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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 46 of 84

#444 of 831 Re: service engine soon light [rafc1] by scholder

Mar 02, 2006 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: rafc1 (Feb 21, 2006 5:17 pm)
How close is "close" to empty? There is a section in the owners manual that refers to getting too close to empty, (I believe less than 1 or 2 gallons which can create a problem. Check this area or call BMW customer service and they can answer this for you.
 
By the way, as a note for future reference; I have a 740i 2001 with 88,000 and the lower coolant level sensor that is located under the reservoir tank fill area sprung a leak of anti-freeze recently. Just 2 months earlier the upper radiator cracked and had to replace; but my point is there is a design flaw in the sensor placement as when the leak occurred the only way to repair it was to replace the entire reservoir tank as the sensor part did not have a gasket that could be replaced. The plastic mount just gave out and the sensor was fine. Very expensive for what should have been a minor item. I will call BMW to see if I get any sympathy. Has anyone out there experienced this? Earlier someone said to just figure $200/month for maintenance and repairs for their car. I can see why. Good luck!

#445 of 831 Re: service engine soon light [scholder] by rafc1

Mar 04, 2006 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: scholder (Mar 02, 2006 4:06 pm)
I was so low, I was worried I would get stranded. About 2 days after post, light went out again. now a week later, its still not lit and all is well. I read the same in manual. I suspect it has to do with fuel pump sucking air (is that even possible?), I would be interested if anyone can enlighten me. thanks.

#446 of 831 mid 90's 740il questions by drbonds

Mar 20, 2006 (11:19 am)

I am considering purchasing a 1994 740il for light highway usage(5000mi/yr). I want a performance sedan, and these cars seem to be priced low...Why? I was wondering if there were any "buyer beware" problems with these specific cars, even with low miles? If so, what other reccomendations might you have to meet my needs. Thanks

#447 of 831 Re: mid 90's 740il questions [drbonds] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 20, 2006 (11:24 am)

Replying to: drbonds (Mar 20, 2006 11:19 am)
They are low priced because of punishing repair and maintenance costs. Buyers are shy of them consequently. So to make this work for you, you need: a) low mileage super cream puff used car + knowledgable independent repair shop willing to work on them and cut corners for you (used parts, installing eBay parts you find, etc.). But if you buy a car with needs and go to the dealer for repairs, you'll be staggered under the heavy blows the car will deal you I think.
 
Some indy shops won't even work on a 740, so check first.
 
Summary: best car possible + perfect shop + right price or else don't pull the trigger. Can be heaven or can be hell, depending on how you play it IMO.

#448 of 831 Re: mid 90's 740il questions [Mr_Shiftright] by drbonds

Mar 20, 2006 (11:34 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Mar 20, 2006 11:24 am)
Would you consider under 70K low miles for this car? If well maintained, what would you consider a reasonable lifetime mileage for a 740. If not BMW, then where should I be looking to mix my desire for a performance car with a fairly roomy sedan?

#449 of 831 Re: mid 90's 740il questions [drbonds] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 20, 2006 (2:24 pm)

Replying to: drbonds (Mar 20, 2006 11:34 am)
70K isn't bad. I'd prefer 60, but I guess one must be realistic.
 
You mean a 1990s era performance sedan that drives like a BMW but runs like a Lexus?
 
No such animal IMHO.
 
If you could live with a mid to later 90s 5 Series BMW, that might work better for you. Again, low miles.

#450 of 831 2000 750iL by lecbmw2001

Mar 21, 2006 (1:09 pm)

I bought the car as a CPO in 2002 as I didn't like the 745i's at the time and knew of the problems associated with them. The warranty just expired and dumb me, I didn't look into the lemon laws within that 3 year period. The car has been in the shop 26 times in now just over 40 months, 25 times within the 36 mo warranty. I have tried doing everything I can to get BMW to fix the car but they refuse to fix it under warranty even though the car was in the shop around 100 - 120 days during the 3 years. Now the car continually kills batteries. I am on my 3rd pair of batteries and now one of these is gone! I am getting this under the battery warranty. The car somehow discharges the batteries every day now. I have it in an independent BMW service shop. It's been in there now for almost 2 weeks.
 
i have tried getting in tuoch with the BMW ombudsman who advised me to send a certified letter to the car dealer I have dealt with in San Diego. After 7 days, I have had no response. The ombudsman indicated he will go to BMW NA. When I tried contacting the regional service BMW employee (who has flown in to San Diego on 3 occasions to try and fix the car), nobody will give me his phone number or email address. I have phoned BMW NA, in New Jersey, all to no avail!
 
I am extremely frustrated as I can't really even drive this car now!
 
The independent shop is doing an iterative process to see if they can find what is happening.
 
Does anyone have any suggestions? Surely I can't be the only 750 (12 cyl) with electrical problems?! Oh, by the way, ALL PROBLEMS FOR THE 26 TIMES HAVE BEEN ELECTRICAL RELATED!

#451 of 831 high milage on 2001 740 I by tozie

Mar 22, 2006 (9:26 pm)

i own a 1999 740I witn 162,000 miles. has any one hit 200,000 miles on any of the 97-2001 7 series models....
is your 7 series still running smootly at such a high milage?

#452 of 831 Re: 1994 BMW 740 IL - Hard starting...to...no start [bosox406] by 740ilburg93

Mar 25, 2006 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: bosox406 (Jan 20, 2006 6:22 am)
This is exactly what happened to my 1993 bmw 740il. Did you ever determine the answer. I haven't dug into it, but it sounds like the same issue. Started slowly taking longer to start, and then one day nothing at all. I too changed the spark plugs and noted that they were a bit wet with what apppeared to be oil, but had a gas smell to them. I was thinking to check the ecm, fuel pump, but after that I'm at a loss. It cranks over, but doesn't even act like it wants to start. Any help would be great.
 
Thanks,

#453 of 831 Re: 1994 BMW 740 IL - Hard starting...to...no start [740ilburg93] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 26, 2006 (12:20 pm)

Replying to: 740ilburg93 (Mar 25, 2006 5:15 pm)
I think your model has a crankshaft sensor to activate the ignition doesn't it?

Messages Page 46 of 84

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