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Thread: Is a 7 Series (E65) more expensive to maintain than a 3 Series (E46)? How much more?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Is a 7 Series (E65) more expensive to maintain than a 3 Series (E46)? How much more?

    The title says it all, just about. I currently have a 2000 BMW 323i Wagon. It's great and I'm comfortable with the maintenance costs. I'd like to upgrade to an E65 7 series--probably a 2002 or 2003 745i. They're just so cheap! I'm seeing them for under $6k with around 120k miles on craigslist. I've bought a couple BMWs with mileage around there and been pleased, but the main concern is the possible increase in maintenance cost. And the seeming impossibility of getting a legit AUX input (but that's another thread).
    Sincerely serving the God of truth, grace, peace, hope, love, justice, and mercy...and driving my bimmer

  2. #2
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    I can't vouch for the specifics on actual maintenance cost, but the e65 745i has the reputation of being the least reliable BMW built in their entire history. There is a reason why they are so cheap.

    I would strongly suggest that you seek the answer to this question in the e65 subforum here: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/fo...-%28E65-E66%29

    I wish you the best of luck, I can tell you right now that the overwhelming response to this question will be that the 745i will be much more expensive to own compared to the 323i.

    If you are ok with the older chassis, the 2001 e38 7 series is really a much better buy. It will be a big upgrade in luxury and power from the 323i, even though the technology available in it isn't far ahead of your 3 series.
    Current fleet:
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  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Replacement costs for parts will be high... especially since they are considerable more limited in availability.
    Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by hundreds of engineers that get paid thousands of dollars for something you bought at Pep Boys because your buddy who doesn't have a job told you it was 'better'?!?

  4. #4
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    At least you may want to consider the 750i/li as they are better than the 745i not only in power but also in terms of reliability.



  5. #5
    Join Date
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    97 E38, 00 E39 M, 15 F25
    Yes, the e65 had some issues. People are truly afraid of that car and that's why you can pick them up for next to nothing. The e46 overall is a much better car in my opinion.

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  6. #6
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    THANK YOU guys. I think you saved me a lot of trouble. I'm convinced not to buy one. But what should I buy? Is the '07-08ish 328i a reliable car? My dream car is the 2010 535xi wagon, but I'm not sure how reliable those are either (nor can I afford one right now).
    Sincerely serving the God of truth, grace, peace, hope, love, justice, and mercy...and driving my bimmer

  7. #7
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    I'm one of the few people here not terrified of the E65 as I owned one for awhile. While their unreliability is overhyped the E46 is one of the more reliabile BMWs out there and there is no contest between those two regarding reliability.

    328i's aren't terribly unreliable and may prove a decent upgrade for you

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  8. #8
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    Jun 2019
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    What does anybody think about purchasing a 2002 bmw 745i for $800-$1000? My friend is selling it and says he just wants it gone. I test drove it, and the transmission shifting is a bit off. Would this be worth it for a fun car for a couple months, or would it even run that long?

  9. #9
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    Are you an advanced DIYer who can find another trans and swap it in yourself?

  10. #10
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    Find a clean E38 7 series. They're actually reliable.


  11. #11
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    There's a reason it's so cheap. Because it's a giant piece of garbage. If you pay $800 for it, and get at least two months out of it, well then you basically rented it for $400 a month. Anything more than that and I guess you came out on top. It just depends on if it will make it a few months without putting any additional money into it.

    Does the audio system work? Check engine lights? Will it pass emissions or inspection, as it sits right now? Any other warning lamps or malfunctions?
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

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