1998 BMW 7-Series

BMW's flagship 7-Series earned a complete redesign in 1995. The new car was bigger, more powerful and made a Lexus look like a has-been. Think of the 7 as a pro wrestler...in a tuxedo.

The secret to this brute's power came from either a dual overhead-cam 4.0L V8, a dohc 4.4L V8 or a 5.4L V12. Both V8's made 282-hp, while the V12 churned out 322 horses in a mechanical symphony. Either V8 sounds great, but the V12 has an exhaust note that's sure to please any motor-head. Three models were available, a 740i (regular wheelbase, V8), a 740iL (a long wheelbase V8 that's 5.5" longer than the standard 740i), and the 750iL (V12, long wheelbase).

Being the flagship, the 7-Series was BMW's showcase for new technology. Advanced features like Electronic Damping Control and an Active Comfort driver's seat, with rollers in the cushion that move periodically in an effort to minimize fatigue, are common features found in these cars. However, as cool as these features are, they will break. So make sure that you find a good mechanic before you buy one of these cars.

Other novel features included a "door-anchoring system" which supposedly "hooked" the trailing edges of the doors into the main body structure, for greater rigidity in a crash. And a "residual heat" feature would keep the interior warm for up to 15 minutes after the engine was shut off.

The driving dynamics of this car are of course excellent, however, it is a large luxury car and it does have to adhere to the laws of gravity. So don't expect M3 handling. . YEAR TO YEAR CHANGES FOR THE BMW 7-SERIES: 1996: Only the long-wheelbase 740iL and 750iL's were sold this year and the 740iL got a new 4.4-liter V8. The new engine had more torque but had the same horsepower rating. A glass moonroof replaced the steel sunroof as standard on both models and traction control was now standard on the 740iL. The Electronic Damping Control was a new option, and automatically adjusting suspension firmness based on driving conditions. An electrically heated steering wheel became standard in the 750iL and it also got a new antiskid system called Dynamic Stability Control. This system used ABS sensors and traction control systems to detect wheel slippage and would reduce engine power and apply individual brakes to maintain traction and steering control. 1997: Side-impact airbags became standard and the short-wheelbase, 740i returned. The power-adjustable steering wheel now automatically raised up when the door is opened. An improved version of BMW's Dynamic Stability Control became standard and break-resistant security glass was a new option on the long-wheelbase models. 1998: Rear side airbags were now an option and a new Head Protection System was standard. 1999: A Sport Package was now an option on the 740i sedan. It included a lower gear ratio, 18-inch alloy wheels, blackout trim, a sport tuned suspension and rear auto leveling. and a Steptronic transmission with separate manual-shift capability. Steptronic and the auto-leveling rear suspension were standard on the costly 750iL. Dynamic Stability Control, previously exclusive to the 750iL, now was standard in all models. 2000: All models got rain sensing wipers, and 740 cars got an onboard navigation system as standard equipment. They also got xenon headlights and 750iL's premium audio with a 6-disc CD changer. 740s also got the 750's optional Active Ride Package. Standard on the 750iL and optional on the 740 was BMW's Active Comfort driver's seat, with rollers in the cushion that move periodically in an effort to minimize fatigue and rear head-protection airbags were now part of the rear side airbag option. 2001: Minor styling changes were made to the exterior, and all models got optional rear torso side airbags that included head-protecting side airbags. Also, the Sport Package was now available on the 740iL. . Common Problems for the BMW 7-Series: Intake Air System - This will cause the car to run rough and the cost varies depending on which component is broken (1998-2001) Electronically Heated Thermostat (1997-1999) - $210 Wiper Relay (1999) - $60 Catalytic Converters (1998) - $1,200-$1,800