated impact sensors, a rear-end collision causes the front head restraints to pivot forward into close proximity with the occupants' heads. Thus if they prefer, occupants are able to adjust the restraints away from direct contact with their heads, yet gain optimum protection against whiplash or more serious neck/head injuries. Active Head Restraints are included with the available front Comfort seats.
ISIS, the Intelligent Safety and Information System. ISIS was developed to further improve the restraint systems' response to real-world accidents. To achieve this, ISIS employs fully 14 sensors. Together, these multiple sensors better tailor the action of restraint systems to impact characteristics, and help minimize unnecessary deployment of airbags. Much of the progress is due to faster, more powerful electronics and the use of fiber-optic cables that are not susceptible to extraneous electromagnetic disturbances. System software can be updated over the life of the vehicle; data useful to safety researchers can be retrieved from accident vehicles.
Options: an appealing selection
Six Packages and a considerable array of stand-alone options are offered:
Sport Package (optional 745i/Li). Introduced during the '03 model year, this Package accents the 7 Series' innate sportiness. It consists of:
- Sport suspension – firmer springs and shock absorbers, lowered by 15 mm/0.6 in. With the standard Active Roll Stabilization already providing ultra-flat cornering, this calibration achieves even more amazing agility.
- 19-in. wheels with performance tires – 19 x 9.0 front/19 x 10.0 rear wheels in V Spoke design #126. Tires are W-rated performance, 245/45R-19 front / 275/40R-19 rear.
- High-gloss Satin Chrome exterior trim around the side windows. On the 745Li, the standard chrome roof moldings are deleted.
- Sport steering wheel – with three spokes instead of the standard four.
- Sport front seats – with 12-way + 4-way lumbar (16-way) power adjustment, including thigh support.
- Specific upholstery/trim scheme with different seat pattern (cross-pleating only). The distinctive leather grade is called Pearl; Vavona Redwood trim replaces the standard matte Black Cherry.
- EDC (Electronic Damping Control, stepless) – delivers a sophisticated combination of handling prowess and riding comfort.
- Self-leveling rear suspension – with automatically adjusting air springs.
- Heated steering wheel. Also available as stand-alone option.
- Heated front seats, incorporating remarkable capabilities:
- Rapid heating. Each seat incorporates four heating zones. The center zones heat at full power almost to their regulated heat level; then the outer zones join and all zones are brought up to the regulated level.
- Balance control. Relative heating levels of cushions and backrests are varied from each other using the monitor's Climate screen; the heating levels are depicted in a graphic of the seat. Included in Key Memory.
The heated front seats are also available as a stand-alone option in 745s. - Heated rear seats. 3-stage heating, but without the balance control.
- Ski bag. Also available as a stand-alone option in 745s.
- Soft-close doors. The user closes the door gently and an electric mechanism draws it fully in. Easier, quieter door closing; helps ensure perfect weathersealing.
- Automatic trunk opening/closing. Trunk opening from the remote or dash is standard. This option adds power opening and closing of the lid.
- Front Comfort Seats. 20-way power, including thigh support, backrest width and head-restraint fine adjustment, plus other special features described earlier. Also available as a stand-alone option in the 745i; standard in the 745Li, thus not included in its Package; standard in 760Li.
- Active Support feature. Two stretchable hollow cavities are filled and emptied alternately with a special freeze-proof liquid. This gentle process (repeating about once a minute) raises and lowers the seat cushion's left and right halves by about half an inch; driver and passenger can switch on or off as desired. Helps relieve fatigue and discomfort on extended trips.
- Active Ventilation. Multiple ventilator fans inside the front seats gently blow air upward through an internal web and the microperforated leather to help reduce occupants' perspiration.
- Heated front and rear seats.
Because features overlap, this Package is not available in combination with the Cold Weather Package.
- Logic 7 audio system. Upgrades the entire audio system with –
- Increased audio power (420 watts vs. standard 180)
- Even higher-caliber speakers throughout, plus additional speakers (total 13 speakers, vs. standard 10)
- Digital Sound Processing (DSP), with controls in the iDrive monitor
- Surround Sound simulation, developed by Lexicon. Exclusive to Harman International brands, this process generates a true 360˚ sound field and accurately reproduces the acoustic intent of the studio master.
- 6-disc CD changer in dash, with magazine for easy loading and unloading.
19-in. wheels with performance tires (optional 745i/Li, standard 760Li). In the same 19 x 9.0 front/19 x 10.0 sizes as the Sport Package wheels, these are in a different design. They carry 245/45R-19 front / 275/40R-19 rear performance tires.
18-in. wheels with all-season tires (optional 760Li, standard 745i/Li). The no-cost 760Li option, with elegant forged wheels (design #91), is offered to customers who want a more subdued look and/or all-season tires.
Active Cruise Control (optional all models). Expands the function of cruise control by giving it the ability to help the driver adjust speed and following distance to traffic conditions. Employs a radar sensor in the front bumper; if one encounters slower vehicles ahead, ACC will (within certain limits) adjust the BMW's speed to that of the vehicle ahead, and then maintain a certain distance (selected by the driver) between it and the vehicle ahead.
Adaptive Headlights (optional all models). This new option for '04 steers the headlights to enhance night vision around corners and curves.
14-way rear Comfort Seats (optional 745Li, standard 760Li). These seats bring most of the benefits of the front Comfort Seats to rear passengers, including Active Ventilation. The outboard rear seats are configured as individual seats and have the following power adjustments:
- Fore-aft, 100 mm/3.9 in.
- Cushion angle, adjustment range 6.2˚.
- Backrest angle, from 2˚ in upright "work" position to 6˚ in "recline" position; with the seat fully forward, the backrest can be leaned back a further 9˚.
- Angle of upper backrest, 20˚ adjustment range.
- Firmness of lumbar support.
- Height of lumbar support.
- Head-restraint height, 65-mm/2.6-in. adjustment range; also, the head restraint rises automatically to its preset position when an occupant sits in the seat and retracts when the seat is not occupied.
Included in this option are automatic safety-belt tensioners for the outboard seats. The belt receptacles move with the seat cushions, helping occupants achieve optimum belt fit.
Heated steering wheel (optional 745i/Li, standard 760Li)
Power sunshades (optional 745i/Li, standard 760Li) for the rear window and rear door windows.
High-gloss Ash wood trim (optional 745i/Li). As an alternative to the standard matte-finish Dark Cherry, Ash trim with high-gloss finish is available optionally at no extra cost. The optional wood includes an additional strip just behind the rear seats. Light or dark color according to the interior colors.
BMW Break-resistant Security Glass (optional all models), to hinder or prevent theft via breaking windows.
Rear climate control with coolbox (optional 760Li only).
- Rear climate control. Regulated by separate left/right controls in the rear ceiling, cool air is delivered via ducts in the C-pillars to left and right outlets.
- Coolbox. Accessible when the center rear armrest is folded down; offers space for two sizable bottles and some snacks or sweets. Controlled by an on/off switch, the coolbox is illuminated inside.
Rear-seat side-impact airbags (optional all models). This rear side protection is offered as a special-order option so that customers may make the conscious decision to have it or not. Vehicles so equipped come from the factory with the door airbags de-activated but the entire HPS activated.
Ski bag (optional 745i/Li, standard 760Li)
BMW AssistTM: comprehensive services for customers' peace of mind
Every 7 Series model comes standard with BMW Assist services and on-board telematics equipment for convenient access, at no cost for the first year of ownership. BMW Assist services include:
Automatic collision notification. In the event of airbag deployment, the in-vehicle hardware will transmit the location and relevant information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A qualified representative will try to contact the driver, and will coordinate dispatch of police, fire and/or medical emergency services to the location, even if unable to communicate with the driver.
Emergency service. Vehicle occupants may also request police, fire and/or emergency medical services by pressing the SOS button in the overhead console. The hardware will then transmit the location and relevant vehicle information to the Response Center; a qualified representative will contact the occupants, coordinate dispatch, notify any emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance as needed and requested.
Roadside Assistance. If the driver needs assistance (events such as flat tire, out of fuel, etc.), he or she may activate the Roadside Assistance button on the BMW Assist screen in the iDrive monitor. The hardware will transmit the location and relevant vehicle information to the Response Center; a qualified representative will coordinate dispatch of assistance to the vehicle location.
Customer Relations/Your BMW center. Users can place a voice call to BMW Customer Relations or their preferred BMW center by selecting the appropriate button on the BMW Assist screen. The BMW center programs these numbers into the vehicle as part of the pre-delivery preparation.
Concierge Services. Around the clock, BMW users can now call upon BMW for just about anything on their personal or business task list. From travel planning/trip routing to dining reservations, errand running to household services, shopping assistance and event tickets – one call to a toll-free number from any phone gets BMW owners help when they need it.
Performance with a conscience
BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.
