Which 7 series?
Discussion
Tired of the jiggly ride in the Golf R (yes lease, no don't see what the fuss is about them and not going to miss it) and fancy something more barge like next. Much as I'd like a CL500 I've read too much about surprise bills, I can't get past the S series dull exterior, and the A8's seem expensive for equivalent 7 series. I've had various 3 and 5 series previously tending to go for SE spec with sports seats to get my weird legs comfy.
Still awake? Doing 10-15k miles pa. Looking at what's in the market can get a reasonable mileage (sub 50k) 730d Sport on 06 plate ~£10/11k and 10/11 plate ~£15k.
Is the newer version worth extra in terms of reliability / comfort or anything to watch out on either? I've got a few months to be picky so any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Still awake? Doing 10-15k miles pa. Looking at what's in the market can get a reasonable mileage (sub 50k) 730d Sport on 06 plate ~£10/11k and 10/11 plate ~£15k.
Is the newer version worth extra in terms of reliability / comfort or anything to watch out on either? I've got a few months to be picky so any insight would be greatly appreciated.
The E65/E66 (swb/lwb) to 2008ish are “old” cars now. This doesn’t mean I think they’re unreliable - indeed, I own one (but petrol), but at 10+ years old, things are aging (rubber vulcanising over time, etc...). This means that the potential for problems is there, and if you’re not handy with the spanners, it could get costly. To counter that, the build quality is very good, a step above the equivalent 3 or 5 series.
Of course, the car could be faultless for many miles too - that’s the lottery of used car buying.
If you go in with your eyes open, and expect to pay (they’re expensive new, running costs don’t decrease over time) when things do fail, then there’s no reason why not, assuming you can live with the looks.
By contrast, the later F01 (from 2008) is much newer tech inside, and would probably be considered a better car by most. I haven’t seen or heard many scare stories about this model, but there do seem to be fewer about than the E6x version, so choices may be more limited.
Both versions of the 730d should be capable of racking up huge mileages, it’s a proven engine (it’s in everything...)
If you’re ever near North Manchester, you’re welcome to come have a look at mine to give you an idea of what a ‘good’ E66 can be like - though I warn you you’ll want a v12 after!
Of course, the car could be faultless for many miles too - that’s the lottery of used car buying.
If you go in with your eyes open, and expect to pay (they’re expensive new, running costs don’t decrease over time) when things do fail, then there’s no reason why not, assuming you can live with the looks.
By contrast, the later F01 (from 2008) is much newer tech inside, and would probably be considered a better car by most. I haven’t seen or heard many scare stories about this model, but there do seem to be fewer about than the E6x version, so choices may be more limited.
Both versions of the 730d should be capable of racking up huge mileages, it’s a proven engine (it’s in everything...)
If you’re ever near North Manchester, you’re welcome to come have a look at mine to give you an idea of what a ‘good’ E66 can be like - though I warn you you’ll want a v12 after!
If going with E65 I would go for 07 onwards as they have aux-in interface (easy to add bluetooth streaming) - tricky to retrofit. Not really a fan of F01 - enlarged F10 with hardly any step up in comfort and with almost identical interior - and smaller boot size!. However I believe F01s are more reliable than E65s and have much better iDrive, coming with many options as standard- such as leather trimmed dash, centre console etc. Just like with any 7 Comfort seats make huge difference - and those are a rare sight in E65.
Note that pre-FL F01 (up to 2012) has 6 speed auto (unlike the new 8 speed auto in F10), no stop/start (unlike F10) , and comfort-wise it is worse than E65 it replaces, due to RFTs. BMW had long acknowledged the issue with the ride, and with the FL offered air suspension a standard. Also they finally moved on from E39-style yellowish angel lights replacing them with LED ones. (available from day one in F10)
E66 diesels are Euro 4 compliant and F01s are Euro 5 - both increasingly banned from city centres around Europe - and London ULEZ. Apparently the only way ot have a Euro 6 F01 was to tick off the BluePerformance option - paid extra hence rare - but can somebody confirm this?
Not being lazy, just checked London ULEZ online and surely all diesel F01s from Autotrader - even facelifted with 8 speed gearbox and stop/start technology failed ULEZ check, including the one of total two (!) available BluePerformance 2012 730ds on Autotrader (maybe an error by TFL?) - unlike 06 Petrol Euro 4 E65s which passed the check OK.
Not sure about Euro 6 diesels either - how much longer they will be able to hold on due to now well publicised fact that test rig-measured emissions of Diesels (Nox and particulates) have little to do with the real world emissions.
I would expect all this to bear heavily on the future diesel residuals.So if going diesel route I would go cheap. Or a Petrol with LPG conversion - but that rules out F01s which cannot be converted.
Note that pre-FL F01 (up to 2012) has 6 speed auto (unlike the new 8 speed auto in F10), no stop/start (unlike F10) , and comfort-wise it is worse than E65 it replaces, due to RFTs. BMW had long acknowledged the issue with the ride, and with the FL offered air suspension a standard. Also they finally moved on from E39-style yellowish angel lights replacing them with LED ones. (available from day one in F10)
E66 diesels are Euro 4 compliant and F01s are Euro 5 - both increasingly banned from city centres around Europe - and London ULEZ. Apparently the only way ot have a Euro 6 F01 was to tick off the BluePerformance option - paid extra hence rare - but can somebody confirm this?
Not being lazy, just checked London ULEZ online and surely all diesel F01s from Autotrader - even facelifted with 8 speed gearbox and stop/start technology failed ULEZ check, including the one of total two (!) available BluePerformance 2012 730ds on Autotrader (maybe an error by TFL?) - unlike 06 Petrol Euro 4 E65s which passed the check OK.
Not sure about Euro 6 diesels either - how much longer they will be able to hold on due to now well publicised fact that test rig-measured emissions of Diesels (Nox and particulates) have little to do with the real world emissions.
I would expect all this to bear heavily on the future diesel residuals.So if going diesel route I would go cheap. Or a Petrol with LPG conversion - but that rules out F01s which cannot be converted.
Edited by dmarkovina on Tuesday 20th March 22:59
Thanks for the info, certainly food for thought.
Only time I drive into London is to the 02, usually jump on the train for other family trips in and got back on a motorbike when had to commute in. I get the point re diesel (only one ever owned ate it's swirl flaps) but the choice available of the newer model is mainly derv with associated torque that suit wafting, with the petrols limited to SE form (with SE seats).
As I've said I've got a few months so will keep an eye out for a later model, with an open mind on petrol (non v8) if can find one with sport seats... thanks for the pointers, much appreciated.
Only time I drive into London is to the 02, usually jump on the train for other family trips in and got back on a motorbike when had to commute in. I get the point re diesel (only one ever owned ate it's swirl flaps) but the choice available of the newer model is mainly derv with associated torque that suit wafting, with the petrols limited to SE form (with SE seats).
As I've said I've got a few months so will keep an eye out for a later model, with an open mind on petrol (non v8) if can find one with sport seats... thanks for the pointers, much appreciated.
I run an 08 3.0 litre diesel base model.
It’s a bit like a Victorian living room inside.
The one after mine started to look a lot more modern inside but lost the looks outside (just my opinion).
I bought with 40K miles on 2 years ago and I’m about to hit 90K, mostly for work on motorways.
Aside from servicing, it’s just needed an oil pipe and new front discs under warranty.
It came with FSH and one previous owner, BMW warranty for 2 years which i’ll be extending as the local official dealer likes to round service quotes up to the nearest £500.
It’s a bit wafty but carries four big adults in comfort. It still looks current and elegant to my eyes.
I paid just over £10K for it and had a trade in offer for £5.5K so figure on £200 per month with a couple of sets of tyres.
It returns around 37mpg and is a car you can drive Brighton to Edinburgh and still be ready for a days work.
Truth be told I set out to buy a 5 series estate but was surprised at how low the 7 series could be had on BMW approved, there were a couple sub 10K price but with 100K miles.
One regret is not getting a version with selectable suspension as it’s floaty, but it’s a motorway cruiser and fits the role perfectly.
I would bet the larger engined sports models would be hugely entertaining.
Agree on the quality of the thing, doors are huge structures and you get the feeling of being surrounded by a lot of heavy metal.
Even the 3.0 can move like a stabbed rat though, mine was used as a town car and never saw above 3K rpm, I believe the engine needs a good run to keep them from clogging, so it gets better diesel and throat cleared occasionally on the motorway.
Don’t know how your buying or current prices but BMW approved were good for me and sorted some minor niggles post purchase remotely. Also have the peace of mind of no large bills for a couple of years, not sure I’d take same car on without their cover.
Good luck, let us know if you go for one?
It’s a bit like a Victorian living room inside.
The one after mine started to look a lot more modern inside but lost the looks outside (just my opinion).
I bought with 40K miles on 2 years ago and I’m about to hit 90K, mostly for work on motorways.
Aside from servicing, it’s just needed an oil pipe and new front discs under warranty.
It came with FSH and one previous owner, BMW warranty for 2 years which i’ll be extending as the local official dealer likes to round service quotes up to the nearest £500.
It’s a bit wafty but carries four big adults in comfort. It still looks current and elegant to my eyes.
I paid just over £10K for it and had a trade in offer for £5.5K so figure on £200 per month with a couple of sets of tyres.
It returns around 37mpg and is a car you can drive Brighton to Edinburgh and still be ready for a days work.
Truth be told I set out to buy a 5 series estate but was surprised at how low the 7 series could be had on BMW approved, there were a couple sub 10K price but with 100K miles.
One regret is not getting a version with selectable suspension as it’s floaty, but it’s a motorway cruiser and fits the role perfectly.
I would bet the larger engined sports models would be hugely entertaining.
Agree on the quality of the thing, doors are huge structures and you get the feeling of being surrounded by a lot of heavy metal.
Even the 3.0 can move like a stabbed rat though, mine was used as a town car and never saw above 3K rpm, I believe the engine needs a good run to keep them from clogging, so it gets better diesel and throat cleared occasionally on the motorway.
Don’t know how your buying or current prices but BMW approved were good for me and sorted some minor niggles post purchase remotely. Also have the peace of mind of no large bills for a couple of years, not sure I’d take same car on without their cover.
Good luck, let us know if you go for one?
As people have said, if you decide on the e65/66 try and get a later one (07 onwards?) As it has improved connectivity (such as proper Bluetooth).
I had an 07 730d and currently have an F10 530d with VDC so shares many characteristics of the f01. The e65 is a much better ride without question and predictably the f10 is more modern.
The one thing I really liked about the e65 was that it was obviously the flagship model and the interior looked nothing like other models (now they're harder to tell apart).
Finally wrt the e65 check the options; heated seats for example were not standard for some reason! Buy on condition but check the spec!
I had an 07 730d and currently have an F10 530d with VDC so shares many characteristics of the f01. The e65 is a much better ride without question and predictably the f10 is more modern.
The one thing I really liked about the e65 was that it was obviously the flagship model and the interior looked nothing like other models (now they're harder to tell apart).
Finally wrt the e65 check the options; heated seats for example were not standard for some reason! Buy on condition but check the spec!
Early E65 owner here, 2003 760li.
I looked at similar cars from Audi A8 Merc stuff & VW Phaeton but ended up with the 760. Was going to go with 740 / 750 but the V8s seem to be less reliable. Man maths ;-) 760 more reliable and therefore cheaper in the long run!
I've have a few 5 series E39 540 & 535 and an E61 520d and the 7 is a massive step up in refinement and comfort, a great car. i'm worried about what to replace it with when i change it as most cars will be a big step back or a step up financially!
Good options to go for aswell: cooled leather lovely in the 1 week of hot uk summer!
I looked at similar cars from Audi A8 Merc stuff & VW Phaeton but ended up with the 760. Was going to go with 740 / 750 but the V8s seem to be less reliable. Man maths ;-) 760 more reliable and therefore cheaper in the long run!
I've have a few 5 series E39 540 & 535 and an E61 520d and the 7 is a massive step up in refinement and comfort, a great car. i'm worried about what to replace it with when i change it as most cars will be a big step back or a step up financially!
Good options to go for aswell: cooled leather lovely in the 1 week of hot uk summer!
I bought an AUC 2013 730d in January, all I can say is I absolutely love it. Had 3 series, 5 series, Jag XF etc before this car and nothing comes close. Never had anything that shrinks journeys like this and with nearly £7k of extras put on by the first owner it just feels so luxurious. Best car buying decision I've made.
Over the years the 7 has become better and better, my only complaint is that runflat tyres only survive half the mileage of proper tyres.
I have managed to get 25k miles out of my current 730d Xdrive, 5k better than RWD plus no loss of traction with right foot on the floor when pulling out smartly or overtaking, Have only covered 25k miles in the Xdrive after 160k miles in previous 7s.
The diesel 7 is a great car and more than capable of making the boy racers cry, when driven in anger it is great fun in sport mode which really works and is not the usual disapointingly useless button. 0nly rivalled by the 750 V8 which is thirstier and more expensive.
I have managed to get 25k miles out of my current 730d Xdrive, 5k better than RWD plus no loss of traction with right foot on the floor when pulling out smartly or overtaking, Have only covered 25k miles in the Xdrive after 160k miles in previous 7s.
The diesel 7 is a great car and more than capable of making the boy racers cry, when driven in anger it is great fun in sport mode which really works and is not the usual disapointingly useless button. 0nly rivalled by the 750 V8 which is thirstier and more expensive.
We've got a G12 730. Great car, don't use it as often as we should really but when I do it eats up the miles. Nice place to be too, massage, scented air-con, heated armrests, gesture control etc. Good time to buy as the early ones have done a HUGE chunk of their money already. Handles much better than the prev. gen also. To me it feels much smaller than it is, something to do with the carbon core maybe
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