2000 BMW 7 Series 740 IL 4.4 V8

Faults:

I bought what I thought would be my ultimate car a BMW 740IL.

With it, I purchased an extended warranty. Boy was I glad I did! Best investment of my life! Since this purchase, the warranty company has paid over $6,000 in covered repairs!

General Comments:

Will I buy another BMW? NOT! This car is forever leaking something. Don't get me wrong, it is a beautiful car to look at. You just need deep pockets to own one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 15th February, 2009

17th Feb 2009, 11:59

It seems that the 7 series isn't as reliable as the 3 or the 5. According to owner reviews that is.

24th Feb 2009, 13:42

I agree with you. These cars could be a lot better. My 740i has had a lot of small but still annoying problems with the electronics, and some big problems too. For an 8 year old car with a complete service history, that is generally in good shape, this is just not good enough, especially considering what these cars cost. The BMW e38 could easily have been the perfect car, if it had been well made. Great combination of comfort and road handling. Sadly it is just not well made, and the sweet taste of driving it the times when everything works fine, is not enough to make it worth it.

In reply to 17th Feb 2009, 11:59

13th Sep 2012, 16:15

Nope. In the 7 Series they throw a lot of seemingly untested electronics into that car and let the owner figure it out. Don't get me wrong, when the E38 is running right and everything works, there is nothing like it. But when it goes wrong, everything is spidered in so it feels like a person is rebuilding half the car just for some minor nuance. The 2002 and up 7 Series is even worse, but also beautiful when running right.

The 3 Series and 5 Series are what they call the "mass market" cars that must uphold well compared to the stiff competition in that category. They seem to do more equipment testing and or have less electronics, and thus less things go wrong in the 3 and 5 Series. But neither one feel as great as a good running 7 Series.

So what I did was buy an E36 along with the E38 (then traded the E38 for the E65) for those times when the 7 Series is being repaired. Never had issue with the E36 (2001), but little niggles with both 7 Series that weren't major, but did affect driving ability like warning lights (most turned out to be false in the E65, but more of PITA to fix than actual problems that trip the lights) and leaks in the 7 Series. I think BMW engineers can build a NASA space ship, but seem to have trouble with little things like engine oil seals, reliable electronic modules, and "cool to play with" electronic features.

2000 BMW 7 Series 740 4.4 liter V8

Summary:

Excellent performance, but extremely costly to maintain

Faults:

When I bought the car with 29000 miles, the dealer shared the repair history. They had installed new brakes, a new battery, and a new condenser for the air conditioning.

At 35,000 miles, the glove box broke and cost $137 to repair.

At 39,000 miles, I had to replace a computer chip that cost $800.

At 50,000 miles, the cup holder that closes into the front dash broke and will not stay closed.

At 60,000 miles, a bushing gave way and necessitated a torsion bar bushing replacement that cost $500.

At 69,000 miles, the over flow valve at the top of the radiator cracked, and required a complete radiator replacement that cost $480.

At 55,000 miles the drivers seat began to show considerable wear, and continues to be very susceptible to anything that might scratch the leather.

General Comments:

The car is fun to drive, and very responsive with strong torque.

The car holds the road extremely well.

It is difficult for older folks to get in and out of the back seats.

The paint has not held up well, and there are several paint chips on the front of the hood and the front quarter panels.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2008

2000 BMW 7 Series 740il 4.4

Summary:

Awesome!!

General Comments:

I love the hooked up feel of this car. The drive is very responsive, and the feedback to the driver is perfect.

The engine is more than capable, even in this heavy car; very little throttle is needed to get it moving and maintain speed.

Fuel mileage has been a pleasant surprise; 24 miles per gallon country driving!! 26+ on the highway.

I have also driven the car in snowy conditions, and find it very predictable and capable on slippery roads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th January, 2008

2000 BMW 7 Series 740i 4.4 V8

Summary:

Expensive but worth the money

Faults:

I have had no problems at all.

General Comments:

Very nice car for the enthusiast. Very comfortable on long trips, although not as smooth a ride as the LS400.

The engine has lots of torque and has a great sound. Fun to drive and handles like a small sports car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2001

24th May 2002, 05:32

The BMW 7 series is the finest luxury car, combining comfort, performance and precision, which has always been a hallmark of every BMW. How can the LEXUS LS400 be any smoother in terms of handling and ride? Please elaborate on the points being made in this review and in future reviews.

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