CD Article: 2006 BMW 750Li

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


For 2006, BMW revamped its top-of-the-line 7 Series, replacing the outgoing 745 with the all-new 750. Given the 750Li's long wheelbase, rear-screen DVD player, heated rear seats, foot wedges and electric sunshades, Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh was almost reluctant to sit up front.      More...

[mdxtasy]

Was up behind one today.  The new rear lights look a bit odd at first.  I think I actually like the old lights better.  Maybe it's just me.

A car that's not for me.....

[si]

the new lights have a better look; however they look like the afterthought they are.



I would prefer a top-of-the-line lexus LS to this..  But I'm years away from dreaming of such an old mans car!

[G0dspd]

But I'm years away from dreaming of such an old RICH mans car!

There's also the BMW 760Li for something more exclusive and there's supposedly a M7 in the works due to high demands in the US ... scary stuff.

[airbalancer]

I may be driving one, but where do I sign up for a driver's job 

[Bullet Blue]

The resale values for these aren't that great. I saw one in the paper a (2004) for $49,000... Granted, it wasn't the Li, but still. I doubt these would be make a good used car buy because of all the gizmos and gadgets that can and probably will malfunction with time at the expense of the owner. If I were looking for a full sized luxury sedan, there would be some tough competition for the BMW. The Audi A8 (or the S8!), Lexus LS, or the new MB S-Class.

I don't mind the styling though. It's not the best looking BMW, but not as offensive as everyone seems to think it is IMO.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I like the tweaking to the front, but prefer the older lights that ran across the back end of the old one much more. They looked look, and I like the styling of this car. Hard to believe it has the largest trunk too, as the deck appears short.

I think even tho it's the "sport", it could use some brightwork around the windows or something more exotic. And those pricey wheels look blah too. It reminds me of a base Taurus - plain, Jane. Stark contrast to the nifty interior.

Nice car, but the new S Class is and LS will be the hot items.

[turbodiesel]

this updated version of 7-series look MUCH BETTER... visually, the so-called "Bangle butt" is not very evident (probably becuz of dark color), and the rear trunk's "light bars" are extended to touch the taillights... the front light... OMG I love it!

but I am not very happy of limited engine choices, only V8 and V12... and it lacks an inline 6! (essential if you buy a BMW just like you definitely need a Quattro if you want an Audi) Many countries got a 730i/Li with 258hp... that's REALLY sufficient for Canadian roads and... hey... it uses less fuel!

[Giant Dwarf]

The resale values for these aren't that great. I saw one in the paper a (2004) for $49,000... Granted, it wasn't the Li, but still. I doubt these would be make a good used car buy because of all the gizmos and gadgets that can and probably will malfunction with time at the expense of the owner. If I were looking for a full sized luxury sedan, there would be some tough competition for the BMW. The Audi A8 (or the S8!), Lexus LS, or the new MB S-Class.

I don't mind the styling though. It's not the best looking BMW, but not as offensive as everyone seems to think it is IMO.

Very true.  I talked to a guy who saw me admiring his black 760Li (with huge 20+" wheels) one day.  He said he can't wait to dump it because of the all problems he's had with it.  He drives his Ferrari more often because it's more reliable!

[Howswedeitis]

Very true.  I talked to a guy who saw me admiring his black 760Li (with huge 20+" wheels) one day.  He said he can't wait to dump it because of the all problems he's had with it.  He drives his Ferrari more often because it's more reliable!

The problem with the German car makers these days is how complex their electronic systems have become.
All sounds good on paper until something goes wrong and nobody can seem to be able to find out why! I have heard many horror stories with people driving the new Merc E class as well as BMW owners who are having to constantly "visit" their dealerships to fix problems that are hard to diagnose...with today's 'multiplexed' wiring set ups it's next to impossible to isolate problems like was the case when standard wiring was used. I can only imagine the frustration felt after spending so much money on a car only to be in the shop all of the time. Of course with the typical arrogance you find at these dealers the experience must be even more frustrating!

[Prius]

I don't understand why Germans can have so many electrical problems with their latest technology but the Japanese don't, or at least have fewer problems and less widespread? I mean the new RL in Japan is choked full of technology, so is the Prius with its automated parking assist. Nissan's also ahead with lane departure warning systems.

I don't think it's the technology so much as the wiring, soldering and any other connection that goes into the system. IOW, the simple, basic stuff that make the high tech stuff work.


Switching topics, how about a 2 or 3 year old XJ? Those have greater depreciation than the 7 Series. I think the newer ones have improved in their reliability over the old (early 90s) XJs.