The BMW 7 Series is the flagship luxury sedan of BMW, known for innovation, cutting-edge technology, and powerful performance. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about the BMW 7 Series, past and present:
1. First BMW with a V12 Engine (E32 – 750iL, 1987)
- The BMW 750iL (E32) was the first BMW to feature a V12 engine, a 5.0L M70 V12 producing 296 hp. This engine was so smooth that BMW balanced a coin on it while running!
2. Secretly Inspired the Rolls-Royce Phantom
- The Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003-present) shares many components with the BMW 7 Series (E65/E66), including its V12 engine and iDrive system, since BMW owns Rolls-Royce.
3. First Luxury Sedan with an All-Electric Version (i7, 2023)
- The BMW i7 is the first full-electric version of the 7 Series, offering up to 650 hp and advanced tech like the 31-inch 8K Theater Screen for rear passengers.
4. The E38 Was James Bond’s First BMW (1997)
- In “Tomorrow Never Dies” (1997), James Bond drove a BMW 750iL (E38) equipped with remote control, bulletproof windows, and hidden weapons—a legendary movie car.
5. First BMW with iDrive System (E65, 2001)
- The 2001 BMW 7 Series (E65) introduced the iDrive infotainment system, a revolutionary concept at the time. It was heavily criticized for being complex but paved the way for modern infotainment systems.
6. The E23 Had a Turbocharged Version for South Africa
- The first-gen BMW 7 Series (E23) didn’t get a turbo in Europe, but South Africa got a BMW 745i with a turbocharged 3.2L inline-6, making it one of the rarest 7 Series models.
7. The Only 7 Series with a Manual Transmission (E32 730i & E38 740iL, Europe)
- Unlike other luxury sedans, BMW briefly offered manual transmissions for some versions of the E32 and E38 7 Series in Europe. Today, the 7 Series is only available with automatic transmissions.
8. The E38 Had an Optional Built-In Fax Machine
- The BMW 7 Series (E38) offered a built-in fax machine in the rear armrest for business executives. It also had an early car phone with a retractable keypad.
9. The V16 BMW 767iL “Goldfish” Prototype (1987)
- BMW once built a secret 16-cylinder 7 Series, the 767iL “Goldfish”, with a 6.7L V16 engine producing 408 hp! The car was too impractical for production but remains a legendary concept.
10. First BMW with Gesture Controls (G11/G12, 2016)
- The 2016 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12) was the first BMW to feature gesture control, allowing drivers to adjust volume, answer calls, or navigate menus by waving their hands in mid-air.🚘
