1983 BMW 7 Series 733i 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Old leaky car that just won't die

Faults:

THIS CAR LEAKS OIL!!! I was kicked out of the parking garage at work because the car leaks oil all over the place. I've been told the head gasket is the problem - and it's way too expensive too fix. I inherited the car from my father who was the original owner. My mother says it leaked oil for years, but no one my dad took it to could find the problem. My mechanic found it right away... perhaps had it been discovered sooner, it might not be in such bad shape now.

It also overheats, and cannot be driven in heat waves. The scariest thing of all, though, was when there was no water in the battery - there was a horrible, electrical burning smell, that reminded me of when I was in an office once and somebody's computer was burning. I jumped out of the car and had it towed, only to find out it was such a simple thing. So if this happens to you, just check your battery.

General Comments:

Depsite being a leaky mess, this car simply refuses to die. It runs and runs and runs and runs - the only time in it's 19 year history that it ever failed to start was when it needed a new battery. That battery is now 7 years old and (except for the water incident) still working. I was planning to keep it until it died, but I have reached the conclusion that it just won't die, and will keep humming away from it's grave. I must get rid of it due to numerous complaints about the mess it leaves behind. I can get another car for less than it would cost to fix it... but it still feels like I'm burying it alive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 14th August, 2002

22nd Feb 2003, 09:20

Yeah, I think you just must spent some cash to fix the oil leaking problem. As I understood, the car runs OK, except the oil leak. And it's just cool to drive such an old car, the antiquary I would say, I think it turns eyes.

15th Aug 2003, 20:00

BMW engine is the least oil-leaking machine known in the human history at the moment. I really doubt that it is as serious as cylinder head malfunction because this will definitely lead to oil leaking into the cylinder(s) resulting in profound smoking - blue smoke. I would strongly recommend to check valve flap gasket first.