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…