1998 BMW 7 Series IL review from North America
"It's a boat not a car. In other words, it's a German Buick"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
After just 11,000 miles this thing needed a new transmission because the old transmission lost oil and seized. At 21k miles one of 8 fuel injectors stopped working and needed to be replaced. At about 25,000 miles I had to pay for a new mail fuel pump because the old one just plain stopped working.
Good thing this was just a lease. I wouldn't be caught dead owning this money-eating monster.
General comments?
This car handles no better than Acura, or Audi. I don't know why BMW calls it "the ultimate driving machine."
My ex-wife wanted a status symbol so we leased this monster, but I'd never pay to own it. This car always needed some extra money, be it for a new fuel pump or other small parts under the hood.
Just try to park this thing downtown. It's thirsty and not as innovative as most of Japanese cars or the new Audi models.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1998 - 7 Series 740iL 4.4L M62 Fuel Injection Engine Fast, luxurious, but unreliable |
| Expensive to maintain, but SOOO worth it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.4 V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 40 miles |
| Most recent distance | 32000 miles |
| Previous car | Audi 5000 |
| Date of Entry | 14th June, 2001 |