BMW 7 Series (1986-1994)
The second generation of the BMW 7 Series was launched in 1986 and was exceptionally successful. This generation enabled BMW to set benchmarks in the luxury automobile class for many years to come. The 8-cylinder models 730i and 740i with displacement of 3 and 4 litres completed the BMW 7 Series from 1991. They impressed the public with excellent smooth-running characteristics, fuel-efficient consumption, outstanding performance and lightweight design. The V8 models were designed with a wider BMW kidney grille, which had previously been restricted to the V12 models. The two models were supplied as an extended version from 1992.
BMW 730i 6-cyl.
The BMW 730i powered by a 6-cylinder engine was supplied as the entry-level model throughout the entire production period. The BMW 730i only lagged slightly behind the BMW 735i with more than 80,000 units and was therefore the second most successful model in the series.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1986 – 1994
No. of Units………………………80,737
Price………………………………DM 59,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………….2986
Power Output……………………138 kW/188 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….220 km/h
BMW 730i 8-cyl.
The 8-cylinder models 730i and 740i with displacements of 3 and 4 litres respectively rounded off the BMW 7 Series from 1991. They impressed the public with excellent smooth-running characteristics, fuel-efficient consumption, outstanding performance and lightweight design. The V8 models were designed with a wider BMW kidney grille, which had previously been restricted to the V12 models.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1991 – 1994
No. of Units………………………13,234
Price………………………………DM 82,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm…………………2997
Power Output……………………160 kW/218 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….233 km/h
BMW 735i
The BMW 735i supplied with manual gearbox or automatic transmission was the most successful car in this series on account of its particularly well-balanced value for money. They impressed the public with excellent smooth-running characteristics, fuel-efficient consumption, outstanding performance and lightweight design.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1986 – 1992
No. of Units………………………108,728
Price………………………………DM 69,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Six-cylinder in-line engine
capacity in ccm………………….3430
Power Output……………………155 kW/211 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….230 km/h
Dimensions……………………….4910x1845x1411
Empty Weight (kg)………………1590
BMW 735iL
A version with a wheelbase extended by 114 mm was launched on the market in 1987.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1987 – 1992
No. of Units………………………25,097
Price………………………………DM 77,000
Technical Data;
Engine
Motor type………………………..6-cylinder in-line engine
Bore x Stroke (mm)……………..92 x 86
Capacity………………………….3430 ccm
Performance……………………..155 kW/211 bhp at 5700 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….230 km/h (143 mph)
Compression……………………..9.0:1
Valves…………………………….Overhead valves in V-arrangement
Carburetion system……………..Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection system
Powermode
Clutch…………………………….Single-plate dry clutch
Transmission……………………..Five-speed manual
Electric system
Generator…………………………90 A, 1260 W
Battery……………………………12 V, 84 Ah
Suspension
Body/chassis……………………..Unitary construction steel body
Front-wheel suspension………..Double-joint spring strut front axle, anti-roll bar
Rear-wheel suspension………….Semi-trailing arm rear suspension, anti-roll bar, self-levelling rear suspension
Wheel rims……………………….7 J x 15, light alloy
Tyres……………………………..225/60 VR 15
Front brakes……………………..Disc brakes, ventilated
Front brake diameter (mm)…….302
Rear brakes………………………Disc brakes, ventilated
Rear brake diameter (mm)……..300
Measures and weight
Length x Width x Height (mm)…5024 x 1845 x 1411
Wheel base (mm)………………..2946
Front track (mm)………………..1527
Rear track (mm)…………………1550
Empty weight (kg)………………1640
Permissible total weight (kg)…..2160
Fuel consumption (l/100 km)…..11.4
BMW 740i
The 8-cylinder models 730i and 740i with displacement of 3 and 4 litres completed the BMW 7 Series from 1991. They impressed the public with excellent smooth-running characteristics, fuel-efficient consumption, outstanding performance and lightweight design. The V8 models were designed with a wider BMW kidney grille, which had previously been restricted to the V12 models. The two models were supplied as an extended version from 1992.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1991 – 1994
No. of Units………………………17,976
Price………………………………DM 100,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………….3982
Power Output……………………210 kW/286 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….240 km/h (149 mph)
BMW 740iL
General Data
Model Year……………………….1991 – 1994
No. of Units………………………13,159
Price………………………………DM 110,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Eight-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………….3982
Power Output…………………….210 kW/286 bhp at 5800 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….240 km/h
BMW 750i
The BMW 750i was the flagship of the new BMW 7 Series with the first German 12-cylinder engine produced after the war. The high-tech alloy power unit was extremely lightweight and powerful. Other innovations – such as the first xenon lamp and Europe’s first acoustic parking assistant “Park Distance Control” from 1992 – transformed the 750i into a genuine technology platform.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1987 – 1994
No. of Units………………………15,363
Price………………………………DM 102,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Twelve-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………….4988
Power Output……………………220 kW/300 bhp at 5200 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………….4910x1845x1400
Empty Weight (kg)………………1800
BMW 750iL
A version with a wheelbase extended by 114 mm was launched on the market in 1987.
General Data
Model Year……………………….1987 – 1994
No. of Units………………………33,196
Price……………………………….DM 119,000
Technical Data
Type of Engine…………………..Twelve-cylinder V-engine
capacity in ccm………………….4988
Power Output…………………….220 kW/300 bhp at 5200 rpm
Max.Speed……………………….250 km/h
Dimensions……………………….5024x1845x1400
Empty Weight (kg)………………1860
