2002 BMW 745Li Reviews

Prices have risen between $6000 and $14,000 for the "modestly refreshed" 7 Series, which also gets two upgraded V8s, additional equipment and adaptive brakeforce display.Chief among the technological changes is the new ConnectDrive information system that has been added to the standard equipment list across the range.The system can consist of TeleAssist telematics, which gives the driver access to information assistance with a phone call and Online, which allows occupants to access information services.While some may not like the system's ability to bring emails up for the driver to read while the car is in motion, the system is integrated and is being offered free for the first year, with charges of $400 a year (or $33 a month) for the telematics and $350 a year (or $30 a month) for the online service after that.The powerplant range has grown in power and torque, but has made little improvement in overall thirst, despite no major change in overall vehicle weight.The four-litre V8 has improved power, torque and performance but with a slight increase in fuel consumption to 11.2 litres/100km; the 4.8-litre V8 in the 750i has retained the same consumption rate of 11.4 litres/100km of its 745i predecessor.The six-litre V12's outputs and consumption remain unchanged.Among the updated standard fare on BMW's flagship is an upgraded monitor layout and function for satnav, TV, parking radar and ConnectedDrive functions.The list continues, with the entire range now getting the sports steering wheel with audio, cruise and transmission controls.The safety acronyms abound, with anti-lock braking system (ABS), stability and traction control (ASC+T), dynamic stability control (DSC) and dynamic brake control (DBC).The 7's path is lit by bi-xenon adaptive headlights and it now has two-stage automatic brakeforce display brake lights.The iDrive controller system has been updated, with changes made to the display as well as the return of some functions to the dashboard.The i-Drive knob has been altered in shape, feel and tactility.The standard suspension setup for the 7 Series was already accomplished, with the Dynamic Drive and adaptive damping able to provide a decent ride with almost no body roll and sure-footed handling, despite 18in-20in wheels and low-profile tyres.The updated 7 gets a 14mm wider rear track, Adaptive Drive with Dynamic Drive and electronic damper control as an option on the 740 model and standard on other 7 Series.The sports suspension (harder springs, firmer damping) lowers the ride height by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, and boosts the wheel size to 19in, with a 20in rim as an option.There is something surreal about driving a 7 Series – polarising looks, powerful engines, technology galore and no shortage of luxury features.The facelifted 7 can hustle along country roads with considerable aplomb. The new range-wide fitted sports steering wheel is not directing active steering but points with direct feel and authority, with the lack of weight shift almost lulling the driver into a false sense of security.Excessive corner speed brings perspective, but swift and smooth country road driving within the car's limits sees kilometres eaten at a considerable rate.The model update sees the inclusion of the i-Drive integrated ConnectDrive system, which allows a myriad of different information to be downloaded to the vehicle systems and used in the phone or satellite navigation system.Even emails can be read on the centrally mounted i-Drive screen, something that will cause concern among some road safety analysts. Distraction issues aside, the system is easier to operate, with some functions returning to the dashboard, as well as changes to the tactility and weighting of the i-Drive knob.The amount of information available to the busy exec is considerable – BMW is offering free use for the first year with subscription fees to follow.The system can still confound rookie users but with time would become more familiar and BMW expects to retain about half of the 7 Series owners beyond the free 12-month trial.

Controversy over driver distraction by the car's email system has overshadowed some subtle yet impressive tweaking to the Bavarian luxury bus.The 7 Series is no stranger to public outcry and has been one of the most talked about, and often unfairly, reviled members of the BMW stable. It was used to carry Chris Bangle's radical design language into the public forum almost five years ago and opinion remains split on whether it is beast or beauty.Refinements of the styling, aided by familiarity, have made subsequent versions on the 3, 5, 6 Series and Z4 less affronting and given a sense of purpose to Bangle's original plan. The fresh styling changes to the 7 Series have taken the car to a new level of acceptance and wound back some of the more "unusual" design elements.Surgery around the nose with a wider and higher-set grille and a bonnet "powerdome" induce a less confronting and more sporting look. The flat, high-set bootline, originally criticised as looking like a taxi advertising board, has also been softened and an integrated spoiler added. There is also a larger range of technological changes for the two V8 engines – the 4.0-litre and the 4.8-litre – the suspension, interior trim and iDrive.The makeover for the 7 Series is timely considering there is an all-new Mercedes-Benz S-class due later this year and Audi's A8 is making a strong impression.Capacity, output and performance have all been increased in the V8s with a marginal improvement in fuel consumption. The electronic throttle is precise, to the point of taking a little getting used to before being able to launch the big car smoothly. On the move, however, the seamless power delivery from both engines is impressive.The six-speed automatic with steptronic (manual) function is smooth and the ratios well-sorted.At the heart of the suspension is the melded Adaptive Drive technology. The program brings together dynamic drive (active roll stabilisation) with EDC-C (continuously variable electronic damping). The two technologies work in milliseconds to retain a flat, plush ride for the body of the car despite the most enthusiastic movements of the chassis. It can feel a little detached from the driver's seat but while it has the agility to be pushed hard, the 7 Series is best enjoyed as a refined tourer.At the top of the engine range for Australia is the 327kW 6.0-litre V12, unchanged from the current model.Adding polish to the interior of one of the most polished of models was always going to be incremental. Two new three-spoke steering wheels are the visual clue but the most useful change has been a refining of the iDrive.The most welcome change is taking some of the more basic and commonly used controls back and returning them to a button operation. As is expected from BMW – and any $200,000-plus car for that matter – occupant safety is well catered for. There are dual front airbags, front and rear curtain bags as well as front and rear side bags.The array of electronic minders within the vehicle is impressive. That includes ABS with dynamic brake control, automatic stability and traction control, dynamic stability control and adaptive drive (750Li and 760Li).