There was considerable debate about the latest BMW 7 Series when the first examples of it appeared in time for the 2002 model year.
First up for consideration was the styling, which many people felt was too disjointed and angular. The boot, they said, looked like it had been stuck on as an afterthought.
Then there was the i-drive system on the centre console, in which a turnwheel-cum-joystick controlled various of the car’s functions which could be set up to give constant operation. This was thought to be too much of a distraction, and here I have to agree.
However, it is much more simple to use than the Mercedes COMAND system and the beauty of the BMW arrangement is that there are conventional buttons for functions that are needed in a hurry, such as demisting. So it’s possible to live with BMW’s system even if, like me, you are a bit of a technophobe.
First to arrive were the 735i and 745i petrol models and they have since been joined by the 730i petrol and 730d diesel. None of these is a bad bet as all offer enjoyable luxury motoring, but some make more sense than others.
Both 730s are six cylinder models, while the 735 and 740 are V8s. But if you want the ultimate, then try the 760i, which has a V12 engine under the bonnet, with performance and fuel consumption to match.
The big advantage of the diesel is that it offers lower running costs, as you might expect. But this does not come at the expense of performance as the car has plenty of punch. What it also brings is dramatically improved levels of depreciation now that everyone has grasped the fact that you can combine diesel motive power with luxury car driving.
Like all other BMW diesels, this oil burning unit is very refined. I used a 730d as a bridal car for a wedding and nobody noticed it was a diesel at all. In fact, the groom, a bit of a car fanatic, was impressed by the power the motor delivered as we drove back from the reception to the overnight hotel.
Naturally, these cars also offer grace as well as pace and if you want more grace then some engines are available with a long wheelbase body to give real limousine standards.
But even the standard body is long enough to offer good accommodation for five adults and the boot is huge enough to accept all their luggage.
Running costs are not for the wallet weary whether you buy the latest 7 Series or one of the previous generation - also good cars but I reckon much more bland in appearance. Service intervals are set by the on-board computer according to the conditions the car has been used under but BMWs over four years old do benefit from a reduced costs regime. Insurance starts at Group 17 so will not be cheap.
The diesels have been on the market since March 2003, when they were listed new at £47,150. These days an 03 plate car would set you back £20,550, about the same as an 04/53 plate 735 which would have cost £56,320 when it was new. As you can see, the diesels hold a big advantage. If you want the ultimate 760i long wheelbase, an 05 plate car is around £41,500, about half what it cost new and a real bargain.
Previous generation cars, from 1994 to 2002, are now giveaways. A 99S 728i petrol (there was no diesel in this generation) is about £5,900 but a 735i, £6,000 dearer when new, is only £250 more at the same age and a better drive.
Maurice Hardy
BIG BMW MAKES A FINE LUXURY BARGE
