730d 2017-18

[SL550M]

Please help! I've got myself in a state of confusion over my next car. Just sold my 440. Was going to go M4/M3; but decided I've had enough of sporty/loud cars. Toyed with the idea of an 850; too expensive. I'm 54 and after years of (at times chronic) back pain I've decided I want the most comfort and luxury that I can afford. And that brings me to a 7 Series. I think they are very handsome cars. I viewed a 750 at my local BMW dealer in MK yesterday but, to my mind, an engine like that in a 7 Series kind of misses the point of the car. Although I almost bought it just for the B&W stereo! So a 730d or 740d seems the best option for my budget (around £25-£30k). Anyone on here want to chime in and tell me what brilliant cars they are? One other question. I might be over-thinking this, but is it likely the Euro 6 compliant diesel cars might be suddenly ensnared by a new category of punitive taxes/charges in the coming few years? I like the idea of keeping this car for a good long while. Thank you all, much appreciated.

[Wills2]

I had a 740d xdrive and also had a 730d for 8 weeks whilst the 740d was being repaired after a rear end shunt, both lovely, engine really suits it and it's turbine smooth in the 7 series, they are fabulous inside as well.

The 40d was on 20" the 30d 19" it rides better on the 19", however both suffer from that air suspension issue that certain road imperfections can suddenly send a thump through the cabin which you never expect so comes a shock, it's an odd feature of the car as 99% of the time it's buttery smooth.

There was a period when all 7s got 4 electric heated individual comfort seats but they they did a MY update that gave a new steering wheel and different digital cluster and they dropped the rear comfort seats but added soft close as standard etc...I think this was the 2019 cars the 730d loaner was that spec my 2016 740 had the 4 comfort seats.

Also if it matters to you it's a long car even on (G11 SWB) and over hangs most car parking spaces so you just have to take account of that, I would also get one with a BMW warranty I had a couple of issues outside of warranty and if I hadn't have got some goodwill from BMW via the dealer the cost would have been £3500, (KAFAS camera and suspension strut)

[SL550M]

Thanks Wills2. Glad to hear about your 7 Series experience. Just need to get my head around the bewildering array of optional extras and packs. It seems most might be deemed unnecessary, would you agree? I’d love the laser lights and B&W stereo but realise that’s unlikely on anything other than the 750/760, both of which I’m ruling out.

[Pioneer]

Great cars. 730d LWB here. Engine is plenty powerful enough, rear comfort pack is handy for passengers and resale. Gesture is a gimmick and ambient air is very faint (even at highest setting) compared to other marques. Massage and heat is awesome. Nice touch with the door rests and centre console being heated too. At this point, a lot of car for the £. Handles very well for it's size, doesn't feel anywhere as big as it is. Some may say carbon core helps?

[scratch pervert]

Great cars these. I've got a 65 plate with a decent spec (rear ent etc) and have put over 30k miles on it.

You won't be disappointed.

[SL550M]

Thanks for the feedback gents. Now the search begins in earnest. Seen a couple online in the AUC network in San Marino Blue, which look very smart and one of them isn’t a million miles from me. Very tempting!

[DaveJG]

I am a big fan of the 7 series and think they provide exceptional value especially when 2 to 3 years old.

I purchased my 730d M Sport new in Sep 16 (after 6 years in the previous shape) and still have and love the car - I have done 34k miles in it so far. The interior has a real feel-good factor and is very comfortable and quiet. It has always been powerful enough and not lacking ie fit for purpose so don't wish I had the 740d. I optioned the Head-up Display which I couldn't now live without as I constantly use it and I also have the B&W sound system. Having a good sound system is really important to me and the B&W is absolutely amazing and would be my first option on any future purchase.

The economy has also been amazing as I get mpg of well into the 40's and on long runs I have achieved 55/57mpg on a number of occasions. I was tempted to order the 730d X drive but it was an extra £2k and the economy was impacted by about 10% from memory.

Downsides ... warranty cost. It is very expensive through BMW - I am paying £147 per month with £250 excess. Yes it is expensive but when added to the expected depreciation on a 2 to 3 year old car then probably doesn't look so bad overall.

In summary a great car and so far mine has been reliable (so far !) ....