BMW E65/E66/E67/E68

Infobox Automobile platform
name=BMW E65 / BMW E66 / E67 / E68


manufacturer=BMW
production=2002-2008
predecessor=BMW E38
successor=BMW F01
related=
class=Full-size luxury car
similar=Audi A8
Infiniti Q45
Lexus LS
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Volkswagen Phaeton
vehicles=BMW 7 SeriesThe E65/E66/E67/E68 automobile platform is the basis for the current BMW 7 series. It replaced the BMW E38 for the 2002 model year. The car was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001, and was launched in Europe on November 17th 2001. It first appeared in the USA and other markets in the spring of 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, E66 of the long wheel base version, E67 of the bullet proof version and E68 of the hydrogen version.It's controversial design helped to sell the previous model : BMW E38.

Overview

The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW with the work of chief designer Chris Bangle. Early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, as well as the iDrive controversy. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or convert|100000|mi|km from the original 4-year or convert|50000|mi|km|sing=on coverage. The UK however is still only covered by the standard 3 yr/unlimited mileage warranty on this model.

The E65/E66 are the only BMW cars that are available with the top of the line 6.0 liter V12 petrol and 4.4 liter V8 turbodiesel engines, respectively the BMW N73 760i V12 and BMW M67D44 745d V8 Turbodiesel models.

The 2008 United States MSRP for the BMW 7 Series is: $75,800 (750i), $78,900 (750Li), and $122,600 (760Li).

In December 2007, The New Zealand government bought 34 diesel BMW 7 Series limousines to be used by the Prime Minister, the Members of Parliament and visiting dignitaries to the country, this was at an estimated cost of over NZD$3 million.

Model lineup

ee also

* BMW Engines
* BMW