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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 58 of 84

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

Jun 08, 2007 (2:30 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 08, 2007 8:45 am)
thank you very muc for responding.
I will definitly check all the gadgets like you say. with regards to your main concerns, i have checked the carfax and its clean. although, there is a 2 year gap in its records of anything (it was leased by the original owner and then went from a dealer to another dealer)other then that it looks all good.
how do i find out the service records?
will a regular mechanic shop be able to identify electrical glitches, or do i need to take it to a BMW dealer?
same question for the CA bushings but i imagine a regular mechanic shop can do that.
as far as the engine and drivetrain, is there anything i should look for? will a regular mechanic shop be able to identify issues, or is that a bmw dealer thing to look at?
again, thanks very much for the response.

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

Jun 08, 2007 (2:41 pm)

Replying to: cabe (Jun 08, 2007 2:30 pm)
I think going to a BMW dealer for a pre-sale inspection is an okay idea, althought they will try to sell you every part in the warehouse...in which case you can use the argument I always use "Oh yeah, SHOW me the defect". If the bushing isn't torn and wobbly, and the shock doesn't leak all over your hand, and you can't see the oil leak, and the muffler really doesn't have a hole in it that you can see, then blow them off...but if you see real leaks, real holes, and very loose bushings or worn brake pads or deeply scored brake rotors, then you have to negotiate on the price or prepare to have those things fixed.
 
Of course if your independent shop is a BMW specialist, they would be fine for the pre-sale.
 
As for electrical glitches, you can do this yourself seems to me. Look for inoperative functions, like windows, mirrors, AC, heat, radio, antenna...and also for any warning lights. Test drive it and keep an eye on that dashboard, especially in strong sunlight. All the test lights should come on when you start and then go out.
 
If you spend $150 only to find out there's a serious issue with the car, that's money well spent even if you don't buy it.

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

Jun 08, 2007 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 08, 2007 2:41 pm)
thank you very much Sir.
greatly appreciated.
turns out it is at a bmw dealer right now that the dealer i am looking at buying it from took it to. so i called that bmw dealer and asked them about it and they gave it a thumbs up and saif for $189 they will do a used car inspection on it and check everything on it soup to nuts. So, assuming the dealer that is selling it is ok with that, and the bmw dealer says its ok, i am going to go for it (and hope he comes down on the price like you mentioned).
 
thanks again

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

Jun 08, 2007 (3:50 pm)

Replying to: cabe (Jun 08, 2007 2:59 pm)
I think a BMW will choose profit over the dread of ticking off another dealer---LOL!
 
Good move, this will give you some peace of mind. Make sure you have them explain everything and especially to PRIORITIZE these items, should you decide to buy the car.

#569 of 831 Re: 1999 740iL [cabe] by fordblueblood1

Jul 13, 2007 (7:53 am)

Replying to: cabe (Jun 08, 2007 4:58 am)
I have (wife's car) a 2001 E38 with the sport handling package and 72K on it. It is a fast car that handles pretty well for a big car but the cost of keeping these cars on the road is exorbitant. I have had to fix lots of parts on this car well before it even hit 70 thousand miles. The engines and brakes are the best things about it; the gadgets and the plastic trim parts are the worst. The gadgets are very expensive to fix and not very rhobust. If you don't mind driving a luxury car that has 70% of everything working then go for it else, be prepared to know your repair center on a personal basis. I would not get an old one. Buy a 2001 if you like that body style. Look for low mileage and by all means, make sure everything works. If you don't know what you are looking at, take someone who does. Good luck.
John

#570 of 831 Re: 1999 740iL [fordblueblood1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jul 13, 2007 (8:10 am)

Replying to: fordblueblood1 (Jul 13, 2007 7:53 am)
I'm curious...did you have trouble with the front and rear control arm bushing? Did you have the door trim (between front and rear door, on the "B" pillar, constantly detach? Did you have the brake warning light go on a lot, and constantly have to replace rear brake light bulbs?

#571 of 831 2001 740IL? by copyrightatty

Jul 22, 2007 (7:34 pm)

I am considering purchasing one of the last E38s. I can find a few across the country with under 50k on the odo, and many with under 60k for around $20-22k. I need it for an occasional driver to take clients to dinner, to play golf, and for a couple long haul trips a year. All told, I doubt I will put more than 6k on it a year, and it will be in service for about 4 years. Does anyone have suggestions on specific issues to look for or things to avoid? I appreciate any feedback.

#572 of 831 Re: 2001 740IL? [copyrightatty] by eric312

Jul 23, 2007 (7:42 am)

Replying to: copyrightatty (Jul 22, 2007 7:34 pm)
These cars usually have issues with electronics/computers. Make sure to check all of them out.

#573 of 831 2007 750I Reliability by j120driver

Jul 27, 2007 (5:49 pm)

I'm looking at purchasing an 07 750. Just got out of a Lexus LS430. Love the reliability but not real excited about the aesthetics. I keep hearing and reading about reliability problems with the 750. It's a great drive, but is it worth dealing with the mechanical and electrical problems. Anyone out there with an 07 that can comment, I'd appreciate it.

Messages Page 58 of 84

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