740iL or 750iL for me specifically.

[BIMMERBOYZ]

I've gone through and searched previous threads. While it's agreed amongst everyone the V12 is the superior vehicle, my question is what will be the best fit for myself.

Car will be a daily driver, I usually average between 50-80 miles a day depending on the jobsite location.

I am a DIY'er for most the less invasive repairs. Timing chain guides would be just a little out of my comfort zone. But I'd likely be willing to take on the challenge.

I will have a lift in my garage within this year.

Vehicle # 1 is a 2001 750iL, 100k miles will cost me 12-13k$ To buy it and ship/drive it to Utah. Is highly optioned, large Nav

Vehicle # 2 is a 2001 740iL 70k miles will cost me 8-9k$ to buy it and ship/drive to Utah. Is also highly optioned, Small nav.

Both vehicles appear to be very well maintained and come with maintenance history.

[psjr]

If you ask me, way too expensive for either. Nav size is not a big deal, they have come down a lot in price.

[BIMMERBOYZ]

If you ask me, way too expensive for either. Nav size is not a big deal, they have come down a lot in price.

While I can see where you're coming from. I will only consider a black or white exterior with a black interior. I have saved searches on car gurus and Autotrader. They're hard to find with less than 110k miles. I don't think price is too high.

[740ilDuke]

I just found a 2000 750il silver over black with 82k miles in excellent shape, Charleston, SC. IMHO it only needs some M-Pars. I posted it in the FS forum if you have any interest.

They both have +'s and -'s. 740's have guide issues, 750's have bit more complexity and a couple problematic systems that BMW does not sell replacement modules for any longer. (Dual battery system module and EKat - electronic catalyst - module) Both sold for around $400+ each, but now your only chance at getting around that is having the ekat system code removed and I'm not sure of the work around for the battery module. (both cause SES lights) (pre facelift does not have either system, and is otherwise mechanically the same) Of course, you can always try to fund a used module with 17 years of age on it. Otherwise, its just like any other older car, work out the bugs when they occur and its not too bad. If you do guides and replace everything the parts from BMW run about $1800, so any perceived cost savings between the two youre looking at are out the window. If you like the bells and whistles the 750 offers, go for it. Keep in mind they are not particularly easy to mod performance wise beyond a software tune. You get a beefier rear subframe and bigger brakes on the 750 as well. If you can find one (like i posted above) that has been taken care of, I think you could have a good experience. In either case, I'd pencil in the cost of a diagnostic laptop if you're going to ride it long term.

You'll enjoy either one, if possible - drive each before you pull the trigger. 740's have more throttle response off the line, in part because the 750's angle is to have smooth but strong power delivery. Several people swap the diff from a 740i Sport to the 750 to increase pickup off the line. Or you could forget all this and buy a Tesla. LOL

GL!

[Breaker38]

I’ve got a 740 sport and a 750i both shorties and facelift. They drive quite differently, as called out the sport has the higher diff ratio and cruises along at 2300 rpm for 100ks/ hr where the 750 runs at 1700 rpm, feels likely it nearly turns over and is a breeze on the motorway, bit thirsty round town.
Drive each see what you prefer, the 740 I use for a more sporty trip through the gears while the 750 smashes out the long trips.
Good luck and happy shopping.

[masbury]

Do yourself a favor. Based on your projected 18,250/29,250 miles a year, go buy yourself a cheap Jap car (Toyota, Mazda, Subie) and save the BMW for the weekends.

[armiller1]

Are you paying cash?


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[asianvenom]

I have both 740 and 750 both facelift, i commute in both at 100 miles a day. I chose the 750 over the 740, on paper 750 barely have any advatage in terms of power, but if you drive both long enough you will find that 750 is alot more powerful. The 750 have less possible oil leaks over time. In term of mpg it is a couple of mpg difference. 740 have guide issue, 750 have manifold gasket issue at around 100k-200k.

The end of the day, I pick the 750 over the 740 any day.

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[BIMMERBOYZ]

Are you paying cash?


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Yes.

My current commuter for the last 10 years has been a E28 535i. I am going to be restoring it once I find it's replacement.

I've never owned a Japanese car, not going to start now. It's also more between 12,500-20k miles a year. i don't drive much on the weekends.

[BIMMERBOYZ]

Appreciate the advice, especially Duke, Breaker and Venom. That is the input I am looking for.

The 750iL is Schwarz the 740iL is Cosmoschwarz, I prefer Schwarz as I really dislike any blue hues in black paint.

[redlinebanging]

I daily my 1998 e38 750il
started with 179k 10/16, today I have 243k. MPG is ok 15 city up to 22-24 highway.... Do simple maintenance and the m73 will run forever.

[westaussie323i]

Well its a tough decision...the only right decision is it's a BMW and an E38. I procrastinated and have had E38 735il, E39 M5, E39 530i 5 speed manual, now have a 330ci Vert 5 Speed, 2 x E21 Baur's just added the 1996 750il (Jap Spec) with 150,000km and until I can afford a 2018 M5 that will do me. I drove a couple of 740's but there is something effortless about the V12 that I love, but its early days for me plus I only paid $7000 AUD plus I really love the comfort seats in the Nappa leather and finding Nappa/Comfort seats here is pretty rare plus the km are usually 250k ++ so I tinted the windows and will get a set of 18" 5 spoke from Simmons or ESM and I think that's all she needs from a look point of view. I am thinking a 3.15 diff from a 740 sports as there seems to be a few of those around my neck of the woods and once I have some play money I am giving some serious thought to a super charger kit but that might wait until next year.
IMG20180313150400.jpg

[chrisn7]

I have both 740 and 750 both facelift, i commute in both at 100 miles a day. I chose the 750 over the 740, on paper 750 barely have any advatage in terms of power, but if you drive both long enough you will find that 750 is alot more powerful. The 750 have less possible oil leaks over time. In term of mpg it is a couple of mpg difference. 740 have guide issue, 750 have manifold gasket issue at around 100k-200k.

The end of the day, I pick the 750 over the 740 any day.

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Yes, I swapped my 740 for a 750, and the V12 is reliable compared to the 740 stories. Consumption varies a lot dependent on the terrain. In hilly areas the v12 is a thirsty but only a little more than the 740 - on flatter runs consumption is acceptable for such an engine. Note the V12 is much quieter due to the double glazing on all windows except the windscreen.

[Ruskii]

I settled on 740 because I couldn't find 750 in decent shape and within my price range. If you have the funds and found a 750 that you like, go for it! There are usually more 740s on the market than 750s. Worst case scenario, you can always sell it.

[XAlt]

V12 no question.

If you want a cheaper to run V8, get a 95

[BIMMERBOYZ]

Appreciate the input from everyone. I'll see if the seller will schedule a PPI within the next week. If everything checks out, I'll be checking owning a V12 off the bucket list.

[asianvenom]

Any updates?

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[BIMMERBOYZ]

Decided on a 750iL, just waiting on a PPI etc. to make a final offer. Should know by middle of next month.