Mounting problems with the BMW 7 Series
June 12th, 2002 by gregr
The Right Car
Mounting problems with the BMW 7 Series. Maybe one day people will realize how overrated the Beemer really is. Nice car for the most part but definetly much to overhyped. Don’t believe me? Just test drive a 330 and a Infiniti G35 back to back. And then decide what to do with the $10K that you can save with the Infiniti G35 [The Wagner Blog]
Right sentiment, wrong car. ;) I’ve had my Audi A6 2.7t for almost 2 years, and I’ve never driven a car that’s even remotely like it, especially not for the price. Where $40k might get you into a bottom level 3-Series, it buys you one of the fastest, most comfortable, and downright well appointed luxury cars on the road. The twin turbos show virtually no lag, even here at 6500 feet. Oh, and with fully-independent full-time all wheel drive, it handles like a snowmobile in the winter weather. :) [The .NET Guy]
I tried very hard to let this go, but being a die-hard car guy and race driver I just couldn’t. ;-) I’m a BMW guy myself; don’t have one any more, but I’ve missed them ever since I sold my 328. There’s a certain driving feel to most BMW’s that has yet to be matched in any Audi that I have driven; balance and steering feedback is top-notch. The closest to this was a friend’s S4, but still not the same (although I must confess, I only drove the S4 twice). But for the track, I’d take a BMW over either the Infiniti or an Audi.
Now when the snow falls, as you mention, it’s a whole different story. :-)
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February 6th, 2004 at 9:43 am
i drive a 1999 e38 740i bought used. it still has 2yrs extended warranty left. i have a very annoying “boinging” type noise from the rear of the car that two main dealers can,t rectify, one said it was a flexing fuel tank, the other changed two rear alpina sports shocks(factory fitted originally). the noise is still there and getting worse, one dealer had the car for a week to no avail. could it be the rear blind mechanism, boot lifters?? its driving me mad, help!!!
February 12th, 2005 at 3:15 pm
I OWN A 2004 330CI BMW WITH 12,000K. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES ALREADY. THEY HAVE REPLACED THE FOLLOWING PARTS:
NAVIGATION,RADIO,REPAIRED SEAT,6 COILS,LEAKING HEAD GASKET. THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST PIECE OF $48,500 SH*T YOU CAN BUY. BMW NORTH AMERICA DOESN’T DO A THING TO HELP.NOT ONLY IS THE CAR HORRIBLE BUT THE SERVICE CENTER IN SOUTHAMPTON NY IS HORRIBLE. NOT TO MENTION THAT OUR PREVIOUS BMW THAT WAS BROUGHT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE, THEY GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE AND VERY,VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. ON 1/31/04 WILL HEADING OVER TO ATLANTIC CITY THE CAR JUST STARTED BUCKING AND DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF I95N WITH TRAFFIC FLOWING AT 75MPH. THEY WONT DO ANYTHING UNTIL SOMEONE GETS INJURED OR DIES. THERE ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE WILL PICK UP THE CAR AND BRING IT TO A LOCAL BMW DEALER EVEN THOUGH I LIVE 3 HOURS AWAY. ALSO THEY WILL NOT ASSIST IN TRANSPORTING YOU. I WILL NOT LET THIS HAPPEN AND WILL BRING THESE ISSUES TO THEM LEGALLY IF NOTHING IS DONE. I POSTED THIS TO WARN ANYONE OUT THERE TO BE VERY CAREFULL WHEN BUYING A BMW. THEY ARE NOT WORTH THE MONEY AS PER PLENTY OF ADDITIONAL OWNERS COMPLAINTS. TO SEE WORK ORDERS FROM BMW JUST EMAIL ME.
THANK YOU
DANIEL
H.D.R INC
March 12th, 2005 at 4:59 pm
To daniel
I work at a BMW dealer and everything youve said is typical
navi computer, CD player
The six coils are a pathetic joke and bmw knows it
what about the water pump, thermostat, control arm bushings, radiator and expansion tank, head light moisture?
you shold be ready for those next
March 21st, 2005 at 5:25 pm
Hey…I think bmws are beautiful great cars…they know how the handle the road! i have an x3 and it is absolutely amazing…I couldn’t have asked for a better car…and I also love audis…audis and bmws are the cars I’d choose over any infiniti or lexus!
March 22nd, 2005 at 4:00 pm
this is a question for ppl with BMWs that has so much problems, Why did you buy one in the first place? I’m writing a paper on why ppl buy BMWs and would love to hear some opinions.
March 23rd, 2005 at 4:16 am
Evee, there is an article in April 2005 Automobile magazine that is right on target, has the answers to most comments like Susan’s. Clearly a choice of brand name moreso than any other factor. I’ve been in the automotive business/scene/hobby for 33 yrs, even sold them for 5 and the article in Automobile is an exceptional piece. The honest truth will not be accepted/admitted to by Euro snobs (funny that they are mostly American) no matter what the facts are. Sad but true…
March 31st, 2005 at 2:15 pm
I’ve leased two BMW 7 cars, a 740i and a 745i. The lease on my present 745i expires in June and I can’t wait to get out of it. In the 33 months that I’ve had it, it’s been in the shop for a total of 74 days (24 trips). I’ve only been able to pick it up for service in one day once in that time. In December, it was in the shop for 11 days. Although I called ahead for an appointment and a loaner, I was in a Mini Cooper all of that time.
I’ve written BMW North America twice about this and they have been absolutely no help. They came back to me several weeks ago offering to knock $6500 off the price of a 2006 750i, but I’m sorry, I’m moving into a 2006 Infiniti M45.
June 3rd, 2005 at 3:20 am
I am considering to buy an used 7 series (1997-1999). Are there any problems I should be aware off?
Thanks,
JS
June 24th, 2005 at 12:03 am
We purchased a 1999 750IL Certified used car from a Phoenix dealer with 17,904 miles on it in March of 2003. To date the car has 40,000 miles on it and the transmission locked up with no warning. The extended warantee was up in March of this year. The car has been maintained by the dealership. BMW North America offered to have the dealer fix it for more that the price that a independent BMW repair shop was going to charge. No wonder all of our friends have stopped buying BMW’s. How about that great German engineering and customer service.
June 27th, 2005 at 6:45 pm
I have ‘04 X3….it has been in the shop 7 times….any one else out there having problems….what are they?
August 23rd, 2005 at 5:00 am
I have a problem with the 0-100kmph acceleration time of my BMW 740i (4.4L), 1999.
It takes more than 8 seconds while the actual should be 6.2 or 6.5 at worst case!
Engine smooth running is 100% passed.
Automatic Transmission system is not guaranteed! Is it possible to be the cause?
August 23rd, 2005 at 5:05 am
To Steve:
I had the same problem with my 740i (1999) BMW. I resolve this problem by changing the carbon breathing kit.
August 23rd, 2005 at 5:08 am
To Jerry Solar:
I advice you to have 2000 model. some problems with electrical throttle were initiated in 1999 model have been solved in this model.
October 13th, 2005 at 11:25 pm
I just purchased a 2002 745i, I have had to take it to the shop three times, this last time I took it in I was informed that I will now have to turn on the raido and cd player manually because the work that was done on it required me to have to give up some features and the ability to have the radio and cd player come on atuomatically when the car was started has to go. can you believe that?
October 17th, 2005 at 11:15 pm
I have owned a 2004 645 ci since May 2004…..the vehicle is going into bmw for the 3rd time to correct a “popping” sound when I turn the steering wheel….last time around bmw replace the rack and pinion system…the popping feel and sound occurs more prevelantly in the morning after start up…..Now bmw wants to rectify the problem by replacing the u joint…..Have any owners of a similar vintage experienced a similar problem….How was it corrected…..Thanks….
December 6th, 2005 at 8:08 pm
we have a 645ci for 7 months now. first day the battery died , been in the shop 4 times for radio and various other electronics issues.
also own an x5 – its a dream. too much software on the 6 interferes with what bmw does best – handling and motors
January 28th, 2006 at 11:59 am
A friend has offered to sell me his 1999 740i (140,00miles)at what appears to be a good price. He is a BMW “fanatic” and maintains his cars well. He concedes that the tranny does not up-shift soon enough in low gears so he uses the sport shift until he reaches cruising speed. He suspects adjustment or sensor problems. Any thoughts on causes or cures?
February 7th, 2006 at 9:54 pm
I got a 94 740i and it broke down today. I thought it was frozen water pump but now there’s tranny problems and the Transmission Program light comes on. Think I got 2 different issues, of is the tranny reacting to a seized water pump?… thanks
April 24th, 2006 at 11:39 pm
I’ve got a 1999 e46 323i sedan with 136,000 miles on it. I’ve had it for about 1 & 1/2 years. It’s really funny seeing how many complaints and problems ‘newer’ bimmer drivers are having and most of those cars have under 50k miles……I HAVENT had any major problems…only routine maint….Maybe what they say is true…”It takes high miles to break the car in”….(not sure how much work the last owner had to do on it though)
August 21st, 2006 at 8:25 am
Whoa boy…I just purchased a pristine 2003 330Ci with only 21000 miles on it. It is a Certified Pre-Owned car. I think it was a lease previously. Anyway, a great car. I average 30+ mpg on the highway and it’s smooth as silk. The performance option suspension and 18″ alloys make it handle great. Cruising at 85mph is child’s play.
OK, now to the bad part. My battery just went dead. Completely dead at just 21000 miles. WTF? My trunk won’t open unless I pull up as I push the key fob to unlock, open it. WTF?
I know that this is petty stuff, but at a premium price and at only 21000 well-cared for miles none of this should be happening.
My wife’s Honda Accord V-6 Navi is a much better car all around. I just hope that the problems are few and far between!
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:55 pm
I have a 94 BMW 740il.
My problem is that i can’t get it statarted….it will not cranck !!! .Battery is good instrument cluster illuminates but,when I turn the all the way to start,nothing happens…not even a sound!! Could anybody help on a possible cause?
Thanks
jal1948@aol.com
October 23rd, 2006 at 3:50 pm
330xi…
…don’t buy it. The thing is a piece of crap after 50,000 miles. Head most of the front end replaced, ignition coils replaced prior to 50,000 miles, now I have a major problem that BMW can’t figure out…they think it’s the transmission tork converter. That should cost a pretty penny. Love the way it handles, but never buy one again. What compares in the marke in terms of handling?
January 14th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I have a bmw 750 1998 and it has wipers malfunction. The dealer has not been able to repair it. The wipers stop when it rains…The car is unusabled. Do somebody know what could be the problem. The motor has been changed 4 times so has the control box and the wipers. Any idea?
February 23rd, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I have a 1995 Bmw 740i. Love the car but, now I am having problems accelerating. If I accelerate hard the car doesnt want to move fast as it should. Up hill is even worse. Depending on the engine rpms the car may or maynot exceed 65mph. Seems like the car is straining at times.
Please help!
March 18th, 2007 at 10:26 am
I would stick with the 1994 if at all possible. I have been having a lot of brake problems with my 95 and I really think that it’s a piece of crap at this point. I hope you have better luck than me.
April 25th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
First off, nothing drives like a BMW. Nothing. Yes, they, like any other car in the world, have their problems. Yes, BMW has slacked off in some areas. But, the majority of problems are avoided easily. CARE IS A NECESSITY! A BMW is no Toyota. IT MUST BE MAINTAINED! My father bought our families’ first BMW in ‘83 (320i). He knew what he was doing and took very good care of it (it is no longer ours-we sold it to a neighbor-but it still runs great!). Since then, we have bought nothing but BMWs (a 2007 335 will soon be our 7th). We have never had any major problem. ever. How? We take care of them- They are a driver’s car-if you are not a driver and do not expect to give it what it needs-DO NOT BUY ONE. Please, buy a Lexus-it will be much less of a hassle for you-and I don’t mean that in a negative way-Lexus has made a very nice car-but, to me, it’s still no BMW.
November 29th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
i am in japan and bought my car from “BMW Japan”.
it is a 7 series. i have had it for 2 years. how long has it been broken. it was broken when i bought it. thats right they sold it to me and it marely made it to my house. for the 2 years i have had it, there has not been a day when it wasnt broken. the BMW headquarters are no help at all. the mechanics are untrained and actually break the car when they try to fix it. BMW Japan dont buy one.
from what i am reading here it looks like this is a worldwide problem. the top 10 rules in life. this is in the top ten. never buy a bmw. take my advise you will just be wasting your money. the cars are lemons. total lemons and unreapirable. if they ever can fix them they will probably break down before you get it out of the dealer showroom.
i own a 2005 bmw 7 series. i will never buy another bmw.
December 30th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
I have a 2001 740I and absolutely love the car.. I baby the vehicle but when I get a chance I get it on open roads and turn it loose.. turn’s ,Hill’s.. I had to buy new tires for it.. $1000.00 I am now getting a tune up, head gaskets replace and an oil change. all for 700.00 NOT BAD. I love my car and I’m sorry that everyone has had a bad experience with these wonderful Vehicles..
John
February 27th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I have 2001 740i with 111,000 miles on it and enjoy it very much. It had its share of problems but mainly routine maintainence. As long as things are done on time it seems to have no issues. As one of you put it, it is a drivers car and and you need to take care of it. Find a reliable shop to care for it and you will enjoy it for a long time. Bottomline nothing drives like a BMW. I have had all kinds of cars in 25 years and I enjoy this the most.
March 12th, 2008 at 8:54 am
i own a 1995 740il. ive had it for almost 2 years and so far ive replaced the two front window motors a control arm bushing and the water pump which wasnt broken but about to be. it runs solid and i love it. i only paid 10k and it had 44k miles so all of the extra expenses didnt hurt being that i didnt pay too much for a 65k dollar car. the newer models seem to have more trouble due to too much electircal crap in them.
April 29th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
I have a 99 740iL. Lots of repairs – like water pump, control arm bushings, new radiator etc,. BUT it is a GREAT car. VERY smooth V8 and powerful acceleration. It has 129k miles on it but drives very well. And yes I agree with many of you who say – nothing drives like a BMW – or at least my 740iL !!
I am selling it in case anyone is looking!
July 27th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Ladies, Gentlemen… Fans of BMW’s. My name is Jason Doornick. I am an avid fan of most sport cars. I currently Drive a 2001 Audi All-road with Adjustable suspension. Irregular problems have occurred and has been a deterrent for me to get a new one. I am going/have been wanting to get a BMW. Everyone that I personally speak to about a BMW says it is every sport car drivers DREAM COME TRUE. But online, phone, forums, blogs… People put the BMW down a lot. Problems… Issues… repairs… i drive…. x drive. I very much like the spaciousness of the 2003-present 7 series. The 5 series, as well, attracts me just as much. The 7 serious is my top choice now because of room, MPG, robustness, and style. I want as much feedback as possible about anyone owning a 5 series or 7 series in this year range (2003-present). Hoping that I can get some positive or interesting feedback i will make my decision to move to BMW or to stick with Audi or Mercedes. I would be more than happy to give anyone feedback about Audis. I have learned so much about them as I have owned 3 of them and driven many through family and dealres. Thanks—~~~
Jason Alexander Van Doornick
August 21st, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Im a proud owner of a 1995 750il with 130k on it,runs and drives like a freakin new car,best of all it looks almost like a 2001 as well..oil changes,coolant flush, and of course gasoline (v-12 baby) …stick with the factory wheels though(16 in) the 18 in wheels are crap,car will bottom out and will give a very rough ride..sorry all you guys have bad mechanics…
September 4th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
wow!I am the proud owner of a 1984L7 series,it has almost 300,000 miles on it! This car was made when they gave a sh*t.My husband is a mechanic,so I know how much repairs cost and appriciate them.BMW seems to have lost their integrity.I dont know what to say-my sympathy.Our shop has serviced many BMW’s…the new ones just lack quality.good luck,research before you buy,OLD SCHOOL still has it and parts are easy to find.
October 29th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
I am about to buy a 2002 745i 97000mi having Carfax said the car is ok no problems.What do you think?
November 5th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Charles,
Take a second think about that I have the 745LI 2002 and it has been in the shop more days than I think I have had the pleasure of driving. Yesterday out of the blue, transmission error, drive error whatever that means, Airbag failure, and about 5 or 6 other things all at once. Bottom line if you don’t have a problem taking this piece of junk into the shop every couple of months and you MAKE SURE YOU HAVE a warranty you should be good to go. BTW Mine has 44,000 on the clock
November 8th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Being on the lookout for my favourite car ‘the BMW 5 OR 7 series (less than 10 years old), i decided to look at these forum sites.
One thing i can say is that after reading all the forum articles, NEVER buy a BMW which has an engine size over a 528i.
I have observed that only the larger BMW engines seem to encounter the problems.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I own a 97 740 i and think i have to replace a head gasket im not sure though. I do know its gonna be a small fortune 3 to 4 thousand rouphly . Any body have input?
December 6th, 2008 at 12:15 am
I have a 2005 530i has anyone experienced anything with this series. the intercom comes on and beeps thgree times everytime i drive it an dit rides really hard. any sugesstions or comments
January 10th, 2009 at 10:03 am
had 1999 750v12 for 2and a half years, all problems seem main dealer created. always something else wrong when they do a repair. find a good mechanic you can trust, my 750 has 140000 miles and runs like a dream now. heard a guy used to travel regularly from germany to england had 500000 miles on the clock and amazingly claimed speeds normally 180mph on the german autobarns. v12 fab machine…..
January 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
It’s over, the transmission on my 1994 740il finally froze, won’t shift or nothing. Burnt tranny smells, etc. This on top of the radiator going out, the A/C compresser…well that’s gone too, plus the heater blower motor. The cloth on the ceiling has become detached from the adhesive and the right front wheel hub shakes violently when I apply the brakes. Did I mention the non-functional CD player, yeah that quit working too and the electronics, like the rear shade and sunroof only work once in a while…..plus it needs a paint job as the paint is fully faded……good thing I got that $950.00 loan from Loan Star Title loan here in Houston. Since the car in it’s current condition is worth only $1200 for parts, I think I’ll call them and have the car towed away and we’ll call it a day, then I’ll take the $950.00 I saved and add it to my $3200.00 it would costs for a new tranny and go out and buy a used Porsche or 3 series BMW……yeah…that will be my new plan for change…yes 2009 is the year for change!
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I bought my “dream” transporter 1999 740iLS last fall for $9,000 and have had nothing but problems with it. First it was the starter…$700. Then it was rotors and brakes…$1,100. Then it was tires …$650. Then it was the coolant system…$1450. Then it was bad after-market wheel replacement…$1250. Now it has the famous 740i 50-60 MPH shakes. By the time I get done with this POS, I’ll have $20K sunk into it and could have purchased a used Accord that still gets me to work and back. The CD player, nav system and rear windows never did work, and that’s why I thought I got a good deal. Unfortunately, it’s the most beautiful auto I’ve ever owned…black with no dents or scratches and definitely turns heads (when it runs). It reminds me of the Fiat 124 I had in college 30 years ago. My next car is going to be an Infinity or a Cadilac CTS.
February 6th, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Yo… i think it depend of the year ,,i owned 3 bimmers ,,, 325iX 1989 525i 1991,, and now 535i 1993 the car is the BEAST thift stick(manual) the best car in the world ,,if U take care about your car , your car take care about U!!! BMW the BEST!!!! new models SUCK!!! buy nometter of milege ander 1996!!!
July 24th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
What about the m3 has anybody had any major problems with this car & if any one knows what year was it when they came with a turbo was it 03.. Or 02??
& what about the m5 any problems with this car ??? I wanna purchase me either or but would like sum info on these models from experienced owners… THANKS!
August 1st, 2009 at 6:43 pm
My 1993 740il just blew the water pump after 165,000 miles. I’ve had some problems and dread the leaking power steering pump and the strangely shifting tranny.
I’ve had to deactivate the self leveling rear and replace the hydralic plumbing with standard shocks and coil springs. Replaced a few front bushings and seems like a wheel bearing is starting to act up.
Not sure what to do next but a Lexus E350 is looking appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had a 528i, 633csi and now the 740il. Parts and service getting too expensive (I use an independent garage in Wycoff NJ and not that POS Southampton NY dealer mentioned above.
I’m in a quandry as the car is only worth about $2,500 if running and will take $850 for water pump and serpentine belt.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
I have strongly considered purchasing a 2002 BMW 530i. I was told by many people that the 5-series from ‘97-’03 are virtually bulletproof. I just wanted to know if they have any major problems that I would have to look out for.(Blown head gaskets,transmissions failing,etc.)
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 am
I ahve owned 4 X5 from year 2000 to 2007. I am considering a new 750 XI year 2010. I already know that the navigation system does not work well in the 2009, due to a new map provider. Does any one have thoughts on the 750 LI 2009 o r the new 2010 750 XI?
October 3rd, 2009 at 2:30 pm
I HAVE A 1999 750IL BMW V12 AND I LOVE IT RUNS GREAT HAS EVERTHING AND MORE JUST HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT WONT TRADE FOR A NEW ONE BUILT FOR POWER WHER EVER I GO I GET NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS SAID ABOUT ITS LOOKS THANKS BMW FOR GREAT CAR.
December 14th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I have a 1992 E34 525i and I have had this for 5 years. This car is definitely a beast, it has had it problems but once u fix em….u r good to go. No car is perfect, its all about how good you take care of it. 245000 miles and still running. I am looking to get an 04 745…any experiences? thanks
January 31st, 2010 at 3:03 pm
All cars are simple machines that require repair from time to time to insure correct operation. As for Lexus/Toyota/Scion, they are not without issues, check out some prices for common parts for a Toyota – Like the power window switch for a drivers door for a Corolla – Can you believe is more expensve than the door skin (sheet metal) $350.00 – I’m sure that’s not all because of the poor exchange rate with the yen. Think again before you buy that Lexus – Call a dealer up and ask why the repair is almost $4000.00 – I’ll stick with the Europeans – they have been producing a superior product for years – they invented the automobile after all.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:02 am
Europeans vehicle are most unreliable,if you want reliable car stick with the Japanese….stay away from Toyota for a while they will come back. Ford Taurus would be good one to consider. Stay away from the europeans, you can not find part for it and not too many mechanic shop know how to work on them…
May 6th, 2010 at 8:57 am
I am 32 yrs old, married with one child and own a 1999 BMW 740i sport with 48,500 miles on the clock, silver with grey leather. It is definitely a beautiful looking car, and it turns heads whether at the traffic lights or parked up. I see people stopping by to stop and admire it, and I don’t blame them. I have had the car for seven years now and still admire it. Not driven anything better other than the 2008 M5, but the car is in a different league and is not as refined.
My BMW is definitely the best car I’ve owned so far, I never tire from driving it. I look forward to driving it either locally to work on a daily basis and to enjoy at the weekend. Nothing drives like a BMW, they are really fun to drive. It is the ultimate driving machine! I love the growl from the V8 engine and it handles extremely well for such a big car. The car glides on the motorway, overtaking effortlessly 95% of cars that comes in front of it. My daughter loves it and always wants to go in “Daddy’s BMW.”
My wife loves sitting in my BMW especially being cossetted in fine leather and polished bur walnut wood. She loves listening to the amazing sound system. We go for drives in the night and the ambience of the interior and with the sound of music makes the BMW a memorable car. I love all the courtesy lights on the vehicle. Even the handles light up in the dark at the touch of the button from the remote contol central locking.
Being a sport the drive is a little firm, but never uncomfortable. It is well balanced. I have allowed my wife to drive it, and she loves the feeling of having the power of the V8 at the tap of the accelerator. Much different to driving a four cylinder diesel Mercedes E Class.
Yes, the BMW does come with problems, so make sure you can dig deep in your wallet if you considering buying such a car. My last major service costed me £1300. It needed a new radiator, 5 new sensors, brake discs and pads, and other usual servicing repairs. I agree, the bigger engine cars have more problems.
After spending so much money, I am still having the engine management light coming on and my mechanic can’t find the problem. I am not too concerned as the car performs well. Was thinking of getting the problem resloved from BMW once and for all or go to a local BMW specialist.
Another common problem I have been having is that if I don’t use the car on a regular basis, my battery goes flat. Have even fitted a new Varta battery a year ago.
My father has a Lexus LS 400 which is 18 yrs old and has 101,000 miles on the clock. We have had it for 16 years and mechanically, it has never missed a beat. The Lexus is super smooth super quiet, but half the fun to drive and to please as the BMW. For my father, he wants a good workhorse and that’s what the Lexus is. It is dependable and reliable with low servicing costs for a big car.
I have driven the S Class Mercedes. It is a superb car, however, would prefer to be chauffeurd driven in one.
If I am to change, it will be perhaps be another BMW but a 3 series, perhaps a 320i se or a 330d se.
I consider my car like a classy, sexy woman, bundles of fun but at a price! I am gonna keep hold of it for a very long time, because I simply love it!
May 29th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
I am looking for a newer vehicle, considering Audi A8, BMW 745LI, MB S-class, BMW X5, or MB M-class. Can anyone offer any comparisons? Any other vehicles I should be considering? I drive about 30,000 miles per year. I’m in a Volvo with 300k miles – it is too small, lacks needed storage space, and is gradually losing all of it’s functionality (no AC, no dash lights, no tilt, no cruise, no CD, tranny problems etc…). I would like to buy soon – next 30 days or so! HELP! Suggestions please!
May 29th, 2010 at 12:01 pm
I also want to add: I want a used vehicle and would like to stay under $30K.
July 6th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I have a 1991 BMW 750 iL V-12: I LOVE THIS CAR!!! It is solid, and truly is one amazing machine. The engine excellerates effortlessy, and at one point everything worked just fine (I purchased it used in 2002 with 85K miles, now it has 147K miles). Within the first 30 days, the water pump blew out on me while on the freeway, at a towing cost of $330. The pump was about $120 to replace. Not long after that, the radiator went out, and so did the rear hydraulic brake accumulator. Being that the car was about 11 years old at the time, receipts from the previous owner showed regularly scheduled maintenance had been performed, and most of the costly parts were replaced prior to my acquisition. As of to date, I ran into some high-standing water, and the engine stopped and wouldn’t start. I had one jackal tell me the engine was hydro-locked. I took it to a mechanic that I once trusted (but trust no more) and he was able to get all of the water out. The car ran better than before!!! Then the rear differential had to be replaced as well as the front stabilzer bar. The front struts need replacing as well as the muffler (dragged the muffler on the freeway for several miles and it’s now loud, but actually sounds like a Ferrari so I decided not to fix it!!!). Other than the fact that if you do not start the car within five days of its last run, the battery goes completely dead (???). I hear all of the complaints from everyone, but rest assure, my ‘91 750iL is the STUFF and I will not part from unless it is absolutely necessary.
I also now own an ‘06 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 – this car is the SH!T!!! There are no words for it other than I AM GLAD I HAVE IT!!! My fiance is so crazy about the car, that she is buying me a (used) 745Li for me to drive while she drives my Benz. Although I agree with her kind-heartedness, I make it known that the CLS is still MY CAR – even during and (hopefully not) after marriage. The 745Li is an ‘03 with just over 101K miles. The seller claims that it has been dealer maintained for all scheduled visits, and that the only thing wrong with it is that there is a flat tire sensor that stays on, although all 4 tires had been replaced. Can someone post on this forum the cost of a (single) replacement flat tire sensor? I believe the price of the car is a good one and I don’t want to have to break my girl’s heart by taking back my car, but if I can get some reliability out of this thing until I get my Bentley Continental GT (1-2 years from now), I will be a happy person. I will NEVER get rid of my 750iL if I can help it. Sorry to hear of all the troubles other BMW owners are having, but i guess God blessed me to have a reliable old Bimmer that is kicking A$$ everytime it gets on the road. But, I am thinking about getting a Ferrari 360 replica and dropping my Bimmer’s V12 engine in it. Anyone know of a Ferrari body kit car company that I can contact???
July 12th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Hello, can anyone help, I have a 1996 BMW 750IL and couple days ago the back of the vehicle just raised up and never went back down. Does anyone know what could be the problem and how can I fix it?
August 15th, 2010 at 1:51 am
I own a 1999 750il v12. When I bought it in 2008, it has only 80000km. However, it was very much neglected and subsequent repairs include changing the radiator, main module computer and an peripherial one, air conditioning not working properly, not cold enough, a slight leak in one of the cylinder head which gives a petrol fume inside the car when the engine is cold, jerky transmission when downshifting before stopping, dead pixel (in fact, mostly dead pixels), etc. However, when driven, it is an excellent car. While there are newer cars (audi, bmw, mercedes, etc) beat it on acceleration and max. speed, the low roar of the v12 and the seamless acceleration is just something to enjoy. Like all things beautiful, if you don’t give it nuturing, it ruins. Look at the great Greek temples, they could have be archectural marvals, but now only corroded marble heaps. Same with the 7s. All 7s are built with the latest technologies of its time. Therefore, they would not like a corolla or camry, which stay very much the same in concept and design except using slightly modern technologies for each version. So, that’s life, our friends!
August 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 am
I have a 1999 740i with 360,000 miles on it. Thats right, almost half a million. Problems? The passenger mirror sometimes doesn’t pivot down when put in reverse.