2003 BMW 7 Series Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Perhaps the most technologically advanced car on the road, and certainly one of the most agile full-size luxury sedans, the 7 Series is an incredible vehicle. But it may alienate those who just want to drive.

Pros

Superb driving dynamics, highly advanced technology, dizzying array of features, sumptuous furnishings.

Cons

Toys can be distracting from the task at hand, confusing secondary controls, odd styling details.

What's New for 2003

The big news for 2003 is the late-fall arrival of the 760Li, which combines all the greatness of the 745 while adding a 6.0-liter V12. BMW has not released U.S. output ratings, but European specs have it at 408 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The more interesting aspect of the 760Li is that it's the first BMW with direct gasoline injection, which, in combination with the Valvetronic technology already used in the 745 models, allows for stellar performance, and according to BMW, "outstanding fuel economy." We'll wait and see on that one. In other news, all models get rear head-protection airbags, and Active Cruise Control finally makes it to the options list, along with run-flat tires. The Rear Comfort Seat package for the 745Li now includes rear-seat ventilation.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Looks Can Be Deceiving.

Written by: SportyDave on 07/20/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2003 BMW 7 Series 745Li 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

Review

This seems like a brilliant car, the interior is sumptuous with a gorgeous dashboard (especially when the navigation is on). Ride is smooth, and engine just purrs. Every angle of this car grabs attention. However, the reliability is abysmal! This car has been in the shop so many times, I eventually just sold it. Glitches in interior parts (too many motors and unnecessary gizmos prone to go bad over time) just added to the gamut of problems. This car is atrocious in the winter or any slick conditions. The fat rear tires get no traction, and on subject, tires they DO sell are outrageously expensive. $400 a tire! And they barely make 10k miles. In fact, most parts for this car are absurd.

Favorite Features

Styling, engine noises, roomy interior.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability is horrendous, parts are ridiculously priced, "snotty person" look to which others on the road react negatively. The car depreciates like a boulder falling off a cliff.

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What's not to like!

Written by: Tom Zimmer on 06/30/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2003 BMW 7 Series 760Li 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl 6A)

This is my fourth BMW, second seven series. They just keep getting better and better! The seven rides like a dream and handles like a tight sports car. The crowd at BMW truly define the Ultimate Driving Machine!

The interior comfort for all four people translates into a performance dream for the driver.

Voice recognition system in 03' needs some improvement.

I can't believe

Written by: l. conroe on 04/09/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	8

2003 BMW 7 Series 745i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6A)

The 745i is a great car when I am able to drive it. I've spent countless hours driving back and forth to the dealership because of malfunctions. It's great they give free maintenance for the first 50 thousand miles because you will need it. My gripe is that I maintained my car with regular service. The "check engine light" came on. I thought it would be some minor repair. Turns out the repair cost is $12000 for "CARBON' on the cylinder head!!!!-not a blown head gasket, but CARBON!! That's like telling me the brake dust on my rotors require a new axle! The ULTIMATE MACHINE has a poorly designed engine if carbon build up requires 12 grand of service. No More BMW for me - Honda/Infiniti here I am.

drives well on the road

Improve the engine. There's no way a car on the level of the 745i should have carbon buildup that would cost the owner that much money.

Fun car to drive

Written by: rpm on 06/24/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

Had little issues but not too much to be worried. Great car to own.

Handling and response.

Electronics need improvements, radio system and nav are a little slow and not too easy to operate.

Truly comfort and true luxury

Written by: Pat on 12/25/2006


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

My wife and I chose this car because we needed a full size sedan that could comfortably fit 1-2 car seats and 2 adults with comfort. Believe it or not it is hard to find a car that can accomplish that and still maintain comfort for everyone. This car does it all. We had to get the Li for the space. This car is loaded with all kinds of gadgets and toys that I love to play with. After spending time with the iDrive, it's really not that bad, you just have to get used to it. My wife loves it for the space and the trunk is huge! Can you tell that I am rating this as a family man? Great family vehicle.

The space that the Li provides interiorly and in the trunk. Great gadgets! I love those seat massagers too!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

2003 BMW 7 Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews