1997 BMW 7 Series Review
1997 BMW 7 Series Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Big car luxury, sports car performance.
Cons
- Price.
What’s new
BMW reintroduces the regular length 740i after the uproar caused over its cancellation for the 1996 model year. Like the rest of the 7 Series, the 740i has a standard equipment list that will leave the Sultan of Brunei drooling with desire.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$251/mo for 7 Series 740iL
7 Series 740iL
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
The big news for big Bimmer fans this year is the reintroduction of the regular wheelbase 740i. It seems that there are enough fans of the "little" 7-Series to justify its continued existence in the US. We agree; the cozy 5-Series is a wonderful car, but we think that rear seat passengers will appreciate the room afforded by the larger 740i. With the second coming of the 740i, the 7-Series offers a variety of models to compete not only with the gargantuan Mercedes and Jaguars, but also with the merely large Lexus LS 400 and Infiniti Q45.
Those who can't live without the finer things in life, will want to check out the amazingly appointed 750iL. Want a stereo that sounds better than symphony hall? Check. Want an anti-theft security system that can put Fort Knox to shame? Check. Want a heated steering wheel? Check. Want 41 inches of rear legroom? Check. There aren't many features in the automotive marketplace missing on this car.
Those on a budget, ha ha, should take a look at the 740i. Priced $33,000 less than its big brother, the 740i is geared toward buyers who are merely wealthy instead of obscenely rich. This car has almost everything one could want, but there are a few items on the option sheet that buyers may want to check.
Nestled snugly between the 750iL and the 740i is the 740iL. The 740iL offers all of the space of the 750iL, but leaves enough money in the checking account to send your pride and joy to Stanford for a year.
The 7-Series long list of standard and optional features includes an integrated cellular phone, all-season traction control, xenon headlights and extra-thick window glass. Personal safety features include double locked doors, coded driveaway protection, two-step unlocking and the elimination of the passenger door locks--with a car this fine you have to be prepared for some unwanted attention.
It is always difficult to choose the "best" in a class of outstanding competitors, with entries from Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus and Infiniti. It seems flippant to say that one of these vehicles is totally superior to the others, but we know which one we would buy if we won Lotto. BMW has a tradition of improving on excellence; the 1997 7-Series is no exception. If you have the money and need an impressive set of wheels, this is the car for you.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 BMW 7 Series.
5 star(61%)
4 star(27%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Seriously Amazing car. I love this car <3
gdwhip, 04/17/2015
1997 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
Super positive this car is the best. Bought this car in 2010 and I've had it for 5 years. I would recommend it to anyone. Girls love the roomy bmw. The leather luxurious interior makes you feel like a boss from the way the steering wheel heats your hands up to the wood grain and super comfortable seats. Everyone that sits inside the car compliments it. I've had numerous people offer to … buy it but I would never sell it. The car grows on you. I took out the sound system and installed a beautiful nav gps with aux cord and it get better sound than any vehicle I've ever sat inside. The whole look and feel of this car is the perfect balance of cool and classy.
5 out of 5 stars
This is a car to haul dignitaries around.
Gregory Massey, 07/21/2016
1997 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
4.75 out of 5 stars
Finally we own an excellect automobile
wmsnodgras, 05/15/2005
1997 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
After a three month search on line for the perfect E38'-- I was prepared to drive up to 1500 miles to get the right car--I found "my" vehicle 6 miles from home. It has been running flawlessly, except for a short circuit in a wiring harnace which BMW of El Paso seems to have fixed at no charge. Car is total pleasure to own and drive. mileage in town is 14.5 MPG. On the highway, I'm … getting 25 MPG all day @75 mph using the recommended mid-grade gasoline.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Wonderful car
7series, 04/09/2005
1997 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
This is a truly wonderful car. The ride is smooth and the build quality is great. I haven't owned a car that was built with more attention to detail. One must treat it with utter care, and go very easy on the car and all its amenities and it will last you. From new, mine has almost 110,000 miles. The only work done was the brakes, at 100,000 miles, the navigation dvd stopped working at … about that time, too, and there seems to be a strange clicking noise coming from the dash. It could be the computer or navigation, or just a leaf in the a/c. Bar those mishaps, this is one of the most beautiful cars inside and out. My only complaint is that it doesn't have an electronic sport suspension setting.
1997 7 Series Highlights
750iL
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $288/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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