1994 BMW 7 Series 740i 4.0L V8

Summary:

Great car all around, it has its problems so you need a little padding in the wallet if you want one

Faults:

No AC, system has a leak.

Automatic headrests don't work (easy fix though).

Various instrument lights are burnt out.

Diagnostics computer works intermittently (does not affect driving).

Developed the dreaded 55mph shimmy (mine was strut related).

Transmission is becoming temperamental.

Climate control system acts up (vent selection).

Drive shaft center link needed replacing.

Aux waterpump fell apart (bypassed it).

Radiator replaced.

Aux cooling fan motor fell apart (re-glued the magnets).

General Comments:

The car is a pleasure to drive.

It has very beautiful styling, especially if you have the m-par wheels on it in chrome.

The interior feels very roomy and is very comfortable.

It may be showing its age now, but when compared to the 3, 5 and 6 series of its day it holds up best in the looks department, mainly due to the wide kidney grill, which I believe was only available on the 1993/94 740i (L) series.

In my opinion the e38 styling was also very nice, and then the 7 started to look like less of a car.

Performance wise, it's a heavy car and at 286hp the power is adequate. While off the lights you will have no problem eating up the Honda's, some of the new cars sporting 300+ hp V6's will give you a run for your money. But racing off the line is not where this car shines, it is a pleasure to pass cars on the highway, no matter the speed you are at, when you need to pass, she won't let you down.

I also mentioned comfort earlier. A 7hr drive is no problem. Bring a catheter and you'll only have to stop for gas, which by the way isn't that bad if you're coasting on the highway. But bring it in town and you'll see the needle dive quickly.

These cars are getting hard to find in good shape, but if you do manage to get one then you'll get to drive quality and not some Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th July, 2009

1994 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4.0L 32-valve V8

Summary:

Timeless, striking appearance and serious Autobahn cruising credentials make this big ride a winner!

Faults:

Coolant leak, requiring a new part for a radiator hose to clamp to.

Oil leak.

Driver's side power window motor assembly.

Some window switches.

General Comments:

When I purchased this car in November 2004, I already owned two other 1994 model year cars, and I was certainly not intending to purchase yet another decade-old car. I was seduced by this particular car, though, because a friend mentioned to me before I ever looked seriously at the car, that it had had its engine replaced with a BMW factory new engine at 113,000 miles -- less than five thousand miles from its mileage when I found it on a used car lot!

After I started looking seriously at this car, which was largely because I was being seduced by its new $10,0000 engine, I did some quick research to make sure this was the best BMW 7-series choice for my needs and budget. It quickly became apparent that the big choice to be made when shopping for well-used 7-series models, is whether to purchase a V12-powered 750iL, versus the V8-powered 740iL. My research concluded that the V12 can be a much higher maintenance engine with two of everything in it that can break or wear out, since that engine is essentially two inline 6-cylinder engines tethered together. The 750iL had a four speed automatic in 1994, was rated at 12 and 18 mpg, and had 296 horsepower. The 740iL had a **five speed** automatic -- a real rarity back then, was rated at 17 and 22 mpg, and developed 282 horsepower. So while my decision was largely influenced by the fact that a virtually new V8 fell into my path, I was ultimately very happy purchasing the 740iL versus a 750iL. (Coincidentally, a 750iL of the same generation and same color happened to be sitting on another used car lot in the same small town.)

The car has a very pleasant amount of power. There is not enough low end torque to give you or your passengers whiplash. Instead, the more exciting sensations arrive at higher RPM, where the engine sounds and performance are delightful. The car is spectacular for passing and for high-speed cruising. When not engaging in spirited driving, the five-speed automatic's highest gear keeps the engine running at barely more than an idle at any speed legal on public roads in my part of the world. At 120 mph, for those interested in blatantly illegal speeds, it remains smooth as silk, fully composed, and has plenty of power left in reserve. I have not been any faster than 120 mph, so I cannot personally vouch for the 145 mph top speed claimed in its original specifications.

The suspension is comfortably plush, but still sufficiently tight to make the big car enjoyable to drive. Its biggest limitation in handling -- and in appearance -- is its OEM 15" wheels with 225/60/15 all season touring radials. Some quick research at www.TireRack.com revealed that the car could handle 245 tires in front, and as wide as 265 on the rear. My desire is to improve the appearance and handling of the car without looking as though I have recently had my ride "pimped." Sometime in the next couple of months, I will purchase a set of 18" wheels, which at 245 width on the tires, should look aggressive and attractive, but not fully pimped. This should update the appearance considerably.

Braking is impressive -- really impressive. Safety features also include very effective traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a switchable winter transmission mode (which I think starts from a stop in 2nd gear to make spin-outs much less likely).

Cabin space is fantastic! I sell real estate for a living, so my everyday car needs to be something that will comfortably carry at least two or three passengers. The rear legroom in the extended wheelbase "iL" model is fantastic for backseat passengers. Six-footers have plenty of room to stretch out. The climate control system offers two temperature controls for driver and front passenger. The fan is potent, and the car has a huge dash vent that, when open, directs a substantial amount of air up high and straight back between the front seats. There are also two adjustable vents for back seat passengers at the rear of the center console. Finally, there are floor vents under both front seats for backseat passengers.

Every part of the car feels substantial. Doors close with a serious "kur-thump" and seal tightly, making for a quiet ride. The trunk, while not great in terms of vertical clearance, is very deep and wide. And the height is presumably sacrificed by the presence of a full-sized spare alloy wheel and tire.

OEM audio system is nothing exciting (another project for this year). The car was designed with only an integrated antenna in the rear window glass, which makes FM radio reception less than stellar, but acceptable. My car had both an OEM cellular phone and a CD changer mounted in the trunk just below the rear sill behind the back seats. These further compromised vertical clearance, and I yanked both out of the car in short order. The CD changer did not work properly, and the cellular phone was an antique. I will replace the head unit with a MP3/WMA capable CD player, which will eliminate any need for a CD changer in the future.

The overall appearance of the car is striking. Except for serious European car aficionados, nobody realizes they're looking at a 12-year-old car when I pull up. Several have commented that they must have chosen the wrong profession, since they assume I must be dripping with money to be driving such a gorgeous Autobahn cruiser from Bavaria. And I bought this car for $8,300!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2005

1994 BMW 7 Series 740il 4.0 L V8

Summary:

Get yourself a GOOD ONE, and you'll love it

Faults:

Crankcase vent valve wore out.

Windshield washers stopped working.

Right rear power window has a mind of its own.

Thrust bushings wore out.

Ball-joint bushings wore out.

Climate control faceplate keeps coming loose.

Rear electric window shade failed.

General Comments:

A very high-performing, comfortable car, and what a head-turner! But the little (and big) things that keep going wrong/wearing out are killing me! My old '85 325e requires far less attention, and is still going strong. The 740 il is a very nice car, but requires far more maintenance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2001

11th Aug 2001, 10:23

The old beamers do keep going strong. My 1986 325i SE ploded on for 14 years until it had a collision with a ford fiesta that wrote it off. Such a lovely car gone to waste.

2nd Sep 2007, 02:25

Helluva handsome car. lots of problems. window regulator, drivers seat, 2 transmissions (used), air conditioner unit, but my cars Still shines as good as my new 2007 Toyota Camry. infact, both are black, but the Bimmers black looks much more sophisticated. did I mention rear shade? rear self leveling shock.