interest in 7 series....

[thug life]

Hey I found a 740i that i am interested in looking into. I wanted to know what you all think of them. I currently drive a 95 325i. I have always had a deep burning luv for the 7 series. I found a 95' 740i for good price and seems to be in real good shape. You think it would be stupid to switch to it? I have had my car for almost 2 years now, and kinda want something different. R the 7's alot more expensive to maintain and insure? wht are some downfalls for having one?
thanks!

[dieselm3]

be careful if it has the nikasil engine. (not sure when BMW stopped producing those).

[thug life]

ok, thanks for the tip! I just read up about that! I guess that is one thing I will need to ask the guy about the car! If he had it replaced then it should be fine!

[MDabney]

Check this "parked" thread in 7 - Series for many answers to your questions. Good luck with the purchase but maintenance *will* be much higher.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/sh...threadid=71177

- Mike D.

[JizJizJiz]

I believe 95 is the first year of the E38 (a question probably answered by the link Mike gave you, but I just put in my worthless opinion anyway). I would personally stay away from first year cars for a particular generation, due to the amount of problems first year cars usually have. It usually takes manufacturers a year to work out the long-term problems.

[SilverBeam]

I have a first year E38. I must say that the first year quirks are at a minimal. I have more trouble with the trim then with anything mechanical. Things that have always been a problem have been: rear ashtray and cup holders (front and back) and the parking brake. Things that have arisen have been: rear sunscreen motor breaking, and the oddest metal popping though my back seats. Other then those, and a few minor mechanical problems (all relatively standard on an older car: catalytic, battery, radiator fluid reservoir [that thing exploded, it was pretty cool]) I've had no big problems.

Also, my engine didn’t have to be replaced… always a plus.

I'd get a 96, though, just in case.

[99bmw740il]

No offense snoop , but this aint no thug car dawg, please dont dillute the BMW brand name any more than the 745 did. Try a Cadillac on some daytons though

[Paradoxish]

Everything everyone else has said is true, but I'm just gonna chime in to defend the 7-series. The E38 is an great car. I absolutely love mine, and this is coming from someone who just got his back from the shop and had to put out a bit of cash.

Ultimately, though, maintainance costs aren't too incredibly unreasonable. My local BMW dealership charges about the same for labor as any place else, but parts hurt a bit. If you can, get a good aftermarket warranty. If I didn't have my warranty I'd have just put out about $2400 for a (bunch of) very small problems.

If you get a warranty, though, you'll be okay. G'luck with the car.