Review: BMW F01.I/F02.I 7-Series (2009-12)

Overview

Released in April 2009, the BMW F01 and F02 Series I (F01.I/F02.I) were luxury sedans with standard and long wheelbases, respectively. Manufactured Dingolfing, Germany, the rear-wheel drive F01/F02 7-Series range initially consisted of the 740i, 740Li, 750i and 750Li models, but was subsequently expanded by the 730d (June 2009) and range-topping 760Li (September 2009).

Compared to the E65 7-Series , the F01 was 43 mm longer (at 5072 mm), the same width (1902 mm), 13 mm lower (1479 mm) and had a 80 mm longer wheelbase (3070 mm). Relative to their F01 counterparts, the F02 7-Series had 140 mm longer wheelbases (3210 mm) and were 140 mm longer overall (5212 mm). The F01/F02 7-Series had double wishbone front suspension and five-link rear suspension.

EfficientDynamics

Of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, the F01.I/F02.I 7-Series had ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting. In November 2009, a slightly more fuel-efficient version of the 730d was released.

BMW F01.I/F02.I 7-Series specifications
	Engine	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
730d	3.0-litre turbo-diesel I6 (N57 D30O0)	6sp auto	180 kW at 4000 rpm	540 Nm at 1750-3000 rpm
740i, 740Li	3.0-litre turbo petrol I6 (N55 B30)	6sp auto	240 kW at 5800 rpm	450 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm
750i, 750Li	4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 (N63 B44)	6sp auto	300 kW at 5500-6400 rpm	600 Nm at 1750-4500 rpm
760Li	6.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V12 (N74 B60)	8sp auto	400 kW at 5250 rpm	750 Nm at 1500-5000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control, active front seat head restraints and seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters for all seats. The 760Li was also equipped with lane departure warning, lane change warning and active cruise control (with stop and go function).

Features

Standard features for the 730d and 740i included 18-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, twelve speaker HiFi sound system with a six-disc CD/DVD changer and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), iDrive system with 80GB hard drive, four zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation with 10.2-inch screen, ‘Dakota’ leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, driver and passenger memory settings, cruise control (with downhill braking), head-up display with speed and navigation directions, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights with heated washer jets daytime running function, front and rear fog lights, rear view camera, electronic damper control (with comfort, normal, sport and sport plus settings), front and rear parking sensors, soft-close doors and boot, TV tuner, voice recognition, multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, power windows and mirrors, automatically dipping mirrors when reversing, electrochromatic door and rear view mirrors, proximity key (with BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’), power sunroof, ambient lighting, 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Compared to the 730d and 740i, the 740Li added heated rear seats and a ‘Surround View’ camera system which used cameras located each side of the front bumper to enhance visibility and provide a bird’s eye perspective of the vehicle. However, all long wheelbase models were also fitted with self-levelling rear air suspension, ventilated rear seats, rear blinds and independently operated rear seat climate control.

The 750i was further equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a 600 watt sound system with sixteen speakers, night vision with pedestrian detection, two 9.2-inch rear screens and ‘Dynamic Drive’ (which sought to reduce body roll by counteracting centrifugal cornering forces); the 750Li added BMW’s ‘Comfort Seats’.

Finally, the range-topping 760Li was distinguished by its 20-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, ‘integral active steering’ (up to three degrees of rear wheel steering), ‘Merino’ leather trim, active front seat bolsters, leather finished instrument panel, alcantara headlining, rear seat massage function and fine-wood inlay leather steering wheel.

7-Series M Sport

From September 2009, the 7-Series was available with an optional M Sports package which included 19-inch double-spoke ‘M’ light-alloy wheels, ‘Dynamic Drive’, leather sports seats, anthracite roof lining, fine-grain aluminium interior trim, an ‘M’ leather steering wheel and footrest, illuminated scuff plates, chrome aprons and a sports bodykit.

Review: BMW F01.II/F02.II 7-Series (2012-15)