2001 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews

Best 7-series ever

Written by: Erik on 02/18/2007

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I've owned my 740i sport edition (black/black) for 4 years and put about 40K additional miles. This car is the most stylish 7 ever. Sports edition with 19" rims and slim muscular looks. I've had minor issues with mine (cup holder broke, engine opening cable issue, radiator crack (covered under warranty). Always a nice drive, and acceleration is awesome, particularly from 40 to 80 mph. I've had the car up to 110 mph and it seems to want to live at that speed. Extremely smooth drive. Traction control helps in snow, but forget about this on any substantial ice/snow. The 282 hp is deceiving, torque is calibrated perfectly to compensate. I love my 740i Sport Edition. A classic car some day.

Favorite Features

I'm 6'5" and seat controls include the ability to lower the top part of seat back, but then pull the upper section of top seat forward. I've yet to see another car do that (ex. not in Merc CL). Styling of course w/ sport pkg. knobs to tweak everything. Acceleration from 30 to 70 mph range.

Suggested Improvements

1. Embedded phone/address system works with one BMW-Motorola antiquated phone - can't find anywhere. 2. Cup holder. great for 12 oz can only, forget your coffee mug. 3. You will inevitably get scratches under the door handles which are lift kind - lights highlight. Full bar handles would be better.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Good Car

Written by: CB on 09/29/2006

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This is a great car! Especially powerful and classy. However, BMW has done some cheap things - like window shades and rear cup holders that fall apart the first time you use them. And the "Certified" warranty does not cover them. Also, the door jams are PAINTED and scuff easily. Within days your BMW will look scuffed up! BMW will not sell any touch-up paint for them. All BMWs are the same way. Good fuel economy for a heavy car. Lots of trunk space. The GPS is hard to use and built in phone sytem unusable with today's technology. VERY expensive to repair. Uses high-octane fuel. After 12 months it started to lack power and act sluggish. Needed some dealrer maintenance.

Favorite Features

Power. Lots of rear legroom. Superb space for four adults!

Suggested Improvements

Door thresholds need to be made with the color they want, not painted. Build better interior quality parts.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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U gotta get one to understand

Written by: Oregon 7 on 03/11/2006

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

This is my second 7 series. Last one was '00 iL. I now have '01 "i" sport in silver. Awesome car that has short comings like expensive repairs and some reliability problems but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I disagree with some of the posts here. If you pay $300/ tire, you are getting ripped off and oil changes don't cost $200. Matter of fact, I have coupon from dealer for $51 with synthetic oil. Ride is rough but it's the sport package and I love it. Keep in mind these cars orginally cost 70K plus, and this particular body style is no longer made so make sure you inspect them really well. Look for bad instrument pixels, Power Steering leaks, radiator fan replacement. Great cars though.

Favorite Features

The look of the car w/ 18" wheels and Mparallel rims is timeless. Has plenty of power, 282HP does not seem like much, but I tell people that BMW horsepower is different... I think they understate it. Seats are really comfortable too.

Suggested Improvements

Better radio (it has 14 speakers they say)-it's very bad with no bass. Better Nav with DVD. Better cupholders. Headlights don't turn off when you remove key. CD player in dash. Better reliability cause this is wonderful car.

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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The Smaller 7 Series

Written by: DonS on 03/05/2006

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Have found that this 740I has all the pleasures as the 740IL has to offer but with less bulk to handle. Have been driving it for over three years and been trouble free with 50M miles plus and the handling the roads in the mountains have been what BMW noted for on curves etc. The gas mileage on long trips avg around 22 to 23 miles per gal. I have found that the 2001 is the last of the old style and possibly most of any problems they have had been cleared up. I have noted that you do not see many resales for 2001 and they have been holding up in value. Would I buy another BMW 7 Series, Yes.. A Good 05 or 06.

Favorite Features

The seating is correct. Park Distance Control is very helpful and a must to have. The rear & side sun shades are nice to have when in the south.

Suggested Improvements

Need to improve the vision for the dash and computer screen when wearing polarized glasses.

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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7TH HEAVEN

Written by: 7TH HVN on 01/15/2006

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

COMFORTABLE, safe, reliable (thus far!) roomy, untouched by Mr. Bangle, almost quiet,and a bigger trunk than the S, but not the dazzling interior or tech goodies of a A8 (we owned one--it saved me form a 55 mph moron). The 7 is more fun to drive than the A.The Ultimate .... you know.

Favorite Features

exterior styling handling, personality, acceleration, stopping, the Bimmer stuff....

Suggested Improvements

boy, the Audi guys do interiors well.the & suffers only by comparison.but it sure drives better!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Think twice

Written by: adc on 12/27/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

You need to remember that you are buying a luxury car and with that comes very expensive repairs / diagnostics. I have the 740i sport and the top of the line tires cost $300/each to replace. The cost to replace a battery is over $300. Synthetic oil changes cost around $200. Prepare to spend a least a few thousand dollars on upkeep of this car and also, be very aware that it's rear- wheel drive. If you live anywhere that is prone to ice/snow, think twice about this car! Fun to drive / nice looking car did not outweigh the costs associated with ownership for me. I seem to be one of the few dissenters on how great these cars are.

Favorite Features

Looks great, heated front seats, memory seat positions, NAV system.

Suggested Improvements

3 out 7 people found this review helpful

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One of the Best Cars on the Road

Written by: Mamish on 11/11/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

The 740i - sports package 00 or 01 is "the" car to drive. Speed, handling, cornering and road grip is unmatched. No other 4 door car can come close to the 740i - none. Too bad BMW ruined the 7 series and soon all series with that bulky, ugly, bubbly design. Shame on BMW for pulling such a stupid move. If you're looking for a great vehicle; try to find a 00 or 01 740i - sports package; miles 40K to 60K in the $28K range You will love it. Again, 740i not the IL

Favorite Features

comfortable, roomy front and back fast, impressive, A true BEAST.

Suggested Improvements

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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INCREDIBLE ULTIMATE MACHINE

Written by: 750ISIT on 10/15/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan (5.4L 12cyl 5A)

Review

I must say if you can love a car this is it! This car is very powerful, fun to drive and reliable. Everyone admires the car and it is very luxurious.

Favorite Features

Stereo 18" M Wheels and the interior

Suggested Improvements

NONE

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Touring Sedan

Written by: King Daddi on 09/22/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Although it is a great car in many facets, living in the midwest I should have gotten the Audi A8L w/all-wheel drive. The car is quite, smooth, very roomy and is a road warrior. Up keep is pricey but that should be expected, get an extended warranty or a certified one. This car will fishtail on you in the snow and rain that is why my next car will be an Audi A8 L. Also, a bit boxy compared to the same year, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Benz.

Favorite Features

Nav, comfort seats, horsepower, smooth quiet ride, handling and spacious interior. All the safety features and cold weather package.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders, Sound system is great for listening to Kenny G but if you enjoy a little R&B or Hip/Hop get the Audi. The 740 can't handle the low end sounds of today's popular music. In-dash CD changer would have been nice and radio seek/scan is near impossible to use while driving.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Very Good Car

Written by: Bimmer on 06/03/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Purchased new when I traded my '93 740iL. '93 had better interior and build quality but needed engine replaced at 110k. Both cars very comfortable, powerful and attractive. Have had to replace radiator, expansion tank and water pump as well as front end work. Great integrated phone and (older CD type) nav, all voice activated too! Phone/radio controls on steering very handy. Will never buy car without those features again. I find the nav system easy to use but all require some time to learn. Wish CD player was not in trunk. It is quiet at highway speeds and has a huge trunk. So far I have had nearly 80k of great driving. Hope next car will work as well.

Favorite Features

Voice activated phone and navigation both work great. Responds quickly and quietly for passing and merging. Corners nicely and is very comfortable for driver and passengers. Good looking car.

Suggested Improvements

On the '01: CD player is in trunk, wood trim shows little grain and looks plasticky, floor mats use velcro and are not as secure as pins. Preferred the black headliner on previous version to the grey. Paint can wear off plastic buttons which are used often. Bring back useful bumpers to all cars!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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