Of the three, which do you like the best?

[LaserSVT]

Looking at three 2001 740i Sports Thursday. One will become mine and I am torn between them and hope for input here. All are within $500 of each other.

#1 Dont know the color but love it. Car has no options but everything works. No doccumentation at all because its an auction car. Everything works including the cup holders. Car has 125k on it

http://photos.ecarlist.com/jd/Jj/Bb/2E/DM/jh/RD/I9/pj/yi/gA_640.jpg
http://photos.ecarlist.com/LX/Xl/Fd/ut/4M/5q/L1/ji/16/n8/TA_640.jpg
http://photos.ecarlist.com/KR/MC/rV/7J/5f/aO/DP/nQ/XZ/S2/OA_640.jpg
http://photos.ecarlist.com/lF/h4/5Y/cM/9A/UH/xT/I2/OY/Dq/TA_640.jpg


Car number 2. LOVE the Stratus Metallic color. Car is fairly well doccumented. Was a CPO car so was always BMW serviced. Guy has owned it for two years and did the whoole cooling system and has ne Sport OEM shocks. Everything works and car is described as flawless except a rock chip in the window thats been filled. Car had about 139k on it. Looking at the front tire tells me it prolly needs the entire $700 front end job done. Again it is a no option car.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/1327798090082.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/1327798089735.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/1327798089178.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/1327798089901.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/1327798090234.jpg



Last but not least is a loaded silver one. Has all the options and is a one owner car. Full service records available but owner is unsure if tensioners or valve gaskets have been done. Has yet to get back to me on that. Been at a specialty shop for any issue its had since the warrenty expired. Hes selling it cause he bought a brand new 7 series. Car looks nice but its my least favorite color. But the doccuments and one owner and all options makes me kinda lean to it. Has about 145k o it. It is also the least expensive of the group.

http://images.craigslist.org/5N55F75Jd3Kf3L93Hac1u687e0420d2d41262.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/5G75O35Me3F83I43Hdc1udb5dbc1506b11eba.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/5La5H65J33K83L13Jec1ua772c2025275182e.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/5I15G65P23n53F93Jfc1u77d3ccb4fc5b179a.jpg





So out of the three which seems the better deal. BTW the silver one will be about $600 less then te other two.

[sigtwenty]

Option 3. One owner is best, especially since the owner bought a newer model 7. Means he has the money and appreciates the car.
The color of number 1 is the best tho. But 3 would be my choice. No brainer.

[Zach Sands]

I've seen the first one on eBay before.

[VegasA6]

ALWAYS buy private party vs dealer at any time. Docs are your friend.

[FoxCruiser]

Agreed with everyone else; the third car looks the be the most solid one. It has the options, it has the documentation, and you don't drop $70K on one of these cars when new and move to a new 7er without having the money and gumption to take care of it. Sounds like it's been enthusiast owned which is a major plus.

[Edwin NL]

#3.

Good luck on your choice

[racer2086]

Yup. #3, but an understandably hard choice with the other color options.

[LaserSVT]

Thank you all for the input. I do love the silver and oddly enough always wanted a silver car but never had one. I really wanted that second car just cause of the color. That being said the 3rd one makesthe most sense. Has options and I agree, one owner and he lovedit enough to buy a new one tells me the car was well cared for. He told me the car was always parked inthe middle of nowhere when he took it places so it wouldnt get dinged. Said a window shade went up if he was only gonna be a short time soomewhere but if he was gonna be more then a couple hours then he put a car cover on it.
Just looking at his houses driveway tells me the car came from money. I hope she is as solid as she looks and is still there. I also hope my check is ready then too. If not I hope he will take a several hundred dollar deposit and hold it for a few days till my checks clear.


I have so much to do I dont want to drive to the lawyers, relators, supply shops, electric and telephone places all in a ratty shop truck as I get my new house and buisiness off the ground. Would much rather enjoy the drive behind the wheel of a sweet e38.


Thanks again for staying on topic and offering sound advice. I think I made a good chice becoming a member here. :)

[BobsBimmer]

I also would choose # 3

[SirReal63]

I would do #3 as well. Options on 740i's are not as common as the IL's, you are looking for a car with as many options as you can get, and it has records. While records are important, that doesn't mean something won't happen. My radiator, hoses and belts were replaced in 2007 but not the water pump, wen the water pump went, it took out the radiator.

#2 doesn't look like a bad deal either. Expect front end work and cooling system work on any of them so it comes down to choice. Personally I like #3 the best.

[audiavant]

Options Options Options jm2c

[i495 bandit]

Idk #1 looks nice. Just because the car came from an auction dosent mean a thing. You could always get a transcript of the service history from any BMW dealership just give them your vin#. If the car has been serviced at a dealer on time throughout it's warranty and it drives good, has no leaks and has a clean carfax/autocheck I would have to go with #1. That color combo is vicious. Have you test drove any of them?

[purplecty]

#3 ftw!

[sigtwenty]

Idk #1 looks nice. Just because the car came from an auction dosent mean a thing. You could always get a transcript of the service history from any BMW dealership just give them your vin#. If the car has been serviced at a dealer on time throughout it's warranty and it drives good, has no leaks and has a clean carfax/autocheck I would have to go with #1. That color combo is vicious. Have you test drove any of them?

That only makes sense if the dealer did all the work, which is a crap shoot.
Mine was an auction queen .... 3 times actually LOL. With some quirks of course but nothing too out of the ordinary.

[kimokk]

#3. What is the asking price?

[1997]

I agree with most on number three. I am looking for one as well, would you pm me info about the other two that you dont buy.

[Randy V]

Make this a poll for better data.

Edit>add poll.

[BlueCrabMafia]

Love the color on #1 and #2, but a one owner loaded 740i sport is hard to come by so I say #3.

[DAHHN]

#3 for all the reasons mentioned

[JoseC]

I would go for #3

[Wilsondogg]

If you don't mind, what are you paying? I am in the market for similar cars out in NC and any info would help.

[kahlilj]

I would do #3 as well. Options on 740i's are not as common as the IL's, you are looking for a car with as many options as you can get, and it has records. While records are important, that doesn't mean something won't happen. My radiator, hoses and belts were replaced in 2007 but not the water pump, wen the water pump went, it took out the radiator.

#2 doesn't look like a bad deal either. Expect front end work and cooling system work on any of them so it comes down to choice. Personally I like #3 the best.

I tend to agree with everyone else about #3, but the color (esp that black interior on #2) is sweet. The only concern with #1 is the mileage interval (different than total mileage). These babies have major work needed around every 60K miles.... that one is closest to that interval and without an owner to show if certain major items were done like Sir Real mentioned above.

Also, what are all these options that the 1st two are lacking which #3 has? window shades? (over rated IMHO) PDC? EDC? sport suspension is the same in all right? Not sure what options differences there are & how much is useful, worthy or can't be done with aftermarket upgrades.

good luck though :)

[BlueCrabMafia]

Also, what are all these options that the 1st two are lacking which #3 has? window shades? (over rated IMHO) PDC? EDC? sport suspension is the same in all right? Not sure what options differences there are & how much is useful, worthy or can't be done with aftermarket upgrades.

good luck though :)

PDC = park distance control, front/rear parking sensors. Good to have on a big car like this. If it is a true sport which it looks like, it should not have EDC (which is electronic damping control). All of them should have DSC (traction control) and sport springs which will be the same on all of them. What other buttons does #3 have below the HVAC panel?

[GSXRliterbikz]

3

[kooljess]

I am partial for #3.....must be the color.

[roddy22]

3

[bteeley]

3

[LaserSVT]

Just found out number 3 is not loaded. It has heated seats. No PDC, window shade or fold in power mirrors.

Number 2 is looking better to me now. Also since the guy just did the cooling service with a new water pump and the silver car cant seem to find that in its records........ well we will see I guess.

Also cant go out to see them tomorrow. Damn property is now closing even earlier then before so I have to move FAST. I have a few houses to go see tomorrow. I will prolly put a deposit down on car 2 or 3 this weekend and take it home next week after the rest of my fund have cleared.

[Route 66]

Good luck with whatever you decide. No 3.

[TheLadiesMan]

Yup, #3. I think the silver will grow on you. There are a few b-e-a-utifully modified silver ones on this forum. If you saw them...

[kburleysr]

No brainer......3:cool

[sigtwenty]

Go with 3. Worst case you do some cooling system work. Something about the owner of 3 gives me a good vibe.

People get rid of cars because they put work into them and get fed up. 3 is simply upgrading to the same series just newer. That means they liked it, just got bored and said time for new.

Now if number 3 bought an impala then I'd be thinking of 2.

[sealbeach740]

Whichever you pick/decide on, get a PPI done to be sure you're not walking into expensive problems.

[LaserSVT]

I will be showing up with my Matco scanner with the BMW software upgrades, a low profile jack, compression tester, fuel pressure tester and many tools and inspect it myself. I am a mechanic and know what to look for and this site has helped show me the problem areas. The guy may laugh but I will be spending an hour under the car and hood before I even take it for a spin.

I want perfection.

Wish I didnt love the color of number 2 so much cause that thing may be mine. I spoke to the guy several times, hes a car fanatic, has owned it for a couple years and is super anal about it getting breathed on wrong. He was super upset about the rock chip in the window so I think its been a well loved car too. Fortunatly they are both right next to each other so easy to decide.

If all goes as planned I bet the Grey one will run me about $8200 and the silver one about $8000. That price difference is neglegable so it boils down to do I want heated seats or the sexier color....... prolly can deal with a cold bum a few days a year. LOL

[sigtwenty]

There is no such thing as perfection on a 11+ year old car LOL.

[Brewen]

Do #3 if you EVER hear a rattle from what seems to be your fan hitting somthing, but nothing is there... turn the car off and have it towed in for the timing chain guides.. My mother just killed the 99 i bought her..

[LaserSVT]

There is no such thing as perfection on a 11+ year old car LOL.
Yeah I know. I was being facetious. LOL

I just love that damn Stratus Metallic color. I can see it with that nice lip spoiler from ebay and the trunk lip spoiler with some dark tint...... just gets me excited. Between the two whichever seems the most sound is the one I will get. I do love silver and always wanted a silver car (funny, owned over 150 cars and noe were silver) so I will be just as happy with either car.
Found out the module for the GPS is bad on car #1 and they told me that over a week ago and said they were fixing it yet it still hasnt been fixed.

Silver car has an incrediable stack of paperwork though. Guy tried to email it to me and its like 18MB so I told him I will just see it in person. It has every reciept to 100k from the BMW dealer (bought extended warrenty) and the last 45k was done at some BMW only place in Dallas and he has every last reciept for that too.

I agree with you guys, its prolly been the most loved and looked after.


PS, just several months ago I blew up a Mark VIII on a dyno cause of a broken timing chain guide. Slapped the reluctor ring, got detonation and split the keyway on the crank. :(

Break:
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/Mark%20VIII/IMGP1675.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/Mark%20VIII/IMGP1674.jpg


Crack:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/Mark%20VIII/IMGP1591.jpg


Boom:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/Mark%20VIII/IMGP1642.jpg

[jbimflyer]

I like #3

Nice Lincoln btw, always thought they were sweet... but why dyno? What's done to it? I put brand new chain and guides when I installed the supercharger on my car... can't have mishaps like that one. :eek:

[LaserSVT]

I like #3

Nice Lincoln btw, always thought they were sweet... but why dyno? What's done to it? I put brand new chain and guides when I installed the supercharger on my car... can't have mishaps like that one. :eek:
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x135/orange92gt/Mark%20VIII/IMGP1769.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnZ9x9uvm3Y&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWzGgPQM2IA&feature=related

[Strahan]

With a title like "last" dyno run and reading how the dyno broke your car, I watched it waiting for a *BANG* or something, hehe.

[daniels635turbo]

#3, no question. But at 145k you might have a checklist of things that should've been done. Mine a one owner destroyed itself at 127k with full service history. Oil cooler occluded with synthetic sludge.

[LaserSVT]

With a title like "last" dyno run and reading how the dyno broke your car, I watched it waiting for a *BANG* or something, hehe.
That was the last tune run after I swapped blocks. LOL

[Phyber0ptik]

In reading all of this, It sounds like you like the color combo of #2 better, and that you seem to lust after that one a little more than the others.

Sometimes buying a car isn't about the best example you can find with all the records and stuff, sometimes it's just about I love this car no matter what, and I have to have that one. End of story. Cars are sometimes more than just the sum of their parts.

Long story short, go with your heart, not your head. If you go with your head I guarantee that you'll think about the other one all the time and regret not getting it.

My 2 cents.

-J

[1997]

For some reason I thought those lincolns were FWD, guess not. : )

[LaserSVT]

For some reason I thought those lincolns were FWD, guess not. : )
Lot of people make that mistake. Then they realize they are RWD as the rear tires are hazing while passing the unsuspecting Charger or Civic. LOL!


In reading all of this, It sounds like you like the color combo of #2 better, and that you seem to lust after that one a little more than the others.

Sometimes buying a car isn't about the best example you can find with all the records and stuff, sometimes it's just about I love this car no matter what, and I have to have that one. End of story. Cars are sometimes more than just the sum of their parts.

Long story short, go with your heart, not your head. If you go with your head I guarantee that you'll think about the other one all the time and regret not getting it.

My 2 cents.

-J
Very good point. I do lust after that color. I like the silver and all but the other one.... I just stare at its picture for long periods. LOL

[SirReal63]

If you love it, set it free, if it drives itself back to you it was meant to be, otherwise buy #3. :D

(my little rhyme for the evening.)

[LaserSVT]

I have been texting the Stratus color cars owner just now. Hes doing the gaskets tomorrow. Thing that held me back was the asking price cause it was WAY above book. We just discussed that and it looks like I can get it for the price I feel its worth.
I was gonna buy it tomorrow night but he has plans so I will be driving up there Saturday during the day with my scanner and stuff to go over the car completly. Better to see it in daylight anyway.

Now I just have to find a ride. LOL!

[Phyber0ptik]

Best of luck!

-J

[LaserSVT]

Went through the Stratus color cars records and it has reciently recieved: new water pump, radiator, all lines, power steering line, various engine seals, rear end service, new control arms in the rear, all the front end stuff (tie rods, control arm, thrust arm etc etc), alternator, battery, timing chain guides and a bunch of other things. It will be mine in about 10 hours. I cant sleep!