7 Best BMW 7 Series Years: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to luxury sedans the BMW 7 Series often stands as the pinnacle of opulence performance and sheer driving joy. With decades of models to choose from deciding the best year for the BMW 7 Series can be a tough decision. Whether you're chasing classic style or modern tech there's a year that’s probably calling your name.
We’ll take a close look at 7 standout BMW 7 Series models breaking down their strengths quirks and what makes each one a good choice for potential buyers. Plus for a sprinkle of personality let’s toss in some personal insights from our friend and BMW enthusiast Alex Collantes.
BMW 7 Series History
The 7 Series debuted in 1977 and has evolved through six generations to date. Throughout the decades BMW has continually packed this car with cutting-edge tech luxurious interiors and performance-focused drivetrains.
Quick Overview of BMW 7 Series Generations:
- 1977-1986 (E23)
- 1986-1994 (E32)
- 1994-2001 (E38)
- 2001-2008 (E65/E66)
- 2008-2015 (F01/F02)
- 2015-present (G11/G12)
Let’s jump into our top picks for the best years of the BMW 7 Series and find out why these models rise above the rest.
2016 BMW 7 Series (G11/G12): The Best Balance of Tech and Performance
The 2016 BMW 7 Series kicked off the current G11 generation and it marked a huge leap forward for the 7 Series lineup. For tech lovers this was the first year BMW introduced the iDrive 5.0 system with gesture control (because waving at your dashboard is way more fun than pressing buttons).
Why it Stands Out
- Gesture Control: Because why shouldn’t you be able to change the radio station by waving like you’re in a sci-fi movie?
- Carbon Core Structure: It uses carbon-fiber reinforced plastic to make the car lighter but stronger. Which also sounds pretty cool when you tell your friends.
- Available Bowers & Wilkins Sound System: If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in a concert hall while stuck in traffic this one’s for you.
Potential Drawbacks
While the 2016 model has top-notch tech there's just one tiny thing. The gesture controls work only about 70% of the time. Imagine trying to turn down the volume by twirling your fingers and ending up flipping the station instead. "It’s a car that might have too much personality" says Alex Collantes with a chuckle "but that’s why I love it."
Verdict
For the techie driver who wants modern luxuries but can live with some light-hearted frustration 2016 is a winner.
2001 BMW 7 Series (E65): Love It or Hate It
The 2001 BMW 7 Series was a game-changer in design and tech. This was the generation that introduced the infamous iDrive system. For better or worse it set a precedent for in-car tech integration.
Why it Stands Out
- Bold Design: BMW went all-in on the controversial "Bangle Butt" design which you either adore or can’t stand.
- First iDrive System: It was complicated for its time but it paved the way for modern infotainment systems.
- 4.4L V8 Engine: With 325 horsepower the 745i delivered solid performance in a big luxury package.
Potential Drawbacks
To call the early iDrive "quirky" is putting it politely. It was frustratingly complex and felt like trying to navigate through a Windows 95 system while driving. "BMW clearly had more confidence in our ability to multitask than we did" Alex quips.
Verdict
If you appreciate bold designs and can handle a learning curve when it comes to tech the 2001 7 Series is worth considering.
2013 BMW 7 Series (F01/F02): Smooth Sailing in Style
The 2013 BMW 7 Series was part of the F01/F02 generation which spanned from 2008 to 2015. It’s known for refined driving dynamics and a more mature polished design.
Why it Stands Out
- Smooth Ride: Thanks to adaptive suspension and air springs this model offered one of the smoothest rides of any 7 Series.
- Luxury Features: Heated seats navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system—because your passengers deserve luxury too.
- Twin-turbo V8 Engine: Power and smoothness in perfect harmony.
Potential Drawbacks
The only real downside? The infotainment system was starting to feel a bit dated by 2013 standards. "It’s like driving an incredible car that just forgot to update its playlist" jokes Alex. But who really cares when the ride is this smooth?
Verdict
If comfort and elegance are your top priorities 2013 is a great choice with plenty of style.
1988 BMW 7 Series (E32): The Classic Legend
The 1988 BMW 7 Series from the E32 generation is a true classic. This was the first 7 Series to offer a V12 engine. Talk about being ahead of the curve!
Why it Stands Out
- V12 Engine: Yep you read that right. The first mass-produced V12 from a German automaker.
- Classic Design: This model is peak 80s luxury—a perfect blend of boxy elegance.
- Driver-Focused Cockpit: For a car from the 80s the interior layout feels surprisingly modern and driver-centric.
Potential Drawbacks
It’s an older car so expect some wear and tear. Plus maintenance on a V12? That’s gonna cost ya. "You’ll feel like a king driving it" says Alex "but also probably like a pauper when you get the repair bill."
Verdict
For BMW purists the 1988 7 Series is an absolute gem if you’re willing to put in the extra love and care it needs.
2006 BMW 7 Series (E65): Executive Luxury Meets Power
The 2006 BMW 7 Series marked the mid-cycle refresh for the E65 generation. BMW improved a lot of the quirks from the 2001 model and added more refinement and power.
Why it Stands Out
- Refined iDrive: After a rough start BMW simplified the iDrive system making it easier to use.
- Powerful Engines: From the V8 to the V12 you had a range of powerful engines to choose from.
- Enhanced Luxury Features: Night vision active cruise control and ventilated seats were some of the fancy options available.
Potential Drawbacks
Some of the interior materials feel a little cheap for such a pricey car. "I mean c’mon BMW if I wanted plasticky buttons I’d go for a cheaper ride" Alex teases.
Verdict
A fantastic blend of power tech and luxury the 2006 7 Series is a great choice for those looking for something with serious performance chops.
1995 BMW 7 Series (E38): The Timeless Beauty
The 1995 BMW 7 Series from the E38 generation is often hailed as one of the best-looking luxury sedans of all time. Seriously it’s a stunner.
Why it Stands Out
- Timeless Design: Sleek elegant and not a trace of the Bangle Butt in sight.
- Handling: For a big sedan this thing handles corners like it’s half its size.
- Luxury Meets Performance: Everything from the interior leather to the suspension screams refinement.
Potential Drawbacks
It’s getting a bit old so reliability is going to be an issue unless you’ve got a mechanic on speed dial. "At least you’ll look good while you’re stranded on the side of the road" Alex jokes.
Verdict
For classic car enthusiasts the 1995 7 Series is a hard one to beat. Just be ready for a little more upkeep than you’d expect from a newer model.
2019 BMW 7 Series (G12): The King of Modern Luxury
Lastly the 2019 BMW 7 Series is for those who want a luxury sedan that’s packed with the latest tech tons of power and enough style to turn heads anywhere you go.
Why it Stands Out
- Cutting-edge Tech: The BMW Live Cockpit Professional and intelligent personal assistant make this one of the smartest sedans out there.
- Plug-in Hybrid: With the 745e model you can have eco-friendly luxury without sacrificing performance.
- Executive Lounge Seating: If you have a chauffeur or just like being driven this feature takes rear-seat luxury to a whole new level.
Potential Drawbacks
Honestly this car is so packed with tech that it can be overwhelming at times. "I feel like I need an engineering degree to understand half the features" says Alex laughing.
Verdict
For the driver who wants everything modern tech high-end materials and an optional plug-in hybrid 2019 is your best bet.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Ideal BMW 7 Series
Choosing the best year BMW 7 Series depends on what you value most. If you’re after the latest tech 2019 is your go-to. If you love classic designs and are ready for some repairs the 1995 model is a timeless beauty. Want a blend of both? Go for the 2016 or 2013 models.
Here’s a quick recap of the 7 best BMW 7 Series years:
- 2016 BMW 7 Series: Tech-forward with Carbon Core structure and quirky gesture controls.
- 2001 BMW 7 Series: The Bangle Butt era that introduced the iDrive.
- 2013 BMW 7 Series: Smooth sailing with a focus on comfort.
- 1988 BMW 7 Series: Classic with a powerful V12 engine.
- 2006 BMW 7 Series: Mid-cycle refresh fixing early tech issues.
- 1995 BMW 7 Series: Timeless design with superb handling.
- 2019 BMW 7 Series: The best of modern luxury with eco-friendly options.
So there you have it—the best of the best in the BMW 7 Series family. Whether you’re a tech lover a classic car enthusiast or just want a smooth luxurious ride there’s a 7 Series model out there waiting for you. Just make sure you bring a sense of humor to the quirks along the way because let’s face it even the best cars have their moments.
References
- Alex Collantes personal conversation on BMW 7 Series quirks and love for the 2016 model.
- BMW Archives for historical model specs and tech advancements.