For 2001, USA 7 Series includes these V8 models: 

• the standard-wheelbase 740i and
• the long-wheelbase 740iL.

The long-wheelbase 750iL is still the only V12 engine available in a luxury sedan. There are also two light-armored vehicles, the 740iL and 750iL Protection models.

Production of 2001 models began in March of 2000 with retail deliveries in April. Both the 740i and 740iL models are powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine with VANOS variable valve timing.

Standard equipment includes:

• A state-of-the-art BMW Cellular Phone System, with in-car or portable use, digital or analog operation, and Mayday service. 

• Run-flat tires on 17-inch wheels, available as a new no-cost option on all regular models. These were already standard on the two Protection models.

• All models get a light exterior retouch, with body-color side sills and lower bumper surfaces, and clear turn-signal lenses. 

For 2001 the Sport Package, currently ordered by more than half of the model's customers, is available on the long-wheelbase 740iL and V12 750iL models.

Click here for the new 2002 E65 7 Series!

The 7 Series models are BMW's largest sedans. They are performance-luxury sedans, rather than mere luxury sedans. Here are the features for all 2001 7 Series models:

• 3 regular models: standard-wheelbase 4.4-liter V-8 740i, long-wheelbase 4.4-liter V-8 740iL and long-wheelbase 5.4-liter V-12 750iL.
• 2 Protection Line light-armored models: 740iL and 750iL.

Subtle exterior-design update for 2001 include:

• Body-color side sills, front and rear lower aprons.
• Clear turn-signal lenses.

Other features include:

• 5-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control, Sport and Manual modes.
• 4-link integral rear suspension system.
• Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering.
• 16-in. alloy wheels, 235/60R-16 100H all-season tires standard.
• Run-flat tires on 17-in. alloy wheels, new no-cost option for 2001.
• Dynamic Stability Control; stability-enhancement system Dynamic Brake Control; enhances emergency braking.
• Interlocking door anchoring system for resistance to side impacts.
• Standard front-seat inflatable Head Protection System (HPS) and side-impact airbags.
• Battery Safety Terminal.
• Vehicle and Key Memory (programmable personalized functions).
• Xenon low-beam headlights with dynamic auto-leveling and high-pressure headlight cleaning system
• Multi-function remote control for locking and security systems (includes 2-step unlocking, trunk lid opening, panic function); battery recharged from vehicle electrical system, needs no replacement.
• Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with multi-function fingertip controls (including audio, cruise control, phone, recirculating air/heated steering wheel).
• 3-position memory system for driver’s seat, safety-belt height, steering wheel and outside mirrors.
• Leather and wood interior trim.
• State-of-the-art automatic climate control with full left/right controls, solar sensor.
• 2-way power moonroof standard.
• Dual cupholders front and rear.
• New Convenience Package: power-fold auto-dimming outside mirrors (new), power rear-window sunshade and manual rear side-window sunshades (formerly stand-alone option). Optional on 740i and 740iL; standard on 750iL and both Protection Line models.
• Super-premium audio system with 14 speakers incl. 4 subwoofers; Digital Sound Processing and 6-disc CD changer.
• BMW Onboard Navigation System.
• New BMW Cellular Phone System, digital/portable with Mayday features; newly standard in 740i and 740iL, now standard in all models.
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers on all except Protection Line models.
• New Sport Packages for 740iL and 750iL regular models; different content from 740i Sport Package.
• Active Comfort Seats optional in 740i, 740iL and 740iL Protection; standard in 750iL and 750iL Protection.
• Full Maintenance Program included in base price: 3 years/36,000 miles for 740i and 740iL models, 4 years/50,000 miles for 750iL models.

• Sport suspension.
• 18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
• STEPTRONIC transmission feature (driver-controlled shifting).
• High-stall-speed torque converter.
• Performance final drive ratio.
• Shadowline exterior trim.
• 3-spoke M sport steering wheel.
• 18-way Contour sport front seats.
• Vavona redwood interior trim.

• Electronic Damping Control
• 18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
• Shadowline exterior trim.
• Vavona redwood interior trim.

• Midnight Blue or Orinocco BMW Individual exterior paint.
• Euro Nappa leather interior in Ecru color (off-white), with blue or green piping, carpeting and accents.

• Electronic Damping Control.
• Self-leveling rear suspension.
• Power-fold auto-dimming outside mirrors.
• 16-way Active Comfort power front seats with articulated backrests and fatigue-reducing Active feature.
• Heated front and rear seats, steering wheel.
• Power rear-window sunshade and manual rear door-window shades.
• Ski bag.

• Double-pane insulating side windows.
• Power/heated individual rear seats, power rear head restraints.
• Detail upgrades in interior, including more extensive leather trim.

• 18-in. wheels (different sizes front/rear) with performance tires.
• Shadowline exterior trim.
• Vavona redwood interior trim.

• Aramide body armoring: front footwells, doors, rear bulkhead and wheel housings.
• Bullet-resistant windshield, door windows and rear window.
• Electrically heated windshield and front door windows.
• Moonroof delete.
• Ski bag not available.
• Modified suspension system with Electronic Damping Control and self-leveling rear suspension. (Adaptive Ride Package)
• Run-flat tires on special 17 x 8.0 alloy wheels

• 4-passenger seating configuration.
• Power-fold auto-dimming outside mirrors, power rear and manual rear side-window sunshades, standard vs. optional (Convenience Package).
• Multi-function rear center armrest, optional.