1993 740i For Sale

[AMBERROOT]

1993 BMW 740i

62,000 mi

5 Speed Automatic
4.0 Liter V8 DOHC 32V Engine


I'm posting here, because the for sale forum states it will be discontinued soon...


Although I hate to let her go, unforeseen medical bills for my son and wife are dictating the sale. I acquired the car October 2006 with 53,000 miles and as shown above, I’ve clocked 9K since then. This is my work car which provides a couple of trips per week anywhere from one hour to three hours away for client visits, so many of the miles have been highway. She’s always been reliable and is a joy to drive, especially on the highway.

I would rate the car as good... paint shines, no rips or tears in upholstery, carpet is stain free. Rock chips, touch up paint and small scratches are visible upon close inspection and one small ding on the hood, normal for the age and original paint.

The only upgrades I have done include: Window Tint (35%) installed this spring, front Euro license plate and all-weather rubber BMW floor mats (Mats are for an E39 as there were none available to order through the dealer... they fit fine though, just cant use the floor clips. I have the original carpeted mats, which will go with the car.

Amenities

Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Side Mirrors, Cruise Control, Traction Control, AM/FM Cassette w/ Weather Band, Trunk Mounted 6 CD Changer, Child Safety Door Locks, Power Leather Driver & Passenger Seats, Air Conditioning & Zoned Climate Control, Driver and Passenger Side Airbag, Automatic Load Leveling, Four Wheel ABS, Fog Lights, Rear Window Defogger, Stock Alloy Wheels,

Maintenance

Oil has been changed every 4500 miles. Replaced the windshield six months ago. Replaced front control arm bushings, transmission mounts and exhaust mounts approximately three months ago. Last week replaced the MAF air intake tube and had the fuel system cleaned with the BG two-part system including interior flush and tank additive. All work has been done by a local indy specializing in BMW’s.

Known issues

I’m including this list because I would rather be honest about what I know is wrong, than to mislead anyone: Seats have the infamous twist (a no cost DIY fix, I just haven’t had time to do it), Lost the telescoping seat function at the same time as the seat twist began (could be related) also lost the driver’s seat heat & air lumbar function at the same time. Drivers side fog lamp has a hairline crack most likely from a rock, but still functional. The only other issue is a tiny power steering hose leak. Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic, and cannot identify everything, but this represents what I know.

Price
Asking $8,500.00 (less than my total investment to-date). The car is in very good shape for the year and has been a reliable daily driver since I acquired it.

Pictures are posted here with photos before and after window tint in two seperate albums: http://www.putfile.com/amberroot

Contact
Please PM me or contact me by email if interested: amberroot@verizon.net

[AMBERROOT]

bump for the ad. Lots of folks looking and no responses.

any feedback/advice would be appreciated regarding, well... anything regardind the sale.

She's going in the paper and maybe autotrader next week.

I can't justify going too much lower on the price, as I still owe close to asking $$ on the car

[WhiteSe7en]

bump for the ad. Lots of folks looking and no responses.

any feedback/advice would be appreciated regarding, well... anything regardind the sale.

She's going in the paper and maybe autotrader next week.

I can't justify going too much lower on the price, as I still owe close to asking $$ on the car

Did I read that right, you still owe on this car close to what you're asking for it??

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that price is a bit unrealistic for the year car you are selling. I would be surprised if you get much over 5k for it. According to www.kbb.com even in absolutely flawless condition, with the number of miles you have, the value of the car is at best, $7,050. That is assuming there is absolutely nothing wrong with the car or nothing is needed to be done to it other than put gas in it and drive it.

The sad truth is that while these cars are great and a lot of fun to drive, they do not retain their value at all, which is why I think anyone who buys one brand new is insane or has a lot more money than they do sense. I usually pick'em up for cash after they've been owned by someone else for about 5-7 years and after that person or someone else has taken the depreciation hit.

I'm afraid if you still owe on this car, you're going to lose some money on the deal.

Good Luck!!

[psjr]

Beautiful car!
Nice low miles, too.

Se7en is right, though. You'd be lucky to get $6k, unfortunately.

[AMBERROOT]

That news is truly unfortunate, as just a couple months ago when I first considered the sale, resonses indicated that 8-9k was right.

I understand that we are in a buyers market... but is it really this bad that a car would depreciate more than 4 k in a matter of three or four months?

Adverised vehicles of the same model and year are currently advertised from 8-9K.... with double the mileage.

Although I appreciate the feedback, I'm Seriously discouraged...

[WhiteSe7en]

I understand your being discouraged. I too was discouraged many years ago when I realized how quickly and how much these cars depreciate but unfortunately that's just the way it is and it's not ever going to change. That fact however hasn't stopped me from enjoying these cars nor will it ever. I am however much wiser now about these cars and what they truly are worth as opposed to what a seller wants to sell a car for.


Adverised vehicles of the same model and year are currently advertised from 8-9K.... with double the mileage.

Where are these cars at? The reason I ask is because earlier today I checked www.autotrader.com for 93 and 94 iL's between the prices 8,500-9000 in the entire country, and I only found two, both of which were 1994 models. One had 148,000 miles and the other had 131,000 miles. Here is the link http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=0&address=30356&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=740IL&make2=&start_year=1993&end_year=1994&min_price=8500&max_price=9000&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc= One is at a dealer and the other is by private seller but it doesn't really matter who has which car because neither of them will sell for anywhere near what they are asking. The reality of the market is that there are just too many other 7 series out there for between 3,500 and 5k. Again, I checked and I found 30 in that price range. The median price range for your car I believe, is right around 4k. I think your car was worth 8500 about 6 years ago. I bought my current 7 in Feb of 2004 from a neighbor who is a former professional football player and who was the original owner of the car. He took very good care of this car for years and even kept it in a heated and cooled garage and I bought it for only 4k. I know that comes as a sock in the gut but I think it's better to know that now as opposed to several weeks from now after you've had it advertised for weeks without a hit. Even if your car is in absolutely flawless condition, my advice would be to drop your "asking" price to $6,500 possibly even 6k and prepare yourself to take the hit. Even that price however may not generate much interest so again be prepared to go lower.

I forgot to mention this, are you familiar with the Nikasil issue?

Again,
Good Luck!!

[AMBERROOT]

I can appreciate your perspective, and I offer the following link as a representative sample of vehicles of the same year, many with double the mileage for what I'm asking or more.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&distance=0&address=46805&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=740I&make2=&start_year=1993&end_year=1993&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

Are these cars selling.... anyone's guess.... but I would think my low mileage offering would be head and shoulders above these.... Maybe I am guilty of having blinders on because I need to sell, but what I have seen on autotrader is very different from what you have described.

Again, thank you for the feedback. I did in fact ask for opinions on the matter. Much appreciated. I do however need to find an appropriate buyer due to circumstance. Never have I been in a situation like this where I needed to let go of something like this.

Worst case, I'll keep her and continue to enjoy the ride, finding a way to keep her in tip-top shape. I plan to tackle the seat twist issue this weekend to see if I can perform the DIY fix.

[WhiteSe7en]

I can appreciate your perspective, and I offer the following link as a representative sample of vehicles of the same year, many with double the mileage for what I'm asking or more.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&distance=0&address=46805&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=740I&make2=&start_year=1993&end_year=1993&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

Are these cars selling.... anyone's guess.... but I would think my low mileage offering would be head and shoulders above these.... Maybe I am guilty of having blinders on because I need to sell, but what I have seen on autotrader is very different from what you have described.

Again, thank you for the feedback. I did in fact ask for opinions on the matter. Much appreciated. I do however need to find an appropriate buyer due to circumstance. Never have I been in a situation like this where I needed to let go of something like this.

Worst case, I'll keep her and continue to enjoy the ride, finding a way to keep her in tip-top shape. I plan to tackle the seat twist issue this weekend to see if I can perform the DIY fix.


I've got good news for you, I was wrong in my figures. I gave you figures for an iL instead of an i. For some reason, I was under the impression that your car was an iL, eventhough you clearly identified it as an i. My dad was hospitalized last night and it appears he may be losing a leg to diabetes so I think that was probably on my mind. Either that or chalk it up to middle age I guess. Yes, the Kelly Blue Book value for your car, provided it is in excellent condition, is $8,725. The i's are much more sought after than the iL's. I'm not exactly sure why but I have an idea. At any rate, that works out good for you.

I retract everything I said about your car. 8,500 is probably a good "asking" price and if the low miles are in any reflection of the car's condition, you may get pretty close to what you want.


Do you know if your engine block has been switched out? With so little miles, there is a possibility that it hasn't, if it is needed that is.


Please accept my sincerest most humble apologies.

Good Luck!!

[AMBERROOT]

The block number reflects that it is a Nikasil. I've had it inspected by two indy's and the local dealer... the block passes inspection and performs fine.

I've also talked to several enthusiasts and the general consensus is that if the block hasn't shown signs of failure to-date, the likelyhood is slim to none.

Thanks for the follow-up response by the way... much appreciated.

[WhiteSe7en]

The block number reflects that it is a Nikasil. I've had it inspected by two indy's and the local dealer... the block passes inspection and performs fine.

I've also talked to several enthusiasts and the general consensus is that if the block hasn't shown signs of failure to-date, the likelyhood is slim to none.

Thanks for the follow-up response by the way... much appreciated.

My pleasure!

Hope that works out for you.

[ndz]

The i's are much more sought after than the iL's. I'm not exactly sure why but I have an idea.

I assumed the iL's had a higher demand. What's your idea why?

AMBERROOT: It you don't have to sell it immediately, give it a shot at the high price. You never know, someone may buy. A professional looking Ebay auction with quality pictures can go a long way. And if you take a day to fix those minor issues you mentioned, it could be a big help.

I'd like to see you get the good price (as our cars are twins besides color..) so keep us posted!

[AMBERROOT]

Thanks for the encouragement Nick... as mentioned before, I wouldn't sell her unless there was a real need to do so.

I suppose the consolation is that I'll need to get some return close to the asking price, so I may be able to enjoy it a while longer.

I was not planning to go the Ebay route, as the values there seem to be very low... Have you seen a different trend that I haven't noticed? I'd be interested to see auctions bringing that level of bidding.

[ndz]

Yes, prices are lower on ebay but you can use it as a tool to advertise your car to a national audience. I found my e32 240 miles away in South Florida and bought-it-now sight-unseen. I was willing to pay the sellers ebay fees and back out of the deal if I didn't like it when I got there.

You could easily slap an ad on craigslist too and fish for the high price.

In the end, you'll probably get the most bang for the buck if you just drive the car. I'm in the same boat. I figure I can get another 100k+ out of mine with minimal maintenance cost (DIY whenever possible). I can't think of another car (in our price range) that I would like nearly as much.

[WhiteSe7en]

I assumed the iL's had a higher demand. What's your idea why?

You would think that would be the case.

I think for the most part it's the younger crowd that goes for the used i's. The i's have a stiffer more responsive suspension and they are usually just more sporty overall, which I think attracts younger buyers who may not have reached a level in their career where they can afford new model i's. The guys my age (43) and above, usually go for both models but they also usually want the newer models thus avoiding the older model iL's and i's. If the younger crowd is buying the used older i's (e32 and e38's) this leaves a significant portion of the market that is not buying the older iL's. Due to the lack of demand for older iL's, the value plummets(in comparison to the i) as the cars age and depreciate.

Just a theory of mine.

[AMBERROOT]

UPDATE....

Seats and headrests are now operational! A little time and a lot of patience and whalla!

The published DIY fix requiring shortening of the sheath and re-assembly to the connector worked perfectly.

Below is the revised ad for anyone who may be interested. She is going in the paper this week...

1993 BMW 740i

62,000 mi

5 Speed Automatic
4.0 Liter V8 DOHC 32V Engine

Although I hate to let her go, unforeseen medical bills for my son and wife are dictating the sale. I acquired the car October 2006 with 53,000 miles and as shown above, I’ve clocked 9K since then. This is my work car which provides a couple of trips per week anywhere from one hour to three hours away for client visits, so many of the miles have been highway. She’s always been reliable and is a joy to drive, especially on the highway.

I would rate the car as good... paint shines, no rips or tears in upholstery, carpet is stain free. Rock chips, touch up paint and small scratches are visible upon close inspection and one small ding on the hood, normal for the age and original paint.

The only upgrades I have done include: Window Tint (35%) installed this spring, front Euro license plate and all-weather rubber BMW floor mats (Mats are for an E39 as there were none available to order through the dealer... they fit fine though, just cant use the floor clips. I have the original carpeted mats, which will go with the car.

Amenities

Power Windows, Power Door Locks, Power Side Mirrors, Cruise Control, Traction Control, AM/FM Cassette w/ Weather Band, Trunk Mounted 6 CD Changer, Child Safety Door Locks, Power Leather Driver & Passenger Seats, Air Conditioning & Zoned Climate Control, Driver and Passenger Side Airbag, Automatic Load Leveling, Four Wheel ABS, Fog Lights, Rear Window Defogger, Stock Alloy Wheels,

Maintenance

Oil has been changed every 4500 miles. Replaced the windshield six months ago. Replaced front control arm bushings, transmission mounts and exhaust mounts approximately three months ago. Two weeks ago, replaced the MAF air intake tube Connection and had the fuel system cleaned with the BG two-part system including interior flush and tank additive. All work has been done by a local indy specializing in BMW’s. This weekend I fixed the power seat function (no more twist) I was also able to get the headrests to operate properly.

Known issues

I’m including this list because I would rather be honest about what I know is wrong, than to mislead anyone... The following are all minor problems: telescoping steering wheel is non-functional, Driver’s heated seat & air lumbar is non-functional. Drivers side fog lamp has a hairline crack most likely from a rock, but still functional. The only other issue is a tiny power steering hose leak. Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic, and cannot identify everything, but this represent what I know.

Price
Asking $8,500.00 (less than my total investment to-date). The car is in very good shape for the year and has been a reliable daily driver since I acquired it.

Pictures are posted here with photos before and after window tint: http://www.putfile.com/amberroot

Contact
Please PM me or contact me by email if interested: amberroot@verizon.net

[telijah]

Good luck with the sale. I also did not know the i's went for more than the iLs, as my 94 740il was purchased for less than 5K with 140miles on it... I'll need to try the seat twist diy if it's as easy as you say it is...

[Cruiser740i]

She's a beauty. Almost makes me wish I was in the market for one. Good luck with her sale.

[ndz]

AMBERROOT: You should check this auction out and see what it ends at.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/The-BEST-AZ-Car-77K-COLD-Air-New-TIRES-No-RSv_W0QQitemZ280141423412QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6009QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2518995&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FThe-BEST-AZ-Car-77K-COLD-Air-New-TIRES-No-RSv_W0QQitemZ280141423412QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6009QQ ssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[AMBERROOT]

Thanks for the heads up... I've got it on my Ebay watch list. Should know by this evening.

[AMBERROOT]

She's still up for sale... I haven't formally placed a listing due to my schedule, so I thought it may be appropriate to bump one last time.

My plan this weekend is to inspect the seat module to see if cleaning the contacts will restore the steering wheel adjust and heated seat issue.

As stated previously, the seats are working fine again after a full day of tinkering a few weeks ago.

The car is in no way perfect, but in great shape for its age... Anyone here on the board with a friend or aquaintance that may be interested please Pm or email me directly.

Thanks guys, the car is running great and still a joy to drive!

amberroot@verizon.net