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BMW 7 Series Long (E66) 730Li (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) Overview:
BMW 7 Series (Long (E66)). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1745 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.3 s). The top speed reaches 237 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.
730Li (231 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising, but lacks the outright power expected from a flagship luxury sedan compared to its V8/V12 siblings.
Fuel Economy
The most economical petrol option in the lineup, providing reasonable fuel consumption for its size, though still a thirsty car by modern standards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior appointments.
- • Powerful and refined engine options, especially V8 and V12.
- • Advanced technology for its time, including iDrive.
- • Spacious long-wheelbase variant offers superior rear passenger room.
Cons:
- • Controversial 'Bangle Butt' exterior design not universally loved.
- • Complex iDrive system can be frustrating and dated by modern standards.
- • High maintenance and repair costs, particularly for V8/V12 engines and electronics.
- • Fuel consumption is high across the board, especially for larger engines.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Long (E66): 2002 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | Long (E66) |
| Modification (Engine): | 730Li (231 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B30 More details about the engine M54B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 11.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 237 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.6 kg/Hp, 132.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1745 |
| Max. weight: | 2440 |
| Max load: | 695 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5169 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1902 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1492 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3130 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1578 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1582 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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