Comments on BMW 740iL Sport Package

[valenzul]

specifically 2001 models. I'm intending to purchase CPO warranty with this as I've reseached and came up with conclusion that car will be more worthwhile with this option.
I've always wanted this car back when it was first brought into production, but $80K+ pricetag was not at all within my means.
Now most of the cars I've seen are under $34K pricetag.

Interested in anyone with prior experience with these cars and anyone that can enlighten me on whether it is will be a good or bad idea to think of this model at all.

-thanks

 

[TigerNSX]

First of all, I want to clarify if you want 740I w/ sport package or 740IL w/ sport package.

The sport package included in two cars are different.

With 740I, you get the 18 inch parallel wheels, shorter differentials, tighter suspension, sport seats, and blacked out window trims.

With 740IL, you get the 18 inch parallel wheels and blacked out window trims. I may be missing some other things, but it is not equipped as sporty as the 740I.

I have had one, and it was probably one of the best cars I have ever had. I still miss it, but make sure that you get the warranty. Trips to the dealer (mainly due to electrical glitches) may be frequent.

Check out the best 7 series forum:

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e38/

 

[valenzul]

yes. Its iL

I've seen the i version and it looks funny too me. kind of shorter base, looked like a 5 series almost.

-Val

 

[NetViper]

I like the 740i sport packge. I think it looks sweet. After driving the car though, i was really dissapointed in the power steering. It is WAY overboosted. Not much feel at all.

I have also heard they have serious electrical problems and it is NOT cheap to fix.

Nonetheless, for $34K, it is a pretty nice car. If you could get an extended warranty, it might be worth it.

Although, for 34K, I would probably look at a new Acura TL.

 

[valenzul]

The "i" ones are cheaper. I think on average the best ones/low mileage were no more then 30k

-V

 

[Osiris_x11]

hmmm... My cousin here in UK has the last model year of the previous generation 7-series sedan (the particular model in question), 2001 740iL. He experienced something catastrophic w/ his engine under 40k miles. BMW warrantied the work after a bit of a tussle, which totalled well over £10,000.

I'll try to get more details on the exact incident. :redface:


btw, it's one of the most refined drives/rides I've experienced in a sedan (much more gratifying to drive than a S-class, LS430, XJ8, etc. (but the XJ-R is my fav. sedan/saloon by far, though.) The UK version of the 740iL had a nice nav-system and TV tuner and a kit-load of luxury options.

 

[nsxtasy]

That's before they redesigned it with the trunk lid that doesn't match the rest of the car, and that horrendous iDrive system... right?

 

[NSXLuvr]

That's before they redesigned it with the trunk lid that doesn't match the rest of the car, and that horrendous iDrive system... right?

Yup. The last gen 7 series is going to be a classic. Specially after the new one came out. :wink:

 

[NetViper]

After driving both, I would much rather have the new-gen 7-series. No question.

 

[steveny]

After driving both, I would much rather have the new-gen 7-series. No question.

I agree. The new generation is more refined and a blast to drive.

 

[matteni]

...I'm intending to purchase CPO warranty...

Be very careful with this and read every single word of the contract. Do not under any circumstances believe a sales person - that contract is the only thing you have in writing and has everything that is - and is not covered in black and white. It also describes the process that they will use to delay and hastle you before they pay, what parts they can use, etc. Also - make sure you check with the BBB to see how many outstanding and unresolved claims they have against them. A good company should have ZERO. I have used Viking and have had good luck with their "Platnum" product and company service.

FYI - many of the warrantees specifically EXCLUDE electrical systems (HVAC controls, stereo, clock, etc).

You may not be covered for many of the problems you fear...

 

[valenzul]

yes, this is one contract I will read. I've already even heard of the BMW factory warranty not covering LSD part. My boss' 2002 325 currently has defect on an LSD part and BMW deemed it as Wear and Tear part and did not cover it. I was like

I am hoping to acquire one that has Certified Pre Owned warranty.
or if it is less get one that is from reputable warranty firm like Viking. I will have to read the fine prints.

1. Viking

Anyone else have good experience or recommendations for warranty company?

 

[CDX_NSX]

You can get some info on the BMW CPO warranty program here.

 

[steveny]

I bought an extended warranty on my NSX and it saved me a ton. I looked for a long time to find a company which would cover the car almost completely. I would recommend this company to anyone thinking of buying a warranty. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. :frown:

Are you referring to the dash display when you are saying LSD? Every BMW I have owned I have taken back to the dealership to have the display replaced because of dead pixels. BMW knows about this problem why don't they use a different supplier for the dash panels?

Take some time and drive a new style 7 series before you buy the old style.

 

[valenzul]

No... Limited Slip Differential part. there was something that was making awful groaning noise on his car... BMW dealer traced it to some LSD part. he was just out of factory warranty 50K and they would not cover it.

-Val

 

[steveny]

No... Limited Slip Differential part. there was something that was making awful groaning noise on his car... BMW dealer traced it to some LSD part. he was just out of factory warranty 50K and they would not cover it.

-Val

They will cover it if you do enough bitching. BMWNA paid for over 3k in repairs on my X-5. I had to call several times to make it happen though. The dealer will always deny a repair order out of warranty but if you call BMWNA directly they will usually help you out.

 

[valenzul]

it was actually BMWNA that did the denial. The dealer tried to make good as they were giving him 3 warranty coverage after the factory warranty ended. this was the 3rd one and they denied it.

-V