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BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier
1317 messages, Last post on Sep 16, 2012 at 11:07 AM
You are in the BMW 7-Series Forum.What is this discussion about? BMW 7 Series
#574 of 1317 ljflx by merc1
Apr 05, 2002 (10:35 pm)
Well I can live with that. There are a number of things that I think contributed to MB's downturn in reliability. Number one is the obvious amount of electronics that MB uses today. MB was one of the last carmakers to switch to fully electronic fuel injection because of the questions over electronic reliability. Up until 1990 MB cars didn't use much in the way of electronics, the 1990 SL was the first MB with so many advanced electronic systems. A car like the current S, CL and new SL have more electronics than ever, which I see being the main thing that MB owners complain about. I don't see MB's having engine and transmission problems as much as other makes like Audi and BMW. For the most part these are minor things going wrong, very seldom stranding an owner on the side of the road. Secondly, Mercedes has had to cut down on the grade of materials used in their cars. MB cars are not a structurally robust as they used to be. The previous S-Class (W140) and SL (R129) were the last of the overbuilt MB cars, from a structural/material standpoint. Now the new SL may be a another story, from what I've seen it's as solid as the old car, but still doesn't match the old cars interior lavishness. Which is kinda hard to do considering that the previous SL was Mercedes' BEST car as far as cabin materials go. Lastly I think the new found volume is another problem. A million MB's is enough to me. They're going for a 1.5 million by 2005. A mistake in my opinion.M
#575 of 1317 by laithy_74
Apr 06, 2002 (6:44 am)
BMW sold 860 units in March '01. Sales have doubled. Numbers are from AOL business news#576 of 1317 laithy by ljflx
Apr 06, 2002 (10:41 am)
I misread your earlier post as 99x improvement rather than a doubling of sales.I also saw some of your E-class banter on that board. The E has already been price affected by Lexus. I think Merc1 is right that the price will stay flat but given the step-up in car standards that is akin to a reduction and given the fact that the Euro/dmark is down 25% in the last 2 years it is actually a serious drop in price for MB already. Their cars are priced in local currency, not dollars, so they are getting less local currency as the dollar strengthens. Lexus is benefitting the other way because the Yen has weakened and Lexus models are priced in dollars. Thus the currency translation is actually yielding a hefty price increase for Lexus.
Now there are stories that Lexus may cut the price of the GS4 by up to $5k mainly because of this currency gain. That will cause some problems for the Germans in and of itself. If they make it a 192" baby but sportier LS that will be an even bigger problem. Plus the more I look at the back of that E the more it looks like a Camry though overall it looks like a nice design.
By the way the new 5-series looks terrible. BMW is either way ahead of all of us in design or has lost its' marbles. I'd wait to see how that 7 sells before committing the design to the smaller cars but they aren't and those 7 sales figures you posted aren't all that hot.
#577 of 1317 ljflx by merc1
Apr 06, 2002 (10:38 pm)
I doubt if a 5K decrease in price will cause any worries for the new E-Class. The E is just too popular and will be brand new. A new Benz is a hit no matter what it costs, at least initially. The GS430 for some reason just doesn't sell, maybe because of the LS430, not sure.M
#578 of 1317 by dave203
Apr 07, 2002 (8:45 am)
Man, I come here to talk about the 7-series, specifically 740i Sport ownership experiences & no one is saying anything relevant. There is more talk here about Mercedes than BMW...Okay Mercedes makes some good cars and I did test drive the E430 & CLK430 - no way would I trade it for my 740 Sport w/ M-Package - the driving experience & styling do not compare.#579 of 1317 dave by v12power
Apr 07, 2002 (7:08 pm)
I tried! I personally think you purchased one of BMWs most underrated models. The look of the E38 BMW, is without question one of the best on the road. The new 745 is a pig by comparison. I have a '98 750iL with the sport package. It is not as comprehensive as the 740iS package, but I do have the awesome 18"M-parallel wheels just like yours. The car is soooo agressive looking with the 18s. My car is black with sand interior and I have tinted the windows a little.My MB salesman saw the car and commented "if you just went on looks they would sell tons of those" Of course he is biased though.Performance is right up there too. We probably have very similar performance numbers. My car has more power, but more wieght too, yours gets the lower final drive. Last night I couldn't resist. There was a kid in a Mustang GT, chrome wheels, racing stripes, loud pipes. I dusted him in my big four door, I don't think he could believe his eyes! Of course, if he would have been better at shifting......
The car does require more than average maint. Find a good dealer. Mine offers BMW loaners. I also get a chance to check out the cars on the lot when I am in for service.It isn't so bad. It is my second 7, the first being a '95 740iL. They must be worth it, I did it twice!
#580 of 1317 Currency Impact (??) by wbreaux
Apr 08, 2002 (12:24 am)
Re: post 567, Mercedes and other Euro companies are getting more Euros per US$ as the US$ has strengthened, not less. Just look in the business press about US companies bemoaning the strong US$; it helps Euro companies and hurts US, and helps US consumers by keeping inflation low. I suspect that ultimately the price in dollar or other terms is determined by supply and demand anyway.#581 of 1317 Has anyone taken a test drive in the 745? by bernard1
Apr 08, 2002 (5:58 am)
I had my first test drive of a 745Li, about a 2 hr drive. At first I didn't think I would like it but after about 20 min I really liked this car. No sport model yet, but if it comes it will be hard to beat. idrive was not hard to operate, although you shouldn't operate it while driving. I was really impressed how this big car, and it is big, handles curves. I think next year after the design has grown on people, it will sale well and really give a challenge to MB and Lexus.I would worry about the cost of repairs for the electronics after the warranty. My current BMW is great but there is always some small problem with the PDC or tilt wheel.
It's too bad BMW doesn't get their electronics from Lexus.
#582 of 1317 by v12power
Apr 08, 2002 (6:55 am)
Its too bad they feel the need to put so many electronics in it to start with. I just love the 3 series cars, smart styling and all of BMWs wonderful driving dynamics without all of the headaches the electronics cause.My dealer has a 745i parked next to a 750iL on the showfloor. The old car is lower, longer, and wider, much more agressive. As long as I still own an E38 I doubt the new styling will grow on me.
#583 of 1317 by dave203
Apr 08, 2002 (4:40 pm)
V12Power, thanks..its the electronics indeed that I wish BMW would avoid. I am into the styling, performance and pure driving experience of the 740i Sport w/ M-Package and wish BMW would avoid complexity. I have the gps navigation, OBC, PDC, you name it, its got it. I am just worried how much its gonna cost one day when one of the displays goes out or computer/electronics malfuntions causing a serious problem. So far no glitches though. The handling is just incredible. The car rides totally flat and tight on turns like a race car. Even over bumps it stays glued to the road. The more you push it the faster it wants to go. I am using Dunlop Sport tires (255/45-18) they handle incredibly - or is it the car. The entire powertrain feels bulletproof & solid.To POST a message, please
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