Tools of All Kinds	Discount Travel	Save On Computers	Power Tools	Home, Auto & Payday Loans	Retire Young And Rich
Mosquito-Proof Your Yard	Tankless Water Heaters	Make your money work for you	Pc's And Laptops	Shopping For Men	Fly for Less $$

Back Country Journal
Presents:
BMW 7 Series Reviews (2008)

BMW 1 Series	BMW 3 Series	BMW 5 Series	BMW 6 Series	BMW 7 Series
BMW Z4	BMW X3	BMW X5	BMW X6	BMW M Series

BMW 7 SERIES:

BMW’s flagship sedan returns in grand form for 2008

As the ultimate expression of the true premium nature of BMW automobiles, the BMW Individual 7 Series is the perfect answer for those customers who seek the utmost in luxury and look to own a more personalized 7 Series.  The finest quality materials and exacting workmanship that go into even the slightest details set the BMW Individual
7 Series apart from other makes. 

BMW Individual exterior colors are developed using special Xirallic paints that create constantly changing nuances in the finish, giving greater color intensity and glistening two-tone effects.  The full-leather interior is fitted with the highest quality Merino upholstery, Alcantara headliner and unique interior trim choices.  Illuminated BMW Individual doorsills, distinctive 20” BMW Individual wheels and a convenient passenger-side storage net provide additional premium touches to complement these exclusive
7 Series sedans.

For 2008, the 7 Series lineup includes the 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li.  Both of these models are powered by BMW’s cutting-edge 360-hp 4.8-liter V-8.  The long-wheelbase 760Li boasts the company’s exemplary 438-hp 6.0-liter V-12.   BMW’s V-8 and V-12 engines both feature the company’s unique Valvetronic variable valve-control system, which helps provide exceptionally smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy.

Three ’08 models, plus BMW Individual

For 2008, the 7 Series consists of three models; two V-8s and one V- 12.  The optional BMW Individual Composition and Individual exterior colors are available on all three.

750i – the most accessible 7 Series model has key distinguishing features and attributes including –

•     4.8-liter V-8 engine, 360 hp/360 lb-ft. torque

•     “Regular&# 8221; wheelbase (117.7 in.)

•     Standard 18-in. wheels and all-season tires

•     Standard 20-way Comfort seats

•     Standard 3-stage heated front seats

•     4-year Membership to BMW Assist

•     Available option Packages: BMW Individual, Sport, Adaptive Ride, Convenience, Cold Weather, Luxury Seating, Premium Sound, Rear Entertainment

750Li – powered and equipped similarly to the 750i, but adds-

•     Longer wheelbase (123.2 in.) with greater overall vehicle length and rear leg room

•     Chrome roof moldings

•     Standard 20-way Comfort front seats

•     Standard 3-stage heated front seats

•     Same option Packages as 750i

760Li – the Series&# 8217; luxury flagship, with –

•     The long wheelbase (123.2 in.)

•     6.0-liter V-12 engine with 438 hp/444 lb-ft. torque

•     Standard Electronic Damping Control and self-leveling rear suspension

•     Standard 19-in. wheels and performance tires

•     Unique Burl Walnut wood interior trim, in two tones with inlays

•     More extensive leather trim

•     Standard equipment includes contents of virtually all 750 option Packages

•     BMW Individual Composition and Individual exterior colors

•     Available rear climate control and coolbox

BMW Individual: Fulfilling a 17 years of exacting demands

Established in 1991 as a division of BMW M GmbH, BMW Individual was assembled to serve customers who wanted a more distinct BMW with greater design and function.   The subsequent 17 years have provided one success after another in rewarding discriminating owners with vehicles that fulfilled their unique demands for personalized style, comfort and utility.   Most recently, BMW Individual completed a unique car for the Swiss watch manufacturer Girard-Perregeaux.  Today, around 20,000 customers a year from all over the world enjoy this most exclusive way of driving a BMW.  

The BMW Individual option will provide 7 Series customers with a selection of distinctive paints and interior treatments allowing them to individualize their vehicle to reflect their own tastes and personality. The BMW Individual 7 Series will be the perfect answer for those special customers who seek the utmost in luxury and look to own a more personalized 7 Series.  The finest quality materials used and the exacting workmanship that goes into even the finest details will set the BMW Individual 7 Series apart from other makes.

The paintwork.

  In line with the understatement embodied in BMW design language, the experts at BMW Individual always try to harmonize each customer's wishes with the BMW philosophy.  The individual paintwork is more than a color:  It captivates its customers through its unique brilliance and sophisticated iridescent effects.  Fine pigmentation in the Xirallic paint creates subtle nuances that change with the shifting light, giving the surface a new dimension and depth.

With the 2008 7 Series, two variations point up the intrinsic excitement of the color black: Azurite Black metallic and Ruby Black metallic.  The elegant, light shades of Moonstone have their own appeal, particularly for buyers in sunny regions: under blue skies, this paint finish shines with a special glamour.

The leather.

The Merino leather used by BMW Individual is characterized by its uniquely refined appeal, extreme durability and comfort.   Gentle tanning methods and "barrel pigmentation" (the dye is not just applied to the surface but penetrates the hide through intensive rotation) give this material its richness of color, strength and durability.  The living structure of this leather comes from its natural graining rather than artificial embossing.  The finish applied in the semi-aniline process stops fading caused by light, yet keeps the leather breathable.

The combination of all these sophisticated yet gentle processes produces seats that are as soft and as smooth as velvet.  BMW Individual will offer customers three color choices of Merino leather: Platinum, Rust Brown and Amarone.

Interior trim.

It's the details that make the difference with BMW Individual, and the interior trim demonstrates that the emphasis on detail is well placed.  For example, the unique, high gloss black finish of famous piano makers results only from a time-consuming polishing and finishing process.  This is what gives this varnish its unique brilliance.   Elegant highlights are added through details on the center console and ceiling grips.  No less sophisticated are the two alternative woods, Mahogany and Amarone – both with a high gloss finish.

Core values of the 7 Series continue for ’08

In its core values, the 7 Series has not changed at all.   Its basic and enduring attributes include –

•     Highly sophisticated powertrains.  The 7 Series offers two of the most sophisticated engines available in the world, in the form of BMW’s 4.8-liter V-8 and 6.0-liter V-12.  Both engines feature all-aluminum construction, with silicon-impregnated cylinder bores that eliminate the need for heavy cast-iron liners.  Both engines also feature BMW’s unique Valvetronic valve-control system, which eliminates the need for a conventional throttle by varying valve lift to control acceleration.  The resulting efficiency provides excellent power and smooth acceleration with minimum fuel consumption.  Both of these engines are backed by BMW’s 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, which also provide exceptional response and fuel economy.

•     Aluminum suspension system.  Extensive aluminum in the suspension and brakes reduces unsprung weight, improving the suspension’s response to bumps and other road irregularities.  This contributes to ride comfort and, on any irregular road surfaces, handling as well.

•     Active Roll Stabilization – reduces body roll or “lean&# 8221; in cornering, further improving handling and communicating to driver and passengers alike these cars’ great road competence via amazingly “flat” cornering.

•     Rack- and-pinion steering with variable ratio and variable assist.  Not only is the power assist variable according to road speed; the steering ratio (the number of degrees the steering wheel must be turned to steer the front wheel by one degree) also varies moderately, making the steering “quicker” as the wheel is turned away from its center position.  This fine-tunes steering response to conditions, be it on an Interstate at today’s high cruising speeds or maneuvering into a parking space.   Note: This is not BMW’s Active Steering which, as an option on the 5, 6 and new 3 Series, varies the steering ratio more dramatically.

•     Massively sized, powerful brakes.  4- wheel ventilated disc brakes are dimensioned 348 mm/13.7 in. front and 345 mm/13.6 in. rear for impressive stopping power.

•     Generously dimensioned wheels and tires.   On the 750s, standard
18 x 8.0 wheels carry 245/50R all-season tires.  Optional on 750s and standard on the 760Li are 19 x 9.0 front/19 x 10.0 rear wheels with 245/45 front / 275/40 rear performance tires.  The BMW Individual Composition adds 20 x 9.0 front / 20 x 10.0 rear wheels with 245/40R-20 front / 275/35R-20 rear performance tire. Identically-sized 20-in. wheels (of a different design) and tires are included in the optional Sport Package for 750i and 750Li models.

•     Lavish luxury, elegant design.  With the standard 20-way Comfort Seats on 750 models, the 7 Series becomes even more elegant outside and inside, and discreetly more luxurious as well.  The luxury experience begins with stepless door checks – once opened, the door will stay open at any position, not just two or three.  The driver is surrounded by innovative ergonomics, lavish materials and finishes, and all-encompassing refinement right down to the smallest details.  Occupants enjoy generous space – all the more so for rear passengers in the long-wheelbase models.

•     Comprehensive safety design and features.   From BMW’s Inflatable Tubular Structure front-to-rear Head Protection System through standard front/optional rear side-impact airbags to Active Head Restraints and Active Knee Protection (inflatable-airbag knee protection under the instrument panel), every 7 Series model is comprehensively engineered and equipped for a reassuring level of occupant safety.

Optional features: adding even more luxury, technology and road capabilities

Every 7 Series model is lavishly equipped, yet BMW also offers an extensive range of choices, both as packages and stand-alone options, to broaden the Series’ sophistication according to customers’ personal priorities and preferences.  Here, briefly described, are the many possibilities. As the contents of some packages overlap with others, certain packages and options cannot be combined on a given vehicle.

BMW Individual Composition.  Available on all three 7 Series models, 750i, 750Li and 760Li, the BMW Individual Composition includes three interior high gloss wood trim choices: Piano Black, Mahogany and Amarone, plus a full Merino leather interior in Platinum, Rust Brown or Amarone.   Merino leather features “barrel pigmentation,” a process that allows the color to penetrate the hide.  This creates a material that is unsurpassed in terms of softness, color richness, durability and strength.  Merino leather is also noted for its resistance to fading from light exposure.  This luxurious leather is complemented by an Alcantara headliner in either Platinum or Anthracite.  Doorsills with illuminated BMW Individual finishers and a storage net for the passenger footwell round out the package.

BMW Individual Paint.  In addition to the entire range of standard 7 Series paints, the BMW Individual Package allows buyers to upgrade to one of three special Xirallic paints, Azurite Black, Ruby Black or Moonstone.

Sport Package.  Available for the 750i and 750Li, this group adds sport suspension, 20-in. wheels with performance tires, sportier exterior details, and a sport steering wheel.  Interior wood trim is specific to the Package.

Adaptive Ride Package.  Adds Electronic Damping Control and self-leveling rear air suspension to the 750s; these enhancements are standard on the 760Li.

Luxury Seating Package for the 750s.  The standard Comfort seats are made even more comfortable with Active Support for the driver’s seat (a gentle “massage” action helps relieve fatigue and discomfort on longer drives) and Active Ventilation on both front seats – augmented by perforated leather that facilitates the flow of ventilation air through the seats.  Also included are 3-stage heated rear seats with variable balance of heat between different areas of the cushions and backrests.  All these features are standard in the 760Li.

Convenience Package, combining power soft door closing and automatic trunk opening/closing.  Available for 750i and 750Li; standard on the 760Li.

Cold Weather Package.  Offered on 750s; includes heated steering wheel and rear seats, plus a trunk-into-interior ski bag.  These features are standard in the 760Li.

Premium Sound Package, encompassing the legendary 13-speaker, audiophile-quality Logic7 sound system and a convenient in-dash 6-disc CD changer.   Available for 750i and 750Li; standard in 760Li.

Rear Entertainment Package, giving rear-seat passengers their own entertainment and feature-control options.  Includes a color monitor, 6- disc DVD changer and two headphone jacks; when allowed by the driver, rear passengers can operate certain iDrive functions as well.

Comfort Access eliminates the need to activate a remote to unlock or lock the vehicle, or to insert it into the dash before starting the engine.  The system recognizes the authorized driver as he or she approaches and unlocks the vehicle. Upon exit, the user merely presses a door handle to lock the vehicle.

Active Cruise Control employs a radar sensor unit at the front of the vehicle to sense the speed of vehicles traveling ahead, and accordingly, adjusts the BMW driver&# 8217;s speed to help maintain a safe following distance.

19-in. wheels with performance tires, available as a stand-alone option for both 750 models.

20-in. wheels with performance tires, included in the optional Sport Package on 750 models and in the BMW Individual Composition available on all models.

Heated steering wheel – included in certain packages, but also available as a stand-alone option.

Rear Comfort seats.  Incorporating 14-way power adjustment and Active Ventilation, this ultimate luxury rear-compartment seating is optional in the 750Li and standard in the 760Li. It is not available in the regular-wheelbase 750i.

Sirius Satellite Radio – available as an option for all models.

High Definition HD Radio – significantly enhances AM and FM sound quality.  The option includes multicasting reception capability, allowing access to additional programming. This option is now priced at $350 for 2008.

Night Vision – uses a thermal imaging camera mounted below the front bumper to help detect objects, using their heat signature, that are difficult for the human eye to identify in low light.  The camera’s range is up to 300 meters or almost 1,000 feet ahead of the car.   Detected objects are displayed in the Control Display monitor with increasing brightness as a function of the heat detected by the camera – making human beings and animals particularly conspicuous.

Power rear/manual side sunshades – optional for the 750 models, standard in the 760Li.

High- gloss Ash interior trim, available at no extra cost for the 750i and 750Li.

Rear climate control and coolbox, available exclusively for the 760Li.  Separate left/right climate control for rear passengers; the coolbox is accessible when the rear center armrest is folded down.

Rear-seat side-impact airbags, offered as an option in all models so that customers can decide whether or not to equip their vehicle with this feature.

21-in. Sport wheels and tires, available at local BMW Centers for installation.  A variety of other Genuine BMW Accessories is also available through BMW’s retail network in the U.S.

BMW Ultimate Service ^TM:

providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind

BMW Ultimate Service ^TM   is a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program, Roadside Assistance, the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and BMW Assist^TM with TeleService. 

BMW Ultimate Service ^TM includes:

The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.  BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.

BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry&# 8217;s most comprehensive plans available.  Not only is it no-charge for the first four years, but there is no mileage limit.  BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.   This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits.   This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.

BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW’s excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:

•     New-vehicle warranty – 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle. 

•     Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.

BMW Assist^TM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind.  The BMW Assist^TM Safety Plan is standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models.  BMW is the only manufacturer that will offer this service for 4 years at no additional cost.  Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service.

The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist^TM includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console.  Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW Assist^TM system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW Assist^TM  Response Center.   A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested.  A severe accident automatically activates the BMW Assist^TM call as well.  The BMW Assist ^TM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.

TeleService 2 automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service.  This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. 

BMW Assist ^TM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist ^TM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist^TM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information.  On many models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth ^® –linked mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button.  The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged.  After pushing the SOS button, a BMW Assist^TM  response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year.

As before, the BMW Assist^TM system includes Bluetooth ^® hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls.  Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth^® mobile phone.

Performance with a conscience

BMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection.   Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources.  Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003.  The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country.  BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 82 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls- Royce Motor Car dealers.  BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake , New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:

www.bmwgroupna.com

www.bmwusa.com

www.bmwmotorradusa.com

www.miniusa.com

www.rolls- roycemotorcars.com