BMW joined battle with rivals Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar with the launch of its 7-Series luxury saloons in 1977.

Replacements for the 2500 and 2800, the newcomers continued to use BMW's familiar overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine in capacities ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 litres.

Most left the Munich factory with four-speed automatic transmission though there was the option of a five-speed manual 'box on some models.

Running gear followed BMW's well-established pattern for its larger models, comprising all-independent suspension and disc brakes all round.

Equipment levels were of the highest order and in addition to the standard range there were special high-performance versions created by factory-linked race team and tuning firm Alpina.

In 1986 the 7-Series was restyled, updated and rationalised, re-emerging as an even stronger competitor for the S-Class Mercedes-Benz.

At first there were only two engines available, of 3.0 and 3.5 litres capacity, and then in 1987 BMW introduced its...