Unofficialbmw.com

[umfan866]

My neighbours brother is selling a 1990
740 iL white/black leather, automatic (yuck)
that is very very clean/stock with 100k
on it, no rust, california car. Can anybody tell me if this is a good reliable vehicle to replace my 86 325e? Is this a V-8 or V-12? Also, he want 7k for it, but I think kbb is closer to 5k...

[bmw mick]

good car, its an 8, the 750 is the 12.my moto always buy for low as you can. i have 88 535is and 99 740il. i like um.

[edjack]

The V8 engine in this model suffers from deterioration from high-sulfur fuel. If the car has spent it's entire time in California, it may not be a problem. Before you buy, have the car inspected by a reputable independent BMW wrench, and have him do a leakdown test to see if the engine is affected.

If the current owner can show that the engine (or block) has been replaced with an Alusil unit, so much the better.

Bear in mind that this model also suffers from many electronic maladies. It will no doubt be less reliable than your current ride.

BTW, ALL 7-series cars into the USA have auto transmissions, and they typically require rebuild/replacement in 80-120K miles.

[panzerkeil302]

You know, Marv, my 740il just went outta warranty, and I had to pay for the first repair...which was a faulty nav screen, which was a problem that happened 3years ago that the dealer paid for under warranty.

Just for fun, I decided to put together a list of warranty items that had been fixed...and the total is MIND BLOWING...

I dont mind the expense, but the car has never made it more than 6000miles without a problem that sent it to the shop, and sometimes, they failed to fix it not once, not twice, but thrice!

This car has 51000 mile on the odometer. I love the way it drives, but I get to drive it very little...its always in the shop.

My 86 325e has over 250,000 miles on it - it's never in the shop. The Germans need to go back to basics.

Avoid the 7 series - unless you get two for when one is in the shop.

[PJK]

I don't think there is such a thing as a 1990 740iL. In 1990 there was the 735il (6cylinder) and the 750il (12 cylinder).

The 8 cylinder e32s started in 1993.

If it is a V8 be sure it doesn't have a Nikasil engine. They replaced them in warranty if they failed, but the first ones they replaced were with the same material so they are ticking time bombs.

My wife has a '93 740i and she loves it. The engine was replaced with alusil (sp?) before we got it. The engine has been fine except for cooling system leaks but the tranny has craped out twice in the time we owned it.$$$$

Look at this one carefully.

Phil

quote:

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Originally posted by Marv Hecht:
My neighbours brother is selling a 1990
740 iL white/black leather, automatic (yuck)
that is very very clean/stock with 100k
on it, no rust, california car. Can anybody tell me if this is a good reliable vehicle to replace my 86 325e? Is this a V-8 or V-12? Also, he want 7k for it, but I think kbb is closer to 5k...

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[ 01-17-2005: Message edited by: PJK ]

[Sonilyn]

Forget about mileage, check for maintenance, that's important.