Introduced in 2012, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Long F02h LCI married the sensible six-cylinder hybrid powertrain of the facelifted F01h with the 14 cm stretched wheelbase of the long-chassis F02. Offering cavernous rear legroom, executive lounge seating and standard self-levelling rear pneumatic suspension, it delivered whisper-quiet VIP transport. Preserving this extended flagship necessitates comprehensive BMW 7 Series maintenance across pneumatic running gear and hybrid electronics.
Under the long bonnet, the 3.0-litre turbocharged N55 straight-six petrol engine works in tandem with a 40 kW electric motor inside the eight-speed ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and a boot-mounted lithium-ion high-voltage battery. The self-levelling rear air suspension maintains a poised stance under heavy luggage and passenger loads, but the rubber air bellows require routine inspection for micro-leaks that strain the compressor.
Dual-circuit cooling systems - servicing both the combustion engine and the high-voltage electronics - must be verified alongside front suspension control arms that carry the limousine's substantial extended weight.