Item: Used BMW 7 Series Saloon 1994 - 2001
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Saloon

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

7 SERIES

The BMW 7 Series gives great performance and solid build quality, and it's a wise luxury car buy.

Used BMW 7 Series Saloon 1994 - 2001

A used <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> 7 Series is a lot of car for the money, but none will be cheap to run. There are no diesel engines in the range, so there's no way around the high fuel expenditure: the 322bhp V12 engine will not give you much more than 20mpg, whereas the V6 will return around 25mpg, with the V8's fuel economy sitting somewhere in the middle.

BMW dealerships also have comparatively high labour rates, while the 7 Series has fared poorly in recent reliability surveys, so there is a strong chance that during the course of your ownership you will have to fork out for some – possibly expensive – repairs.

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The BMW 7 Series gives great performance and solid build quality, and it's a wise luxury car buy.


You won't go too far wrong with any of the models. The range was launched in 1994 with the 730 and 740 V8s. In 1996, the less powerful version was rebadged the 735, the 750 came out in 1995, and the six-cylinder 728 was launched in 1996. Then came the Sport version in 2001.

The 750i V12 offers fantastic acceleration, sat-nav and a Teletext TV mounted on the dash, but its running costs make it an unnecessary decadence.

The V8s are both perfectly acceptable, although the engines are not completely bulletproof, and they can suffer bore wear. Also, don't be surprised if repairs are needed to the running gear.

The Sport models, with bigger wheels and tyres, may generate more road noise, particularly in the passenger compartment.

Long-wheelbase versions also offer more space for rear passengers, and they are not quite so bouncy as the shorter models.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plush ride and the ability to cruise in near-silence </li> <li>Powerful and efficient engine</li> <li>Space for passengers to stretch out in the rear seats</li> <li>Exquisite materials and build quality</li> <li>Endless luxuries on the options list</li> <li>Sensible fuel and tax bills</li></ul>

If you’re in the market for a luxury car, you’ll be after a sumptuous interior, a ride that can soak up the worst of the UK’s pockmarked roads and supreme refinement that allows you to travel at speed in near-silence.

Your cheapest (and smallest) options are the Audi A6, Mercedes E-Class and brilliant BMW 5 Series, the latter of which is so good we voted it our 2017 Car of the Year. Larger options that are definitely worth considering if you plan to travel in the back include the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes S-Class, which is beautifully finished inside and not as expensive to run as you might think.

Or if money really is no object at all, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is hard to overlook – especially in extended-wheelbase form. It’s as opulent as cars get.

Luxury

If your car needs repairs, chances are it will have problems with the heating and cooling systems. Electrical problems are reasonably common, too, so check all these carefuly before you buy. Wiper motors can be a little fragile, too.

Also, check that all recalls have been addressed: the 740i was called back because there were problems with the gearbox locking up; in 1999, BMW brought in 7 Series models because of worries with brake lights; in 2001, V8s were recalled following cooling fan glitches; and, in 2002, BMW issued another recall because there had been complaints of engines cutting out.

Check for service histories, and look out for evidence of repeated electrical glitches. The engine and transmission on the Seven are pretty sound, though, so although you can expect minor niggles with electricals and running gear, major repairs on the core mechanicals will be the exception rather than the rule.

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It's starting to look a little dated now, but this version of the BMW 7 Series is reliable and enjoyable on the road.

The V8 engine has enough power to make for an entertaining drive, and while the 728 can feel sluggish when overtaking, all models have an unruffled, fuss-free five-speed automatic gearbox.

The 7 Series handles positively around tight bends, and at speed this car feels rock-solid, with well weighted steering.

Later models received side airbags in 1997 and electric steering adjustment in 2001 as standard, but throughout the car's evolution, the interior was always been comfortable and well put together, although the climate control is a little fiddly. Rattles and squeaks are uncommon.

The driving position is excellent, and added to that you get wonderfully supportive seating.

Interior space is ample, but the middle of the rear bench is raised, which means there's not really enough room to carry three adult passengers in the rear comfortably.

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Used BMW 7 Series Saloon 1994 - 2001 review

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Alternatives

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