The BMW 730Ld Long wheelbase (E66, facelifted in 2005) represents a specific iteration of BMW’s flagship sedan, produced between 2005 and 2008. Positioned as a diesel-powered variant within the E66 generation, the 730Ld aimed to offer a balance of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency, particularly appealing to European markets where diesel engines were – and continue to be – highly favored for long-distance touring. The “L” designation signifies the long-wheelbase version, providing increased rear passenger legroom, a key feature for the luxury segment. This model utilized BMW’s Steptronic automatic transmission and was designed to compete with other premium long-wheelbase sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Audi A8.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 7 Series |
| Generation | 7 Series Long (E66, facelift 2005) |
| Type (Engine) | 730Ld (231 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production | 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11 l/100 km (21.4 US mpg, 25.7 UK mpg, 9.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 268 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 231 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 520 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (383.53 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M57D30 |
| Engine displacement | 2993 cm3 (182.64 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 8.25 l (8.72 US qt | 7.26 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1940 kg (4276.97 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2520 kg (5555.65 lbs.) |
| Max load | 580 kg (1278.68 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 500 l (17.66 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 88 l (23.25 US gal | 19.36 UK gal) |
| Length | 5179 mm (203.9 in.) |
| Width | 1902 mm (74.88 in.) |
| Height | 1484 mm (58.43 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3130 mm (123.23 in.) |
| Front track | 1578 mm (62.13 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1596 mm (62.83 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.29 |
| Minimum turning circle | 12.6 m (41.34 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission Steptronic |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 730Ld was powered by BMW’s M57D30 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder diesel engine. This engine was a mainstay of BMW’s diesel lineup during the mid-2000s, known for its robust construction and relatively smooth operation for a diesel. The M57D30 featured common rail direct injection, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and intercooler were employed to boost power and torque. The engine produced 231 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a substantial 520 Nm (383 lb-ft) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. This torque output was a key characteristic, providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising. The engine was paired with BMW’s six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, offering both fully automatic operation and manual shift capability via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the gear selector.
Driving Characteristics
The 730Ld offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-powered siblings, such as the 730i or 750i. While lacking the outright acceleration of the higher-powered models, the 730Ld excelled in providing smooth, relaxed, and efficient cruising. The abundant torque allowed for effortless overtaking and comfortable highway driving. The Steptronic transmission was well-matched to the engine, providing smooth gear changes and responsive performance. Compared to a manual transmission equipped 730d, the automatic offered convenience but slightly diminished responsiveness. The long wheelbase contributed to a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. However, the added weight of the diesel engine and the long wheelbase did impact handling agility compared to lighter, more compact BMW models.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 730Ld Long wheelbase typically came well-equipped, reflecting its position as a luxury vehicle. Standard features included leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, automatic climate control, a premium sound system, and a navigation system. The long wheelbase provided significantly more rear legroom, enhancing comfort for rear passengers. Optional extras included features like active suspension, massaging seats, rear-seat entertainment systems, and upgraded interior trim materials. The specific trim level could vary depending on the market and individual customer preferences, but generally, the 730Ld was positioned as a mid-range offering within the 7 Series lineup, offering a balance of luxury and value.
Chassis & Braking
The E66 7 Series featured a robust chassis with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The suspension was tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. The 730Ld, due to its weight, utilized a slightly firmer suspension setup compared to some of the lighter models to maintain control and stability. Braking duties were handled by ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, coupled with BMW’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The braking system provided ample stopping power, although the increased weight of the 730Ld required slightly longer stopping distances compared to lighter variants.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 730Ld was generally well-received in European markets, where diesel engines were popular for their fuel efficiency and long-range capabilities. Critics praised the engine’s smooth operation, strong torque, and impressive fuel economy. However, some reviewers noted that the 730Ld lacked the sporty character of its gasoline-powered counterparts. Compared to the 730i, the 730Ld offered significantly better fuel economy but less outright performance. Compared to the more powerful 745i or 750i, the 730Ld provided a more affordable entry point into the 7 Series range, sacrificing some performance for increased efficiency and value.
Legacy
The M57D30 engine proved to be a durable and reliable powerplant, and many examples of the 730Ld continue to be driven today. While modern diesel technology has advanced significantly, the M57D30 remains a respected engine among enthusiasts. The 730Ld, as a representative of BMW’s early foray into high-performance diesel sedans, holds a place in automotive history. On the used car market, the 730Ld offers a relatively affordable way to experience the luxury and comfort of the E66 7 Series, provided that it has been well-maintained. Common maintenance concerns include the diesel particulate filter (DPF), glow plugs, and the Steptronic transmission, which requires regular fluid changes.
