Used BMW 7 Series for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW 7 Series is a big and beefy full-size luxury saloon, which has been around in numerous incarnations stretching as far back as the late seventies.

Currently in its seventh generation, supplies of the BMW 7 Series are reasonably plentiful and if you're after a car that's ideally suited to longer runs and expect comfort and power as you go it's hard to beat.

Considering its dimensions, the BMW 7 Series can turn out to be reasonably frugal if you plump for a diesel or hybrid model. Pick a good used one and you'll find it could be cheaper to buy than comparable high-end luxury saloons from the likes of Mercedes-Benz or Audi. However, depreciation can be a potential downside if you're purchasing a new car, although anyone buying a used BMW 7 Series will probably find this factor beneficial.

Alongside the luxury factor, the BMW 7 Series can be bought used with a wide variety of engines to choose from.  If money and economy is no object then the huge petrol V12 engine of the M760Li model is an indulgence that deserves to be tried. Meanwhile, a plug-in example might suit your needs if you're keeping an eye on costs, while the used diesel variants are dependable alternatives for everyday drivers clocking up the miles.

The BMW 7 Series has competition though, with the likes of the Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ all looking like viable alternatives when it comes to sumptuous luxury and refined performance. 

Should you buy a BMW 7 Series?

There's no doubt that if you're in the market for a used BMW 7 Series the big saloon offers a lot for the money. The best thing is that most cars will come with a premium specification and many will have additional options that add value, even if the car will have depreciated considerably since it was new. 

BMW gave its 7 Series an interesting cosmetic overhaul in 2019, with the front end receiving a look that divides opinion. However, if you can live with the unusual styling we think this model has a lot to offer, especially as there's a plug-in hybrid engine for anyone wanting something a little more frugal.

A BMW 7 Series not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used BMW 7 Series model to buy?

The current BMW 7 Series is appealing in either the Excellence, M Sport Edition or M incarnations and they come with a top specification. Engine options are straightforward too, with either the 750e xDrive or the M760e xDrive to ponder over and both are plug-in hybrids, which helps with economy.

Some buyers looking for older models will choose the big, powerful petrol engines just because they are a statement of outright status, but most will pick the more frugal but no less creamily smooth 730d with its 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine. It’s the one to have for most owners, though the 740d offers a bit extra in the way of overtaking oomph.

If you do choose the punchy 750i or V12-engined 760i, you get the sort of pace and overtaking power more normally associated with cars bearing BMW’s M badge.

Or there’s the 745e with its 2.0-litre petrol engine and additional battery power to deliver up to 128.4mpg and 29 miles of EV-only driving. This is an intriguing option and one that’s well suited to those who spend most of their time in city traffic. The 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine is every bit as refined as the other engines the range, so you don’t need to be committed to going green to make this decision.

Used BMW 7 Series fuel economy and performance

BMW has offered the 7 Series with a wide variety of engines over the years, so choice is solid depending on what you want your luxury saloon to do. The snapshot of engine variants below gives you a good indication of what to expect.

• BMW 7 Series 740i: A very tasty 3-litre petrol engine that's smooth and reasonably economical delivering in the region of 34.4–35.8 mpg.
• BMW 7 Series 750i: A 444bhp, 4.4 V8 petrol provides the thrills here, which can still offer around 32mpg.
• BMW 7 Series 760Li: A V12 monster that boasts 6.6-litres to play with. As a result, it's not hugely economical but can still manage around 22.1mpg, which isn't bad given the power on tap.
• BMW 7 Series 725d: The diesel cars are the ones to go for if economy comes first with 55.3–56.4 mpg possible from this engine.
• BMW 7 Series 730d: Another diesel option that has the potential to deliver 49.5–52.3 mpg, which is pretty solid.
• BMW 7 Series 740d: The 740d does a similar job, offering up around 47mpg from its diesel lump.
• BMW 7 Series 740e: A plug-in hybrid engine that combines ICE with an electric motor to deliver better fuel economy - up to 113mpg combined in fact.

What used BMW 7 Series trim levels are available?

Over the years the BMW 7 Series has had many variations on trim, but you can always rely on getting plenty of comfort, lots of in-car tech and plenty of refined luxury that underlines the premium edge of this heavy hauler with the following models ones to look out for. There's even a long wheelbase edition if you fancy offering limousine services.

• The BMW 7 Series Excellence If you're aiming for comfort then head straight in the direction of a used BMW 7 Series Excellence, which comes complete with all of the luxury treats you'd expect from this car.
• The BMW 7 Series M Sport As the name suggests, you'll be getting a much sportier look and feel with the trim level on this model, to compliment the racy exterior and bigger wheels.
• The BMW 7 Series Plug-in Hybrid 740e Alongside the trim levels above, BMW has also offered the 7 Series with an upgrade option in the shape of its Executive specification.
• The BMW 7 Series M760Li xDrive V12  Not to be outdone, it's also possible to beef up the already impressive Executive trim with BMW's Ultimate pack, which takes the car to the next level when it comes to comfort and tech treats.
• The BMW 7 Long-wheelbase is a top of the tree option if you're keen to enjoy more legroom and limousine-style touches that include roller blinds in the back and a large electric glass sunroof.

Used BMW 7 Series dimensions and boot size

There have been many variants of the BMW 7 Series over the years and this generously sized saloon has never been short on room and that's no more so than the latest edition.

The current BMW 7 Series dimensions are:

• Length: 5391mm
• Width: 1950mm
• Height: 1544mm
• Ground clearance: 136mm 

The BMW 7 Series boot size is:

• 500-litres

Used BMW 7 Series road tax

If you're looking to save money on road tax the 745e is the BMW 7 Series is one to consider thanks to its lower emissions. New owners got the benefit of paying noting in the first year for Vehicle Excise Duty. So, if you go for this model used it comes in at £465 as you pay the £325 additional tax for a car with a list price over £40,000 on top of the £140 for an alternative fuel vehicles.

The 730d comes in at £870 for the first year in its standard form and £475 for subsequent years. Opt for the 740d and that first-year cost rises to £1305, which seems reasonable next to the £1850 the 750i will cost you or a sizeable £2175 for the 760Li due to its 6.6-litre V12 motor.

How much is it to insure a BMW 7 Series?

Big, powerful cars like the BMW 7 Series do tend to attract higher insurance premiums. Unsurprisingly then, all of the 745e plug-in hybrid models sit in the highest group 50 category, as do the 750i and 760Li models.

You can make a saving if you plump for the 740i because this model sits in group 48 in its standard wheelbase form. However, the longer version falls into group 49. Elsewhere in the BMW 7 Series range, the 730d sits in group 49, unless you choose the BMW 7 Series M Sport model that falls in group 50, alongside the 740d.

Read our full BMW 7 Series review