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BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

831 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM

You are in the BMW 7-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 7 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan

Messages Page 21 of 84

#197 of 831 looking to purchase 99 740il by bmw12345

Mar 24, 2005 (10:24 pm)

Looking to purchase my first BMW (1999 740il with 63k miles). It looks great and the owner has all of his maintenance records from the local BMW dealer. He actually just did the 60k routine maintenance. The owner is asking $19,500. I have always owned Japanese cars. Since this is my first venture into a BMW, I'd like to know up front if there are going to be any common problems that may arise with this 1999 740il. Any feedback would help.

#198 of 831 Question on ownership cost by likes2drive

Mar 25, 2005 (8:56 pm)

Wife and I love the style of the 96-99 740il. The models we have seen are in our range. My concern is the ownership cost. I am assuming the worst that could happen. Anyone know how much it is to rebuild the engine or transmission. I am looking to keep for another 10 years.

#199 of 831 "Ownership" by blckislandguy

Mar 27, 2005 (9:12 pm)

#200 of 831 Depressing by blckislandguy

Mar 27, 2005 (9:25 pm)

Reading the posts here and on other boards about the 7 Series Ownership experience is depressing. Lots of people, some maybe without enough cash, think that they can get into a 7 Series for little money because of the low resale and then enjoy a 7 Series on the cheap. Guys, there is a reason why the resale prices are so low. Think about it. A MY2000 7 Series could be a money pit that could go right through your wallet. Then you'd put an ad in the paper and offer yet another 7 Series at a give away price and hope that the buyer wouldn't come back to haunt you.
 
If you just gotta have a high end car and yet can't pay the price for a new one with the factory warranty, IMO the best deal is a very late model XJ Series Jaguar. They are relatively cheap to buy because the initial MSPR is a good 15K less than a 7 Series, the reputation they had for poor QC hasn't washed out yet, and, frankly, they don't have the buzz of BMW or MB. They do though have more reliability at a lower price. So, less money, less flash, more reliability. Seems simple to me.

#201 of 831 Ride is rough by houman

Mar 27, 2005 (11:32 pm)

Replying to: vdragon (Feb 16, 2005 10:23 am)
Just bought a 745i sport and wife is complaining about the rough ride which I have to agree with. Is this common? can it be reduced if I change wheels to 18?

#202 of 831 Re: Ride is rough [houman] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 28, 2005 (9:19 am)

Replying to: houman (Mar 27, 2005 11:32 pm)
Have you checked your tire pressure against factory recommendations?
 
What is your stock tire size now and what is the brand/type?

#203 of 831 Re: Ride is rough [Mr_Shiftright] by houman

Mar 28, 2005 (12:27 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 28, 2005 9:19 am)
its a Dunlop 245/40 19

#204 of 831 tires by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 28, 2005 (5:33 pm)

Okay, Here's the deal.
 
The 19s on that car ride hard and you're stuck with it...but the car also came with 18s I believe. Maybe your dealer will swap them out for you if you bought the car new from him?
 
If you can't get 18s or don't want them, you have two other choices:
 
1. deflate the 19s to 32-34 lbs---this will improve the ride BUT CAUSE EDGEWEAR on those tires.
 
2. You can switch to Michelin Pilot Sport AS tires, which will ride better in the 19" size than the Dunlaps.
 
Your 745 is designed for high speed sport driving. It isn't a mall cruiser so that's why it rides like a race car---it sort of is built to perform like one and the ride is not to everyone's taste.
 
So there you go, hope that helps.

#205 of 831 E32 Cruise contril wiring diagram by oconnom

Mar 29, 2005 (2:20 am)

I want to retrofit a genuine BMW E32 cruise control, anyone able to e-mail me the cruise wiring diagram ?
Mick

#206 of 831 My 3rd 7 series by 92735i

Apr 14, 2005 (7:53 am)

I am the original owner of a 92 735i that now has 210,000 miles and running strong. I did a top end freshen up at 160,000 miles. The only other major work is the front end ball joints, struts etc. $1400. The a/c evaporator and other components $1400. None of which I really mind since the age of the car. My son drives it now 30,000 miles/year.
Had a 2004 745i. Loved it, lost it due to corp. reorg. Just bought a 2001 740iL w Spt Wheels. Very nice car. Has 55,000 miles, I purchased the EZ Cap to run till 2010 plus another 20,000 miles for $2000. I now drive about 3-4k miles a year, so I believe I got good value for the extended warranty. I purchased the car for $28k w 55k miles - again, I believe a good value. Some minor signs of wear on the driver front seats. Wondering if I can find a OEM heated seat as replacement or if too expensive is it realistic to have a leather shop re dye (Black)?
 
Anyone have experience with re working leather upholstery on these cars?
 
thanks

Messages Page 21 of 84

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