On the fence...should I buy a 2001 740i?

[JimT16]

So, I have previously owned a 2005 530i and it was the best car I ever owned...Loved it. I had more money back then so repairs weren't a major concern. 8 years later, I am thinking about getting back to BMW. I am looking at a clean 740i with 137k miles. Hard to find one affordable with low miles. Anyway, I read all sorts of reviews online and almost everyone says repairs are SUPER EXPENSIVE! I figured I would come on here to find the real story. Most times those reviews are from people who only take their cars to a BMW dealer. I am hoping to do any repairs myself. I am pretty mechanically inclined and do pretty much all of my auto repairs myself. So back to my original question...knowing that, should I buy it?...I really love those cars but don't want to get into a money pit at the same time...thoughts?

[beshannon]

In a word, NO

I knew someone that owned a 1999 740 iL that was no end of problems and they kept throwing money at it for far too long and regretted it very much.

Electronics, instrument cluster, oil leaks etc.

[Doge]

Have you done any research on the common issues associated with that chassis?
What about posing this question in the 7-series sub-forum?...Or even looking in their DIY/common problems stickies?
I would trust the opinion of someone who owned one, or owns one currently, as opposed to any other individual.
Just my $0.02...sometimes less.

[BimmerBreaker]

If you have the ability to replace timing chain guides, you could probably maintain it. But youll be repairing it a lot so be prepared for that. Better off in an e46 or even another 6cyl e39 if you need something somewhat reliable