2005 BMW 745Li
by Jim Prueter - 08/04

When BMW redesigned its 7-Series for 2002, the distinctively styled rear end elicited protest and scorn from journalists, auto enthusiasts and aficionados everywhere, including yours truly. But two years hence the design has grown on me (as BMW claimed it would) to the point I can’t stop looking every time I see one.

Even though it is easy for a handsome car to sway my opinion, especially when bathing in the lap of Nasca-leather-seating luxury, I nevertheless will maintain my objectivity (wish I was wealthy and could afford this ultra-high-end luxury car).

From the moment you slip behind the wheel you know this car is different. Very different. A “soft-close” feature doesn’t require you to slam the door shut. The final inch of travel on the door is pulled shut by a small motor ditto the trunk lid. Insert the remote “non-key” into the dash to activate the entire system, and with a press of a button the powerful 4.4-liter 325 horsepower V-8 comes to life.

While adjusting the seat is a rather simple operation in most vehicles, BMW has successfully over-complicated the process with too many controls inconveniently located on the inside of the center console next to your right thigh. The driver’s seat offers a 20-way power adjustment including programmable memory settings. The rear seats have up to 14 adjustment settings. You can even get the seats to heat, cool and massage, but little about the adjustments is intuitive, requiring consultation to one of three owner’s-information manuals.

Getting the BMW to move is another story. The transmission is controlled through a short baby shift that can be mistaken for the wiper control arm, extending from the steering column. It takes some getting used to. Want to park? Push the lever in. Want to drive? Press down like you would for a right turn directional. Reverse? Press up. I always had to do a visual check on the speedometer cluster display to see which gear I was in, since there isn’t any feel of the lever shifting into a slot. Equally frustrating is the “legalese” disclaimer that appears on the monitor every time the vehicle is started, requiring me to “agree” by pushing down on the iDrive button.

IDrive is a one-knob operating system on the center console which, in theory, provides simplified control of the audio system, climate controls, built-in voice activated cell phone, navigation system, BMW roadside assistance, maintenance menus, various vehicle settings and help in figuring out how all this works. After two years of repeated public and media scorn, BMW claims the system — with its newly added main menu button — is simpler and is easier to use. I have tested several BMW vehicles with iDrive and find it to be the most obtuse operating system I have ever encountered. My plea to BMW: “Think touch screen á la Lexus.” All the techno-wizardry puts the driver in danger of watching the monitor screen rather than the road.

Once in gear, the dash-mounted screen monitor displays an overhead outline view of the vehicle with green, yellow and red colors indicating the distance the vehicle is from surrounding objects. Get close enough and the potential contact area glows red and gives an audible warning of impending contact.

With all the electronic gadgetry BMW has crammed into the 7-Series and the wrath of controversy it has brought, it’s easy to forget what a magnificent driving machine it is. Once you settle back and pull away all seems right with the world.

The driving experience is creamy smooth. The powerful V-8 performance is fed through the superb six-speed automatic transmission that never interferes with the pleasurable driving experience. The sophisticated suspension system, featuring electronic damping control and active roll stabilization, provides handling and cornering that is almost flat and makes most roads feel like rubberized asphalt. I loved driving this car!

Not surprisingly, the trimmings are top-notch and made from the finest materials available. BMW offers real black cherry wood in either light or dark, matte or high-gloss ash finish. Our tester came with matte-finished dark cherry including the optional strip of wood on the rear parcel shelf. Like the 3- and 5-Series, the 7-Series uses orange dash lighting, which shouts economy and is hard on the eyes. BMW would do well to copy the lighting from Audi, which still builds the best-looking interiors in the business.

Our tester, the 745Li, is six inches longer and provides even more rear seat legroom than the 745i model — and as much as you’ll find inside a stretch limo. Our test car even had rear footrests.

Safety-wise, the 7-Series includes up to ten airbags: front, side, head-protection for front and rear occupants and active knee protection. Active safety systems are state of the art and include dynamic stability and traction control, and dynamic brake control. For added whiplash protection, the front head restraints pivot forward upon rear impact. The 7-Series has not been crash tested.

Summary: I would like to have this car back for another week so I can truly enjoy it. Unfortunately, I spent my test week obsessed with the electronic-techno-gee-whiz stuff that frustrated more than pleased. I would do things differently next time and enjoy the benefits of the strong powertrain, capable handling and smooth quiet ride. The few that can afford a 7-Series will marvel at what it delivers. A 350-mile road trip seems like a quick trip to the hardware store. If you love technology and don’t frustrate easily, you’ll love the car even more. Those of you who can’t even set the time on your VCR or DVD player are better off with the Lexus LS430 or Audi A8 L.

Footnote: The 7-Series is set to receive a facelift (actually a rear-lift to the controversial styling), so if you like the looks of the current edition you should grab it now.

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