The E65/E66 automobile platform is the basis for the 2002 through present BMW 7 series. It replaced the BMW E38 in 2002. E65 is the designation of the short wheel base version of the automobile, and E66 is the designation of the long wheel base version.
   The arrival of this model heralded a new styling era for BMW with the work of chief designer Chris Bangle. The "Bangle-butt" rear styling has been especially controversial, and was toned down in a 2005 restyling. In addition, early production E65s were fraught with problems, the vast majority of which were caused by software issues, as well as the iDrive controversy. BMW repurchased a substantial number of 2002 and 2003 7 series cars in the USA. Subsequent software updates have largely cured these issues. Furthermore, BMW of North America extended the factory warranty on all 2002 and 2003 model year 7 series cars sold in the USA to 6 years or 100,000 miles from the original 4-year or 50,000 mile coverage.