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The '01 also gives you the 16:9 nav screen (production date after 9/00), standard Motorola Timeport cell phone, body colored skirting, xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, headlight washer nozzles, DSP stereo with cassette in the dash and 6 disk changer in the trunk.
Also, the '01 looks newer than the '98 (BMW did a mild makeover in '99). The makeover consists of scalloped headlights, chrome trunk strip (except sport), crystallized taillamps, door scoop illumination and updated side skirts.
Also, the '99MY on up has the VANOS variable valve timing and increased torque.
Brewcrew: The features Goose listed on the 01 are available as options on the 98, except the 16:9 size NAV and rain-sensing washers. You could check the 98 for those listed. But for the price difference the 2001 looks like a better deal, assuming they are both in "like" condition. The 30k looks good for the 01 and the 26k is a little high for the 98, but without seeing the cars it's difficult to be accurate. You did say the 01 had the Sport pkg., I think, so you have a few cosmetic differences in addition to the ones mentioned by Goose.
DB
And you can get a short block swapped for about 25 hours at $40/hr if you shop around... That's $1200 or so labor.. maybe $1500-1600.. but that should do it. Figure $300-700 in extra new parts (Head gaskets, intake seals, engine mounts, might as well do a water pump and don't re-use that old timing chain..etc... "While yer in there type of stuff")
Bill
97 740iL
Thanks to all those above who have provided feedback; especially, the individual who says I can get a new short block for less than $2k (brentwoodvolvo). Please provide additional info for obtaining this block. I might purchase and put in storage since as you can see I now have invested heavily in the continued life of this vehicle. Bottomline - I'm committed to keeping it for a very long time and want it to be in excellent/like new running condition.
A friend provided me with a lead for hyperlink for Zionauto (w3.zionvilleautosport.com) which is where I obtained fiscal data on $2400 new short block (plus couple hundred shipping). 40 man/hr estimate provided by local independent repair shop specializing in BMWs.
Muddog
Sleep comfortably.. with the thought that a Buick is a better built vehicle than yours is...
www.auto.t-online.de
The 7 face lift looks very sharp, they must be listening at BMW.
We'll see how the un-screw the new 5 disaster?
1. When I press the button on the door the side mirrors do not close
2. When the door is open I have to press and hold the memory button in order to get driver’s seat into programmed position. According to the manual I should only have to hold the button when the door is closed.
3. Alarm does not unlock the doors until I unlock them with a key manually.
4. If I leave the car parked with the front wheels turned, when I come back to the car and start driving the steering wheel is very stiff until I stop with the wheels straight and turn off the car for a few minutes.
All of the above happens randomly so if I just go to the dealer I will not be able to demonstrate it to him.
Three more “improvement” questions:
1 Has anyone connected a later model Motorola phones to 740 instead of the old StarTec that it came with and how much did it cost?
2. Where and for how much can I buy updated DVDs for navigation?
3 Is it possible to watch TV and play DVD on the navigation screen?
www.nav-tv.com
The kit is about $1200 - $1300
They also sell a DVD install kit as well.
As far as the cell phone goes, BMW just introduced the Bluetooth kit for their current models. The word is that a retrofit kit will be available any day now for '01 5 & 7-series built after a certain date (unknown but the later the bld date, the better your chances of it working). Bluetooth will allow you to use all of the cars integrated cell phone features w/o having to spend $1500+ for the old CPT8000 BMW phone. It is just WLAN technology.
How do I go about replacing the integrated phone on the center console with a storage tray?
SDEV: Get the service history for the car. If the previous owner had it maintained at a BMW dlr, any BMW dlr can pull the records for you.
Some things to look out for are the radiator (common for cracks to develop around the neck), water pump, and thrust arm bushings and ball joints.
Personally, I would go with a '99 or newer since you get the VANOS and xenons. And w/ a '00 you get the nav and some other goodies as standard equipment.
I just purchased a 2002 745i demo with 3995 miles from an out of state dealer. While waiting for the car to be delivered, I had a few questions.
1)I have only heard about the iDrive issues. So what should I expect and how can I get used to the system quickly?
2)Is there a dealer in DC metro region who you would recommend based on quality of service? Especially since I am not buying from the local dealer.
3)Any other tips and 'watch outs'.
Thanks
If you want to see a great chase scene featuring a 99' 735 with a v-12 check out the movie 'The Transporter'. Not sure if it is the i or iL, but it seemed to have the sport package because it was a stick shift.
You can look up the differences between the two model years by clicking on the "Used" blue tab at the top of this page. And you can use the "search this discussion" feature on the page bar to look for messages here by any keywords you'd like.
This is not an extremely active discussion, but someone may still show up who can give you some relevant thoughts.
Meanwhile, check out some of the other discussions listed under the Make/Model search for 7-Series. You might drop by the High End Luxury discussion with this question and you might want to scan through some of the ones in the archives.
Good luck!
I plan on getting it from a dealer with an extended warranty... yet... I am concerned about the anecdotal information I have gotten from friends and family with BMW's who say the cost of repair is WAY more expensive than even Mercedes or Lexus.
I'm curious for thoughts on this. I live in the Southern Calif. area and wonder if it is more a regional issue, a dealership issue, or if they are just incorrect.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
I have had both a '97 and '00 740iL, both were the absolute best car I have ever driven. The only vehicle to actualy impress me more was when I test drove an '02 745i. The acceleration and handeling was just unbelievable, and I would be driving one today if the didn't complicate that idrive and take away the center console shifter. Also and correct me if I am wrong but I believe that BMW is missing the big picture here by not putting back the center console shifter and by the idea of installing a second idrive for back seat passengers for the owners children. It's bad enough the buyer has to sit through a 4 hour test just to be able to take your new car off the lot.
I am looking into purchasing a certified pre-owned 2002 745Li at around 40K miles.
I commute to work at about 100 miles a day round trip and notice that I put about 30K miles per year on any given car.
Within 2 years, I would reach the 100K mile point and therefore run out of extended warranty.
Several questions for you gurus:
1) Should I spent $45K for this car knowing that I drive that much?
2) What is the average maintenance cost ( not paying someone to go through checklists, but when something is really wrong ) with cars like this that would shock the pocket above the 100K mile range?
3) What would I expect to trade in this car in 3 years from now with 130K miles on it? ( I am sure the dealers have not yet seen what could go wrong with this model as of yet ... Not many 745's could be above 100K at this time ).
4) How difficult is it to locate qualified mechanics above the 100K dealer extended warranty point?
Thanks !
Should I maybe wait a bit for any of the 1st production year bugs to be worked out before getting the 745i?
kirstie_h
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A few months ago I bought a certified 2001 740I (that was originally sold in 2000) with 27,000 miles, sports package, convinience package and cold weather package for $43,000. The car is in great condition and is a lot of fun to drive. I would not go for the 740IL unless you really need the space in the back. I also think it is one of the best values outthere right now in this price category. The 2004 530I is $45,000 for base model according to Edmunds.
Was anyone able to install a cell phone that is integrated with the 740's system?
I can get it for $55,000. I know Edmunds has it listed way over that, but don't know if that's a "real world" appraisal. The car is owned by the owner of a local car dealership, and he had it specially ordered from BMW and paid $100k for it new. It even has the bullet resistent windows, and only 200 cars like it were built.
It is a 12 cylinder, and gas mileage is a concern in that I drive 80 miles a day getting to work. I'm not rich, but can afford it with a trade in.
Assuming I plan on keeping it for 2 years, and will be putting on 50k miles in that time, it would have approx 70k on it then.
Is this a good of a deal as it sounds?
Good luck.
There are two 2001 750's on eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item- - =2434071417&category=6009
With that caveat, the 750 was the most comfortable car that I have owned. A true joy to drive!
Unfortunately my driving habits changed drastically the minute I bought the car and have put 30k on it in 12 months. With 2 kids, 2 dogs and 2 motorcycles, I've recently been thinking of an SUV as a better fit for me. Talking trade with some local dealers, I've not gotten an ACV of more that 25k. All dealers admit the car is excellent, but also claim that the resale of a BMW once out of warranty drops like a stone! CPO cars apparently fare better as they are still considered under "factory" warranty. Most of the BMW's I've seen in excess of 50k miles are appearing on independent used car lots. Even the BMW dealers are much less interested in a car out of the mfg. warranty as it no longer qualifies for CPO, or so I've been told.
The above is likely true of most high-end euro marques whose long term maintenance and repair expense make them high dollar propositions once the warranty expires. I'll likely hang onto my 7 as nothing else really appeals to me, but it does make the price difference between CPO and non-CPO appear to be a better proposition.
My 2 cents for all considering a used Bimmer (or any Euro).