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BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

1317 messages,  Last post on Sep 16, 2012 at 11:07 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 7 Series

Messages Page 118 of 133

#1165 of 1317 1998 BMW 740iL Rattling Noise by transporter2

Oct 20, 2005 (9:09 pm)

Hello Everyone,
 
I don't know too much about cars, but I know that something is wrong when the clicking sound and now rattling sound, is disturbing the once quiet ride. It has been getting worse over the past few months and I am wondering if that is a common problem (one of the components in my car is wearing out) or my car is loose on the bottom?
 
The sound seems as if it coming from under the driver's side door and I am wondering if that is a common problem for aging 98 740s.
 
Thank You

#1166 of 1317 should I buy? by brawnydawg

Oct 30, 2005 (5:00 am)

Have the opportunity to urchase a 97 w/ 130,000 miles. Brand new engine and just about evething under he hood was replaced. Digital reouts have missing lights on the radio part but, odometer part is OK. Needs fog light. Interior is 95% clean. Third owner. owner wants $10,500. Drives great?? Nice car, would just be a toy. Would drive only about 5000 miles per year? What do you think!?

#1167 of 1317 Re: should I buy? [brawnydawg] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 30, 2005 (11:02 am)

Replying to: brawnydawg (Oct 30, 2005 5:00 am)
This is a duplicate post but I'll give my two cents again here.
 
Pass. Too high a price, too many miles, bad history. You can buy a nice one for that without all the miles and all the history of disasters. Run, don't walk from this car.

#1168 of 1317 Comfort Access by idrivelover

Oct 30, 2005 (1:59 pm)

What are the buttons called which are located on the Comfort Access transmitter?

#1169 of 1317 Cost estimate for a Level II Inspection? by lavelle1

Nov 03, 2005 (6:50 am)

I have a 1995 740i with 208,000 miles. Bought it in Feb. 2002 w/132,000 from original owner who is a family friend and did a great job of maintaining it. My average cost of repairs per month is around $215. The car had a new engine put in around 50,000 miles.
 
Here's my question: How many miles should I expect to get out of this car? Also, I have been getting it serviced at a BMW shop but am wondering if I should look for an alternative maintenance shop to save money?
 
Last thing .... how much would you expect to pay for a Level II Inspection?

#1170 of 1317 Re: Cost estimate for a Level II Inspection? [lavelle1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 03, 2005 (12:57 pm)

Replying to: lavelle1 (Nov 03, 2005 6:50 am)
Well the engines rarely fail so I'd guess your main worry would be the transmission---and a realistic transmission life would be maybe 250K, at which point your car might or might not be worth repairing.
 
If you can find an independent who really knows these cars, sure, you can save maybe 30% on maintenance. But just because they speak with an accent and work on Mercedes doesn't mean they know beans about a 740i. But I bet a good Indy shop can cut your Level II costs by 1/3.
 
Since this car seems to have had a good history ($200 a month is about right on target) I think you should push it as far as it will go.
 
I know we all hear stories of cars with amazing mileages but I find it interesting that in all my years messing with cars I have never seen one on the road or at the wreckers that clocked over 300K. I'm sure it happens but then sometimes a man will live to be 105. Not something to bet on, though.
 
Also, you have to consider safety factors with a car with 300K on it---things like metal fatigue come into play and I'd certainly have a car with that many miles gone over very carefully, especially in the suspension and steering department, and examine the frame as well.
 
Usually,, statistically speaking I mean, an accident or act of nature takes out a car before it can get to 300K anyway. That's a long time on the road, and sooner or later....
 

#1171 of 1317 Re: Sports Package [manybmws] by lefty3

Nov 04, 2005 (8:07 am)

I want to ask how the BMW 750 (or prior year) handles in the snow. I like the car but have serious reservations - a friend owned a BMW (M5?) and had lots of trouble. I am also in the Boston area and we would use this car to get into work regardless of the weather. Is this car up for that task?
 
We have never owned a BMW we are also considering the A8. The snow is the deciding factor here.

#1172 of 1317 Snow by rowlandj

Nov 04, 2005 (10:44 am)

What matters is the tires you use for the winter. If that M% had the standard tires it's a miracle it moved at all in the snow. I have had many different vehicles over the years and all behaved fine as long as the rubber was appropriate for the conditions.
 
A lot of folks get a 'winter setup' from ebay or tirerack and leave the summer/touring tires for the nice weather. I have been following this approach for years and I find it is the best way to deal with Northeast winters. Even on the current SUV (Porsche Cayenne) I have a set of 17's for winter and 19's for summer.
 
JR

#1173 of 1317 Re: Sports Package [lefty3] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 04, 2005 (6:32 pm)

Replying to: lefty3 (Nov 04, 2005 8:07 am)
You know a LOT of how the car does in the snow is related to the driver...at least 50% driver, 25% tires and 25% the car itself IMHO. If you have traction control, really good snows and you know what you're doing, I think you'll be as good as most front-drive cars of equal size and uphill you'll be better!

#1174 of 1317 Transmission service on a 740i by lavelle1

Nov 09, 2005 (9:02 am)

Should 740i's have a transmission service? I have been told no but am curious as to your thoughts.

Messages Page 118 of 133

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