Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan
Positioning:
Flagship luxury vehicle, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Porsche Panamera
Key Differentiators:
Advanced iDrive infotainment, sporty driving dynamics, sophisticated design, cutting-edge technology
Infotainment:
Next-generation iDrive controller with larger display, enhanced voice control, comprehensive multimedia integration
Driving Experience:
Adaptive Drive, Dynamic Drive, Integral Active Steering (optional) contributing to comfort and agility
Comfort And Luxury:
Luxurious interior materials, advanced climate control, sophisticated seating options, quiet cabin
Cockpit And Controls:
Instrument cluster, steering wheel controls, buttons, levers, switches
Infotainment And Connectivity:
iDrive system, navigation, radio, CD/DVD changers, audio devices, telephone integration, BMW Assist
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate control, seating adjustments, lighting, mirrors, windows, doors, trunk, sunroof
Safety And Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems (ISOFIX), electronic stability control (DSC), tire pressure monitoring (RDC)
Driving Dynamics:
Driving modes, traction control, cruise control, parking assistance
Lighting System:
Headlights (adaptive, Xenon), taillights, interior lighting, fog lights
Powertrain Operation:
Starting and stopping engine, gear selection, driving recommendations
Utility And Storage:
Interior compartments, cargo space, transporting items
Emergency Procedures:
What to do in various situations (e.g., breakdown, accident, warning lights)
Maintenance And Care:
Fluid checks, tire pressure, basic checks, cleaning recommendations
Voice Command System:
System operation, short commands, functionalities
Basic Operation:
Starting the engine, driving, braking, parking, locking/unlocking doors
Idrive Operation:
Navigating menus, controlling climate, audio, navigation, telephone
Navigation Usage:
Destination input, route planning, route guidance, points of interest
Child Safety:
Proper installation and usage of child seats, airbag deactivation
Refueling Process:
Fuel type recommendations, refueling etiquette, fuel filler flap operation
Under The Hood Checks:
Checking oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level, windshield washer fluid
Component Replacement:
Replacing bulbs, wiper blades, air filters (basic level)
Emergency Assistance:
Using hazard lights, safety triangle, jump-starting (cautionary notes)
Depth:
Comprehensive operational and basic maintenance guidance for the owner. Focuses on understanding and utilizing vehicle features and performing routine checks, not in-depth repair diagnostics.
NHTSA Rating:
Not explicitly rated for all categories in this era, but generally performed well. Likely 5-star for frontal and side impacts where tested.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Driver Assistance Options:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning, Head-Up Display (HUD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, head airbags (curtain), knee airbags (driver)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning front seat belts, three-point seat belts for all occupants
Child Restraint:
ISOFIX mounting points for child safety seats
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (front)
Infotainment System Name:
iDrive (Professional Media Package)
Display Size:
10.2-inch high-resolution LCD screen
Controller Type:
Rotary dial with integrated buttons, joystick, and touch-sensitive surface (on some later models/updates)
Audio System Options:
Standard Hi-Fi System, optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System, optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System
Adaptive Headlights:
Adaptive Xenon Headlights with automatic beam control
Parking Assistance:
Front and Rear Park Distance Control (PDC), rearview camera, optional Surround View
Night Vision:
Optional Night Vision system with pedestrian detection
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with music streaming
Telematics:
BMW Assist with Bluetooth hands-free interface, concierge services, emergency call
Usb Aux Input:
USB/Audio interface for external music devices
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-based service (CBS), typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000-60,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended annually or every 15,000-30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for the N63 engine.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, viscosity 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 PLUS (BMW Part No. 81 22 9 400 379) or equivalent.
Engine Reliability N63:
Early N63 engines (including those in the 2009 7 Series) were known for oil consumption issues, carbon buildup on intake valves, ignition coil failures, and injector issues. BMW later introduced an 'N63 Customer Care Package' for affected vehicles.
Turbocharger Issues:
Potential for turbocharger wastegate actuator issues or oil leaks.
I Drive Glitches:
Infrequent software glitches or slow response times, often resolved with software updates.
Air Suspension Problems:
Though not standard on all trims, air suspension systems can develop leaks or compressor failures over time.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for its performance-oriented luxury vehicles and engineering prowess.
7 Series History:
The 7 Series has been BMW's flagship sedan since its introduction in 1977, evolving through several generations (E23, E32, E38, E65/E66, F01/F02) to showcase the latest in BMW technology, luxury, and design.
Production Years For Generation:
2008-2015
Manufacturing Locations:
Dingolfing, Germany