Used BMW 7 Series 2001 - 2008 review

This BMW 7 Series was the first model to usher in the brand's new-age styling. Some praised its boldness, but to others it just looked weird. BMW responded by softening the car’s lines as part of the 2005 facelift.

It’s a very big car, particularly if you go for the long-wheelbase version. Whichever 7 Series you choose, however, the interior is huge and lavishly equipped, and the boot enormous but rather awkwardly shaped.

Many of the gadgets are controlled using BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which is operated by twirling and clicking a big silver dial between the front seats and following menus on a screen set into the dashboard. BMW improved iDrive massively for subsequent models, but here it's overly complicated.

The speed-sensitive steering is accurate and body lean is well controlled without impinging on comfort. It makes the 7 Series a fine cruiser and surprisingly enjoyable to drive by luxury saloon standards, but a Mercedes S-Class is quieter at speed.

Most big luxury saloons suffer from heavy depreciation, and the BMW 7 Series is no different, which is good news for those buying used.

Examples that have covered mega miles can be picked up for a few thousand pounds. However, we’d be tempted to go for a post-facelift 730d diesel in good condition, which pushes the starting price point up to about £6000.

Even low-mileage, run-out models from 2008 can be bought for less than £10,000, which isn't bad considering they cost more than £50,000 when new.

It shouldn't pose the same threats to your wallet as the super-costly Audi A8, but the 7 Series is a complicated car, so there's still plenty that could go wrong.

Servicing will be expensive whichever model you choose. For the cheapest insurance costs, choose the 730d; the most expensive model to insure is the 760i.

Official fuel economy figures run from up to 34mpg for the diesel to 21mpg for the 760i, although high 20s and low teens are more realistic in the real world.

We'd go for the 730i petrol or 730 diesel, although you'll pay a fair bit more for the diesel because it’s in greater demand.

Other than these, there are three more petrols to consider: the 740i, 750i and 760i. However, each costs more to own without bringing much more to the party.

Every version of the 7 Series is available in standard and long-wheelbase form, with the latter models badged Li, but given how much space the standard car offers, it’s not worth paying extra for a long-wheelbase version.

Automatic gearboxes are standard across the range, and the lavish spec of every 7 Series also includes leather seats, climate control, cruise control and parking sensors. SE models gain bigger alloy wheels, a built-in phone, and sat-nav.

Our favourite BMW 7 Series: 730d SE

The contemporary Mercedes S-Class is quieter and more comfortable than the 7 Series, so tended to beat it in group tests when both cars were new. However, the S-Class holds its value better so will cost you thousands more now.

More affordable options are the Jaguar XJ and the Audi A8, with the former even better to drive than the 7 Series. However, the Jaguar's looks are as polarising as the BMW’s and it feels distinctly cramped by comparison.

This isn’t a problem in the A8 and it has the sort of beautifully built interior you’d expect from an Audi, but ride comfort is a little disappointing.

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