BMW 7 Series 1986–1994 car dimensions: 4910 mm long, 1845 mm wide and 1411 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,600 kg. Braked towing is 1,600 kg.
Electronic dual-zone heating with separate left/right controls is standard. Automatic climate control is available on higher grades or as an option. Cruise control is available and fitted as standard on top models such as the 750. Park Distance Control ultrasonic sensors front and rear are an option. No touchscreen, camera or modern electronic driver aids appear in the equipment lists.
Boot volume is 500 litres with the rear seats in place. The rear bench does not fold, so there is no expanded cargo figure.
Braked towing capacity is 1600 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Payload sits between 520 kg and 550 kg depending on engine and wheelbase. Self-levelling rear suspension is standard on long-wheelbase and V12 models and optional elsewhere. electronic damper control is also available.
The cabin is driver-oriented with quality materials, dual-zone climate control as standard or available, and optional power front seats with memory. Long-wheelbase models add rear space. Higher grades and Highline packs bring power rear seats, heated seats, leg rests, a rear coolbox, dual rear climate and radio controls, plus sunshades. Optional double glazing keeps noise low for a refined, spacious feel on long trips.
Petrol only. combined consumption varies by engine from around 11 l/100 km on six-cylinder models to 13.2-13.5 l/100 km on V12.
ABS is standard.
Traction control (ASC, later ASC+T) available or standard on later cars.
Driver airbag optional. passenger airbag later optional.
Self-levelling rear suspension standard on V12 and long-wheelbase models.
All engines run on petrol. Six-cylinder models return the lowest figures, with combined use near 11 l/100 km. V8s sit around 11-12 l/100 km and the V12 nearer 13 l/100 km depending on driving. Tank size is typically 90 litres, larger on some long-wheelbase cars.
Servicing focuses on the cooling system, electronics and suspension. Oil and filter changes, plus checks on belts, pumps and dampers, keep the car reliable. V8 and V12 units need more attention to ignition and management systems. Regular care prevents common wear items from becoming expensive.
Safety kit starts with standard ABS and disc brakes. Optional traction control and airbags were progressive for the time. Structural design improved on the prior generation. Optional double glazing and Xenon lights (from 1991 on top models) add secondary benefits. No published star ratings appear in period material.
The car rewards careful ownership. Good factory corrosion protection helps longevity, though underbody and wheel-arch checks remain wise in salted climates. Maintain electrics, fluids and the complex options list to keep comfort and safety systems working. Parts remain available through specialists.
Length 4910 mm, Width 1845 mm, Height 1411 mm, Wheelbase 2832 mm (7 Series 1986–1994)
Sources: manufacturer data, auto-data.net and autoevolution.com, Wikipedia/de.wikipedia and Autoscout24.