The BMW 740Li, part of the F02 Long wheelbase (LCI) facelift generation of the 7 Series produced from 2012 to 2015, represented a significant offering in the luxury sedan segment. Positioned as a mid-range option within the 7 Series lineup, it bridged the gap between the entry-level 730Li and the high-performance 750Li. The “Li” designation signifies an extended wheelbase, primarily aimed at providing increased rear passenger legroom – a key feature for markets like China, where the car saw substantial sales. This variant combined a potent 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with BMW’s Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series Long (F02 LCI, facelift 2012) |
| Type (Engine) | 740Li (320 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2012 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 5.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 320 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 450 Nm @ 1300-4500 rpm (331.9 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | N55B30A |
| Engine displacement | 2979 cm3 (181.79 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89.6 mm (3.53 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10.2 l (10.78 US qt | 8.97 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1920 kg (4232.88 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2540 kg (5599.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5219 mm (205.47 in.) |
| Width | 1902 mm (74.88 in.) |
| Height | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3210 mm (126.38 in.) |
| Front track | 1611 mm (63.43 in.) |
| Rear track | 1650 mm (64.96 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Tires size | 245/50 R18 100Y |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 740Li is BMW’s N55B30A engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder powerplant. This engine is a member of BMW’s highly regarded N55 family, known for its blend of performance and efficiency. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve timing (VANOS) and valve lift (Valvetronic) technologies to optimize power delivery and fuel economy. The turbocharger provides significant boost across a wide RPM range, contributing to the engine’s 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque available from as low as 1300 rpm and sustained through 4500 rpm. This broad torque curve provides strong acceleration in everyday driving situations. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. Paired with the N55 is BMW’s eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This transmission offers smooth and quick shifts, and features adaptive learning algorithms that adjust shift points based on driving style. Manual shift control is also available via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector.
Driving Characteristics
The 740Li delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience. The combination of the turbocharged inline-six and the eight-speed automatic results in brisk acceleration – 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds. While not as overtly sporty as the 750Li with its V8 engine, the 740Li provides ample power for confident overtaking and highway cruising. The Steptronic transmission is well-tuned for both relaxed cruising and more spirited driving. The long wheelbase contributes to a smooth ride, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. Compared to the 730Li, the 740Li offers a noticeable performance upgrade, while remaining more fuel-efficient than the 750Li. The gear ratios are optimized for both acceleration and fuel economy, with taller gears for highway cruising and shorter gears for quick response.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 740Li came standard with a comprehensive list of luxury features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a premium sound system, a navigation system, and a sunroof. Standard safety features included anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a suite of airbags. Optional extras included features like massaging seats, rear-seat entertainment, a head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Interior trim options included various wood veneers and aluminum accents. The extended wheelbase provided significantly more rear legroom compared to the standard 7 Series, making it particularly appealing to chauffeur-driven buyers.
Chassis & Braking
The 740Li utilizes a double-wishbone front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The suspension is electronically controlled, adjusting damping rates based on road conditions and driving style. Ventilated disc brakes are fitted on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) and stability control are standard features. The steering system is a rack-and-pinion setup with power assistance, offering precise and responsive steering feel. The 740Li typically came equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and tires, although larger wheel and tire options were available.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 740Li was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its blend of performance, luxury, and fuel efficiency. It was considered a strong competitor to other luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Audi A8. Fuel economy was a particular strength, with the 740Li achieving around 29.8 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with electronic systems. Compared to the 730Li, the 740Li offered a significant performance boost, while the 750Li provided even more power but at the expense of fuel economy.
Legacy
The F02 740Li has established itself as a reliable and desirable used luxury sedan. The N55 engine is known for its durability, and with proper maintenance, can provide many years of trouble-free service. The Steptronic transmission is also generally reliable. Today, well-maintained examples of the 740Li can be found on the used car market at relatively affordable prices, offering a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking a luxurious and capable sedan. The car represents a high point in BMW’s engineering and design, and continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts and luxury car buyers alike.
