7 Series 2009 BMW 750i Long-Term Test

[HighestOfHigh]

I'm mad at myself because I'm starting to like this car.

 

[PHYBENZ]

This is a pretty damn sweet feature. I saw the black circles in the front bumper corners and couldn't figure out what they were. I thought they were parktronic sensors but couldn't figure out why they were painted. Very cool feature.


2009 BMW 750i: Sideview Cameras



Though our 2009 BMW 750i is somewhat light on equipment, it does have the Camera Package that adds front sideview cameras and a rear backup camera. The sideview cameras are pretty trick, as James first noted in one of his old TFTC posts. In certain situations, they are very useful.

More on how they work after the jump.

One camera is mounted on each side of the car on the front fender near the wheel. If you're stopped or moving at low speed, you can push a button next to the iDrive controller and the views of the cameras are displayed on the navigation screen via a split-screen.

The camera's main use is in situations when you're pulling out into oncoming traffic and your visibility is blocked. Alleys or crowded city streets with parked cars are both very good environments to use the cameras in.

For example, take a look at the lead photo. You can see how pulling out into the alley could be dangerous.

Here's a representative photo of my completely blocked view out the driver-side window. (It's representative as the lead and next two photos taken weren't quite in the same place, but the result is the same.)



Now here's the view from the cameras.



The left camera gives a clear view of what's in (or coming down) the alley. The displayed yellow lines indicate the leading edge of the car so you know exactly how far you've pulled out.

I used the cameras a few times durning the time I had the 750i. It sure beats the alternative of slowly inching out into traffic.

Brent Romans, Senior Automotive Editor

 

[K-A]

I'm totally loving this car. Kudos to BMW for maturing and refining/cleaning up their design direction for this new generation (hopefully it trickles down to the rest of their line).

 

[klier]

I'm mad at myself because I'm starting to like this car.

You just got to see the F01 7er picture gallery then, with so many awesome pictures of this truly stunning car. Here's a an example of things I just know you will like:

And here is the link:

http://www.germancarforum.com/bmw-pictures/25202-bmw-7er-f01-f02-picture-thread.html

 

[Sunny]

^Thanks, I never saw this pic in the pic thread. Amazing.



And my favorite luxury interior.

 

[cawimmer430]

What a great color for this car! Makes it look so striking and classy!




It's weird but here in Munich I keep seeing black BMW 7-Series and that color has quickly become the "Yawn Color" for this car. This type of smokesilver brings fresh air to you. Looks great.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

It's weird but here in Munich I keep seeing black BMW 7-Series and that color has quickly become the "Yawn Color" for this car. This type of smokesilver brings fresh air to you. Looks great.

I actually like it in that black color. It does look good in the gold as well, but something about black makes it look more sophisticated.

 

[Mr Robert]

It's weird but here in Munich I keep seeing black BMW 7-Series and that color has quickly become the "Yawn Color" for this car. This type of smokesilver brings fresh air to you. Looks great.

But black is the ultimate colour for this type of car. Not to mention the third owner who will be very happy (the third owner of this type of car is either a gangster or a restaurant owner... sometimes both).

 

[K-A]

Not to mention the third owner who will be very happy (the third owner of this type of car is either a gangster or a restaurant owner... sometimes both).

The S-Class is the most sadly affected by that. It was W140's but in recent times the W220 has been officially desecrated.

 

[NarutoRamen]

^Thanks, I never saw this pic in the pic thread. Amazing.

Now this is pimp ass pic.

 

[fortuner]

I saw a new 7er last week in sandton south africs.
It was a black and to be honest i found it dull and boring the front is very poor side is the best part off the car and likesd the side.

But overall the car is very weak in my view i expected it too look better in real.BUt i think the car actually looks better in some pics then in real just one car i saw maybe if i see different coloors my view will change..

Sorry no harm meant ...

 

[PanterroR]

You're entitled to your opinion, no problems with that, but i'm entitled also to disagree completely with you. Design may be not of your taste, but afaic, this car is everything except dull, boring and poor.

 

[K-A]

IMO the car is understated beauty at its finest. Some who are expecting exaggerated madness are gonna find it dull, but if you really look at the lines and attention to detail, the car is just downright sharp. I think it will age VERY well, much better than any BMW since Bangle took over.

I'm not blaming anyone for finding it dull BTW, I can understand the view to an extent, but I guess it's more something that you have to appreciate. I'm getting sick of cars getting overly exaggerated and gimmicky so this is kind of a breath of fresh air to me.

I guess in one year or so I'll see if my opinion sways and if I still find it as interesting as I predict I will. I also wonder how the public will take to it.

 

[Mr Robert]

IMO the car is understated beauty at its finest.

...which is why, I guess, it is not for the most attention-seeking of us.

 

[Human]

Seen my first 750i up close @ BMW Dealer - RSA - South-Africa.
Colour - Black, 20" Rims.....WOW!!!!! Understated beauty & HUGE Presence!!!!!! I mean HUGE! Low slung sporty body, in your face agressive nose and sexy, yet agressive rear....


7er = "THE POWERFUL PRESENCE SO CHARATERISTIC OF A BMW"

 

[ateekt]

I think, I've never paid that much attention to any thread before! Nice words from all you guys, keep them coming!

Not to mention.... this car is an absolute machine! My favorite 7-Series next to the killer E-38!

http://www.2xdvisual.com/e38/e38_04sshd_1600.jpg

 

[klier]

^ Right on the buck bro That E38 pic there is sick, btw !

7er is absolutely killer. I was in Monaco last week, and when I saw the S parked next to the 7er, the S really does look old and fat. Granted it was not the facelift, but still.

 

[PanterroR]

ateekt, karma for that pic, bro...

 

[ateekt]

ateekt, karma for that pic, bro...

Can you believe, I kept staring that pic for like 40 minutes & ended up adding it to my must-bye list!

 

[HighestOfHigh]

I would say that all the 7 series since the E38 have looked good. The new one is far from dull. Most of the large Sedans from Germany are interesting to look at.