2009 BMW 7 Series diesel – First Steer
June 27, 2009 by David Twomey
Conventional wisdom says that if you are wafting along in a large, luxurious sedan then it should be this quiet, the same conventional wisdom says that if it’s a diesel then it probably won’t be this quiet.
What is more I’d swear that the BMW 740i that I was driving a few days before had more mechanical, induction, engine noise than does this 730d sibling!
The first diesel powered 7 Series to be offered by BMW in Australia makes a strong argument, through its clean, powerful and frugal performance, to persuade even well heeled purchasers that there is a case for taking the diesel option.
Back in Europe just about every BMW, indeed every car, has a diesel badge on the back, and BMW has been a leader in the technology development, but here in Australia the German company only introduced its first diesel model five years ago.
In the intervening time diesels have risen to become one-third of local sales across the model range and now even the most prestigious BMW buyer has the option of making that choice, perhaps not driven by a innate desire to save money but rather to be seen to be ‘green’.
It’s interesting to note, however, that a 730d owner will save money anyway as the diesel powered car is actually priced at $198,800, some $4200 cheaper than the identically specified 740i, which uses a twin-turbo petrol engine.
What BMW believes will appeal more strongly to the 7 Series buyer is the fact that the 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine underscores all its major rivals on fuel consumption and emissions outputs.
The 730d engine generates 180kW of power at 4000rpm and 540Nm of torque between 1750-3000rpm. As a result, the BMW 730d accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds, yet uses just 7.2L/100km of fuel and emits only 192g/km of CO2, making it the most economical car in its class.
It also means the 730d is the first car in the upper luxury sedan segment to emit less than 200 grams of CO2 per kilometre, by comparison the Lexus LS600hL, despite being hybrid powered, emits 219g/km, and consumes 9.3L/100km of petrol.
The new 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel, six-cylinder engine delivers performance akin to a V8 engine, but with the fuel economy of some four-cylinder engines housed in much smaller bodies.
Like all of the 7 Series models the BMW 730d is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission equipped with optimised gearshift dynamics that make for faster shifting, improved shift comfort and reduced fuel consumption.
There’s not a hint of all this frugal-ness on the road as the 730d delivers uncompromising performance and bursts into life without the slightest hint of a rattle or a wheeze, so typical of diesel engines from other manufacturers.
In fact, had somebody not spent an hour telling me how good this diesel engine was, and had I not already noted the ‘d’ badge on the rear, I’d have been more inclined to believe we were driving something with V8 power, once on the road.
Perhaps the only give away would be the tinge of turbo-lag that is evident on initial acceleration, but once underway there is abundant performance thanks to that massive torque figure and even on twisty country roads this very big, heavy car feels more like a sports car as it hauls itself out of corners.
That acceleration is so linear and progressive you can well believe the tales of those who have travelled on autobahns in this car and cruised for hundreds of kilometres, fully laden, with the speedo needle sitting steadily on 200km/h.
While we never saw figures even remotely approaching that, some spirited driving through the country lanes around Bowral in New South Wales saw the trip computer tell a ‘woeful tale’ of fuel consumption nudging 8.0L/100km, a figure Holden Caprice drivers can only dream of.
For the most part we actually recorded 5.8L/100km while cruising on the motorways and this generally nudged up into the region of 7.5L/100km when giving the throttle some vigorous use through the twisty bits.
While doing just that we observed that the steering weights-up nicely, although it can feel a bit remote mid-corner, and despite the alloy engine block the rear-wheel-drive 730d does get a bit nose-heavy under directional changes.
We can’t generally disagree with BMW’s claim that the all-new suspension optimises ride and handling with a particular accent on comfort.
The ambience inside the car is one of relatively serene quiet, there’s just no real noise from the engine, the run-flat tyres or the wind. Comfort is typical of the 7 Series although we are inclined to the view that taller rear seat passengers are a little cramped for legroom, when similar height people occupy the front seats.
Boot space is the same as other 7 Series and is adequate for the job, while not being truly spectacular for such a big car.
The new 7 Series is the first BMW Sedan with a double-wishbone front axle and the exclusive BMW integral V rear axle, made largely of aluminium.
Hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with an on-demand steering assistance pump joins the world debut of optional Integral Active Steering, a combination of Active Steering on the front axle and speed-related rear-wheel steering.
Extending the performance envelope are new driver assistance features such as Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Driving Control, which are standard.
The Dynamic Driving Control button on the centre console varies the dampers, gearshift dynamics, as well as the throttle and steering assistance map. This offers the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings.
In Australia, customers are offered the following features, directly aligned with the 740i, as standard on the new 730d: Head-Up Display, High Beam Assistant, Adaptive bi-Xenon headlights with daytime running function, variable headlight beam distribution for better illumination around bends, including automatic turning lights, Automatic Variable Light technology (beam throw control with country / highway lights), Rear View Camera, and Cruise Control with Brake function.
The new BMW 730d will go on sale this month with a manufacturer’s list price from $198,800*.
*Manufacturer List Price excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact a BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
Print it: 
Great car. Well done BMW.
like i said earlier, this car is beautiful… especially in a darker colour where all of the chrome contrasts.
When one considers the twisting force necessary to get something as heavy as this rolling, together with the effortless refinement available from modern diesels (not to mention the frugality), it would surprise me if anybody offered a petrol engine in this category in five years time.
This car is pure innovation. WHy cant we dowunder produce something of this calibre. Although Holden constantly harks on about the Caprice, it cant match the tech savvy of this car.
^^^^^^Maybe there’s a price difference? Geee.
It is a very good car. I drove one in the UK not too long ago against a 750i and I would honestly take the diesel any day. It’s just such a good engine.
Does anybody else think that there’s nothing, well, very special about the 7 Series? I do like it but it just seems a bit boring. It doesn’t quite have the up-market looks of an S Class and it isn’t as interesting as the next XJ is promising to be. I have the same problem with the Audi A8; exceptional car, but nothing to really get you going. I have also commented before that the colour choice is just so boring. You know you’ve got a problem when the most exciting colour is a toss up between a grey-ish blue and white.
I remember when limousines were fun. I have never seen a Rolls Royce Phantom that wasn’t black, white, silver, grey or navy blue. My mothers family car when I was growing up was a bright red Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II and it was and still is the most fantastic car. It just has so much character but the problem now is image. My parents bought it new and back then, everybody respected Rolls Royces. Now if you have one, you’re a self righteous bastard who’s killing several polar bears every time you switch on the engine and only bought it to be noticed. That seems to be the general consensus with most limousines and that, unfortunately, is why one can’t go and order a bright red 7 Series. I think this is a real shame because colour has a lot to do with the character of a car. Silver takes it away, but red or blue might add more. It’s just how it works and I for one think that BMW could use some more character. I am not especially excited by white or grey-ish blues.
BMW 7 Series Diesel is absolutely one of the greatest inventions of BMW. How I wish I can afford such a car, BMW is an awesome car and I would definitely love to own one someday.
I like the way they have “De-Bangled” these things now, the rump looks so much better
The only thing that needs changing are the wheels.
Wooo a diesel. great car. Def better than guzzling petrol anyday
Gone !!!!
Bright red Roller – Alex talking bollix again. No one in their right mind buys a red Roller and Royce can’t imagine made one that colour.
Hi – nice car and nice review; quick question – does anyone know what wheels are on that test car? Are they the standard 18″ or one of the optional 19/20″ designs? As Damian said above, it’s the one thing I’m changing when I buy one of these after my lotto numbers come in :-)
Heard it all Before, I assure you that I am not talking “bollix”. There are actually quite a few bright red Rolls Royces around. There are also many bright yellow and blue ones. You have to remember that this was the sixties and seventies – people weren’t that worried about what others thought of them and as I wrote before, you weren’t a c*ck for driving a Rolls Royce, you were respected for it.
I agree that nobody in their right mind would order a bright red Rolls Royce but then, I never said that my parents were in their right minds. It did make sense though, take away colour, a quiet and comfortable car is always going to better if you have children sleeping in the back.
Apart from anything, the Silver Shadow was cheap for what it was. When my parents bought it new, I think it was about 10,000 pounds or something close to that and with inflation, that’s probably no more than what a well specced 7 Series would cost today. Basically, they wouldn’t have had the same sinking feeling that one might get once they get home after ordering a bright red Phantom today just simply because it didn’t cost so much.
I don’t have the colour wrong though. Until a few years ago, take away when I was on holiday, I had seen it every day since I was born.
Troy, I’m pretty sure that these are the standard eighteens. 19’s an 20’s do look much better.
Alex, there’s a bright red Silver Shadow I here in Perth. It’s totally original in appearance and appears to be used every day.
how is the diesel particulate filter (DPF)? can it be effective under start stop city driving only? Can it be effective if it’s used for short trip only?
I would happily have one of these beasts.
My dad had 3 VW beetles once, but that is just not relevant is it now Alex.
I prefer the M Benz S Class to the BMW 7 Series.
What’s the point of a true luxo ride if you can’t have the luxury of adjustable air suspension as standard fit in the S Class ?
M Benz are working on a twin turbo version of their 3.0 litre diesel that first came out in 2005, that’s said to be north of 230KW’s !!
In 2009 BMW have released a 3.0 litre single turbo diesel making 180KW and 540 nm’s of torque, but four years ago M Benz released their S Class 173KW 540nm engine, so its taken all that time for BMW to catch up, go figure ?
Buck[uncle!]^^^^
Not that these luxo sedans do anything for me, but if i did i would go the VW Phaeton, impressive vehicle and does not have any snob to it, just put a Passat/Bora badge on the boot and you would never even be noticed…
Wonder what all the 10 special requests Piëch asked it to meet where?
Built in a amazing glass walled enviro factory, in Dresden.
Not for Oz, only NZ, they did get very close to selling it here though, be a great 2nd hand buy.
Cheers,
F-0
F-0
Great mileage eater. Great touring car like most of the cars in this class, though it seems most (not all) are just used to drive/commute around our big cities… whereas in Germany these cars (especially the Diesel S-classes and BMW 7series as well as Audi A8s) are most commonly used by business(wo)men who travel 75,000km or more a year…. have a look on carsales how little miles these cars do here…i’m amazed at that….
Great car nonetheless
BMW 730d is they best faster
What the F*ck does that mean?? ^^
Plus i agree with what someone said about the Merc S-class its way better than this BMW, as much as i like the new styling to it..