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BMW 7 Series E32 730i (197 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 7 Series:
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle. It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E32 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E32). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1600 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.9 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
730i (197 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 197 Hp 730i with a manual gearbox provides a surprisingly sprightly performance, making it a more enjoyable drive than the automatic versions.
Fuel Economy
Offers the best fuel economy among the 730i trims, making it a more sensible choice for those balancing performance and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and strong road presence.
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refined cabin.
- • Powerful and smooth inline-six and V12 engine options.
- • High-quality interior materials and build.
- • Advanced features for its era (e.g., ABS, traction control).
- • Good value on the classic car market today.
Cons:
- • Fuel consumption can be high, especially with V12 and older automatics.
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic luxury car.
- • Some electronic systems can be complex and prone to age-related issues.
- • Rear legroom is adequate but not as expansive as some later models.
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., multiple airbags, advanced driver aids).
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E23, facelift 1983: 1983 - 1986).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E32 |
| Modification (Engine): | 730i (197 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1986 |
| End of production: | 1992 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 197 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 66 Hp/l [50mm more] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M30B30 More details about the engine M30B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2986 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.75 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.8 kg/Nm, 171.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1600 |
| Max. weight: | 2130 |
| Max load: | 530 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4910 mm [50mm more] |
| Width: | 1845 mm [45mm more] |
| Height: | 1411 mm [19mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2832 mm [37mm more] |
| Front track: | 1527 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1550 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 7 Series. How does it handle on the road?