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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 57 of 84

#554 of 831 Re: Too many problems with my 740i [eric312] by dtb0203

Feb 16, 2007 (9:35 am)

Replying to: eric312 (Feb 14, 2007 11:41 pm)
I am aware of the exteded warranty on the 2002 and 2003; however, I hear that they have lots of problems with those cars. As you might imagine, I have developed a rapport with my service advisor at the dealer and get a lot of information that way. He told me to stay away from those years for the 7 series. Stories I've heard include "driving at night all the lights go out in the car" and "the car won't start" and he told me that they have had the 2002-2003 models in the shop for a week trying to update the software. BMW stop calling owners of the 2003 7 series for the service survey, because they know the survey will be bad.
 
But guess what happened to me later the same day I replied to your email. I left work, drove one block to the gas station, fill the car with gas, got back in the car and the car would not start. It was the alternator and battery. So now that's been replaced. I'm hoping that with all things I've replaced this car will now last another 100K miles so I can recoup my money by getting more mileage out of the car.
 
You are correct, I need a good independent shop and I know of a reputable one. I actually called them to get a quote for the transmission. They were $900 cheaper, which is a lot, but there were several reasons I went with the dealer.
 
1. they gave me a free loaner (rental) car,if I had used the independent source, I would have had to pay for car rental
2. they could do it faster
3. I feel I have more recourse with them if something goes wrong
 
But I will consider using the other source for other things.

#555 of 831 Re:(2001 740iL) Love the car when it's out of the shop by jantonac

Feb 25, 2007 (5:38 pm)

Replying to: eric312 (Feb 07, 2007 8:42 pm)
Unfortunately, I've had the same experience.
I had to replace two window regulators and have a third that is on it's way out.
My power steering hose has been replaced.
My radiator was replaced (under warranty at least).
My front calipers stuck and had to be replaced.
My front seat lumbar support had to be fixed.
How much did it cost you to get the NAV computer fixed?
My NAV/radio resets itself all the time. In the colder weather it seems to work, but it hardly works at all in the heat.
 
Not the image of quality I was hoping for by buying a luxury BMW. Like I said, it drives wonderfully, but I can't believe how many problems I have had!

#556 of 831 Re:(2001 740iL) Love the car when it's out of the shop [jantonac] by eric312

Feb 26, 2007 (6:47 pm)

Replying to: jantonac (Feb 25, 2007 5:38 pm)
The Nav drive/computer (the black box in your trunk where DVD drive goes) is $1300-1500 for a rebuilt unit at NY area dealers. Check eBay and online stores for better deals.

#557 of 831 1993 bmw tranny problem by perfectdriver

Mar 19, 2007 (1:21 am)

I have a 93' 740 il. I was wondering if the 740 il trannys were compatible with the 750 il? If not what would be the most inexspenssive way to go about fixing or replacing the tranny?

#558 of 831 Re: 2001 740IL with computer problems [mybmwat50] by rcharcom740

Mar 22, 2007 (1:50 pm)

Replying to: mybmwat50 (Jan 11, 2007 9:29 pm)
Actually the dealer was at the beginning. The MkII computer that is the E38's are suseptable to voltage and thats the ususal start. Note all audio, Nav, TV etc goes through the NAV unit. If there is a problem with the Nav unit it takes about 2 min to cycle through and say I have a problem and the whole thing shuts down . Thats why when you hit the on off swith again it stars again for about 2 min. How do I know this -I was also a victim. I fixed my systen 2 ways first I upgraded to the MK IV ($750) and it was easy to install but the disc is $200 extra. I also repaired my MKII and have run it flawlessly for 1 month. I think Ill stick with the Mk Iv but I would part with the MK II

#559 of 831 Re: 1993 bmw tranny problem [perfectdriver] by newme101

Apr 20, 2007 (11:29 am)

Replying to: perfectdriver (Mar 19, 2007 1:21 am)
I find myself in your situation. I too have a 93 740i with trans problems. I've been getting price quotes that are pretty expensive. Have you had any luck? Please let me know.

#560 of 831 1986 L7 All Wet by gnat42

May 13, 2007 (5:53 pm)

I bought an 86 L7 about a year ago, lots of miles, but it ran and looks great. A couple of weeks ago it poured rain here and I came out to find a foot deep puddle around the car. Like an idiot I started it up to get home and the car would barely move. I don't know if I sucked water in through the exhaust or what. I've ran it almost completely out of gas, added fuel additive twice, and it does run better. It starts with no problems, and while in park, it revs and sounds fine. However, when I'm in gear it doesn't want to go. It's sluggish to move and will eventually go but sometimes I have to have it floored to get to 35 mph. Sometimes when it's floored there is no reaction just a slow pick up of speed. Any ideas??

#561 of 831 L7 Glove box by gnat42

May 13, 2007 (5:56 pm)

My glove box got jammed somehow.
Any ideas on how to open it without breaking it?

#562 of 831 1999 740iL by cabe

Jun 08, 2007 (4:58 am)

I am a newbie here so excuse me if i sound ignorant.
I am looking at purchasing a 99 740iL with 88K on it. It has the 18" M rims. i am planning on asking a gas station to look at it real good and look at everything, as well as drive it. inside the vehicle, it looks pretty good. slight cracking in the center console and the trays aren't in the best shape... but they will be fixing the cup holder. i dont see any substantial oil on the undercarriage.
what should i look for in a addition to what the mechanic tells me? they are asking $13,800.
oh, and i asked the dealer about the recalls and they didnt know, or haven't told me yet.
thanks very much

#563 of 831 Re: 1999 740iL [cabe] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 08, 2007 (8:45 am)

Replying to: cabe (Jun 08, 2007 4:58 am)
That's a little pricey, not too bad if it's really sharp but really it should retail for around $11,500--$12,000.
 
If I were you, I'd make SURE every gadget switch, AC, window, light etc. worked perfectly. I'd spend time just playing with everything and carefully noting how they operate.
 
My main concern with this car would be a) electrical glitches, b) service records c) CARFAX report and d) checking the control arm bushings in the front end, especially with 18" tires, which tend to stress the suspension.
 
Good luck in your purchase...it's a great ride....

Messages Page 57 of 84

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