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BMW 7 Series Long (E66, facelift 2005) 730Ld (231 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)
Long (E66, facelift 2005) Overview:
BMW 7 Series (Long (E66, facelift 2005)). With 520 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11 l/100km). With a weight of 1940 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 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.
730Ld (231 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers robust low-end torque and sufficient power for effortless cruising, though not designed for outright speed. Acceleration is respectable for a large diesel sedan.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy for its class, especially on longer journeys, making it the most economical choice in the lineup.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior appointments
- • Powerful and refined engine options, especially the V8 and V12
- • Spacious long-wheelbase cabin, ideal for rear passengers
- • Advanced technology for its era (iDrive, active suspension)
- • Strong road presence and sophisticated styling (post-facelift)
Cons:
- • Complex iDrive system can be daunting for some users
- • Potential for high maintenance and repair costs, especially for electronics
- • Fuel economy can be poor on petrol V8/V12 models
- • Early models had controversial 'Bangle Butt' styling (though improved with facelift)
- • Heavy depreciation from new, making used models a bargain but also a potential money pit
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (E66): 2004 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | Long (E66, facelift 2005) |
| Modification (Engine): | 730Ld (231 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2005 |
| End of production: | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.2 Hp/l [10mm more] |
| Torque: | 520 Nm @ 2000-2750 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: | 11 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 235 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.7 kg/Nm, 268 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1940 |
| Max. weight: | 2520 |
| Max load: | 580 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5179 mm [10mm more] |
| Width: | 1902 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1484 mm [8mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3130 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1578 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1596 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.6 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 | 17 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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