Positioning:
The 2006 BMW 7 Series represented the pinnacle of BMW's luxury sedan offerings, competing directly with flagship models from Mercedes-Benz (S-Class) and Audi (A8) in the ultra-luxury segment. Known for its advanced technology, comfort, and driving dynamics.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221), Audi A8 (D3), Lexus LS (XF30), Jaguar XJ.
Features:
Aluminum Space Frame construction, iDrive infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems (optional), powerful V8 and V12 engines, luxurious interior appointments, long-wheelbase (Li) options.
Systems Covered:
Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment Systems, Climate Controls, Lights, Driver Controls, Locks and Security, Seating and Safety, Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Specifications, Vehicle Care, Emergency Procedures, Technical Data
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 300-400 pages (typical for this vehicle class and era)
Manual Type:
Owner's Manual
Powertrain:
Engine operation, fluid checks, basic troubleshooting for V8 and V12 engines.
Chassis And Suspension:
Basic information on suspension operation, tire care, wheel specifications.
Brakes:
Operation of ABS and braking systems, brake fluid level checks.
Electrical System:
Fuse box locations, basic electrical system operation, battery care.
Infotainment And Comfort:
iDrive system, navigation, audio, climate control, seat adjustments, interior lighting.
Safety Systems:
Airbag systems, seatbelt operation, child restraint system installation, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, gear selection, parking, driving aids.
Maintenance:
Regular checks (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning procedures.
Emergency Procedures:
Changing a flat tire, jump starting, emergency towing instructions, warning lights interpretation.
Vehicle Care:
Exterior washing and waxing, interior cleaning, paint care.
Depth:
Designed for the owner's use, covering basic operation, maintenance, and understanding of vehicle features. Does not provide in-depth diagnostic or repair procedures typically found in a service manual.
Primary Engine 750I 750Li
Engine Type:
4.8L Naturally Aspirated V8
Horsepower:
360 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque:
360 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Valvetronic variable valve lift.
Primary Engine 760I 760Li
Engine Type:
6.0L Naturally Aspirated V12
Horsepower:
438 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
444 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI).
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
Transmission Type:
N/A (All models equipped with 6-speed Steptronic)
Features:
Manual shift mode via selector lever or steering wheel paddle shifters, adaptive shift logic.
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - e.g., ETL-800 or equivalent
Fluid Type:
BMW ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) - e.g., ETL-800 or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable tests)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for applicable tests)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for applicable tests)
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Adaptive Headlights (optional), Parking Assistant (optional).
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, front side airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags), active head restraints, three-point seat belts with pretensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
System Name:
iDrive (Infotainment, Navigation, Communication, Entertainment)
Features:
Central control knob and buttons, 8.8-inch color LCD display, optional GPS navigation system, CD changer, AM/FM radio, optional Sirius satellite radio, optional premium audio system (e.g., Logic7).
Driver Assistance Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC - optional), Lane Departure Warning (LDW - optional), Active Steering (optional).
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth preparation for mobile phones (optional), USB/Auxiliary input for audio (in later revisions or optional).
Service Intervals General
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Refer to CBS indicators for spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant replacement, and other major services.
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil 750
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic engine oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil 760
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic engine oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters)
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Common Problems:
Valve cover gasket leaks (N62 engine), ignition coil failures, coolant expansion tank leaks, power steering hose leaks, electronic gremlins related to the iDrive system and various modules, active steering system issues (rare), EHC (Electronic Height Control) issues (if equipped).
Air Filter 750I 750Li:
BMW Part Number: 13717535102 (typical, verify with VIN)
Cabin Air Filter 750I 750Li:
BMW Part Number: 64116911573 (typical, verify with VIN)
Oil Filter 750I 750Li:
BMW Part Number: 11427506776 (typical, verify with VIN)
Heritage:
BMW, established in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics, engineering excellence, and sophisticated design. The 7 Series is the flagship model that embodies these principles.
Evolution E65 E66:
The E65/E66 generation (2002-2008) marked a significant departure from previous 7 Series generations with its controversial 'flame surfacing' design language, introduction of the iDrive system, and advanced technologies. The 2006 model year saw the introduction of the 750i/Li (replacing the 745i/Li) and the powerful 760i/Li with the new V12 engine.
Manufacturing Location:
Dingolfing, Germany
