1 Jan 2002
AFTER the timidity of the preceding 7 Series, the E65 model turned the market on its ear with its brash modern styling and progressive approach to interior ergonomics.
It was also the first car to user ZF’s new six-speed automatic gearbox, and it was offered across the range.
Few models polarised opinion like the E65 – but time has proved BMW brave and influential, particularly with its adoption of taut surfacing body work, the bustle-back boot and i-Drive dashboard interface mechanism.
But the company did suffer teething problems with the many electronic and computerised mechanisms in the 7 Series.
The base model was the 735i and long-wheelbase 735Li (E66), using a 3.6-litre variable-valve timing DOHC 32V V8 delivering 200kW of power and 360Nm of torque.
Next up came the E65 745i and E66 745Li, which employed a 4.4-litre version of the smaller engine and offering 245kW and 450Nm.
For extreme luxury motoring there was the E66 760Li, pumping out 327kW and 600Nm from its 6.0-litre variable-valve DOHC 48V V12. When new this car cost around $333,000.
