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BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

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  • newme101newme101 Member Posts: 1
    I find myself in your situation. I too have a 93 740i with trans problems. I've been getting price quotes that are pretty expensive. Have you had any luck? Please let me know.
  • gnat42gnat42 Member Posts: 2
    I bought an 86 L7 about a year ago, lots of miles, but it ran and looks great. A couple of weeks ago it poured rain here and I came out to find a foot deep puddle around the car. Like an idiot I started it up to get home and the car would barely move. I don't know if I sucked water in through the exhaust or what. I've ran it almost completely out of gas, added fuel additive twice, and it does run better. It starts with no problems, and while in park, it revs and sounds fine. However, when I'm in gear it doesn't want to go. It's sluggish to move and will eventually go but sometimes I have to have it floored to get to 35 mph. Sometimes when it's floored there is no reaction just a slow pick up of speed. Any ideas??
  • gnat42gnat42 Member Posts: 2
    My glove box got jammed somehow.
    Any ideas on how to open it without breaking it?
  • cabecabe Member Posts: 3
    I am a newbie here so excuse me if i sound ignorant.
    I am looking at purchasing a 99 740iL with 88K on it. It has the 18" M rims. i am planning on asking a gas station to look at it real good and look at everything, as well as drive it. inside the vehicle, it looks pretty good. slight cracking in the center console and the trays aren't in the best shape... but they will be fixing the cup holder. i dont see any substantial oil on the undercarriage.
    what should i look for in a addition to what the mechanic tells me? they are asking $13,800.
    oh, and i asked the dealer about the recalls and they didnt know, or haven't told me yet.
    thanks very much
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    That's a little pricey, not too bad if it's really sharp but really it should retail for around $11,500--$12,000.

    If I were you, I'd make SURE every gadget switch, AC, window, light etc. worked perfectly. I'd spend time just playing with everything and carefully noting how they operate.

    My main concern with this car would be a) electrical glitches, b) service records c) CARFAX report and d) checking the control arm bushings in the front end, especially with 18" tires, which tend to stress the suspension.

    Good luck in your purchase...it's a great ride....
  • cabecabe Member Posts: 3
    thank you very muc for responding.
    I will definitly check all the gadgets like you say. with regards to your main concerns, i have checked the carfax and its clean. although, there is a 2 year gap in its records of anything (it was leased by the original owner and then went from a dealer to another dealer)other then that it looks all good.
    how do i find out the service records?
    will a regular mechanic shop be able to identify electrical glitches, or do i need to take it to a BMW dealer?
    same question for the CA bushings but i imagine a regular mechanic shop can do that.
    as far as the engine and drivetrain, is there anything i should look for? will a regular mechanic shop be able to identify issues, or is that a bmw dealer thing to look at?
    again, thanks very much for the response.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think going to a BMW dealer for a pre-sale inspection is an okay idea, althought they will try to sell you every part in the warehouse...in which case you can use the argument I always use "Oh yeah, SHOW me the defect". If the bushing isn't torn and wobbly, and the shock doesn't leak all over your hand, and you can't see the oil leak, and the muffler really doesn't have a hole in it that you can see, then blow them off...but if you see real leaks, real holes, and very loose bushings or worn brake pads or deeply scored brake rotors, then you have to negotiate on the price or prepare to have those things fixed.

    Of course if your independent shop is a BMW specialist, they would be fine for the pre-sale.

    As for electrical glitches, you can do this yourself seems to me. Look for inoperative functions, like windows, mirrors, AC, heat, radio, antenna...and also for any warning lights. Test drive it and keep an eye on that dashboard, especially in strong sunlight. All the test lights should come on when you start and then go out.

    If you spend $150 only to find out there's a serious issue with the car, that's money well spent even if you don't buy it.
  • cabecabe Member Posts: 3
    thank you very much Sir.
    greatly appreciated.
    turns out it is at a bmw dealer right now that the dealer i am looking at buying it from took it to. so i called that bmw dealer and asked them about it and they gave it a thumbs up and saif for $189 they will do a used car inspection on it and check everything on it soup to nuts. So, assuming the dealer that is selling it is ok with that, and the bmw dealer says its ok, i am going to go for it (and hope he comes down on the price like you mentioned).

    thanks again
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think a BMW will choose profit over the dread of ticking off another dealer---LOL!

    Good move, this will give you some peace of mind. Make sure you have them explain everything and especially to PRIORITIZE these items, should you decide to buy the car.
  • fordblueblood1fordblueblood1 Member Posts: 2
    I have (wife's car) a 2001 E38 with the sport handling package and 72K on it. It is a fast car that handles pretty well for a big car but the cost of keeping these cars on the road is exorbitant. I have had to fix lots of parts on this car well before it even hit 70 thousand miles. The engines and brakes are the best things about it; the gadgets and the plastic trim parts are the worst. The gadgets are very expensive to fix and not very rhobust. If you don't mind driving a luxury car that has 70% of everything working then go for it else, be prepared to know your repair center on a personal basis. I would not get an old one. Buy a 2001 if you like that body style. Look for low mileage and by all means, make sure everything works. If you don't know what you are looking at, take someone who does. Good luck.
    John
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'm curious...did you have trouble with the front and rear control arm bushing? Did you have the door trim (between front and rear door, on the "B" pillar, constantly detach? Did you have the brake warning light go on a lot, and constantly have to replace rear brake light bulbs?
  • copyrightattycopyrightatty Member Posts: 14
    I am considering purchasing one of the last E38s. I can find a few across the country with under 50k on the odo, and many with under 60k for around $20-22k. I need it for an occasional driver to take clients to dinner, to play golf, and for a couple long haul trips a year. All told, I doubt I will put more than 6k on it a year, and it will be in service for about 4 years. Does anyone have suggestions on specific issues to look for or things to avoid? I appreciate any feedback.
  • eric312eric312 Member Posts: 71
    These cars usually have issues with electronics/computers. Make sure to check all of them out.
  • j120driverj120driver Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking at purchasing an 07 750. Just got out of a Lexus LS430. Love the reliability but not real excited about the aesthetics. I keep hearing and reading about reliability problems with the 750. It's a great drive, but is it worth dealing with the mechanical and electrical problems. Anyone out there with an 07 that can comment, I'd appreciate it.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well it's got a great warranty, so if I were in your shoes that's what I'd weigh against some almost certain glitches....which may not be too serious but which will be inconvenient. I guess it depends on your level of patience should something happen--and also how well trained your dealer staff is. Will you get a loaner. Do they have a tech who had specific 750 training?

    It's certainly a much better driving car than a Lexus and a lot faster, so it's tempting if you are an enthusiastic driver.

    Ah, the old dilemma---do I marry the librarian or the flemenco dancer? :P
  • fordblueblood1fordblueblood1 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 740iL. It is fully loaded,handling package, SEDC, massaging seats etc. It currently has 72K on it and was purchased w/ 58K on it. The car drives great, has great looks and is fairly fast but in my opinion is a P.O.S. as far as electronics and gadget reliability goes and would not recommend buying one of these with any amount of miles on it. The list of broken gadgets on my particular car is very long. It is not a COPO car, nor was it in any accidents, In fact it was very clean when I bought it. I'd rate it an 8.5 if 10 is perfect. What has gone wrong starting at less than 60K miles:
    pixles in instrument cluster, radiator, leaky sun roof, 5 pieces of plastic trim with broken fastener features, leaky power steering lines, broken gas door solenoid, broken driver door window regulator, broken SEDC module, intermittent LCD display failure in center console, broken wire controlling 12VDC to driver side view mirror, power driver seat, memory seat and telescoping steering wheel and that is about all I can think of now, There may be a few I forgot. Anyway, steer clear unless you like dealing with broken stuff every other month. I'd get a Lexus. They are getting better looking and they are leaps and bounds more reliable than a BMW ever will be. Just my 2 cents from a current E38 owner.
  • eric312eric312 Member Posts: 71
    I agree. 740s are great cars but reliability is very bad.

    I got my 2001 740i when it had 25,000 miles on it and it was certified by a BMW dealership.

    It has 62,000 on it now and my NAV broke twice. I had to replace radiator, instrument cluster, window regulator, power steering hoses twice and a few other things.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Did the interior panels that cover the pillar between the front and rear doors fall off? NAV problems seem chronic. Did you ever have a problem with the "brake light" warning on the dash going off and bulbs burning out a lot back there?
  • rcharcom740rcharcom740 Member Posts: 6
    If you look at the patterns here there seems to be many similarities
    Most of the cars are 2000,2001 E38 are relatively low milage cars. I suspect that there is chemical issue in the radiator and power steering area (I have had mine replaced as well). The Nav is also a problem and replaced mine I believe that Nav unit is suseptable to Heat because the area that the Nav unit is enclosed in get realitvely warm and there is no venting. The Nav device controls all audio function. The LCD in the dash are have elastomeric connections and is common for the time.
    So there are some very common problems that can be seen and they seem to repeat.
  • vicriosvicrios Member Posts: 2
    What kind of NAV problems are you having?
  • eric312eric312 Member Posts: 71
    No panels falling off but brake light bulb burned out once.

    I had a problem with service engine soon light, dealer replaced oxygen sensor under warranty.

    I forgot to mention one time i got stuck in the middle of the bridge. Could not restart the engine. Dealer said it was a fuse. The car had about 40k miles at the time.

    With nav, the screen goes blank or has some gray lines all over. I had to replace "black box" from the trunk. Got it used since dealer wanted $1300 for rebuilt one. Should have sold the car at that time when everything was working. That nav broke 3 months later and now i am on ebay looking for another one. :(
  • rcharcom740rcharcom740 Member Posts: 6
    At +100 degree outside sometimes the nav freezes and then stereo goes out. Once I reboot its fine
    this is the second unit
  • atb84atb84 Member Posts: 5
    Ok, now that everyone is scaring me, I have to ask: how many of you would buy again? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? I ask because I'm looking at the 2007 750iL and a VERY attractive incentive. I'm also considering the LS460. Yeah, I know they're two very different cars: performance vs. luxury. But having owned an SC400 for 14 years w/o a single problem is very compelling! The other side of the coin has me owning a 2002 vette with the average number of chronic problems traditional of vettes, but what a hoot to drive when its healthy. I'm leaning towards the 750iL b/c I figure it would give me the best combo of luxury and performance (selling the vette). But if the problems are even worse than what I've had with my $50k vette, I don't want any part of it, especially not for $86k. I think the BMW beats the Lex in performance, styling, and discount percentage off list; but Lex wins in reliability and features (ie. touch-screen vs iDrive). WWJD or what would you do? Thanks
  • springgoosespringgoose Member Posts: 4
    where do i start with my grief- 2000 740il less than 90k
    it was 100 degrees for 5 days , equals new navigation system,
    new radiator,, water pump, replacement of jam between passenger and rear seat window- belts, both steering arms last week- one helluva ride when its out of the shop- buy japanese!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • rcharcom740rcharcom740 Member Posts: 6
    Differnet Cars the E38 was a very nice vechicle but in the life of upper level cars and thinsgs it was loaded and had some faults that showed up later. The new platform of the new cars is much different. I was able to have my daughter drive me with me in the back- sweet ride , I have fun driving it too and would buy a new one if I needed it. The Lexus 460 is a nice ride as well butdoesnt seem to be a drivers car. I hope this answers your question - with the issues there is no better car to fly down the I5 to LA
  • eric312eric312 Member Posts: 71
    If you are buying new you get the warranty, so at least you do not have to pay for the repairs. Bring it to the shop which is still a pain get your loaner and drive away.

    I would not want to own a BMW without warranty but with one i would get it again.
  • buckleymbuckleym Member Posts: 6
    I wanted to post my problem - hope this is the correct format:

    I have a 2001 740IL - Navigation system – Words are out of alignment – should say “in 300 yards, turn left”, instead it says “in 300 yards, left, turn”. Also, should say “turn left ahead” instead it says “Left, turn ahead”. You can tell that there should be another word afterwards. I just purchased the car and it was transferred from California. I changed the CA CD for the TX CD. It's weir because this happened to me several years ago when I purchased a 740IL from Ohio. They ended up replacing the Nav system. Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
  • buckleymbuckleym Member Posts: 6
    I am getting pretty scared reading all the entries about all the problems on the older 740 BMW’s. I purchased a 1998 740IL in 2004, traded it in on a 2000 740IL in 2006, and traded that in on a 2001 740IL this week. I have been very lucky as I have not had any major problems with them at all. The only two problems I’ve had were with the NAV on the 2000 & 2001 and I could not find my problem in the forum which makes me think it’s something new. I purchased both cars from CarMax, one transferred from Ohio, and the last one transferred from California. On both cars, the words were out of alignment – should say “in 300 yards, turn left”, instead it says “in 300 yards, left, turn”. Also, should say “turn left ahead” instead it says “Left, turn ahead”. You can tell that there should be another word afterwards. On the 2000, BMW replaced the NAV system with a 2006 system and it worked great. CarMax paid for everything. They even paid for the whole CD series since the car came with Ohio CD. I love CarMax. I already made an appt with CarMax for them to look at this problem – I assume the same results will happen where they will take it to BMW center and they will replace it. But isn’t this weir?? Has anybody hear of this? Thanks
  • im_brentwoodim_brentwood Member Posts: 4,883
    Just curious here.. do you have Mk2 or Mk3 Navigation? (Widescreen is generally Mk3) and what version software are you running?
  • e38ownere38owner Member Posts: 3
    What kind of warranty/service contract does CarMax offer?
  • nirhnirh Member Posts: 1
    Hi

    Can anyone recommend a good shop for changing brake pads and rotors on my 1998 740IL? What should be the cost?

    Thanks in advance.
  • rcharcom740rcharcom740 Member Posts: 6
    My 2000 is very simply to do - The Germans made a beautiful design to replace the system - Parts are about $500 to $800 depending on rotor and Pad Brand (thats for all 4) labor is extra.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think if you go to a good shop and they use the very best parts it's about a $1,200 job...depends a lot on what part of the country you are in, and labor rates.
  • buckleymbuckleym Member Posts: 6
    sorry for the delay - it's a wide screen screen so I assume it's a Mk3. I think that is the problem - I have a 2000 or 2001 Nav system and I'm using a 2005 CD. That is why the replaced the Nav system with a current one on my 2000 one. I'm hoping they will do something similar with the 2001. I really love carmax. They are the greatest - for a loaner they gave me a crossfire. Wow, it is sweet - but my wife took it away from me. ha ha - later
  • buckleymbuckleym Member Posts: 6
    sorry for the delay - I can not said enough about carmax period. They have a 5 day grace period where you can turn in the car with no questions asked. They have a 30 day 100% full warranty on anything that goes wrong with the car - and they provide you with a loner!!! Since I've purchased two cars from them already - they have given me a F150 truck, ford taurus, and now a crossfire (which my wife sold from me). They also offer extended warranty - I got the 36 months for $1500. In my case, everything I've ask them to do - they do without any lip - wow!!! I asked for a Texas CD for the 1st car I purchased from them and they purchased the whole (at least 7 CD's) set for me!!! They are great - I guess that is why they sold over 2 millions cars by 2006.
  • buckleymbuckleym Member Posts: 6
    I appreciate your comments - however I've had a 98, 2000, and just purchased a 2001 (with 49,350 miles) 740IL and I've had nothing but good luck with them. I an now scared by reading all the other the reviews on this site and hope my luck is not as bad as some of the writers. :<)ha ha. I was thinking, they must sell hundreds of 740IL's and only a hand full are posted with problems here - I want to think that the majority of the 740IL's work great. We can get a lemon in a luxury car too you know. I still love the car and hopefully my luck will hold out - if it does not, then I'll get it fixed and keep on driving - thanks
  • e38ownere38owner Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the info. I have no experience with CARMAX, but may consider them when I buy a car for the wife.
  • terry79terry79 Member Posts: 27
    Try autohaus arizona for brake parts. Front disc, pads and
    sensor alomg with tool for compressing cyclinder for $240.
    Brakes work great.
  • spagespage Member Posts: 1
    I recently took my 2000 740i in for servicing, detailing and to have my CD player looked at as it was not reading CD's and working. When I picked up my car my computer screen was blank and it was explained to me that since the CD cartridge was removed to send in for repair that the computer was out of commission until the cartridge was put back in. I was surprised to find that the computer screen came back on within the next few days despite the fact that the CD cartridge was still removed, with more computer functionality each day. I now have a few vertical thin blue lines that have appeared at the side of the screen and recently another vertical line in the middle of the screen. I now suspect that the shop where I took it possibly damaged the computer either by a short or water damage by the person who detailed the car. Any idea of what has happened to my computer and if it will deteriorate further. How contained is the computer from water damage? If it was water damage, would it be from the interior or the exterior? Would the computer be affected by the removal of the CD cartridge or was this a lie?
  • brislance1brislance1 Member Posts: 87
    Anyone out there in the Dallas area could you give me the name of a good body shop in your area? My son-in-law was rear ended in his 745 last night. I see that there are two certified BMW shops in the area. One is Classic BMW. Any advise would really help.

    Thanks.
  • mmoreno1978mmoreno1978 Member Posts: 106
    Looking into a Pre-Owned 7 series since the current rate is quite low. Any suggestions?
  • viopeteviopete Member Posts: 1
    I own a 735i e32 1988 model since i bought the machine i have been enjoying it but one thing keep croping up each time i want to carry out some minor repairs on the machine i will discover that i can not read the manual to carry out simple maintainace on my own because it is not writen in english. please can someone help me with the english version of it please, the person can help send it to my email petevio@gmail,com as an attachment thanks.
  • supssups Member Posts: 1
    im considering buying a 2001 740il. would be my first bmw. im convinced its one of the best luxury sport sedans in its class.. my only concern is the cost of the normal maintenance of the vehicle over the next 50,000 miles or so assuming i can prove normal maint. has been performed. im hoping to find one with about 50k in miles . please enlighten me. im very excited to buy my first one. tell me what you think.
  • larrytl101larrytl101 Member Posts: 3
    The plastic nipple on my radiator intake hose broke so I ordered a new radiator and replaced it. I also found the rats had chewed some wires that went into the radiator, so I taped them up put on new hoses, rinsed some gunk out of the engine block and put stuff back together. However the electric fan doesn't come on and I overheat in about a mile of driving. Is there a way to check the fan or a fuse to see if it needs to be replaced?
  • larrytl101larrytl101 Member Posts: 3
    My fob and/or the center consoul button are not unlocking the doors, any ideas?
  • larrytl101larrytl101 Member Posts: 3
    I had the dealer repair one window, I can't afford to have them fix the other three. Anyone ever try to repair them? They won't roll up.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Go to this website:

    http://edgemotorworks.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

    Then click on "checklists" and then on "7 series 2001" and it will tell you what to expect regarding maintenance items.
  • mmrenommreno Member Posts: 9
    I must ask a question, have you purchased the Original BMW Mobile Traditions Book or CD? If that is the manual you are not able to translate, I agree with you 100 percent. I was able to get an original BMW paper, USA edition copy from a member of the BMW CCA member 8 or so years ago, in english, and it was an exact copy of the BMW dealer book, man what a savior!

    If you have just the basic German info book, go to , Bavarian Auto Parts, and they have almost all the BMW CD's in english now. I would let you use mine, but it only goes to '87. Best of luck to you!
  • septialeseptiale Member Posts: 1
    Just bought a 2000 740i Security
    Read that ...
    You can download or view a .PDF version of the owners manual in the "owners" section of the BMW site

    Where?
    Link?

    Thanks :P
  • akamam740ilakamam740il Member Posts: 1
    I have a 98 740il and had the same problem, if u look in the trunk just above the battery you'll find a fuse box. i replace the fuse for the trunk & door locks which had blown after i change the battery now it's working perfect. hope this helps........
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