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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 26 of 84

#242 of 831 7 Series Modification to increase driver legroom by tiny1

May 24, 2005 (7:03 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...

#243 of 831 Dead Battery five (5) times!! by smarranca

May 28, 2005 (6:25 pm)

My 2001 740i now at dealership for 4th time in 4 months..what a pain. Something, somewhere is draining the battery when car has not been driven for 10-15 days. Note: in v.cold winter this period went down to 3-5 days. The dealer has been unable to locate problem (first two times they blamed ME for problem...leaving lights on & having a sat. radio system & such). Anyway..they last have replaced the NAV. system and something to do with the elect. steering assist. All for nought...it was totally dead again this week. Yes, I have replaced the battery (125$!). Am about ready to give up....t live 70 miles from dealership and tired of the hassle. Love the car/ride & don't want to switch to _____?? but can't deal with the crap-shoot of "will it start today?". So ...anyone else have similar type problem? Thank you.

#244 of 831 Re: Transmission oil [berton] by mevande

May 29, 2005 (12:48 am)

Replying to: berton (May 23, 2005 6:33 pm)
What did you get this info. and what frame of reference? You shared """From what I understand the life of the vehicle in BMW terms is 100,000 Miles """???
 
Please provide more info.
 
Thanks

#245 of 831 Re: Knocking Sound at Front End [stumped2] by richo50

May 31, 2005 (9:19 pm)

Replying to: stumped2 (May 15, 2005 6:58 am)
I have just had a similar problem with my 1997 740iL. It turned out to be a worn ball joint at the end of the tie rod - had both replaced and no more problems! can't help with the electrical problem.

#246 of 831 considering to buy a 7 series by solar1

Jun 03, 2005 (2:48 pm)

I was considering to buy an used 97-98, 740 iL; however, after reading the postings in this site I am somehow dicouraged. I was going to replace my 92, Z28 Camaro (160K miles) which I thought it required too much maintenance (I have spent about $1,500 in parts/labor in 4 years of ownership) and I was longing for the BMW engineering with its quality luxury ride handling and performance. Is it possible that I should be looking into the 5 series instead?
Thank you for your comments.

#247 of 831 Re: considering to buy a 7 series [solar1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 03, 2005 (5:30 pm)

Replying to: solar1 (Jun 03, 2005 2:48 pm)
To be very frank about it, if you think spending $1,500 in parts and labor over 4 years is too much maintenance, you shouldn't go near a BMW of any kind. The BMW740 is a world class luxury car and cars like this are complex and expensive to operate, regardless if it's BMW, Lexus or Mercedes or Rolls or whatever---especially when out of warranty. If you can't see yourself spending $100-$150 a month for preventive maintenance and expendables repair (tires, brakes, shocks, etc.), you really shouldn't be going into cars like this, because that's exactly what it's going to cost you, averaged out over 4 years.
 
If you meant you spent $1,500 PER YEAR on the Camaro, yes, that's too much for a car like that, but just about right for a BMW...if you want to really treat the car right and have it last a long long time.

#248 of 831 Re: considering to buy a 7 series [Mr_Shiftright] by solar1

Jun 04, 2005 (7:58 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 03, 2005 5:30 pm)
Actually, I did not include any preventive items such as tires, brakes, shocks, fluids changes, spark plugs/cables, belt, hoses, etc. which are normal maintenance items associated with any type of car and you can take care before they fail; I only included unexpected repairs that could leave you stranded (ECM, ignition switch and distributor in my case), or that are annoying/recurring problems.
Still, the 7 series is the car that appeals the most to me out of the BMW lineup, but if the 5 series has a better track record, I might compromise

#249 of 831 Re: considering to buy a 7 series [solar1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 04, 2005 (8:26 am)

Replying to: solar1 (Jun 04, 2005 7:58 am)
Oh okay I see what you're saying. Well the 5 series is a less complex car and is my personal favorite for a BMW, so I'm a little biased toward it. I find the 5 a good compromise for me. A 3 series is just too cramped and a 7, while a wonderful car to drive, is a bit big for my style of driving, which tends to be aggressive.

#250 of 831 Re: considering to buy a 7 series [Mr_Shiftright] by solar1

Jun 04, 2005 (12:07 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 04, 2005 8:26 am)
I think that I should follow your advice as my style of driving is also on the agressive side. Thanks for your help!

#251 of 831 Re: considering to buy a 7 series [solar1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 04, 2005 (1:44 pm)

Replying to: solar1 (Jun 04, 2005 12:07 pm)
Well I like to really fling a car around and the 7 is a lot of work in tight turns---but it'll do it. It's more about the physical size and weight. It's like a train on the highway but she's no slim little ballerina. Your results may vary, so give the 7 a spin.

Messages Page 26 of 84

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