BMW 7 Series (E65)

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BMW 7 Series
(E65/E66/E67/E68)

Overview
Manufacturer BMW
Production July 2001 – 2008
 Germany: Dingolfing
 Thailand: Rayong
Assembly  Russia: Kaliningrad
 Egypt: 6th of October City[1]

 Adrian van Hooydonk (1998)

Designer  Chris Bangle (1998, 1999)

Body and chassis

Class Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style 4-door sedan
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related Alpina B7 (E65)
Powertrain
 3.0 L M54 I6 (petrol)
 3.0 L N52 I6 (petrol)
 3.0 L M57 I6 turbo (diesel)
 3.6 – 4.8 L N62 V8 (petrol)
Engine
 3.9 – 4.4 L M67 V8 twin-
turbo (diesel)
 6.0 L N73 V12 (petrol)

Transmission 6-speed automatic

Dimensions
Wheelbase  2,990 mm (117.7 in) (E65)
  3,130 mm (123.2 in) (E66)

 5,029 mm (198.0 in) (E65)

Length  5,169 mm (203.5 in) (E66)

Width 1,902 mm (74.9 in)

Height 1,484–1,492 mm (58.4–58.7 in)
Kerb weight 1,710–2,040 kg (3,770–4,497 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor BMW 7 Series (E38)
Successor BMW 7 Series (F01)

The BMW E65 is the fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series range of full-size luxury sedans,
and was produced from 2001 to 2008. The variants of the range are:

 sedan (E65 model code)

 long-wheelbase sedan (E66 model code)
 armoured car sedan (E67 model code, marketed as High Security 7 Series)
 hydrogen-powered sedan (E68 model code, marketed as Hydrogen 7)

The E65 was the first BMW vehicle to include the iDrive infotainment system, the new brand
design language, active anti-roll bars, a 6-speed automatic transmission, an electronic smart
Key (dispensing with the traditional metallic key), and night vision. The 760i model also
utilised the world's first production V12 engine to use direct injection.[2][3]

In late 2008, the E65 7 Series was replaced by the 7 Series (F01).

Contents
 1 Development and launch
 2 Design
o 2.1 Exterior styling
o 2.2 Interior styling
 3 iDrive
 4 Equipment
 5 Transmissions
 6 Models
o 6.1 Petrol engines
o 6.2 Diesel engines
 7 Special models
o 7.1 Alpina B7
o 7.2 Long-Wheelbase 7 Series (E66)
o 7.3 BMW High Security 7 Series (E67)
o 7.4 BMW Hydrogen 7 (E68)
 8 Model year changes
o 8.1 2003
 o 8.2 2005 facelift
o 8.3 Late 2005
 9 Production volumes
 10 References

Development and launch

Development for the BMW E65 7 Series began in early 1996. In early 1997, Chris Bangle
delivered a brief to BMW's Munich and DesignworksUSA studios. After a competition
between 20 designers, Adrian van Hooydonk's design was approved in the spring of 1998.[4]
Production specifications were frozen in January 1999 and took 34 months from freeze to
market launch.[5][6][7][8] The design was patented on 16 November 2000[9] and development
ended in early 2001.

The E65 was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2001,[10][11][12] and
launched in Europe on November 2001.[13] The launch model in the U.S. was the 745i model,
which was released in January 2002, followed by the long-wheelbase 745Li in March.[14][15]

In order to produce the E65 7 Series and other future models, the BMW Dingolfing plant was
retooled at a cost of approximately €500,000,000.[16]

Design
Exterior styling

Under the direction of Chris Bangle, BMW's Design Chief at the time, the BMW E65 7 Series
heralded a new styling era for BMW.[17]

BMW's board of directors were keen to move the company's image into the future, and the
initial styling sketches from 1998 by Adrian van Hooydonk were of a fastback body style -
even more radical than the eventual production model.[18] The controversial "flame surfacing"
design[19][20] greatly contrasted the conservative lines of its E38 predecessor. The rear end
styling was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics, due to the elongated rear bootlid.[21][22]

Dimensionally the E65 7 Series is 45 mm (1.8 in) longer, 38 mm (1.5 in) wider and 60 mm
(2.4 in) taller than the E38.[23] The wheelbase is 2,990 mm (117.7 in),[24] an increase of 60 mm
(2.4 in) over the outgoing model. Despite these increased dimensions, the E65 7 Series is only
15 kg (33 lb) heavier than the E38.

Interior styling

The E65 contained many departures from automotive interior design conventions. BMW
removed the traditional console mounted gear selector, replacing it with a steering-column
mounted stalk[20][25] in favour of two cup holders. The e-brake is controlled using a button on
the dashboard.[26] The seat adjustment controls were moved from their traditional place on the
side of the seat base to the inside of the raised central console, which drew some criticisms.[23]
Unlike most BMWs since 1975 (including the E65's predecessor and successor), the centre
instrument panel is not angled towards the driver.[27]
Compared to the outgoing E38 model, the E65 7 Series has more shoulder room in the front
and the rear, and increased rear headroom.

iDrive
The E65 was the first BMW to use the iDrive infotainment system.[28] The system was built
on the Windows CE for Automotive platform,[29] and featured an interface primarily based
around a central control knob. Many of the functions such as climate, navigation, seat heating,
telephony, and car settings were incorporated into a single system allowing for centralised
control. Early versions of iDrive were criticised for complicated menu structures and a steep
learning curve.[30][23]

The first generation of the system relied on CD media for map data. In March 2003, the maps
switched to DVD format,[31] a faster processor was used and a 'Menu' and 'Customisable'
button were added below the control knob. In 2005, dedicated buttons were added to change
radio stations or skip tracks[32] and a brighter screen was used for the 8.8" widescreen option.

iDrive controller (2005+)

iDrive showing service items (2005+)

iDrive showing climate menu (2005+)


 iDrive showing settings menu (2005+)

Equipment

Rectangular key-fob

The E65 was the flagship model[33] and the most technologically advanced car produced by
BMW at the time.

The following features were first introduced on the E65:

 V8 models were the first to use BMW's new N62 V8 engine, which was the world's
first engine to use a continuously variable-length intake manifold.[34] It was also
BMW's first V8 engine to use variable valve lift (Valvetronic),[35][36] replacing throttle
butterflies (during normal running conditions) for added response, efficiency and
power.[37]
 Active anti-roll bars (Active Roll Stabilisation) to reduce body roll when cornering. It
uses a hydraulic servo in the middle of the anti-roll bar to actively counteract body roll
and to reduce body roll without the traditional trade-off in ride comfort.
 Directional headlights (Adaptive Headlights) which electronically adjust the low beam
lights horizontally (during turns) and vertically (based on rear axle load) adjustment of
the low beam. Also, the E65 was the first BMW available with bi-Xenon (HID)
headlights.
 World’s first 6-speed automatic transmission in a sedan.[38][39]
 World's first car with an electric park brake. This could automatically activate in stop-
and-go traffic situations and when the ignition was switched off.
 First BMW with DVD-based GPS Automotive navigation system.
 Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), however this was available in some markets on the
previous generation 7 Series (E38).
 The optional Automatic Soft Close system minimized the force required to close the
doors and boot lid, and would completely close them if improperly closed.
 Two fibre optic electronic networks: MOST Bus (Media Orientated System
Transport)[40][41] and "Byteflight" (safety systems bus). These busses operate at
22.5Mbit/s and 10Mbit/s respectively. Also, the I-bus, K-bus and P-bus were replaced
by the K-CAN (Body-Controller Area Network). This increased the system speed
from 9.6kbit/s to 100kbit/s.

Transmissions
Interior

The available transmissions are:[42]

 6-speed ZF 6HP26 automatic (730d / 735i / 740d / 740i / 745i / 750i / 760i)
 6-speed ZF 6HP19 automatic (730i)
 6-speed ZF 6HP32 automatic (745d)

Models
Petrol engines

0-100 km/h (0-62

Model Engine Years Power Torque
mph)
170 kW (228 bhp; 300 N⋅m
M54B30 2004–
231 PS) (221 lb⋅ft) 8.1 s
3.0 L I6 2005
at 5,900 rpm at 3,500 rpm
730i 300 N⋅m
190 kW (255 bhp;
N52B30 2005– (221 lb⋅ft)
258 PS) 7.8 s
3.0 L I6 2008 at 2,500–4,000
at 6,600 rpm
rpm
200 kW (268 bhp; 360 N⋅m
N62B36 2001–
735i 272 PS) (266 lb⋅ft) 7.5 s
3.6 L V8 2004
at 6,200 rpm at 3,700 rpm
225 kW (302 bhp; 390 N⋅m
N62B40 2004–
740i 306 PS) (288 lb⋅ft) 6.8 s
4.0 L V8 2008
at 6,300 rpm at 3,500 rpm
245 kW (329 bhp; 450 N⋅m
N62B44 2001–
745i 333 PS) (332 lb⋅ft) 6.3 s
4.4 L V8 2004
at 6,100 rpm at 3,600 rpm
270 kW (362 bhp; 490 N⋅m
N62B48 2004–
750i 367 PS) (361 lb⋅ft) 5.9 s
4.8 L V8 2008
at 6,300 rpm at 3,400 rpm
N73B60 327 kW (439 bhp; 600 N⋅m
2002–
760i 6.0 L 445 PS) (443 lb⋅ft) 5.5 s
2008
V12 at 6,000 rpm at 3,950 rpm
368 kW (493 bhp; 700 N⋅m
Alpina N62B44 2003–
500 PS) (516 lb⋅ft) 4.9 s
B7 V8 S/C 2008
at 5,500 rpm at 4,250 rpm
Diesel engines

0-100 km/h (0-62

Model Engine Years Power Torque
mph)
160 kW (215 bhp; 500 N⋅m
M57D30TU 2002–
218 PS) (369 lb⋅ft) 8.0 s
3.0 L I6 turbo 2005
at 4,000 rpm at 2,000 rpm
730d 520 N⋅m
170 kW (228 bhp;
M57D30TU2 2005– (384 lb⋅ft)
231 PS) 7.8 s
3.0 L I6 turbo 2008 at 2,000–2,750
at 4,000 rpm
rpm
600 N⋅m
M67TUD40 190 kW (255 bhp;
2002– (443 lb⋅ft)
740d 3.9 L V8 twin- 258 PS) 7.4 s
2004 at 1,900–2,500
turbo at 4,000 rpm
rpm
700 N⋅m
M67D44 220 kW (295 bhp;
(516 lb⋅ft)
4.4 L V8 twin- 2005 299 PS) 6.8 s
at 1,750–2,500
turbo at 4,000 rpm
rpm
745d
750 N⋅m
M67TUD44 242 kW (325 bhp;
2005– (553 lb⋅ft)
4.4 L V8 twin- 329 PS) 6.6 s
2008 at 1,900–2,500
turbo at 3,800 rpm
rpm

Special models
Alpina B7

Main article: Alpina B7 (E65)

Alpina B7 (post-facelift)

The Alpina B7 prototype was introduced to the public at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show in
March, and the production version was later unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.[43]
Production began in February 2004,[44] and was built in the Dingolfing BMW plant alongside
the regular E65 models.

The Alpina B7 uses a supercharged version of the 4.4-litre V8 found in the 745i, and was the
first Alpina model to feature a supercharged engine.[45]
Exterior changes include a rear spoiler[43] and 21-inch traditional Alpina multi-spoke style
wheels. Interior changes include sports seats, an Alpina instrument cluster, a three spoke
steering wheel with shift buttons, and a silver plated production plaque.

803 units were produced for North America, and 311 cars were produced for other countries.

Long-Wheelbase 7 Series (E66)

The E66 long-wheelbase models, badged "Li" were introduced in June 2002. Long-wheelbase
models are 140 mm (5.5 in) longer, allowing for extra rear legroom.[46] The initial long
wheelbase models were the 735Li, 745Li and 760Li In 2003, 730Li, 730Ld, 740Li and 750Li
model was added to the lineup in 2005. [47][48]

BMW High Security 7 Series (E67)

The E67 High Security 7 Series is an armoured variant of the BMW 7 Series. The 760Li High
Security was introduced at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, with the 745Li High Security
model released later in September 2003.[49]

E65 High Security models are designed to withstand attacks, and meet the requirements of the
B7 weapons standard.[50] Security features include a detachable multi-layer laminated
windscreen, a remote starting system, a fire extinguishing system, a fresh air system, and
under-body protection.[51] High Security models also feature run flat tyres, with Michelin’s
PAX system; which allows continuous driving of 80 km/h (50 mph) for approximately 50 km
(31 mi), with a puncture.[51]

BMW offers a buyback service for High Security models up to 7 years old, which are
inspected then resold to potential customers worldwide. A training course is also offered to
owners and chauffeurs, and teaches car control in case of emergency situations.[49]

BMW Hydrogen 7 (E68)

BMW Hydrogen 7
Main article: BMW Hydrogen 7

The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a limited production hydrogen-fueled model. It uses a modified

version of the 760Li's N73 V12 engine, producing 191 kW (256 bhp). Claimed fuel economy
is 50 L/100 km (4.7 mpg-US) and the hydrogen is stored as a liquid in an insulated 170 L
(45 US gal) tank. Only 100 cars were made, which were leased to high-profile customers, in
order to promote the use of hydrogen vehicles.
Model year changes
2003

 iDrive updates: Addition of 'Menu' and 'Customisable' buttons, maps switched to DVD
format, and a faster processor was used.
 Exterior styling adjusted to soften appearance.[20]
 760i & 760Li V12 model was introduced.

2005 facelift

In March 2005, the E65 facelift was introduced.[52] In the United States, it was sold as the
2006 model year.

The major changes are:

 Revised styling for front and rear bodywork, headlights and tail-lights (including
removal of the centre light bar running across the boot lid).[53] BMW offered
"conversion kits" that could be purchased by existing owners to apply these exterior
changes to pre-facelift cars.[52]
 iDrive updates including a simplified interface, clearer graphics, and the iDrive
controller now having a leather top surface.[54]
 740i, 750i, and 745d engines introduced as replacements.[52]
 730i and 730d engines received minor performance and efficiency upgrades.
 Rear track width increased by 14 mm (0.55 in).[55]
 Adaptive cruise control upgraded to ACC II.

Pre-facelift styling

Front (745i)

Rear (735i)

Post-facelift styling
 

Front (730d)

Rear (730d)

Late 2005

In late 2005, BMW introduced BMW Night Vision[56] which uses passive infrared and
processes far infrared radiation,[57] to minimise non-essential information, placing a greater
emphasis on pedestrians and animals. It allows for a range of 300 m (980 ft), and avoids
"dazzle" from headlights, road lights and similar intense light sources.[58]

At the same time, automatic beam switching (High-Beam Assistant) was introduced. This
system detects oncoming light sources to automatically engage the high beam lights in dark
areas and then dip the high beam lights to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.[58]

Production volumes
The following are production figures for E65 7 Series models:

Year Total
2001 2,979
2002 50,961
2003 57,899
2004 47,689
2005 50,062
2006 50,227
2007 44,421
2008 38,835
Total: 343,073

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59.

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F22
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F44
3 Series E46 E90 F30 G20
4 Series F32
5 Series E39 E60 F10 G30
6 Series E63 F12 G32
7 Series E38 E65 F01 G11
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Z Z3 E85 E89 G29
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