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BMW : The BMW 7 Series 2001 Model Year

Model Year 2001 7 Series: Enhanced Security of a Standard Digital Cellular Phone

Having won both the most recent J.D. Power & Associates APEAL Award and the Polk Owner Loyalty Award for it's segment, BMW's top range of luxury-performance sedans - the 7 Series - are poised to make their 2001 model year showroom debut.

Photos: BMW

With the introduction of the model year 2001 7 Series sedans, BMW becomes the first manufacturer to offer a standard digital cell phone integrated into the vehicle.

This state-of-the-art phone includes BMW's Mayday feature, which allows Roadside Assistance or emergency services to pinpoint the exact location of the car, through the car's standard Onboard Navigation system, whenever contact is made using the Mayday feature on the Navigation monitor.

A new no-cost option is the availability of 17-inch, run-flat performance tires on the 740i, 740iL and 750iL. They continue to be a standard feature on the two Protection Line models. They provide the advantage of being able to drive up to 300 miles at 50 miles per hour in the event of a flat tire.

A new option package - the Convenience package - is available for the 740i and 740iL, combining new and previously available conveniences. New are auto-dimming exterior mirrors, which fold electrically at the touch of a button - a convenient feature when parking in tight spaces. These are joined by the power rear window sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades, previously offered. All of these features are standard on the 750iL.

One of the most popular packages has been the Sport Package, available on the 740i, and ordered by more than half the buyers of that model. For 2001, a Sport Package is also available for the long wheelbase models - 740iL and 750iL. This package consists of 18-inch M parallel-spoke wheels with performance tires, Shadowline black exterior trim, Vavona redwood interior trim and Electronic Damping Control (still a standard feature on the 750iL). EDC provides electronic control of the shock absorber damping and includes a Sport mode which firms up the shock absorbers for more agile handling when selected.

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