1998 BMW 7 Series 740i SE Steptronic review from UK and Ireland
"Top Luxo-Barge"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Failures:-
Both Catalysts starting breaking up at 116k - replaced 1 under warranty.
Broke down one wet night due to failure with ECU. Recovered to local dealer who diagnosed and replaced ECU and dashboard clocks at 81k.
Rust formed round bottom of both front doors seams and middle of
rear doors. All repaired under BMW anti corrosion warranty at 125k.
Partially seized front brake caliper at 112k.
Started to leak oil from around sump/timing chain cover at 126k.
Radio reception faded to nothing. replaced ariel booster at 126k.
Washer bottle leaked from pump gasket from day one.
Wiper motor failed at 118k.
Other Things:-
Headlight lenses and windscreen replaced.
New satellite navigation disc.
New Traffic master key code.
Front spolier painted.
New park distance control sensors.
Replaced all front suspension bushes, shocks and springs.
Replaced rear springs and lower and upper arms.
General comments?
This is my third E38 7 series, a good car that is on the whole built well. The car is quite economical on fuel, but is very expensive to maintain, much more so than my partners 1996 Mercedes S280.
Main dealers attitudes do vary, I travel 20 miles to a very helpful one even though there is one under a mile from my house.
Very easy to drive with an excellent chassis. A good specification which can me made endless with a few extra pounds.
Can be made to perform like a racer when the mood prevails, but also makes journeys pass unflustered for hours on end.
A Highly recommended Luxo-Barge.
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| Expensive to maintain, but SOOO worth it! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.4 V8 AC Schnitzer Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 79000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 128000 miles |
| Previous car | BMW 7 Series |
| Date of Entry | 3rd February, 2003 |