Snapshot: While there is stiff competition this year (Audi is coming on strong), the 7-series is still the benchmark to go by when judging a high-end driver's car. Available in two body sizes (i and Li) and with two different engines (V-8 and V-12) producing up to 438 horsepower (from its 12-cylinder engine).
How Much?: Prices for a 2004 BMW 7-series in the US range from $69,995 to $119,195.
The Inside Story: While we eagerly await an update to BMW's brilliantly-conceived (but not so brilliantly-executed) iDrive system we can still sit in the lap of luxury with over 42 inches of rear leg room (in Li body trim). It's time to break out the taped-up nerd glasses and hit the books to learn how to control this car's interior. Every safety measure BMW has available is in here.
Under the Hood: A V-8 and a big V-12 are offered. Horsepower ranges from 325 with the V-8 to 438 with the V-12. These are heavy cars (the smallest is still over 2 1/2 tons) with thirsty engines: V-8 offers 18 city/26 highway while the V-12 manages 15 city/23highway.
Transmissions: A 6-speed automatic is the only transmission available.
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles.
Should you Buy a 2004 BMW 7-series?: If you are into gadgets or made your millions in the dot.com boom, yes. The styling of the 7-series is still being talked about and regardless of whether it's exactly your taste one thing is for sure: BMW made a bold and interesting move with their new design direction. They didn't alter the 7's road characteristics, however, and that's good news. This car is a driver's car if there ever was one. The 7-series has many gadgets to control and it takes some time to learn them; but if you are into that you'll be rewarded with a car you can actually use and one the competition is still longing to build.
