It’s Official: US Gets 740i/Li for 2011

Bob Dec 16th, 2009 Link

This is terrific news. I’m sure this will increase 7er sales (though I suppose for some that could previously afford the V8 and V12 easily, the loss of exclusivity would be bad news). I know my dad would have purchased a E65 two years ago had they offered a six. He went with the E class instead

Just a question for you Michael; why isn’t BMW using the N55 in this car? I don’t totally understand the use of the N54 in the Z4 sDrive35is either, but this car particularly doesn’t make sense since the F07 and F10 both have the N55, (and seems like they share the same platform). So why does the 740i have a N54?

Also, why is BMW offering the 740 and 750 with six-speed autos, while putting an eight-speed into the 760 AND the F10 (even lower models). I’m guessing N54 has to go with six, and N55 with eight, but why differentiate?

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Scott Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Sounds great but now 7 series owners also have the opportunity to visit the dealer more frequently for a replacement HPFP.

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Michael Dec 16th, 2009 Link

Bob- As I have said in the past- The N54 is not leaving anytime soon! Higher output applications are coming for the N54 as the R&D has been completed and so has emissions.

The N55 was designed alongside the 8 Speed so software and gearing have been tweaked for one another. I would not be surprised to see the 8 speed make it to more models- as in there may be more 2011 announcements coming… also since 2011s will all have brake energy regeneration on them.

I will get into more details when I can as 2011 is going to be an interesting year for a lot of brands!

-M

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Bob Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Interesting. Thanks Michael. I’m actually new to this site – so didn’t know about you having said the N54 will be around (though I’ve been reading your posts on different boards for years). It’s a fantastic site!

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Michael Dec 17th, 2009 Link

Bob- Welcome! Thanks for the kind words, we hope that we will supply you with part of your accurate BMW fix! Things are only getting better- and don’t forget to check us out on iTunes for the BimmerCasts.

-M

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BimmerFile » Archive » Official: 2011 740i/Li and Z4sDrive35iS Pricing Jan 11th, 2010 Link

[...] at NAIAS BMWNA released the pricing of the new six cylinder 7 Series (740i/740Li) and the performance oriented [...]