7 series purchase?
Discussion
I quite fancy getting myself lots of flash for not much cash - I love big, sporty waft-mobiles, with air-con and lots of toys. Does anyone have experience of the last generation 7-series? I mean the one just about to be replaced by the i-drive thingy.
I've seen one advertised, 1997, 145,000 miles, full BMWsh, TV, phone, electric everything, for less than £10k. Are there any serious faults I should look for? Should I bother at all? Most importantly, will it go in my 18' garage?
I've seen one advertised, 1997, 145,000 miles, full BMWsh, TV, phone, electric everything, for less than £10k. Are there any serious faults I should look for? Should I bother at all? Most importantly, will it go in my 18' garage?
Well, I recently ditched my 1994 730iV8 - same generation as the one you're looking at, but a few years older, with 163000 miles on it.
Once they're out of warranty, the bills get scary. They eat pads & discs like crazy, tyres too if you've got any sort of rubber except Dunlop ditch finders.
If it's a V8, make sure its an M62 series engine or an M60 with a replacement block - early V8s had bore wear issues. Slight oil leaks allegedly common with early V8s too - mine never was completely sealed, although it was almost always rocker cover gaskets at fault.
Exhaust system seems unburstable (just as well at BMW prices, and there's a *lot* of exhaust system there). Cats could be a different issue: one per cylinder bank, and they're pricey when they go. Ask me how I know...
Suspension could well be wearing out at that age: I'd had a couple of new springs and shocks, plus rear shock mounts. Various thrust arms/bushings etc could also be on the way out - check for steering wheel wobble on the move, which could indicate front thrust arms/bushings. Wheel wobble you can brake through could be centre tie rod.
Check all the electrics work - every single goddam thing. If something doesn't it's expensive to fix since BMW only really troubleshoot at a component level. Lift any interior trim panel in a 7 and you'll find an electronic control box for something - these things are simply loaded with technology. In particular, check that the air distribution works properly: try all the various dash/screen/feet settings, check the blend control out, and crank the thing from cold to hot to cold again, with and without air-con switched on. Anything that doesn't work properly there means taking the dashboard to bits and replacing stepper motors, or the heater control valves under the bonnet (marginally accessible).
Auto boxes should be fairly unburstable, although the 730's were alleged to come with a box that could only just handle the torque of that engine. Bascially, you should be able to cane the nuts off the thing with no rough shifting in sight. 1500 quid for a recon box from ZF if it's buggered.
All of that said... they're great cars. But they are 2 ton cars with vaguely sporty handling and tons of power. They're never going to be cheap to run. Make friends with a local BMW dealer, and ask if they'll run an Approved Used Car inspection for you if you bring a prospective purchase in. May cost you 200 quid, but if it stops you buying a money pit, great.
Additionally, check out www.roadfly.com for the E38 bulletin board, as well as the Seven series digest at www.bmwseven.com
So, don't be put off, but do ensure you buy a good'un. And if you don't drive it like a hot hatch, you won't have as many bits go wrong as I did
Once they're out of warranty, the bills get scary. They eat pads & discs like crazy, tyres too if you've got any sort of rubber except Dunlop ditch finders.
If it's a V8, make sure its an M62 series engine or an M60 with a replacement block - early V8s had bore wear issues. Slight oil leaks allegedly common with early V8s too - mine never was completely sealed, although it was almost always rocker cover gaskets at fault.
Exhaust system seems unburstable (just as well at BMW prices, and there's a *lot* of exhaust system there). Cats could be a different issue: one per cylinder bank, and they're pricey when they go. Ask me how I know...
Suspension could well be wearing out at that age: I'd had a couple of new springs and shocks, plus rear shock mounts. Various thrust arms/bushings etc could also be on the way out - check for steering wheel wobble on the move, which could indicate front thrust arms/bushings. Wheel wobble you can brake through could be centre tie rod.
Check all the electrics work - every single goddam thing. If something doesn't it's expensive to fix since BMW only really troubleshoot at a component level. Lift any interior trim panel in a 7 and you'll find an electronic control box for something - these things are simply loaded with technology. In particular, check that the air distribution works properly: try all the various dash/screen/feet settings, check the blend control out, and crank the thing from cold to hot to cold again, with and without air-con switched on. Anything that doesn't work properly there means taking the dashboard to bits and replacing stepper motors, or the heater control valves under the bonnet (marginally accessible).
Auto boxes should be fairly unburstable, although the 730's were alleged to come with a box that could only just handle the torque of that engine. Bascially, you should be able to cane the nuts off the thing with no rough shifting in sight. 1500 quid for a recon box from ZF if it's buggered.
All of that said... they're great cars. But they are 2 ton cars with vaguely sporty handling and tons of power. They're never going to be cheap to run. Make friends with a local BMW dealer, and ask if they'll run an Approved Used Car inspection for you if you bring a prospective purchase in. May cost you 200 quid, but if it stops you buying a money pit, great.
Additionally, check out www.roadfly.com for the E38 bulletin board, as well as the Seven series digest at www.bmwseven.com
So, don't be put off, but do ensure you buy a good'un. And if you don't drive it like a hot hatch, you won't have as many bits go wrong as I did
Nubbin - great cars.
I seem to recall that the 740i went from a 4.0 V8 to a 4.4 in 96/97 which apparently increased torque and made improvements to mid-range punch.
I ran a 4.0 litre version for a few years and can wholeheartedly recommend the 7 series generally and the lusty V8s especially.
Totally reliable, supreme m-way sluggers but not averse to a bit of thuggery if you're in the mood - I went for dealer-fitted AC Schnitzer springs which made cornering something to enjoy rather than endure.
That wonderfully cultured V8 has a nice, slightly muted growl when pressing on and in true Beemer fashion, just lurves 3-figure cruising. In accelerative terms not a traffic light hero but once the momentum got a move on there was torque aplenty for a spot of inter-county annexing, arrogant German style!
Mileage not an issue (assuming full BMWSH) because the mechanicals were forged by The Gods. 9-13k gets you in the game. Only downside was it's Oli Reed-esque thirst which was truly shocking given leaden feet. Mind you, expect mid-high 20s on a typical m-way cruise-controlled run. Up there with the Porsche 928 as quite ridiculous VFM.
Buy, buy, buy!!!
>> Edited by derestrictor on Wednesday 17th July 20:02
I seem to recall that the 740i went from a 4.0 V8 to a 4.4 in 96/97 which apparently increased torque and made improvements to mid-range punch.
I ran a 4.0 litre version for a few years and can wholeheartedly recommend the 7 series generally and the lusty V8s especially.
Totally reliable, supreme m-way sluggers but not averse to a bit of thuggery if you're in the mood - I went for dealer-fitted AC Schnitzer springs which made cornering something to enjoy rather than endure.
That wonderfully cultured V8 has a nice, slightly muted growl when pressing on and in true Beemer fashion, just lurves 3-figure cruising. In accelerative terms not a traffic light hero but once the momentum got a move on there was torque aplenty for a spot of inter-county annexing, arrogant German style!
Mileage not an issue (assuming full BMWSH) because the mechanicals were forged by The Gods. 9-13k gets you in the game. Only downside was it's Oli Reed-esque thirst which was truly shocking given leaden feet. Mind you, expect mid-high 20s on a typical m-way cruise-controlled run. Up there with the Porsche 928 as quite ridiculous VFM.
Buy, buy, buy!!!
>> Edited by derestrictor on Wednesday 17th July 20:02
When about the early examples (E/F plate)? I've seen these on autotrader for about 1000-1500 quid. That's a lot of motor for not much loot.
I really want one as an every day car. The bills on the Griff are starting to mount up with servicing costs being one of the biggest hassles every 6000 miles. What are the servicing intervals on a 7 series (probably a 735i) and how much are they likely to be at an independent specialist.
Is there anything in particular to look out for other than full leather, auto and a decent colour?
Ian A.
I really want one as an every day car. The bills on the Griff are starting to mount up with servicing costs being one of the biggest hassles every 6000 miles. What are the servicing intervals on a 7 series (probably a 735i) and how much are they likely to be at an independent specialist.
Is there anything in particular to look out for other than full leather, auto and a decent colour?
Ian A.
Audi A8, nice car, but good dealers are few and far between. Otherwise many of the comments re costs apply as per the BM.
If you budget for largish service costs and accept thats the cost of getting posh transport thats fine.
Only other problem is finding somewhere to park the thing, you don't realise how big these cars are until you have to park at Tesco's!
>> Edited by philshort on Tuesday 23 July 15:43
If you budget for largish service costs and accept thats the cost of getting posh transport thats fine.
Only other problem is finding somewhere to park the thing, you don't realise how big these cars are until you have to park at Tesco's!
>> Edited by philshort on Tuesday 23 July 15:43
Ian - I'd avoid the banger sector like the plague. The cars there are priced accordingly for a reason. If you're staying way under 10 grand then maybe 3-5k would be worth a look but the other option here - remember we're going to be talking sky high milers too - is something with possibly greater mechanical integrity than the big BMWs - I'm talking Mercs. Not my bag at all, personally but a friend recently picked up an IMMACULATE E320 N-plater with 130k miles for (I think) around 6 grand and I have to say, it runs so smoothly it's phenomenal and it goes some, too. Quentin Wilson may have lost the plot a little these days but he does talk sense when it comes to these. Good luck, anyway.
IPAddis - you can have my 13 year old 525i if you like - 120,000 miles, with, (I kid you not), full service history - latest service this week included new pads and front discs. Paintwork is a bit scratched from the previous disabled driver owner, not a spot of rust etc. etc. Leather, auto box, luvverly! But you'll have to wait till I get my 740 on an R-plate!!
It's been so well cared for, the tool kit is unused, and the first aid kit still sits, unopened, under the front seat!!!
It's been so well cared for, the tool kit is unused, and the first aid kit still sits, unopened, under the front seat!!!
Ta but the 5 series doesn't have the drug dealer image that the 7 series has.
I was thinking of running the 7 in the way that some people run 1980s Escorts. Take care of it but do the minimum amount possible to keep it on the road (apart from safety and basic oil changes, etc). If I buy one for 800 quid, I'm not too bothered if it only lasts 12 months (it will have saved me 800 quid in Griff costs). Sorry if this is sacrilege to BMW owners.
Just a bit of a laugh really.
I was thinking of running the 7 in the way that some people run 1980s Escorts. Take care of it but do the minimum amount possible to keep it on the road (apart from safety and basic oil changes, etc). If I buy one for 800 quid, I'm not too bothered if it only lasts 12 months (it will have saved me 800 quid in Griff costs). Sorry if this is sacrilege to BMW owners.
Just a bit of a laugh really.
quote:
IPAddis - you can have my 13 year old 525i if you like - 120,000 miles, with, (I kid you not), full service history - latest service this week included new pads and front discs. Paintwork is a bit scratched from the previous disabled driver owner, not a spot of rust etc. etc. Leather, auto box, luvverly! But you'll have to wait till I get my 740 on an R-plate!!
It's been so well cared for, the tool kit is unused, and the first aid kit still sits, unopened, under the front seat!!!
Seriously, what sort of things go wrong with the higher milers and are they expensive to fix by non-dealer people? I am seriously considering getting one as a slightly more practical car than the Griff.
I would get a hot hatch but the though of a sub 3-litre engine is not appealing
Ian A.
I would get a hot hatch but the though of a sub 3-litre engine is not appealing
Ian A.
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