1997 BMW 7 Series Review
1997 BMW 7 Series Review

Used 7 Series for sale
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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 750iL 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 $3.31 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$262/mo
7 Series 750iL
vs
$206/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
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
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Engine Type | Gas |
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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More about the 1997 BMW 7 Series
Used 1997 BMW 7 Series Overview
The Used 1997 BMW 7 Series is offered in the following submodels: 7 Series Sedan. Available styles include 750iL 4dr Sedan, 740i 4dr Sedan, and 740iL 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned BMW 7 Series models are available with a 5.4 L-liter gas engine or a 4.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 322 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1997 BMW 7 Series comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 1997 BMW 7 Series?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1997 BMW 7 Serieses are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1997 BMW 7 Series for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1997 BMW 7 Series.
Can't find a used 1997 BMW 7 Seriess you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used BMW 7 Series for sale.
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Should I lease or buy a 1997 BMW 7 Series?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW 7 Series lease specials
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