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High End Luxury Cars

24723 messages,  Last post on Jan 28, 2013 at 6:55 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan



Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.

A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.

Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.

Messages Page 958 of 2473

#9568 of 24723 740 iL Questions by tiny1

May 26, 2005 (4:25 am)

I'm looking at a 2000 740 iL and would like just a tad bit more seat travel backwards on the drivers seat. I heard it is possible to remove a clip and get an extra inch of travel??? Has anyone done this? Is there a down side to this modification that will cost me later...or is there a reason not to do it? Room is not a concern in back......Also, what do you folks think the line in the sand is in terms of cost of extended warranty? Nissan dealer offering 3/36 bumper to bumper for $3.5K (backed by Nissan). I'm guessing I could easily spend this amount in repairs over the next 3 years (car has 55k miles)...so I'm thinking it is worthwhile. Is there a better after-market warranty? I have all maint records from local BMW dealer, and don't see any glaring historical issues. Thanks in advance...

#9569 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [tiny1] by designman

May 26, 2005 (6:30 am)

Replying to: tiny1 (May 26, 2005 4:25 am)
I did it on my 530. Takes all of 10 seconds. I can’t imagine it being much different on the 7. Open the back door, get on your knees and look for the clip at the top-rear of the right-side rail that the seat rides on. Pluck it off with a screwdriver or pry it with a plier. You can easily replace it if desired, it snaps right on.
 
I was rather cramped until I removed it. I got about another two inches of seat travel. I don’t know why they have it to begin with. My guess is that extreme seat travel puts you out of the side head airbag range.
 

#9570 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [tiny1] by oac

May 26, 2005 (9:52 am)

Replying to: tiny1 (May 26, 2005 4:25 am)
I would rather have the warranty from the BMW dealer instead of the Nissan dealer. $3500 is a lot of $$$$ for a 3/36 warranty. You should be able to get one for under $2K if you try harder and look around. Do a Google search for extended warranty... BTW, what could go wrong within 85K miles (amount of total miles covered by the 3/36 you are looking to purchase) ? Most will be scheduled maint. costs... 60K and 90K miles, which are not covered by the warranty. Have you checked on the Edmund's BMW board on specific issues with the 2000 7-series ? That way you can forecast the out-of-pocket cost v warranty cost on yours, roughly speaking...
 
Good luck.

#9571 of 24723 C'mon, some quick opinions.. by designman

May 26, 2005 (12:33 pm)

Sorry to be OT but I had to get the opinions of my pals in this thread who happen to be either marketing connoisseurs, aficionados or professionals. Anyone catch the Ford Mustang ad on American Idol last night? It showed the car tearing it up to the strains of the Star Spangled Banner played by simulated engine sounds. In consideration of the media environment and Mustang’s branding, I thought it was a brilliant piece of advertising.
 
(BTW, I thought Vonzell would win. She had the purest voice. I liked Carrie but she needs to loosen up.)

#9572 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [designman] by tiny1

May 26, 2005 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: designman (May 26, 2005 6:30 am)
Thanks Designman. I'm hoping that it is just as easy on the 7. I like the size of this car, and with the extended version, folks in the back can stand to lose a little more room.

#9573 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [oac] by tiny1

May 26, 2005 (5:03 pm)

Replying to: oac (May 26, 2005 9:52 am)
Thank-you for the point of view oac...I would rather have a BMW warranty too, but this car happens to be sitting on a Nissan lot. Read-on for a weird story. Actually, I stalled too long when this very car was on the BMW lot in January and someone else bought it. I really felt sick because I wanted the car, but just couldn't pull the trigger fast enough. Three months later, I happened to be driving and saw it on the Nissan front row (sticks out due to special "highline" color). The buyer apparently drove it for 3 months and traded for a preowned Nissan pickup and a handful of money (citing financial hardship). Still interested, I went back to the BMW lot to pull maintenance records and happened to mentioned it to my old salesman. He remembered that the guy that bought it traded in a benz with temporary tags!! (3 + cars in 3 months). WOW! I researched it fully 3 months ago. It passed used car checks at the BMW and skeptical Nissan dealer and I have all maint records from birth with no glaring issues. The buyer did not take it in for anything after the sale (e.g. no bad service news post sale). And, it is still covered until 9/05 with BMW factory warranty (it was prior certified). I still like this car, but I don't know whether to think this is my destiny or a trap. This is one reason I really want a good bumper to bumper warranty. The deal as it stands now is 2000 740 iL, 55,500 miles, great condition, $23,800. Thanks for listening....I had to tell this to someone....

#9574 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [tiny1] by designman

May 26, 2005 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: tiny1 (May 26, 2005 5:03 pm)
Tiny... try this forum..."BMW 7-Series Owners: Problems & Solutions". I think Mr Shiftright used to be the forum host there but he still hangs out answering questions. Chances are he'll give you a good answer. He's an industry pro and seems to have a handle on the 7s. Used BMW 7s can be tricky deals. They can be very costly to maintain and I'd go over the warranty with a fine-tooth comb. Also check the "Extended Warranty" forum.
 

#9575 of 24723 Re: C'mon, some quick opinions.. [designman] by merc1

May 26, 2005 (9:27 pm)

Replying to: designman (May 26, 2005 12:33 pm)
(BTW, I thought Vonzell would win. She had the purest voice. I liked Carrie but she needs to loosen up.)
 
IMO, they really cut down the real talent weeks ago when the elimated whole rooms of contestants. They really didn't have anyone but Vonzell, Anwar and Constantine in the final 12 that really had any talent. The rest didn't even deserve to make it as far as they did, imo. I never liked Bo Bice anyway.
 
I stopped watching after my votes failed to keep Vonzell on the show. I only tuned in to the finale during the last 10 mins just to see who won.
 
M

#9576 of 24723 BMW Jitters by bennych

May 26, 2005 (10:21 pm)

I really like the new 750 Li after test driving it and I am getting ready to make the purchase decsion. The only problem is my concern about reliability. Can anyone help with input particularly with regard to late model (2005) experience? Have things turned around or am I looking at just becoming a great pal of the BMW service manager? I appreciate your help.

#9577 of 24723 Re: 740 iL Questions [tiny1] by oac

May 27, 2005 (12:51 am)

Replying to: tiny1 (May 26, 2005 5:03 pm)
Hi Tiny1: Designman's response is a good one. Also do check out Mr_Shiftright on Edmund's, he is a wealth of knowledge on cars in general.
 
A 5+ yr-old car with 55K miles and looking for a 3rd owner is worrisome enough. Do you know if the car was off lease when the second owner acquired it ? or did it come via the auction route ? May not be anything to worry about, but then it may be... It may just be a lucky draw on this one. Personally, I will pass on such a vehicle, but it may be destiny for you. Just continue your DD and cross your fingers...

Messages Page 958 of 2473

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