2004 BMW 7 Series New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 BMW 7-Series?
In an effort to resolve functionality issues with the controversial iDrive system on the BMW 7-Series, engineers debut an “evolved” version of the controller for 2004. Whether this means “simpler” remains to be seen. Newly standard are power folding exterior mirrors, while Adaptive Headlights that swivel to illuminate curves and Sirius satellite radio are optional for 2004. The standard automatic climate control is upgraded, and the BMW 745i and BMW 745Li have a fresh standard alloy wheel design. Mid-year, BMW added a short-wheelbase model with a 438-horsepower V-12 engine called the BMW 760i.

Advantages of the 2004 BMW 7-Series:

• Incredible performance on back roads
• Incredible comfort on highways and city streets
• Impressive quality of cabin materials

Objections to the 2004 BMW 7-Series:

• Fussy iDrive control system
• Befuddling ignition, gear selection and turn signal functions
• Odd, bustle-back rear styling

Editor's Advice:
In the super-luxury sedan arena, BMW owns the field when it comes to vehicle dynamics. The 2004 BMW 7-Series must surely be “the ultimate driving machine.” However, inside and out, stylists have run amuck. Attractive is not the word that comes immediately to mind when viewing the BMW 7-Series from afar or up close. Frustrating is the word that comes to mind when trying to perform the simplest of tasks from behind the steering wheel. Of course, once acclimated, the controls of the BMW 7-Series become second nature. But isn't luxury supposed to be about simplicity? If an owner's manual were required to open the mini-bar or to turn on the shower of your suite at the Four Seasons, would you stay there?