BMW 7 Series (2002 – 2009) Review

BMW 7 Series (2002 – 2009) At A Glance

3/5

+Brisk or rapid performance, depending on model. Handles well. Looks improve with familiarity.

-The iDrive control system takes a lot of learning. Ride on big wheels with low profile tyres is un-limo-like.

On average it achieves 98% of the official MPG figure

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Child seats that fit a BMW 7 Series (2002 – 2009)

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Real MPG average for a BMW 7 Series (2002 – 2009)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

98%

Real MPG

17–41 mpg

MPGs submitted

68

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

Satisfaction Index

Satisfaction Index What is your car like to live with?

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Ask Honest John

What's the best big engined car for £3000?

"I have a small budget of about £3000 and I see I can afford old Chrslyer 300C, old Audi A8 or A6, old BMW 7 Series and a big Lexus. I like big engined cars, so which do you think ages better and will possibly cost less in the long run? In summary, best stupid car for £3000."
Honestly? They could all cost a fortune to keep on the road. An old Lexus is probably your best option but even then you'll need deep pockets for maintenance and fuel costs.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Buying a used executive car - what's best?

"I am a weekend commuter and cover around 700 miles a week. I have a number of old back injuries and comfort is a priority for me. I don't have a huge budget, and have been running a 2006 BMW 5 Series which has been great. I need to replace the car, my budget is around £10,000. Is it a case of same again, or is an older 7 Series an option, with about 50,000 miles on the clock? "
The car is fine, but repairs will be expensive. You see repairs to a £10,000 7-Series are really repairs to a £50k - £80k car, not to a £10k car.
Answered by Honest John

Age of car and registration

"A friend is looking to replace his BMW 750 V12 with a later 760. He's come across a car that the dealer says is '06, but my friend knows was built in late '03 and supplied to Jordan in '04. The private plate has been retained and the dealer doesn't know what registration the DVLA will allocate, but clearly thinks it'll be an '06 from when the car first came to the UK. My friend has negotiated the asking price down from £30,000 to £15,000, which to my mind is still too much for a car with a dodgy background. I'm also very suspicious that such a car has only covered 14,000 miles. What are the DVLA rules about allocating a registration number to such a vehicle - would it be given '03 or '06 and would you walk away whatever the situation? "
It's quite common for this type of car sourced from this sort of area to have a very low mileage. Probably one of 10 cars owned by the same parson. But it will be allocated a registration number in accordance with its build date and emissions. Obviously he could later switch it to a 'cherished reg' to hide its age from onlookers.
Answered by Honest John

Swirl flap design fault on BMW 730d

"Last year at 70,000 careful miles several swirl-flaps came adrift on my BMW 730d and one went through the engine into the turbo. Inlet manifold and turbo replaced, one set of valves and piston changed. BMW paid for parts and cost to me £2.8k. This appears to be a design fault. Car appeares to run fine now, but I have lost confidence in the engineering. Is there anything that can been done, driving or maintenance, to prevent a recurrence? "
Yes, it is a design fault affecting engines from about 2002 to about 2004. Should have been rectified as part of the fix as does not seem to occur with post 2004 engines.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a BMW 7 Series (2002 – 2009) cost?