BMW 7 Series (E65/E66): История и Особенности Модели

The fourth generation of the BMW 7 Series consists of the BMW E65 and BMW E66 luxury cars. The E65/E66 was produced from 2001 to 2008 and is often collectively referred to as the E65. The E65 replaced the E38 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo diesel straight six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model. The E65 was the first BMW vehicle to include the iDrive infotainment system and the exterior styling (overseen by Chris Bangle) marked a significant departure from traditional BMW styling. Other new features included active anti roll bars, a six speed automatic transmission, an electronic Smart Key (dispensing with the traditional metallic key), and night vision. The 760i model also utilised the world's first production V12 engine to use direct injection. In late 2008, the E65 7 Series was replaced by the F01 7 Series.

Development for the BMW E65 7 Series began in early 1996. In early 1997, Chris Bangle delivered a brief to BMW's Munich and DesignworksUSA studios. After a competition between 20 designers, Adrian van Hooydonk's design was approved in the spring of 1998. Production specifications were frozen in January 1999 and took 34 months from freeze to market launch. The design was patented on 16 November 2000 and development ended in early 2001. The E65 was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2001, and launched in Germany in November 2001. In order to produce the E65 7 Series and other future models, the BMW Dingolfing plant was retooled at a cost of approximately €500million.

Under the direction of Chris Bangle, BMW's Design Chief at the time, the BMW E65 7 Series saw a departure from traditional BMW exterior styling. BMW's board of directors were keen to move the company's image into the future, and the initial styling sketches from 1998 by Adrian van Hooydonk were of a fastback body style even more radical than the eventual production model. The controversial "flame surfacing" design greatly contrasted the conservative lines of its E38 predecessor. The rear end styling was nicknamed "Bangle Butt" by critics, due to the elongated rear bootlid. However, many believe that the controversial styling helped the 7 series look modern even after many years. Dimensionally the E65 7 Series is longer, wider and taller than the E38. an increase of over the outgoing model. Despite these increased dimensions, the E65 7 Series is only heavier than the E38.

The E65 contained many departures from automotive interior design conventions. BMW removed the traditional console mounted gear selector, replacing it with a steering column mounted stalk in favour of two cup holders. The e brake is controlled using a button on the dashboard. The seat adjustment controls were moved from their traditional place on the side of the seat base to the inside of the raised central console, which drew some criticisms.

The V8 models were the first to use the then new BMW N62 V8 engine, which was the world's first engine to use a continuously variable length intake manifold. It was also BMW's first V8 engine to use variable valve lift (Valvetronic), replacing throttle butterflies for added response, efficiency and power. A system using traditional throttle butterflies was also present as a backup in case of faults in the valvetronic system.

ModelEngineYears PowerTorque730iM54B30 3.0 L I6 2004–2005 at 5,900 rpm at 3,500 rpm8.1 sN52B30 3.0 L I6 2005–2008 at 6,600 rpm at 2,500–4,000 rpm 7.8 s735iN62B36 3.6 L V8 2001–2005 at 6,200 rpm at 3,700 rpm 7.5 s 740iN62B40 4.0 L V8 2005–2008 at 6,300 rpm at 3,500 rpm6.8 s745iN62B44 4.4 L V8 2001–2005 at 6,100 rpm at 3,600 rpm6.3 s750iN62B48 4.8 L V8 2005–2008 at 6,300 rpm at 3,400 rpm5.9 s760iN73B60 6.0 L V12 2002–2008 at 6,000 rpm at 3,950 rpm5.5 sAlpina B7H1 V8 S/C 2003–2008 at 5,500 rpm at 4,250 rpm 4.9 s

ModelEngineYears PowerTorque730dM57D30TU 3.0 L I6 turbo 2002–2005 at 4,000 rpm at 2,000 rpm 8.0 s M57D30TU2 3.0 L I6 turbo 2005–2008 at 4,000 rpm at 2,000–2,750 rpm 7.8 s 740dM67TUD40 3.9 L V8 twin turbo 2002–2004 at 4,000 rpm at 1,900–2,500 rpm 7.4 s745dM67D44 4.4 L V8 twin turbo 2005 at 4,000 rpm at 1,750–2,500 rpm 6.8 sM67TUD44 4.4 L V8 twin turbo 2006–2008 at 3,800 rpm at 1,900–2,500 rpm 6.6 s

The E65 was the first BMW to use the iDrive infotainment system. The iDrive system was built on VxWorks while the navigation system was built on the Windows CE for Automotive platform, and featured an interface primarily based around a central control knob. Many of the functions such as climate, navigation, seat heating, telephony, and car settings were incorporated into a single system allowing for centralised control. Early versions of iDrive were criticised for complicated menu structures and a steep learning curve. The first generation of the system relied on CD media for map data. In March 2003, the maps switched to DVD format, a faster processor was used and a 'Menu' and 'Customisable' button were added below the control knob. In 2005, dedicated buttons were added to change radio stations or skip tracks and a brighter screen was used for the 8.8" widescreen option.

The E66 long wheelbase models, badged "Li" were introduced in June 2002. Long wheelbase models are longer, allowing for extra rear legroom. The initial long wheelbase models were the 735Li, 745Li and 760Li. After 2003, 730Li, 730Ld, 740Li and 750Li models were added to the lineup.

The E67 high security 7 Series is an armoured variant of the BMW 7 Series. The 760Li high security was introduced at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, with the 745Li high security model released later in September 2003. E67 high security models are designed to withstand attacks, and meet the requirements of the B7 weapons standard. Security features include a detachable multi layer laminated windscreen, a remote starting system, a fire extinguishing system, a fresh air system, and under body protection. High security models also feature run flat tyres, with Michelin's PAX system; which allows continuous driving at for approximately , with a puncture. and was built in the Dingolfing BMW plant alongside the regular E65 models. The Alpina B7 uses a supercharged version of the 4.4 litre V8 found in the 745i, and was the first Alpina model to feature a supercharged engine. Exterior changes include a rear spoiler and 21 inch traditional Alpina multi spoke style wheels. Interior changes include sports seats, an Alpina instrument cluster, a three spoke steering wheel with shift buttons, and a silver plated production plaque. A total of 1114 cars were produced, including 803 cars for North America.

iDrive updates including faster processor, addition of "menu" and "customisable" buttons and maps switching to DVD format.

In March 2005, the facelift (also known as "LCI") models began production. BMW offered "conversion kits" that could be purchased by existing owners to apply these exterior changes to pre facelift cars. iDrive updates including a simplified interface, clearer graphics, and the iDrive controller now having a leather top surface. Petrol V8 engines increased in displacement, resulting in the 735i model being replaced by the 740i and the 745i being replaced by the 750i. 745d model power increased from 220 kW to 242 kW. Adaptive cruise control upgraded to ACC II.