All of the technology! 2004 BMW 760i E65 V12 (it baffled me) - Real Road Test

Apologies for sound issues on this one - that mic has had its day! But, how did I get on with this tech-laden, controversially-styled and distinctly modern BMW? Designed by Chris Bangle, the E65 remains a bit of a Marmite design. Some like it, some absolutely hate it, but hydraulically-controlled anti-roll, a mighty V12 engine, air suspension at the notorious i-drive system mean this is a car that certainly isn't short of talking points.
HubNut goodies can be purchased at hubnut.org where you'll also find support options. Or, support HubNut at / hubnut or via Channel memberships: / @hubnut
Snail mail:
HubNut
PO Box 96
NEW QUAY
SA44 9AZ
UNITED KINGDOM
Don't forget to like the video if you like it, and share with your friends if you really like it! Thank you all.

[@TheCounty90]

Its rare to find somebody who isn't tribal about cars, and can enjoy an Invacar and this BMW for what they are. A true petrol head!

[@alanlansdell7533]

Couldn't agree more 👍

[@jamessalt13]

If i remember right there's an independent specialist somewhere that has devised ways to make certain labour intensive repairs easier (in relative terms). JayEmm did a video about one, don't think it was the valve cover gasket as I seem to remember it was a kind of 'stent' that could be inserted over what was probably a coolant pipe? Obviously a substantial maintenance budget is still required to run one of these but it's good to see that there are some clever engineers out there that can help allow the maintenance of these cars to be less eye watering as they get older and are passed on to enthusiasts.

[@tortozza]

@freepieanchipsgarage That doesn't mean you can't appreciate it when it works. Luxury cars are designed for rich people who change them after 3 years.

[@tortozza]

@freepieanchipsgarage Don't like it? Don't buy it. I drive a Honda because I don't like frequent trips to the garage but I see why someone would want a BMW or Merc.

[@tortozza]

@freepieanchipsgarage If it's unacceptable, you should've known what you were getting into and bought a Lexus instead!

[@mr-wx3lv]

This is why we like you Ian. Because you review a mighty 6 ltr beemer in the same way as an invacar... Nice video Ian..😎

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

@freepieanchipsgarage Hoovie junked is 760i due to high pressure pumps I have had two sets under my BMW insured warranty... Once because of a failure and once because of a fuel pipe failure and the new pipes require updated pumps. At 6k each time...

[@Peter1Europe]

HubNut drives 12 cylinder car. 2020 have some mercy.

[@imarcus1973]

I used to see a guy driving one of these on the motorway on my daily commute, always in the inside lane at 60mph. He may have been doing that to save fuel, but I like to think he'd bought his dream car and was enjoying feeling like a king on his daily drive!

[@williamfence566]

Still better looking than the over sized grill on the new stuff .

[@HubNut]

A fair point, well made.

[@cme2cau]

For those not in Australia we have a concept called "The Ugly Stick" If something or somebody is unattractive, they are said to have had an encounter with the ugly stick. I am sure the ugly stick has made its way to Munich. Pity.

[@Beany2007FTW]

@@cme2cau the current BMWs feel out of the ugly tree, hitting every branch on the way down, before hitting the ugly rock and bouncing into the ugly pond.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I have to admit I am now done with 7 series BMWs this one will be my last. There is in my mind absolutely no point in upgrading.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

It looks like a big plastic food tray. I wont come round to that design

[@volvo480]

Nice to drive it on loan from a friend, running costs and repair bills will probably prevent me from ever wanting to own one 😜 But it's definitely the most luxurious car ever presented on this channel. And the fact that this BMW has working indicators is surely worth mentioning 😂

[@doncorleon9]

Time really has been kind to Bangle's designs. His designs were a decade ahead.

[@HighHoeKermit]

Wow, first! Something about that headrest shape that makes it looks like you're sat on a robot's lap.

[@briananthony4044]

The one from Red Dwarf perhaps?

[@ihaveacoolhat1]

I remember being an 11 year old into cars. at the time this car came out and reading about it in Top Gear and being amazed. This car definitely changed BMW's entire direction.

[@thelazykiwi1295]

as a long term e65 760 owner i think you did this car justice, Well done

[@benhooper1956]

I have actually always quite liked this, as a modern classic, it's the point where the technology still adds to the experience, and has character, rather than connectivity. I just loved seeing a screen that is controlled with a rotating switch!

[@MrSudanPresident]

The fuel gauge moves faster than the speedometer.

[@kruleworld]

That's why they come with larger fuel tanks. Petrol was made to be burned.

[@paulsz6194]

Evil Ash thanks for the explanation- I always thought it was for ballast?? 🤣

[@iamasmurf1122]

Why is it all you people think big engined cars are fuel guzzlers , maybe 50 years ago but as it goes its really only 13 litres per 100 klm, which in comparison for a tiny little gay as the day hatchback of which you can not tow anything with or load up with people is maybe only 5 litres per 100klms difference . In fact as is with most cars all your main costs with cars are not actually fuel at all but maintenance costs , insurances , regostrations !!! Fuel is actually the cheapest cost really with any car . Even with petrol increases globally over the last 20 -30 years the more efficient cars have become petrol costs have actually decreased not increased relatively .

[@AliceC993]

@@iamasmurf1122 Imagine being offended by the mere existence of a hatchback. 13L/100 km vs 8 is a _huge_ difference, I'm not sure what you're on about.

[@kaypearce1537]

What a beauty, frighteningly complex. It's a brave man who takes on one of these. Nice to see a road test after all these years

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

I drove one of these brand new. Nice car to drive. It was a LWB and the nice owner was very proud of the back seat with refrigerator and stuff. And of course the comfort. Sadly I wasn´t diplomatic enough, so I took him on a ride in my 1973 Citroën DS Familiale. He is sadly gone now, but as long as he lived he never stopped talking about the DS. Always think of this nice old man when I see these BMW´s. It´s a shame that they are too scary to own. And I say that as a Citroën and Mercedes W140-owner...

[@cerealtiller]

The DS had it's quirks and faults but it still stands as a Masterpiece of Automotive Engineering.

[@Chris-rs3dj]

Highly underrated, very ahead of its time. Under appreciated.

[@peterchildress7719]

drove my mates dads v12 jag back from manchester years ago.what an experiance that was .keep up the good work.i like older cars but can aprectiate any car that does its job as described.

[@d7jjk]

Enjoyed this video, Ian. I have a lot of love for the E65.

[@robi4387]

This is truly amazing: Keyfob unlocks, soft close works, window works, bonnet pull works. Battery positive not in place = bad sign. It started, that's a plus. He seems to know as much about this car as the average car salesman, barely scratching the surface of the tech and issues to look out for. I can write this because I own one and I know that just because it is working one day............

[@javontaepoole8555]

I have one of these and all the electronics work except the l7 which just went out and it was the original oem one.

[@damianfuller74]

So tempting the sevens!! Especially the one earlier from the same owner. They are getting rare in good shape and commanding better money. I really like to hear you speak of the family. It's a big deal taking on children when you wasn't probably considering the idea! Good man!

[@johnhunt2388]

that car looked like smoothness that couldn't be beaten ,I would love it

[@colindowd9756]

And to think you were taking your life in your hands driving the Invacar recently! I love the way you get clinical and point out faults even on the luxury models. I'd say the only sound you can hear is the depreciation 😀

[@daniellee9015]

Fantastic car love it brilliant video Ian

[@plym1969]

I really enjoyed your 2 BMW 7 series videos. Very entertaining content.

[@Squadalha]

How the sun blings on the window when you said "It's the driving experience that shines through." was so on point.

[@dungareesareforfools]

You review so many of my favourite cars!

[@eddiecochran1938]

Great video. Got my triangle of doom t shirt yesterday, and i absolutely love it!

[@robinvanags912]

Thank You for this tour in & around the car (love the dark roof -lining - .but not the seats!).

[@matty6848]

This is what I love about Ian’s channel just the different varieties of cars he reviews. Yes big channels like Harry’s Garage is good but he drives cars that most people will never own or even get to drive, but with HubNut it’s real life accessible cars that we’ve either owned, or driven in the past, although I’ve never owned a BMW 760i😂

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I have owned or have driven a surprising number of the cars Ian has reviewed. I was surprised he wanted to review this one...

[@petergouldbourn2312]

I loved this video. Great stuff. Pete 🇬🇧

[@andythebourne]

I stumbled upon your BMW 7 tests right after watching the whole Foxanne series ... well what a contrast! This is the kind of car I wouldn't even dare to drive because I don't get along well with electronic gadgets, but you almost made me like it.. sort of!

[@GlossaME]

Great one Ian

[@graemew7001]

As I said after yesterday's video, I was always a fan of the E60/E65 design from day one and this video of what the car goes like makes me think "if only I had the money!"

[@vtwin6683]

2004 saw a big change in tech for these exec saloons, I did twelve weeks training for the 04 Audi A8, twelve weeks for one model!

[@Admodeus]

It's crazy how modern that car is, it could honestly pass for a current car.

[@simes205]

My brother borrowed one once, same model. He was impressed by the amount of gravel he could move via the exhaust when revving it up!

[@doncorleon9]

I love these barges. Will definitely get one and keep it.

[@alexmacdonald4270]

I quite like the looks, interior is amazing

[@martinjones5560]

Always impressed by your one handed bonnet opening skills. I personally struggle with two hands.

[@brianevans4618]

So true Ian. Body roll? Fun. For 2CV or Renault R6 enthusiasts, what would we do without body roll. And we wouldn't get that lovely long-travel suspension that makes small light cars ride properly and comfortably - a thing of the past now with modern small cars. And yes, everyone talks of the E65's styling and its iDrive, but being typically BMW, they just simply drive quite well. Thanks for your car-enthusiast's content. Cheers.

[@nebulaforest7284]

Lovely car, personally like the design. I have the e60 5 series from the Chris bangle era. I think these cars are ageing like fine wine & have a lot more style than some new cars out today.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

You know, I agree with that, Chris Bangle actually did a great thing for BMW.

[@anotheryoutubeaccount5259]

Nonsense

[@sohailkhawar2833]

I also own a 7 series since 2 years ago and I enjoy its drive and pleasure.love it

[@BorisG13]

I’ve always loved how these looked and they are aging nicely too

[@Jay-B1750]

Gopping!! Brilliant :) love all the electrics confusion 🤣😂

[@mattsbeamer]

This car brings back memories of my dads 2003 730d Sport from back in 2004. Lovely cars. The stalk with the 2 diagrams which looks like a set of eyes, are for controlling the display behind either the speedo or rev counter. I hope I made sense :)

[@ronmccullock9286]

Good review

[@vikingsystem]

thanks Ian, you nail it

[@stephenshippam9374]

Hi Ian great video and a good length test, nice car but what a lot of stuff to break.

[@AutoRevArg]

I'm amazed at how well that design has aged

[@oumaniac]

Glorious beast!

[@blessedAfrikan217]

I owned one ( 8cyl ) 9 years now and changed a few things on it : alternator, transmission valve body rebuild ( bad shift salonoid) and I figured out what was causing check engine light for secondary air issues ( the check valves removed and rod out the airways with berryman B12 using trombone cleaner) and aolved it. Car runs fine now no major issues. Car still drives like it's new. Unbelievable.

[@blazerlazer5526]

Would love to own one of those big body bmws, but reliability wise makes me enjoy my au fairlane, nice video as always!

[@GrandadIsAnOldMan]

Excellent wiper mechanism 😁👍

[@Matticitt]

I just love the sound starters make on V12 engines.

[@millomweb]

Well, there's a few differences ! The cylinders will be much smaller - so there's less effort needed to compress the gases - so the starter doesn't see the usual pulses of big compressions and the gearing on the starting motor is probably quite different too - so it winds the engine up more gradually than 4 potters.

[@Matticitt]

@@millomweb I'm not sure cylinder size has anything to do with this tbh. Old airplane starters sound similar and they obviously have huge cylinders.

[@millomweb]

@@Matticitt To be precise, it's relative cylinder size to starter size and gearing. I do think there's also more to it than that too !

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

@@millomweb it's a 6 litre V12, which (all else being equal) means it'll have the same size cylinders as a 3 litre 6 cylinder or a 2 litre 4 cylinder. In other words, fairly average size engines for those cylinder numbers. I think V12 starters (and V10, V8 to a certain degree) sound the way they do because of how the entire engine and its variety of cylinders has to be spun in order to start it, with many more cylinders softening the startup sound compared to lesser engines.

[@millomweb]

@@SPTSuperSprinter156 From that info, you are on the right lines. Starters struggle when a cylinder is on compression stroke as the starter is driving the compressing. In a 4 cyl car, two pistons rise as 2 fall. The 2 rising, one will be on compression stroke, the other on exhaust. So the starter is solely powering each compression stroke. With far more cylinders, the cranks aren't opposite each other - so while some pistons are at the top of the stroke, some will be at the bottom, some will be 1/3 of the way up (or down) others will be 2/3 of the way up (or down) etc. The effect of this is that the previous compression (in a cylinder that hasn't fired) is now pushing that piston down as the next compression piston is coming up - so the one pushing down is significantly helping the starter create the next one - and effectively all the work the starter is having to do is overcome engine friction and move compressed charge from one cylinder to another. So the usual 4-cyl peak load with each compression is lost, the engine turns more smoothly and the load on the starter evens out over the full cycle of the engine. Had the engine been a good one, it would fire after the first compression and not need the starter any more ;)

[@jimclarke1108]

Its great to see you driving real cars

[@kaitlyn__L]

When you'd mentioned the owner being in Oxford I thought it looked like you were in the Oxford Science Park business park... but then thought, nah, it's probably some new build flats somewhere.... but then you drove past those dual roundabouts! I would go for bike rides around there with my dad as a young'un :D was cool to see

[@1066gaz]

Pure luxury. Don't get much better than this.

[@markharris7662]

What a beauty. I use to unload these off the cargo ships.

[@neilwalsh4058]

What an outstanding motor car, total and utter wafting at the highest standard. That'll become iconic like another of Chris Bangles designs the Fiat Coupe. Have one of those every time over the previous model. Quite stunning

[@jonathonbrambell8047]

pop up headlamp washers ? Great stuff 🙃🙂👍

[@ncbhtc]

BTW Ian it's Standard Wheel Base, BMW used to get quite offended if you called it Short Wheel Base, there is Standard and Long!

[@waynetetley584]

I always drive my 2CV in sport mode ... 😊 Great review of something different

[@stig20101]

I really like that shape 7 series and the the 90s ones 👍

[@daveyboiyeah]

Very good tour. Rather ahead of its time. I say it's stayed very timeless. In my opinion, this generation and the facelift after that did without the quirky rear end were the best 7 series.

[@captaccordion]

Silly comment first. With the camera mounted where it was, the complexity of the seat made it appear that you were sitting in the lap of an alien! Serious comment second. What an insane amount of complexity and gadgetry! Forget about feeding the poor or saving the planet - let's just have more gadgets in our cars. Cheers.

[@philipdean5338]

Great video Ian, love Beemers but agree completely what you say...

[@ZIGZAG12345]

At 16 years old, it IS a pretty retro ride now! One of the lucky survivors, I bet not many V12s were even sold in the first place!

[@1963TOMB]

1st registered in Lincolnshire: 'Accountant - I've just bought a new tractor for my farm!'

[@bombakdik]

Check the driver’s side rear mirror being burnt all brownish due to a faulty auto defroster. But hey, what a car! Nice review!

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

In the words of the car wizard: if you buy an E65 something will always be broken, there will never be a time everything works

[@DavidColex]

These days if you want a sporty but reliable car, ironically, you should buy an Alfa... in fact the Giulia is immensely more reliable then any other bimmer

[@arnonmus1]

@@DavidColex do you perhaps mean less unreliable😅

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

In actual fact everything is currently working on this car, even the rear lumbar is working... I went out and tested it after watching the video. However, there will be more problems to come..at least the N73 does not have a turbo and it does not destroy rod bearings as modern BMWs do.

[@DavidColex]

@@andrewthompsonuk1 Supposedly the V12 is very good with low octane or dirty petrol, in fact it is the engine of choice for middle eastern and Russian moguls...

[@DolleHengst]

Sounds like a proper Jaguar!

[@farmergeddon7527]

I had a 5-series from a year or two after and you could get to most sub menus on it by voice activation and to be honest you needed to, but it did mean it negated much of the criticism of the system. I think the 7 series owners had to take the pain of having the first and worst version of it. I think that Sport trim on even a 730d after the LCI on the car made it much easier on the eye. But yes, time has definitely been kind to that shape - I think that colour does it a lot of favours as well. Great video cheers. It's amazing how all that technology already looks so old, as everything progresses so quickly in that regard.

[@mpkcleaningservices-cardet2835]

When these were released new and much younger I looked at the e65 at the Brisbane motor show the salesman on the BMW stand knew I was no where near in the market to buy one but offered for to sit in and went through all the features with me maybe he was practicing or bored but was a great evening ,

[@1SaG]

Back in the early/mid 2000s I was working behind a bar. There was an older gentleman and his wife who were regulars and would chat with me on slow days. Naturally, we would talk about cars. He was a long-time BMW 7-series customer and had rather recently upgraded to the E65 when it came out. IIRC, his was a fully loaded 760i. One day, I started (cautiously) ranting about the 7-series' styling but he said that wasn't the reason why he was unhappy with the car. He told me how the car seemed to spend most of its time at the dealership - mostly due to electrical and electronic problems. The real kicker was the story he told next: He was in the car with his wife when the central locking engaged and the car refused to unlock the doors. They had the key with them of course, but neither that nor the manual unlock were working. Basically, they were trapped. They ended up having to call a BMW-mechanic on their cellphone who arrived after a while and somehow managed to free them from the car. The punchline of the story was: "and that's why, after decades of driving nothing but 7-series BMWs, I just ordered a Mercedes S-class"

[@briananthony4044]

I had a 2004 730. Drove well even with the small engine, and those seats are like lounge chairs, BUT monthly trips to the garage for repairs drove me up the wall so sold it.

[@adams7405]

That 3.0 six was a strong engine.Went well in my X5,must try a 130i......

[@jefferysmith3930]

Most un-Hub Nut but still enjoyable. I love the sound for the starter motor winding up a v12 on startup. We had a few XJ 12L’s and an XJS growing up. Similar noise like a turbine spooling up. Definitely a better looking car with age.

[@richardbull5176]

I have a E60 550i and live in Buckinghamshire, it's very rare, I'm not interested in selling it, but if you liked the 760 I think you'll love it. You're welcome to drive it

[@xqqqme]

The general reaction at the time to the "Bangle Butt" styling always reminded me of a caption in a cartoon in Advertising Age in which a client is holding an ad layout and says to the agency artist type, "If that's so creative, why haven't I seen anything like it before?"

[@Dan23_7]

"Its very grubby" Classic that Ian 😂

[@richardbaron7106]

The rear end styling stills looks ungainly and clunky, but the rest of the car has settled down over time. The interior is fantastic. You make a very good point with regards to the amount of tech in cars and how we deal with those issues 10 years from now if we want to preserve cars. I suspect the modern post-2005 cars will end up in museums or wreckers yards in future years - cars are simply another commodity for so many people.

[@ianmax69]

I quite agree Ian even SD1 Vitesses struggle with electronics now,,, the same with Mk3 Granny Scorpios and elderly ABS modules you have to break a car just for a circuit board :(

[@domniven]

Love these cars

[@cme2cau]

One hub nut on this is probably more expensive than many of the HubNut fleet!

[@ronaldcrump202]

Very resty head restraints. Mostly I don't understand what's going on in here. - This sort of commentary is why I am subscribed to this delightful channel :)

[@leggomydonkey]

The amount of scratches around the OBD port at 2:26 says enough about these cars

[@lwoodmanallan]

My dad had two of these back when they were sort of new - one pre facelift and one facelift, both 730Ld’s and to be honest, they were beautiful cars. They were used for private hire driving, so did hundreds of thousands of miles and the pre facelift was actually relatively reliable, however munched through and an alternator every year and had some electrical gremlins inside. The facelift was a sh*tshow, snapped its ‘unbreakable’ timing chain, needing a whole new engine, broke down literally all the time so he ditched it after having a permanent engine management issue, with permanent over fueling and a stained bumper from the soot... surprisingly it’s local and still running around, but still has that issue about 8 years on...

[@SortItOotMan]

Hubnut confronted with modernity of the past. Have to agree though, if you're not paying for the upkeep of such a beast; quite a nice car. Fair play to the owner/keeper.

[@martinda7446]

@16:10 the scenery was going past pretty quickly...That was shifting.

[@peterriggall8409]

I reckon this would have cost the price of a medium sized house when new. Thanks for bringing it to us Mr. Hubnut and thanks to the owner Andrew for making his two examples available. Went for a spin in my e23 yesterday and enjoyed it. Hard to compare it with this. Loved all those electric blinds +++. Just WOW.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I have an e23 (83 735 with the 218 hp engine) as well, unfortunately, it is currently in storage back in New Zealand. It was so effortless and dependable.

[@peterriggall8409]

@@andrewthompsonuk1 Mine is an 86 735i. Yes, I can say that mine has been very reliable also.

[@adams7405]

Weird though..new someone who paid 110k for one in 2003,my house was 90k.In 2021 my house is 280k,could get his 760 for about 5.....

[@angkianboon7436]

The electronic assisted steering is a big leap in it’s era. It cancels out every harshness in driving. Truly the ultimate driving machine

[@marvinwilson34]

Excellent video, lots of the smaller petrol ones, and diesels bouncing around in the trade for £1500 as usable runners. And cheaper with issue's.

[@rydermike33]

I remember you saying in a video some time ago now, that it will be the availability of simple electrical components that will ultimately kill fine cars like this. A great shame too.

[@paulanderson79]

My E39 had the same wiper mechanism. The idea behind it is that it suits both LHD and RHD installations. For the first few days the movement of the wipers is quite distracting.

[@Zeem4]

The Soper of Lincoln sticker inside the boot interested me, because that's only a couple of miles away from where I work. There's a few car dealers in the area, in fact the office I work in faces out onto a Jaguar Land Rover dealer, so if I get bored I can look out of the window at some cars I don't like.

[@happy_camper]

20 cylinders over 2 days! Madness!

[@paulsmith-ib3nx]

Chris Bangle gave us the Fiat Coupe, the Alfa 145...and this. The BM has mellowed but it's no looker. That boot looks like an afterthought, in a Ssangyong Rodius sort of way.

[@simes205]

Parking lights on the indicators. Those blinds are available on the 3 series, albeit not electronic! Btw once you’ve had an electric boot you’ll ever look back, my F31 has one.

[@DougsCars]

For me, the “eyebrow” front turn signals have always looked “off” for me, since I was a kid and some Chryslers had it. In my mind the need to be below or next to the headlights.

[@volvo480]

I never knew the turn signals were located there, because BMW drivers never use them 😂

[@DougsCars]

Robert Brink 🤣🤣🤣

[@fhwolthuis]

It was solved with the facelift I believe. I like that version much better

[@DougsCars]

Frank Wolthuis You are 💯% correct!

[@timh1907]

Another great video Ian. It's the variety of cars you test that makes your channel so enjoyable. I enjoy TWC videos just as much as German Luxobarges.

[@darwenrover8910]

I take back when I said these Bangle-era Bimmers looked ugly when new. But you are so right, Ian. Time has been kind to it. Got better with age and has matured like fine wine. Rather like the Jaguar XJS.

[@user-hc3dr6mx2c]

Very nice Car! You Should Update all Modules at the Dealer and always habe 1-2K spare for repairs. I like the Big Facelift from 2005 ongoing the Most. N73 is great :)

[@philnewstead5388]

I have never been lucky enough to drive one of these but I agree with you about the looks, I think the front three quarter is great but the rear end styling still grates with me. I get the impression that with te I drive they do it just because they can. My late model XJ has about a million different electronic settings for just about everything which I never use. You are right about repairing these cars as they get older, as someone at our motor club said the other day you are much more likely to find a car in a breakers these days because of a really expensive electrical fault than because of body rot. There are companies emerging that will open up the control units and repair them but if it's your daily driver who has time to remove the component and have the car off the road for several days whilst a repair is carried out and then in many cases you have to go to a dealer to have everything reset.

[@adams7405]

The modules are easily found on e Bay,if people put a bit of effort in.LCM 'light module' £80 for my E65 used,against £400 plus and £150 'coding " at my local dealer.They don't need coding and it took me all of 10 minutes to fit it.