Although the S-Class does, as previously mentioned, retain its value a little bit better than the Bimmer, if you have your heart set on a used 7-Series, you’ll want to carefully weigh your options and, in particular, what you’re ready to give up. The better, the simpler.
To begin with, the xDrive system, which is BMW’s take on AWD, adds another layer of complexity and upkeep. The engines are the next. Although the V8 gurgles are fantastic, the two more pistons will cost you more. In other words, regardless of how much the BMW 7 Series depreciates, maintenance costs and resale value will eventually make up for it. It ultimately boils down to choosing the 7 Series with the lowest upfront cost, which happens to be the 740i. It is possible to find models with considerably under 50k miles for under 40k, with some even going as low as 20k. Although it might not be the most thrilling 7 Series money can buy, it might be your best option unless you want to spend $150k on a brand-new V-12 BMW M760i.
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Why it’s a poor idea to purchase a new BMW 7 series
The top-of-the-line BMW 7 Series sedan is renowned for its luxury, power, and technology. If you want something that you won’t have to worry about mending any time soon, buying new can be enticing. However, one of these innovations costs a lot of money. Depending on the features you want to add to the vehicle, a new one at this time could cost you up to $90,000 or more. You should absolutely refrain from paying that amount because it is not a simple task.
A slightly used BMW 7 Series would cost you 43.4% less than a brand-new one, according to the iSeeCars analysis. So, if you decide to buy used, you can end up paying an estimated $47,000 less than you would if you decided to buy new. They’re not even referring to a car that’s ten years old. The data is based on an automobile that is only a year or so old. For a year of ownership, the depreciation on a BMW 7 Series would be that amount. Consider paying too much for a brand-new model with that money.
Verdict
In this class, the Mercedes S-Class frequently receives the greatest accolades, and while they are unquestionably well deserved, the BMW 7 Series is also deserving of praise. This premium sedan is exquisitely constructed, equipped with the newest high-tech gadgetry, and has efficient engines. And a four-year-old 7 Series may be purchased for what seems like a great deal because to the severe depreciation that every premium sedan experiences. Consider how much it will cost to insure and maintain one of these amazing animals since although purchase expenses are one thing, operational costs are quite another. Having said that, the 7 Series comfortably competes with the S-Class and A8 in terms of luxury while placing ahead of them in terms of driving dynamics. So there’s no need to search any farther if you want a big saloon with a sports vibe.
Since its founding more than a century ago, BMW has virtually exclusively concentrated on creating high-end vehicles that are enjoyable to drive. Despite facing bankruptcy in the 1950s, the company has since produced some of the most coveted, dynamic, and luxurious vehicles on the road.
While the 3 Series, 5 Series, and most recently the X3 and X5 SUVs have been at the center of this success, a number of supporting models, including as the 7 Series luxury saloon, have also contributed. Its first sales began in 1977, and it is currently in its sixth generation. It’s one of the major players in its market, loaded with technology, and offers excellent powertrains, so it’s absolutely worth taking into account.
Why do BMW 7 Series lose so much value?
The BMW 7 Series costs much less than a little older model for a very straightforward reason. It is within the luxury vehicle category. Even with a used automobile that is only a year old, owners won’t pay top dollar for equipment that is essentially obsolete. Each of these ultra-luxury automobiles receives the introduction of newer models of equipment every year. The previous model, so to speak, becomes the old maid of luxury cars once the new one is released.
Therefore, when those older models appear on the used automobile market, consumers who generally purchase these kinds of cars don’t find them as desirable. The price needs to be significantly reduced in order to attract a buyer. Even if the equipment is from last year, the significant discount of almost $47,000 attracts more customers.
Is purchasing a BMW 7 Series worth it?
A good car, the BMW 7 Series is. Its powertrain portfolio comprises a plug-in hybrid, two V8s, two V12s, and a six-cylinder engine that are all capable in almost any driving circumstance.
How much does it really cost to maintain a BMW?
Remove the Band-Aid now. Every 10,000 miles, BMW owners may anticipate paying between $150 and $400 per service. A significant service may cost up to $3,000 or more. In the end, owners spend more on maintenance and repairs than most brands, between $1,000 and $1,700 annually.
You may always purchase an extended warranty, either directly from BMW or through a third-party service contract, if you’re concerned about future ownership costs. Standard BMW maintenance expenditures are not covered by a car warranty, but it will cover pricey items that are more prone to break over time.
We’ve combed the market and selected a handful of the top third-party extended vehicle warranty companies because there are many possibilities for extended coverage. These are businesses who did well in regards to things like price, standing, and customer support.
To help you reduce your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs, compare the best BMW extended warranty packages above.
BMW 8 Series vs. 7 Series: Which is superior?
Overall, both vehicles produce 335 horsepower and more than 300 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty similar (331 for the 7-Series; 368 for the 8-Series). The 8-Series also accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds as opposed to 5.3 seconds for the 7-Series.
Is the BMW 7 Series still valuable?
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. Additionally, it counts on a new-car selling price of $107,657. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. The projected resale value for the BMW 7 Series can be determined using our depreciation calculator.
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The BMW 7 Series is swift.
The two gasoline-powered 7 Series models come in rear-wheel drive with a twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive with a twin-turbo V8 engine. In addition to more effective turbochargers, redesigned cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, and a secondary low-pressure fuel injection system intended to lessen carbon buildup on the intake valves and minimize CO2 emissions, BMW claims to have made several upgrades to both engines. An 8-speed automatic transmission with a small, 48-volt electric motor built into it couples both engines for smoother acceleration and increased fuel economy. Under the cargo area’s floor is where the 48-volt battery for the mild hybrid system is located. (Learn more about the BMW i7 xDrive60 from 2023.)
The 740i and 760i xDrive of the 7 Series each weigh 4,969 and 4,594 pounds, respectively. However, according to BMW, the inline-six will accelerate the 740i to 60 mph in 5 seconds from a stop, while the V8-powered 760i xDrive would reach that speed in 4.2 seconds. An electrically controlled adaptive air suspension system will be standard on both versions. The ride height of the vehicle can be altered depending on the driver mode; it will be lower for highway and sporty driving and higher for difficult roads. At low speeds, the electronic steering system will turn the rear wheels in the opposite direction from the front wheels to tighten the turning circle of the large sedan and in the same direction as the front wheels to offer stability and smoothness during lane changes.
The 760i xDrive offers an optional electronic anti-roll system that employs 48-volt swivel motors to counteract lateral stresses that would otherwise be supported by traditional anti-roll bars. All-season tires and 21-inch wheels are standard equipment on both gasoline-powered vehicles, however performance tires and 21-inch wheels can be ordered as options.
Voice commands or a button installed on the center console can be used to change the drive mode. There are three preset My Mode settings in addition to the three normal modes: Personal, Sport, and Efficient. They all optimize the powerplant output, ride quality, and handling qualities of the vehicle. Expressive Mode, the eighth mode, blends a personalized drive mode with personalized ambient illumination.
On both gasoline-powered vehicles, a M Sport package with a performance front skirt and air intake will be offered. Only the 760i xDrive will have the option of the upgraded M Sport brakes.
What BMW Series maintains its value the best?
The value of the BMW 2 Series is even better maintained; according to the most reliable BMW resale value assessments, it will still be worth roughly 49% after five years. Once more, the first two years account for about 25% of that depreciation.
Do high mileage BMWs merit purchase?
In order to wrap up this article, let’s review everything we’ve covered. In general, BMW vehicles get good gas mileage. They typically reach their maximum range of 150–250,000 miles. Therefore, anything in the range is considered to have a mileage that may be too high to justify owning the car. But when they reach 60–80,000 miles, the majority of BMWs fall into the high mileage category. Therefore, it is clear that there is still a long way to go before you reach the “too high” point.
With all of that in mind, purchasing a high mileage BMW might be a wise financial move because you’ll receive a great car that’s dependable, has plenty of miles remaining in the tank, and is much less expensive.
I’m Scott, a huge fan of BMWs and a long-time owner of these incredible vehicles. I’m here to chronicle my encounters with BMWs over the years and, hopefully, to be of use to others.
Is the 7 series being phased out by BMW?
The updated 2023 edition of the BMW 7-Series, which was introduced in April, marks the start of the car’s seventh generation. However, the semi-official BMW tuner has stated that the Alpina version won’t be back this time.
No explanation was offered, although it might be because BMW, which bought the Alpina brand in March, is getting ready to introduce its own high-performance 7-Series based on the most recent model of the flagship sedan. These include the i7 M70 xDrive electric car with more than 600 horsepower on tap and the M760e xDrive plug-in hybrid with 563 horsepower.
The final BMW Alpina B7 has been assembled, and according to an official post on Facebook from Alpina Belgium, “the era of the BMW Alpina B7 is coming to an end in the Alpina automobile manufactory.” Although the German automaker doesn’t explicitly state it, the announcement gives the impression that no replacement is currently in the works. In fact, Alpina says it is now taking a “back at the intriguing automobiles which came about in Buchloe on the basis of the BMW 7 Series” look at the high-end sedan.
Early in 2019, the B7’s final edition was introduced, using a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produced 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds and reach a mind-blowing top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h) with this incredible powerplant. For the B7, Alpina made changes beyond just the turbocharged V8 engine.
The most recent model also had a redesigned braking system with 4-piston fixed callipers coupled with 15.55-inch front and 15.67-inch rear discs, as well as an updated stainless steel sports exhaust system. Additionally, it has 20-inch wheels with Michelin tires mounted on all four corners, however 21-inch wheels are also an option.