It's a BIG, comfortable status symbol. The Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) rear-wheel drive, 740iL four-door sedan, redesigned in the 1995 model year, receives several improvements for 1996. Get them quick because in a month or two, the 1997s start making their way to showrooms. The seven series consists of two long wheelbase models; the entry 740iL ($62,490 base price) and the top-of-the-line 750iL ($90,360 base price.) The shorter wheelbase 740i is not offered this model year. Traditionally, the second and third digits in the name represent engine displacement. For example, "40," in 740iL denotes 4.0 liters. This year, however, BMW departs slightly by introducing a larger, quieter, 4.4-liter engine while retaining the 740iL nomenclature. Its 282 horsepower, 32-valve, double-overhead cam, V-8 engine delivers 5,700 revolutions per minute, and improved acceleration, enabling this sedan to jump from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. In addition, torque output has increased. The five-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly between gears, it's virtually undetectable. Interested in even more power? The 750iL comes with a V-12 engine delivering 322 horsepower. With a $60,000 plus change asking price, the 740iL comes standard with popularly-ordered power features from windows to locks to a new glass moon roof and is pre-wired for dealer-installed portable phone and compact disc player. Standard, all-season traction control, an option last year, prevents rear wheel slippage during unfavorable conditions. Inside, high-gloss, walnut trim joins new Montana leather. Seats have improved padding, reducing fatigue. Side-view mirrors, driver seat and steering height are programmable for three separate driving settings. The 740iL's large wheelbase (120.9 inches), provides a huge amount of interior room. Nobody will complain about lack of rear leg room in this German-built vehicle. Back seat riders also benefit from foot rests, which stow conveniently under front bucket seats when not in use. Rear passengers also enjoy ventilation controls, dual cup holders, which retract from the center seat cushion's front edge, and reading lights. The functional dashboard, backlit in red at night, is easy to view. An anti-glare, rearview mirror adjusts brightness of headlight intensity. All radio and power functions are easily reached and viewable day or night. The elaborate multi-information display, part of an on-board computer, is centered on the dashboard along with the sound system between front passengers. Such functions as range until empty estimates, average gas consumption and even a stop watch program illuminate in a center window. This data can also be flashed on the instrument panel by pushing a turn-signal stalk selector button. Drivers have more at their fingertips too. In addition to cruise control and radio functions, steering wheel buttons control recirculating air and hands-free cellular phone functions. Chrome trim accents exterior windows frames, as well as side and bumper moldings. The radio antenna, smartly built into the rear window, won't end up lost at automatic car wash. Large, lightweight doors provide easy entry and exit. The 740iL takes safety, always an important buzz word in the auto world, to new levels. One of the most intriguing is a "Park Distance Control" sensing device alerting drivers of possible low-speed danger. Sometimes, small obstructions like children's bicycles or roaming family pets escape visible range of drivers, especially when backing up. Circular sensors in front and rear bumpers discern when such items are within two to five feet. The beeping sound intensifies within a foot. This system activates with the gear shift in "reverse," and can be deactivated from a dashboard switch. It automatically shuts off when speeds exceed 18 miles per hour. Another on-board computer anti-theft option, if drivers choose to utilize it, is a personal access starting code. Once this four-digit sequence is programmed, the vehicle will not start without code input or with a wrong number sequence. The passenger-side air bag complements the driver's air bag, and won't deploy with the seat unoccupied. Also, sensors measure speeds during impact, increasing or decreasing tension of lap and shoulder belts. Side impact air bags will feature prominently in all 1997 models. Also, BMW is working on back seat air bags for future models. Power windows include interrupt protection, which stops movement when encountering resistance. Another safety feature is a single keyhole on the driver's door. BMW chose not to feature a passenger door key hole since most illegal entries occur on the passenger side. The on-board computer also controls an automatic ventilation system. At a pre-programed time interval, filtered air automatically circulates and cools, helping eliminate a stuffy interior during hot summer months. The huge trunk, capable of storing four golf bags side by side, not only houses an optional CD magazine/changer, but is home to the maintenance-free battery. When jumpstarting, BMW recommends utilizing the auxiliary positive terminal, found in the well-organized engine compartment. As with every BMW, a tool kit is standard. In the Seven Series, it's built into the inside trunk lid. A handy, constantly-charging flashlight is found in the glove box while a first-aid kit stores above the back seat's center fold-out armrest. All BMW cars have rear-wheel drive, rather than the more domestically popular front-wheel design; very effective on snow and ice. Rear-wheel drive provides better front-to-back weight distribution, enhancing handling characteristics. Suggestions, although minor, for future editions include making the CD system standard, and repositioning front dual cup holders from the dashboard, where cans block climate control functions, to the front center console. The fuel tank holds 22.5 gallons of premium unleaded fuel (at least 91 octane). By improving fuel economy, the 1996 740iL no longer qualifies for the $1,000 gas guzzler tax. With 9,000 odometer miles, however, our test car still registered an unimpressive 16 mpg in combined driving. In 1995, BMW sold 15,000 7-Series models in the United States. Competition includes the Lexus LS 400, the Mercedes-Benz S Class and Infiniti Q-45. |