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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 22 of 132

#208 of 1317 re:E30 BMW's by arcoates

Feb 13, 2001 (6:50 pm)

It would help you to type in the letters E30 when searching for info on the old body style BMW 7's, as that is the internal BMW code, and any real info you need will be on web pages designated that by informed owners.
 
The E30's are still fantastic cars. We have one ourselves. They still look great, drive great, and our real deals. Look at a Cadillac Seville from 1990- it looks so square and disgusting whereas a 1990 750iL is very contemporary.
 
Research it well if you are looking into one. I have read horror stories about them. Ours is a gem. A 1988 (first year) 735i with a stick shift. Extremely rare. That's part of the reason my father keeps it around. He can't really fit into a 5 without squishing the person behind, and he would not buy a new 7 because it is only automatic. For my mom sure, but he wants a stick.
 
Hope this helps. Remember E30.
 
A.R.

#209 of 1317 2001 BMW 740iL by clum1

Feb 18, 2001 (5:33 pm)

I purchased a 2001 BMW 740iL about a month and a half ago. I'm am totally un-impressed after living with it for a while. The negatives are: Paint is very un-resistant to fine scratches. It even scratches when using a cotton terry cloth to dry the car. So does the interior wood trim. Cup holders are really cheap, so is the floor mats and the sun visors. You would think that for a $70,000 car you wouldn't get such chinsey workmanship. The seating is uncomfortable and front seat leg room is not to be desired. The center console is too wide. I have this "great" option called active seating. It feels like a rolling pin going over your rear. The car rides more like a sports car than a luxury car. It's just to tight and you feel every bump in the road. If I wanted a sports car I would have bought one. Nothing like the ride in my 1997 Cadillac STS, which I'm glad I didn't trade in because I drive it more than this BMW. The Navigational system is a joke. It cost a few grand more and you'd be much better off with a $5 road map. As soon as you get off a major highway it usually tells you that you've left the digitized map area. A lot of good it does, I don't usually get lost on the major highways. My city population is about 100,000 and there are exactly 24 city roads on the map. There is only one button to unlock/lock the car from and it is in the front on the center console. If you have had the twilight feature on any other car, you better get used to turning your lights off yourself, because BMW's don't have that feature. It really gets annoying after you've left your lights on a couple of times The stereo system is lousy, again nothing like my Cadillac. Don't try to do anything quickly, all radio, CD, Navigation system and computer system goes through one complicated display panel. This is an accident waiting to happen. The passenger side rear -view mirror automatically goes down so you can see your rear tire when backing up. It seemed like a great idea when I bought the car but after backing up a little more often I realized that if anything it makes backing up even more difficult. You can't see anything more than a couple of feet off the ground. I've owned a lot of luxury cars in the past. A 1997 Cadillac STS, a 2000 Lincoln LS, a 1994 Jaguar XJ, a 1992 Lincoln Continental, 1998 Lincoln Navigator, as well as others and this is the worst of the bunch. I hope if you were seriously considering buying one, this makes you think twice about it.

#210 of 1317 re:bad 7 by arcoates

Feb 19, 2001 (3:58 pm)

Oh boy, have you bought the wrong car. If you wanted something that was a floaty boat, you picked the wrong car company. Did you not know that BMW is renowned for it's sports cars. Every model is a drivers car, not a comfy cruiser. Your complaint about the suspension should not be a complaint at all, but a plus. They have perfected this, which is a major feat considering it is a premium luxury car.
 
I hope you send it back to the dealer, so someone can appreciate it. Every driver has their personal preferences, but the BMW 7's are co-leaders of the pack with the MB S Class. I guess you would have been better off with a Lexus or another Cadillac- a cruising car, not a drivers car. Good luck!~ A.R.

#211 of 1317 S-Class would have been better choice for you. by is4b2rd

Feb 20, 2001 (12:59 pm)

Based on all your complaints, it seems the Mercedes S-Class would have been a better choice. The ride is creamy smooth, but you can switch to sport mode which allows more aggressive driving.
 
Or if status doesn't mean anything to you, you can't go wrong with the Lexus LS430 for the money and you will get more of that "Cadillac" ride.
 
If you are going to sell it, you better do it quickly because the new body-style is coming at the end of this year, or very early next year and you will see the value on your car plummet.

#212 of 1317 New 5 series vs used 7 series by axel4

Feb 20, 2001 (6:07 pm)

I put this question on the BMW/BB/L board, but don't see any responses, although it is a great site, as is this one. I can afford a new 5 or a used 7 . Have driven a 530iA sport and a 525iA. Went to drive a 740/1998, but it was sold. There are many available in Houston (40 miles away). Anyone have who has experience in both and would care to comment on the differences, I would appreciate your thoughts.

#213 of 1317 re:5 vs. 7 by arcoates

Feb 20, 2001 (6:36 pm)

This is purely based on second-hand knowledge. But I would say go for the 7. I know many people who have both, and they prefer the 7, just because of it's size. The 5 is really tiny inside, so if you have a family, or are transporting people a lot, then the 7 for sure.
 
For pure driving pleasure, the 5 wins out, because it is smaller, and available with the manual. But it sounds like you would be getting an automatic regardless, so might as well take advantage of that creamy V8 in the 7. The 7 is the flagship model, and is engineered to higher standards, and therefore will last longer. So, if I were you, I would go for the 7. If you get an extended warranty, it is as good as new, and you get more for your money than a 5. Hope this helps.~ A.R.

#214 of 1317 BMW 7 series vs. Mercedes by zferreira

Feb 20, 2001 (7:37 pm)

I am hoping there is someone out there who can give me some true insight. I am in the early stages of looking for a car. I currently own a VOLVO and I like it but really want something else. I have narrowed my choices to the E Class Mercedes(320 and/or 430) and the BMW (740i and/or 740il) I have pulled data from Edmunds, done comparisons on what is standard vs. optional. I only want standard features. I have looked at the specifications, pros and cons as stated by EDMUNDS and the price. I have consistently read that Mercedes has a no discount ploicy , so this may be one point of elimination.
 
My question is to those of you who may have purchased this vehicle and can give me info on the maintenance cost, what problems you may have experienced etc. I live in Fairfax ,Virginia but am not opposed to driving a few hours away to get the best price possible.
 
Also, does any know if BMW or Mercedes provides you with a loaner car regardless of where you purchased the car? Sorry for all the questions.
 
By the way, I am new to Town Hall. Nice talking to you.
 
zferreira

#215 of 1317 by arcoates

Feb 20, 2001 (8:01 pm)

I would just like to point out that the MB E and BMW 7 are not in the same class. I'm sure you know this, and am wondering why you have not considered the S-Class and the 7?~A.R.

#216 of 1317 by zferreira

Feb 20, 2001 (8:18 pm)

Hi Arcoates,
I have not ruled out the MB-S series, was actually thinking about the S430. Any input you can give on this one?

#217 of 1317 Follow up on my BMW New 5 vs Used 7 by axel4

Feb 20, 2001 (9:01 pm)

Thanks for the input ARCOATES, You are right, on the A/T. Brought on by an L5-S1 lower back injury years ago, getting out of a truck with my 6'2" frame and an F-101 parachute on. I did the TR3A in '60-61 and a '59 Jag(2.4,4DR)in'61-63. I loved the Jag even with its troubles.Once is enough, and the new ones are too small. Even had a Rover sedan in '67. The drive shaft fell off that backing out of the driveway. Did a 5.0 Mustang in about '85,it did FAST with spirit, Then, I ran a Skater 24 (boat)with 2-2.4 EFI's (240 hp each)a few years ago.It did FAST on the water with a whole lot of spirit. Now after 9 years in a Suburban I need to be re-invigorated. My wife has had Acura's (2)since '90, but the are not BMW's. I will drive a few 740's and see what they are like. Ops ,forgot about the BMW(2wheel)750 and the 8MPG Cad Fleetwood Brougham D'Elegance. Now there was a real road (straight road )car. I have a feeling the 740 will bring back some old those memories,and be big enough. Thanks, Axel

Messages Page 22 of 132

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