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Raising The Bar With New Standard
Equipment
It wasn’t that long ago when the phrase
"performance-oriented luxury sedan" was a contradiction in
terms. Luxury sedans were supposed to offer elegant transportation, they
weren’t supposed to be able to race around on mountain roads or hold
their own with sportscars coming off the line. Today, it’s performance
combined with luxury in a large sedan that has cornered this market. For
the 2000 7 Series, BMW decided to raise the bar, by making many of last
year’s options standard features for the millennium model year.
After the 1999 7 Series received a freshening that encompassed the
powertrain, exterior and interior as well as the introduction of a new
Sport Package for the 740i, the 2000 models boast a wealth of new standard
equipment. The millennium 7 Series also offers two models with Protection
packages, becoming the first auto manufacturer to offer a light-armored
vehicle in the U.S. market.
The sportiest of the 7 Series line up, the 740i, is the most compact model
in the series with its 115.4-inch wheelbase. Both the 740i and its
long-wheelbase brother the 740iL, are powered by the 4.4-liter, 282
horsepower V-8 engine, which was introduced in 1999. This year, the
sibling 740s see over $4400 worth of options now as standard equipment.
The newly standard equipment includes a navigation system with integrated
computer and monitor. This CD-based system has an in-dash monitor which
houses all the navigation controls as well as audio, ventilation and other
functions. Rain sensing windshield wipers are new to the 7 Series and are
standard equipment as well. Other former options that are now standard
include a high-pressure liquid headlight cleaning system, the
super-premium audio system and Xenon low-beam headlights. The Xenon
headlights feature dynamic auto-leveling, which automatically adjusts the
lights’ aim even during quick changes, such as acceleration and braking.
Options on the 740i and 740iL are few. Electronic Damping Control system
(BMW’s electronically controlled suspension) and self-leveling rear
suspension have been combined into the Adaptive Ride Package for a better
overall value. The Cold Weather Package, which formerly included the
now-standard headlight washers, now includes heated front and rear seats,
marking the first time these options are offered on the 740 models. A
second wheel choice, Ellipsoid alloy wheels, are also available at no
extra charge as an alternative to the standard Cross Spoke wheels.
BMW’s well-known Comfort Seat, with its trademark articulated upper
backrest, has been upgraded as well. The new Active Comfort Seat is
offered as an option on the 740 models and as standard equipment in the
750iL. The Active seat has two stretchable hollow cavities under the front
seat cushions which are alternately filled and emptied with a freeze-proof
liquid. The process, which repeats about once a minute, alternates raising
and lowering the seat cushion’s left and right halves by approximately
one half-inch to reduce fatigue and discomfort.
The 740i’s sport package, which was introduced in 1999, continues to be
offered, although the 18-inch wheels and tires in the package are now
offered as a stand-alone option for the 740i, 740iL and 750iL models.
Designed to give both a sportier look and driving experience, the sport
package features a steptronic automanual transmission, a shorter final
drive ratio, a torque converter with a higher stall speed and a sport
suspension package with 18-inch wheels. For added comfort and visual
appeal, 18-way Contour sport seats, Vavona redwood interior trim and
matte-black exterior trim are also included in the package.
The flagship of the 7 Series line, the 750iL, reflects fewer changes for
2000. Already equipped with all the new standard and optional features
offered in the 740 models, the 750iL, with its 5.4-liter V-12 engine sees
the new rain sensing wipers and Active Comfort Seats, without an increase
in price. Also offered is the new Highline option, a package of special
interior and exterior color combinations with upgraded leather upholstery.
This package is offered at no additional charge.
All 2000 7 Series models now feature Advanced Smart Airbags, which deploy
at two different speeds depending on the severity of the impact. BMW’s
Head Protection System and front seat side-impact airbags became standard
equipment in 1999. Rear-compartment side-impact airbags and the Rear Head
Protection System are optional for 2000, allowing customers to choose this
feature depending on their use of the vehicle. A switch that shuts off the
fuel pump after a collision has also been added to the Impact Sensor
system which also unlocks all the doors, switches on the interior lights
and activates the four-way flashers after an impact.
The 740iL Protection and 750iL Protection mark the first time an automaker
is offering its own light armored vehicle in the U.S., eliminating the
need for an owner to use an aftermarket conversion company. The 7 Series
Protection vehicles are able to retain their performance and handling,
since there is a minimal weight increase of 300-350 pounds over their
standard counterparts. All critical body panels are armored with Aramide,
a lightweight fiber reinforcing material, and bullet-resistant glass is
installed. Special 17-inch alloy wheels have run-flat tires with a
deflating warning system. Seating is reduced from five passengers to four,
to make room for the additional multi-function rear armrest that is
standard in the 750iL and optional in the 740iL. The armrest allows for
rear seat controls of the onboard computer, power rear sunshade, audio
controls, front passenger seat position and includes a separate phone
handset.
By Tara Baukus Mello
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