BMW 7 Series Long (E66, facelift 2005) 730Li (258 Hp) Steptronic


Overall Rating

8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.3 / 5
Comfort 4.7 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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)

Long (E66, facelift 2005) Overview:

BMW 7 Series (Long (E66, facelift 2005)). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1835 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.9 s). The top speed reaches 237 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.

730Li (258 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

A smooth and refined inline-six petrol engine providing adequate power for daily driving and comfortable acceleration, albeit less punchy than V8 options.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a large petrol luxury sedan, though significantly higher than its diesel counterpart.

Best Use Case: Mixed driving / City

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior appointments
  • • Powerful and refined engine options, especially the V8 and V12
  • • Spacious long-wheelbase cabin, ideal for rear passengers
  • • Advanced technology for its era (iDrive, active suspension)
  • • Strong road presence and sophisticated styling (post-facelift)

Cons:

  • • Complex iDrive system can be daunting for some users
  • • Potential for high maintenance and repair costs, especially for electronics
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on petrol V8/V12 models
  • • Early models had controversial 'Bangle Butt' styling (though improved with facelift)
  • • Heavy depreciation from new, making used models a bargain but also a potential money pit

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E65: 2004 - 2005).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:7 Series
Generation:Long (E66, facelift 2005)
Modification (Engine):730Li (258 Hp) Steptronic
Start of production:2005
End of production:2008
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:258 Hp @ 6600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:86.1 Hp/l [150mm more]
Torque:300 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:N52B30A More details about the engine N52B30A
Engine displacement:2996
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:11.4 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:85 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.9 sec
Maximum speed:237 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.1 kg/Hp, 140.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.1 kg/Nm, 163.5 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1835
Max. weight:2415
Max load:580
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:500 l
Fuel tank capacity:88 l
Size:
Length:5179 mm mm [150mm more]
Width:1902 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1484 mm mm [8mm less]
Wheelbase:3130 mm mm [140mm more]
Front track:1578 mm
Rear (Back) track:1596 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):12.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeSteptronic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size245/55 R17
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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