1994 BMW 7 Series 730 from UK and Ireland - Comments

Central processor failure at 40,000 miles, car collected by BMW recovery & problem rectified under warranty.

Problem at 52,000 miles, engine running `Lumpy` due to fuel compatibility problem with coating on cylinders. Car was 4 months out of warranty but BMW fitted new engine free of charge.

1998 model year does not have this problem.

Generally reliable car and BMW committed to customer satisfaction even after their 3 year warranty has expired.

Excellent motorway cruiser. Well built comfortable car.

BMW replaced the engine because there is a general design defect with the M60 and they presumably don't want to see a class-action lawsuit.

Yes. They used a Nikasil coating on the bores which they discovered gets "eaten" by the higher amounts of sulphur in UK fuel. Once this protective coating has gone, the soft alloy behind it gets eroded very quickly leading to excessive piston/bore clearances, poor compression, glutinous oil consumption and eventual engine failure.

Took as little as 30,000 miles for some engines to fail.

Also, be aware that some engines didn't fail and so still have engines with the old linings, or were replaced early on with Nikasil engines. These units are still prone to costly failure as my neighbour discovered with his recently.

Look for ones that specify new engines and check for proof.

My 1995 730i still has the original nikasil engine fitted and has covered over 170,000 miles with no problems------------as smooth as silk- so far. fingers crossed a real beauty.

After buying a 730i secondhand from my local dealer (from his bargain basement) I was expecting to at least spend some money on it, but NO, I have owned it for two years and the only things I have had to replace are two tyres and the three drive belts, (but only the AC wanted replacing), it is serviced with great detail by the SAME DEALER. as for the car it drives like new, and is still comfortable and quiet, performance is very good, and CHEAP to run for a luxury saloon, the car is driven by my wife every day, I drive a mercedes-benz which is my car, but it's still special to drive a 7 series, I cannot praise BMW enough for producing such a great car.