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BMW 7 Series E65 730d (218 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 7 Series:
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle. It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E65 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E65). With 500 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1900 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8 s). The top speed reaches 235 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
730d (218 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The inline-six diesel provides strong low-end torque, making it feel responsive and capable for daily driving and highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel efficiency for a car of this size and luxury, offering the best balance of performance and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Luxurious and spacious interior with high-quality materials
- • Powerful and refined engine lineup, from efficient diesels to the potent V12
- • Exceptional ride comfort and stable highway cruising ability
- • Advanced technology for its time, including adaptive cruise control and active roll stabilization
- • Distinctive and commanding road presence
Cons:
- • Complex and often problematic iDrive infotainment system
- • Polarizing exterior design, especially the 'Bangle Butt' rear styling
- • High running costs, including fuel, maintenance, and potential electronic repairs
- • Significant depreciation, making early models a 'bargain' but with potential for expensive fixes
- • Some engine variants (e.g., N62 V8) are known for specific reliability issues like valve stem seals
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (E66): 2001 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E65 |
| Modification (Engine): | 730d (218 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.8 Hp/l [140mm less] |
| Torque: | 500 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M57D30 More details about the engine M57D30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2993 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8.25 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 17:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 3 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 235 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.7 kg/Hp, 114.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 263.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1900 |
| Max. weight: | 2480 |
| Max load: | 580 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5029 mm [140mm less] |
| Width: | 1902 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1492 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2990 mm [140mm less] |
| Front track: | 1578 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1582 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.1 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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