BMW Announces New Features for 1998 7 Series Autos
30 June 1997
1998 BMW 7 Series: Once Again, BMW's Premier Performance-Luxury Automobiles Move Ahead of the Competition with Advanced New Safety Features
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., June 30 -- At BMW, a "large luxury car"
is so much more than just a large luxury car. The BMW concept, as expressed
by the ever-impressive 7 Series, is a large, spacious and luxurious 4-door
sedan that is also true to the BMW tradition of a "driver's car": offering the
space, comfort and quality of a top-class luxury automobile, but also abundant
and active driving pleasure for the fortunate person at its wheel.
Following BMW's policy of continuous product refinement, the present,
award-winning 7 Series generation (first introduced in 1995) has been
meaningfully updated and refined in each succeeding model year. The 1998
models, going on sale in mid-1997, again take significant steps forward in
safety features while offering detail refinements of luxury features as well.
Once again, three 7 Series models are offered: the "regular-wheelbase" 740i
with 4.4-liter V-8 engine; the long-wheelbase 740iL with the same engine and
upgraded luxury equipment; and the flagship 750iL featuring the long
wheelbase, a 5.4-liter V-12 engine, and an unsurpassed complement of luxury
and technological features.
BMW HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM: FOR THE FIRST TIME, INFLATABLE PROTECTION FOR
OCCUPANTS' HEADS
BMW pioneered the introduction of side-impact airbags in large luxury
sedans with the 1996 7 Series. With the 1998 models, the Bavarian automaker
adds two further elements to its side-impact protection system: for the
driver and front passenger, the revolutionary Head Protection System: for
rear passengers, optionally available side-impact airbags in the rear doors.
An automobile has virtually no crumple zone at its sides, so providing
inflatable protection in side impacts presents quite different challenges from
those in front impacts. Front-impact airbags, for example, are designed
primarily to --
-- spread the restraint forces evenly on the occupant's body
-- allow no "hard contact" with the body
-- deflate quickly after impact, so that the occupant can breathe and, if
possible, exit the vehicle.
By contrast, an inflatable side restraint must come into contact
absolutely as soon as possible with the occupant, which calls for faster
deployment. The side device must then "push" on the occupant in what
engineers call "hard contact" as the vehicle is impacted and deformed from the
side. It is practical for the inflatable side restraint to stay inflated
longer, and indeed BMW's side airbags are designed to do so.
The side-impact airbags in the front doors of 7 Series models since 1996
provide welcome protection in the area of an occupant's upper torso, shoulder
and arm. Now, with the addition of the Head Protection System, BMW provides
comparable protection for occupants' heads in side impacts.
The central element of the Head Protection System is a hollow, flexible
tube about 5 feet long and 1.5 inches in diameter, known as the Inflatable
Tubular Structure or ITS for short. At its forward end, this tube is anchored
inside the car's "A-pillar" (windshield pillar), near the bottom. At its
other end, it is anchored in the roof just above the rear door. Its inflator
unit, similar to that which fills a front airbag with an inert gas but much
more compact, is below the instrument panel. The entire system is concealed
by cladding and upholstery above the doors and within the A-pillar.
The tube has two elements: a relatively airtight inner tube of silicone
material to manage the inflation, and a woven Polyamid outer tube to control
its shape. Upon side impact, the inflator is triggered electronically,
filling the inner tube with the inert gas. As the inner tube inflates, the
woven tube, with inflation forcing its diameter to increase, shortens in
length. No longer fitting inside the area where it is stored, the assembly
pops out to form a straight tube 5.1 in. in diameter and stretched in a
straight line from the lower windshield pillar to the roof. Now the inflated
tube is in just the area where an occupant's head could contact the side of
the car - windshield pillar, window, center pillar (B-pillar).
Because of the sloping position of the inflated ITS, it protects persons
of small or large stature equally. And because of its own structural
stability once inflated (the term Inflatable Tubular Structure is no
coincidence), ITS can retain much of its effectiveness even if the window is
broken or popped out by the impact.
It is fairly obvious that a severe side impact, with little crush space to
absorb its energy, is potentially much more lethal than an equivalent front
impact. In BMW tests, a simulated side-on collision against a tree with head
contact resulted in a head-acceleration factor of 2500, which generally would
mean fatal head injury. In the same test of an ITS-equipped vehicle, this was
dramatically reduced to an uncritical 330 points.
To date, no other car in the world offers a head protection system. Thus
the BMW 7 Series, with the Head Protection System plus standard front side-
impact airbags plus an effective interlocking door anchoring system (which
structurally links the doors with the body sides in a side impact), offers an
unmatched level of side-impact protection for front-seat occupants.
ALSO NEW FOR 1998: AVAILABLE REAR SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS
A further safety refinement for the 1998 BMW 7 Series is the optional
availability of side-impact airbags in the rear doors. Positioned and
functioning similarly to those in the front doors, these airbags add
protection in the area of each outboard rear passenger's upper torso, shoulder
and arm. Equipped with rear side airbags, the 7 Series offers a higher level
of equipment for all-around occupant protection in side impacts than any other
automobile.
DUAL-THRESHOLD FRONT-IMPACT AIRBAGS CONTINUE
The front-impact restraint system that is standard in not only the
7 Series, but all other current BMW models, also embodies advanced thinking in
occupant protection and in the moderation of vehicle damage in severe
collisions.
BMW Dual-Threshold Airbags employ "smart" technology to choose the
appropriate deployment threshold, depending upon whether the occupant is
belted or unbelted(a) and whether or not the front passenger seat is occupied.
There are two thresholds of frontal-impact severity. If the safety belt
is in use, the airbag will only deploy at the higher threshold; at the lower
threshold, only the automatic safety-belt tensioner(b) deploys to reduce belt
slack and enhance the belt's effectiveness.
If the safety belt is not in use, then the airbag will deploy at the lower
severity threshold. Finally, if the passenger seat is unoccupied, neither the
passenger-side airbag nor tensioner will deploy -- a feature that is
recognized and rewarded by insurance companies in setting rates.
All these features -- side-impact airbags, Head Protection System,
automatic front safety-belt tensioners, Dual-Threshold deployment -- are part
of BMW's F.I.R.S.T. system (Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology), which
helps confirm BMW as one of today's most safety-conscious vehicle
manufacturers.
OTHER PRODUCT REFINEMENTS IN THE 1998 7 SERIES
Detail refinements further enhance the 7 Series' unique position as the
premier performance-luxury automobiles from BMW. A new generation of the BMW
Cellular Phone System offers greater security against cell-phone fraud,
expanded memory features and capabilities (such as phone mail and banking by
phone), improved ergonomics, and a new, shorter external antenna that doesn't
need to be removed at the car wash. (740i and 740iL models are prewired for
installation of the phone system by a BMW Retailer; it is standard in the
750iL.) A newly designed luggage net better facilitates carrying smaller
objects in the trunk without their being thrown about by vehicle motions.
NEW RECOGNITION FOR THE 7 SERIES' VIRTUES FROM STRATEGIC VISION
The 7 Series has won numerous awards from independent critical sources,
including top ranking in the J.D. Power APEAL study for 1995 and being named
the Robb Report's 1995 Car of the Year. The latest laurel for the 7 Series is
the 1997 Total Quality Award from Strategic Vision, a research firm that
studies the decisions and experiences of consumers with products and services.
Strategic Vision's survey rates total satisfaction with vehicles, not just
statistical quality measures like the number of defects. The 7 Series not
only won its own category (Luxury Car), but scored the highest number of
points ever in the study's history: over 900 out of a possible 1000 points.
BMW ON-BOARD NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTINUES AS AN OPTION
Along with the BMW 5 Series, the 7 Series remains one of relatively few
car models offered in the U.S. with a GPS navigation system; it is part of the
available multi-function BMW On-Board Navigation System. Another unusual
option is BMW break-resistant Security Glass, which offers added protection
against break-ins. It is available as an option on the 740iL and 750iL. A
heated steering wheel is optional or standard, depending upon model. Every
7 Series model comes standard with a warmly luxurious leather-and-wood
interior whose power front seats include 4-way power lumbar support; automatic
climate control with independent left/right settings and an activated-charcoal
ventilation microfilter; and a tilt-and-slide power moonroof. Unique 16-way
power front seats, with articulated backrests, are standard in the 740iL and
750iL and optional in the 740i.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE OF EVERY 1998 BMW
In engineering the 7 Series, BMW endeavored to keep routine maintenance
requirements moderate. Instead of fixed maintenance intervals, for example,
BMW's built-in Service Interval Indicator, tracks actual vehicle use and
recommends maintenance only when it is required. The engines' hydraulic valve
lifters and electronic management system require no routine service; the
5-speed automatic transmission never requires a fluid change.
And yet this is only half the story: All scheduled maintenance for 3 years
or 36,000 miles is included in the base price of the 740i and 740iL models.
Going a step further, the top-of-line 750iL model comes standard with full
(not just scheduled) maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles, the entire
length of the new-car limited warranty.
BMW'S WORLDWIDE SUCCESS CONTINUES
BMW's business results for 1996 are in, and they are impressive indeed.
Worldwide, BMW sales rose from 590,072 units in 1995 to 644,107 in 1996;
including the Rover group, total car and truck production rose from 1,073,161
in 1995 to 1,151,361 in 1996. In the U.S., BMW sales topped the 100,000 mark
for the first time to reach 105,761 units. As of May 1997, 7 Series sales are
up 27% over the same period of 1996.
BMW IN NORTH AMERICA
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the
company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW automobiles
in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and
distribution was added in 1980. Since then the company's North American
operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services
organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing
operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations
throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a
network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United
States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American
headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW products is available to consumers via the World
Wide Web on the BMW homepage. The address is: http://www.bmwusa.com.
(a) By providing this feature, BMW does not intend to encourage non-use of
safety belts. The driver and all passengers should always fasten their safety
belts.
(b) All current BMW models except the 8 Series are equipped with belt
tensioners. The 8 Series has seat-integrated front safety belts, which have
so little slack that tensioners are not deemed necessary.
1998 BMW 7-SERIES STANDARD & OPTIONAL FEATURES
PERFORMANCE & EFFICIENCY 740i 740iL 750iL
4.4-liter DOHC (4-cam)
32-valve V-8 engine S S --
5.4-liter SOHC V-12 engine -- -- S
5-speed electronically controlled
automatic transmission with
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) S S S
Digital Motor Electronics
engine-management system S S S
Dual DME systems -- -- S
1-touch starting S S S
Adaptive knock control S S S
Electronic throttles 1 1 S
HANDLING, RIDE & BRAKING
Double-pivot strut-type front
suspension with forged-aluminum
lower arms, variable-diameter
coil springs S S S
4-link integral rear suspension S S S
Self-leveling rear suspension NA OPT S
Electronic Damping Control (EDC) OPT OPT S
Twin-tube gas-pressure shock
absorbers (front only with
self-leveling rear suspension) S S S
Vehicle-speed-sensitive
variable-assist power steering S S S
4-wheel disc brakes, vacuum-assisted
Ventilated front discs S S --
Ventilated front & rear discs -- -- S
Antilock braking system (ABS) S S S
All Season Traction with Dynamic
Stability Control NA NA S
All Season Traction S S --
16 x 8.0J cast alloy wheels S S --
16 x 8.0J forged alloy wheels NA NA S
235/60R-16 100H all-season
steel-belted radial tires S S S
EXTERIOR & AERODYNAMICS
Body-color bumpers with hydraulic
energy absorbers & front
compressible elements (damage
control to 9 mph) S S S
Halogen ellipsoid low-beam headlights S S --
Xenon discharge-type ellipsoid
low-beam headlights NA NA S
Halogen Free Form foglights S S S
High-pressure liquid headlight
cleaning system OPT(b) OPT(b) S
2-speed + intermittent windshield
wipers with adjustable &
car-speed-sensitive wiping interval;
single-wipe control, windshield-washer
system with heated washer jets S S S
Heated windshield-wiper parking area S S S
Choice of standard or metallic paints S S S
Park Distance Control NA OPT S
ERGONOMICS, LUXURY & CONVENIENCE
Dual power/heated outside mirrors S S S
Automatic tilt-down of right outside
mirror for visibility of curb
when backing up S S S
Automatic-dimming inside
rearview mirror S S S
Courtesy lights with fade-in/fade-out
feature, actuation from remote
control; automatic switch-on
when engine is turned off S S S
Ambiance lighting in front compartmentS S S
Map reading lights & rear
reading lights S S S
Locking glovebox with swing-out action
for easy access by driver;
rechargeable take-out flashlight S S S
Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel S S S
14-way power front seats with power
head restraints, 4-way power-
adjustable lumbar support S S S
16-way Comfort power front seats with
power head restraints, articulated
upper backrests, 4-way power-
adjustable lumbar support OPT S S
Front center armrest/storage
compartment (includes phone
installation when vehicle is
so equipped) S S S
Memory system for driver's seat &
seatbelt height, steering wheel &
outside mirrors (3 settings) S S S
Power rear seats (individual fore-aft
& backrest adjustment of left &
right seats, 4-way power
lumbar support) NA NA S
Power-adjustable rear head restraints
with automatic retraction when seat
is unoccupied NA NA S
Electronic analog speedometer &
tachometer S S S
LCD main & trip odometers S S S
Check Control vehicle monitor system S S S
Multi Information Display (MID)
incorporating controls for audio
system, multi-function clock,
automatic ventilation system,
Onboard Computer & available
BMW Cellular Phone System S S S
BMW On-Board Navigation System OPT OPT OPT
Gathered leather seating surfaces;
leather seat sides; stitched &
gathered upper door inserts S S S
Leather trim on lower instrument panel
& console sides, lower door panels NA NA S
High-gloss walnut trim on instrument
panel, doors & console; walnut
shift grip S S S
Shift grip & overhead grab handles
in walnut & chrome NA NA S
Power windows with key-off operation,
1-touch lowering & raising of all
windows, anti-trapping feature S S S
Automatic climate control with full
separate left/right controls,
CFC-free refrigerant; automatic
recirculation & heat-at-rest featuresS S S
Activated-charcoal ventilation
microfilter S S S
Automatic ventilation system (can be
programmed to ventilate interior when
car is standing) S S S
Power 2-way moonroof with key-off &
1-touch operation, sliding interior
shade & wind deflector S S S
Anti-theft AM/FM stereo radio/cassette
audio system with 10-channel
amplification, 10 speakers, weather
band, 4-channel FM diversity
antenna system S S --
Anti-theft AM/FM stereo radio/cassette
/CD audio system with 14-channel
amplification, 14 speakers including
4 subwoofers, weather band, 4-channel
FM diversity antenna system OPT OPT S
Pre-wiring for CD changer S S --
6-disc CD changer R(c) R(c) S
Pre-wiring for BMW Cellular Phone
with MID or On-Board Navigation
System controls S S --
BMW Cellular Phone System with MID or
On-Board Navigation System controls R R S
Steering-wheel controls for cruise
control, audio system, telephone &
air recirculation/heated
steering wheel S(d) S(d) S(d)
Heated steering wheel OPT(b) OPT(b) S
Heated front seats with continuously
variable heating OPT OPT S
Heated rear seats with continuously
variable heating NA NA S
Dual cupholders front & rear
(total of 4-cup capacity) S S S
Dual front illuminated visor mirrors S S S
Rear center armrest with
storage compartment S S S
Closeable seatback storage
compartments S S S
Rear-window defroster S S S
Power-operated rear sunshade &
manual pull-up sunshades for rear
side windows OPT OPT S
Fully finished trunk with luggage
straps, cargo net,
drop-down toolkit & power soft-close
trunklid S S S
Ski bag OPT(b) OPT(b) S
Full-use spare wheel & tire
(alloy wheel) S S S
SAFETY & SECURITY
Central locking system with
double-lock anti-theft feature,
2-step unlocking with key or remote S S S
Window & moonroof opening & closing
possible from driver's door lock;
opening possible from remote S S S
Coded Driveaway Protection S S S
Remote keyless-entry security system
with interior motion detector; keyhead
remote with remote trunk opening
& panic feature S S S
BMW break-resistant Security Glass NA OPT(e) OPT(e)
Interlocking door anchoring system
for side impacts S S S
Automatic height adjustment for
front seatbelts S S S
Automatic-locking retractors on
all passenger belts S S S
Automatic front seatbelt tensioners S S S
Dual-airbag Supplementary Restraint
System (SRS) with dual-threshold
deployment system S S S
BMW Advanced Side Airbag
Protection System
Front S S S
Rear* OPT OPT OPT
Head Protection System* S S S
Impact sensor (unlocks doors,
switches on interior lights & hazard
flashers after serious accident) S S S
* indicates new feature for 1998
S Standard
OPT Optional
NA Not available
- Not applicable
(a) Part of All Season Traction system, not main throttle system
(b) Included in Cold Weather Package
(c) Retailer-installed only in combination with standard audio system;
included with optional audio system
(d) When vehicle is equipped with heated steering wheel, its control
replaces that for air recirculation (Heated steering wheel standard
in 750iL
(e) Available with steel sunroof for maximum security, or with glass
moonroof
1998 BMW 7 SERIES SPECIFICATIONS
740i 740iL 750iL
GENERAL
Curb weight, lb. 4255 4288 4553
Weight distribution,
front/rear, % 50.8/49.2 50.6/49.4 51.1/48.9
Wheelbase, in. 115.4 120.9 120.9
Track, front/rear, in. 61.1/61.7(a) -- --
Length x width x
height, in. 196.2x73.3x56.5 201.7x73.3x56.1 201.7x73.3x56.1
BODY
Type Unitized all-steel structure(a)
Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.31 0.31 0.32
Co x A, sq. m. 0.685 0.685 0.707
EPA size classification Midsize Large Large
ACCOMMODATIONS
Seating capacity, persons 5(a)
Shoulder room, front
/rear, in. 58.4/58.4(a)
Head room, front/rear, in. 37.7/37.9(a)
Leg room, front/rear, in. 41.9/36.7 41.9/41.9 41.9/41.9
EPA interior volume, cu. ft. 100 107 107
EPA cargo volume, cu. ft. 13.0(a)
ENGINE & ELECTRICAL
Engine type DOHC 32-valve DOHC 32-valve SOHC V-12
(4-cam) V-8 (4-cam) V-8
Bore x stroke, in./mm. 3.62x3.26/ 3.62 x 3.26/ 3.35 x 3.11/
92.0x62.7 92.0x62.7 85.0x79.0
Compression ratio 10.0:1(a)
Power @ rpm, hp 282 @ 5700 282 @ 5700 322 @ 5000
Torque @ rpm, lb-ft. 310 @ 3900 310 @ 3900 361 @ 3900
Engine-management system Bosch HFM- Bosch HFM- Bosch HFM-
Motronic M5.2 Motronic M5.2 Motronic M5.2
with adaptive with adaptive (dual DME) with
knock control knock control ad. knock control
Fuel requirement Premium unleaded(a)
Fuel capacity, U.S. gal. 22.5 22.5(b) 25.1
Alternator rating,
amp./watts 140/1960(a)
Battery capacity, amp-hr. 110(a)
DRIVETRAIN
Drive system Front engine
/rear drive(a)
5-speed automatic
transmission ZF 5 HP 24 EH ZF 5 HP 24 EH ZF 5 HP 30 EH
Ratios: 1st 3.57:1 3.57:1 3.55:1
2nd 2.20:1 2.20:1 2.24:1
3rd 1.51:1 1.51:1 1.54:1
4th 1.00:1 1.00:1 1.00:1
5th 0.80:1 0.80:1 0.79:1
Reverse 4.06:1 4.06:1 3.68:1
Final drive ratio 2.93:1 2.93:1 2.81:1
CHASSIS
Body/frame
construction Unitized Steel(a)
Front suspension Struts, forged aluminum double-pivot lower arms,
variable-diameter coil springs, twin-tube gas-
pressure shock absorbers, anti-roll bar(a)
(Electronic Damping Control opt. 740i & 740iL,
standard 750iL)
Rear suspension 4-link integral suspension & coil springs(a);
twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers (740i & std.
740iL; single-tube shock absorbers & anti-roll bar
(740iL with optional self-leveling & 750iL
(Electronic Damping Control opt. 740i & 740iL,
standard 750iL)
Steering type Self-adjusting recirculating ball, vehicle-speed-
sensitive power assist(a)
Overall ratio 16.9:1(a)
Turns lock-to-lock 3.7(a)
Turning circle, ft. 38.1 40.0 40.0
Antilock braking system:
Front discs 12.8-in. vented 12.8-in. vented 13.1-in. vented
Rear discs 12.8-in. solid 12.8-in. solid 12.9-in. vented
Assist Vacuum(a)
Wheels Cast alloy, Cast alloy, Forged alloy.
16 x 8.0J 16 x 8.0J 16 x 8.0J
Tires All-season steel-belted radials, 235/60R-16 100H(a)
PERFORMANCE DATA
Acceleration, 0-60 mph, sec.,
manufacturer's data 7.0 7.0 6.7
Top speed
(electronically limited) 128(a)
Fuel economy, EPA est. MPG,
city/highway 17/24 17/24 15/20
(a) Specification applies to all models
(b) With optional self-leveling rear suspension, 25.1 gal.
SOURCE BMW of North America, Inc.
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