1997 BMW 7 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW History and Engine Technology

• 1997 BMW 740iL Transmission Problems with Reverse

  Written by: weaz08 on Oct 19, 2008 8:07:34 AM

  has anyone had a problem with their bmw not wanting to go in reverse? my car does go in when you first start the car but after will not engage in reverse. i have been told it could be a control module...does anyone know what could it be?

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: 2007 Detroit Autoshow Pics [lexusguy]

  Written by: merc1 on Jan 23, 2007 10:41:50 PM

  Correct! The "Maybach" was a Mercedes when it was originally shown at the 1997 Tokyo auto show. What happened next was a classic case of German see, German does. VW and BMW got Bentley and Rolls so Mercedes figured they'd bring a prestigous name from past back to life. So at the last minute they changed the plan from calling it "The Maybach by Mercedes" to a seperate brand. Problem is ... Read More

• Re: Tag [dewey]

  Written by: merc1 on Nov 26, 2006 10:01:00 PM

  It is almost certain that the exterior and interior styling of the next generation BMW 7 Series will be emulated by both Lexus and MB in fuutre years. Gotta disagree with the "MB" part in there. The current S-Class has a rear end like the original Maybach concept from 1997, not the current 7-Series. The 7 came out years after the Maybach concept of 1997 so if anything.......... M

• Re: Now for the good and not so good news!? [tagman]

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 30, 2006 10:35:20 PM

  Well lets go back to the beginning of the Maybach issue. The car was originally intended and labeled "The Maybach by Mercedes-Benz". The original concept car shown at the 1997 Tokyo auto show as a grand Mercedes really close to the spirit of old "600" MBs from years ago. Then..... BMW and VW got a hold of Rolls and Bentley repsectively so Mercedes decided to switch up the program (i.e. make ... Read More

• Re: There are risks and there are RISKS [oac]

  Written by: merc1 on Jun 19, 2006 10:40:28 PM

  And these are just in NA alone.... By the time you add the variants in Europe, Middle East and Asia, you'd have to multiply each model line by a factor of 2 !!! Burger King-way sure looks like it, but it ain't a way to improve brand image and marqueness, all IMO !!! Yet it works. See this is where knowing about Mercedes comes in at. They've always had a lot ... Read More

• LOL!! I dig you, Merc!

  Written by: callmedrfill on Feb 7, 2006 5:36:36 PM

  :P I like you, Merc. You make me laugh! If Matrix were here, he'd laugh too. Take the gloves off and start swingin'! ;) Alright, let's see if you'll follow this line of questioning: 1. Was that a good picture of a vehicle for a national print ad campaign? 2. I omitted BMW for three very good reasons. One, their ads are consistent to their slogan and mantra, which has NEVER ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• 1997 74iI Radio won't play

  Written by: cobra99 on Oct 11, 2005 5:56:43 PM

  I have a 1997 BMW 740IL that has 150K on it. It is a nice looking car but since I bought it I have had to fix so many things it makes me wonder just how good these cars are. 1st the headliner fell down. $400 bucks and several trip to fix it it is repaired. Belt tensioner had to be replaced along with the belts. Cam sensor went bad. o2 ... Read More

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• Modern BMWs....

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 3, 2005 2:47:27 AM

  While I've always liked BMWs they have slipped behind Audi in design, imo. My favorites of the past are the original 6-Series Coupe, 1989-1995 5-Series and the 1991-1997 8-Series, which I'm most likely in the minority on. The current models: 2006 3-Series - Not nearly as bad as the 2002 7-Series and about tied with the current 5-Series. Since I know a coupe and a convertible are coming I'll wait to ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Land Rover [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Oct 14, 2005 7:03:30 PM

  First of all I don't understand why Lexus even enters the discussion. It's a simple POV re this S-class design and has nothing to do with Lexus in any way. So trying to create a new series of flame posts re the two brands accomplishes nothing and is downright silly so I won't even go there. My point is not to start another debate about Lexus and Mercedes, its just that ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• Re: Comment and a Question 740il [xr7conv]

  Written by: sunnboye on Sep 22, 2005 1:21:17 PM

  I picked up a 1997 740iL with 133,000 miles last month for $9500. The only issue I had was a non-mechanical one-'the hood would not open!' Otherwise the car runs as if it only had 50,000 miles (without problems). This has the upgraded 18" BMW sport rims with Michelin Pilots, car is amazing...and I don't even like BMW's. Bought it because my wife fell in luv with the interior, the leg ... Read More

High-End European Luxury Sedans

• New S is Throw Up Ugly

  Written by: greenbelt on Sep 13, 2005 7:32:33 PM

  I don't think I've ever seen photos of a new 'brand defining' car that is so ugly as the shots from the Frankfurt Auto Show of the new Mercedes S. It looks like it was designed by some goofy committee that was picking up cues from the auto junkyard. The wheel arches are terrible and unnecessary. The wheels themselves are available at the Lexus store for the LS400 from 1997 - ... Read More

• Market Share

  Written by: clembo on Aug 22, 2005 6:50:45 PM

  People seem to forget that although BMW may be selling slightly more 5-Series cars than they did in 2002, they are losing market share to their competition. Since 1997 the high end luxury car market has grown at annual rates between 7% and 11% in the U.S. The gain that BMW may show over their previous models does not sustain that growth factor. Now look at annual growth rates of Lexus, ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• BMW Engine problem

  Written by: ryclan4 on Aug 5, 2005 11:17:47 AM

  I have 1997 BMW740il. When I drive for a few miles it gets very hot under the left side of the hood. Just wanted to know if anyone ha the same problem. All responses are welcome. Thanks

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• Re: BMW [beaming]

  Written by: shipo on Jun 21, 2005 3:45:37 PM

  The "E" numbers are BMWs internal codes to refer to a specific vehicle platform, so I guess I said it wrong before. Sorry about that. Anyway, the current E60 5-Series is a completely different platform from the ground up than was the previous generation E39 5-Series. The E60 5-Series has been/will be offered with a total of seven engines so far, and the E39 5-Series was offered with a total of ... Read More

• Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder...

  Written by: purplem46 on Apr 8, 2005 1:19:35 PM

  I have owned a 1997 2.8 Z3 and a 2002 E46 M3 Coupe. Both had styling that had a hard to define sexiness quality. I was recently in the market for a larger car, and really wanted to take a serious look at the BMW 545. I just couldn't do it. The front looks like a pontiac with squinty asian eyes, and the rear, oh my, the rear. I don't buy ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Jaguar [xkss]

  Written by: merc1 on Apr 8, 2005 3:55:13 AM

  Though I did like the XJS way back in the day, I really never really gave Jaguars too much thought until the 1997 XK8 showed up. Then came the 2000 S-Type and now the 2004 XJ. The XK is still as timeless as day one. Remarkable. The 2000-2002 S-Type was not up to the Jaguar name imo. The cheap Ford touches were everywhere. Then for 2003 the car got its first ... Read More

• Jaguar

  Written by: xkss on Apr 4, 2005 12:40:42 AM

  is past their glory days, as is just about every other car maker (except for perhaps Aston Martin). The new 1995-1997 Jaguar XJ is a reliable luxury car. The new XJ has also been much more reliable than the previous XJ while having more quality. That article I posted about Jaguar and aluminum pointed out that the HUGE investment for aluminum Jaguars is continuingly being developed. The next XK will use ... Read More

• New Aluminum Jaguars

  Written by: xkss on Apr 3, 2005 8:48:00 AM

  The next Jaguar S-Type will likely use the new XJ's aluminum chassis and have styling cues from the 2001 Jaguar R Coupe and the 2003 Jaguar RD-6. I think the grille and headlights need some work, but it looks nice. The Jaguar Advanced Lightweight Coupe shows what the next XK might look like. The next XK will have to comply with new European pedestrian safety regulations. The next XK will use ... Read More

• Re: ljflx [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 18, 2005 8:02:31 AM

  Yes there was a 6-cylinder 735i at one time from 1988-1992, just before the last S320 came out. The previous S320 made up 40 percent of S-Class sales during certain years from 1992-1999. The Audi S8 is/was performance model and doesn't "die" like you say it does. Its the same has MB not having an E55 from 1996-1998, or BMW and M5 from 1997-1999, those models always come a few years ... Read More

• Oac

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 13, 2005 10:04:52 PM

  "Now as to the rest of your long post, I really don't know what to say. Let's start with the one about Lexus' presence or lack thereof in its home country. I disagree. Lexus has been in its home country since 1990, except that it is cloaked as a "Toyota". This is prime example of what I'm talking about here. You simply can't have it both ways. Either it is a ... Read More

• 2005 CR Reliability Rankings are out

  Written by: oac on Mar 3, 2005 8:50:37 PM

  Consumer Reports had the largest response to its latest annual auto reliability survey ever, allowing the nonprofit organization to compile reliability portraits on more than 810,000 vehicles, up from 675,000 vehicles in 2003 and 480,000 in 2002. This is the second year in a row that Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers to both its magazine and its web site, www.ConsumerReports.org, a total of more than 5 million consumers throughout the U.S. The ... Read More

• Re: [syswei]

  Written by: jovialanus on Feb 24, 2005 12:46:17 AM

  "What has MB done for the industry in the last 15 years?...Yes, MB has managed to do more here in 120 years than Lexus has in 15. " You must have been living under a rock for the last 15 years. Even if we disregard countless Mercedes innovations and only include those introduced since 1989 Mercedes STILL trumps Lexus by a wide margin. Virtually every safety feature in every Lexus car ... Read More

• Re: More debates.. [sv7887]

  Written by: merc1 on Feb 20, 2005 9:58:19 PM

  "Merc, I've seen the A-Class in person here in London..It just looks like a tin can to me..What are they accomplishing by going so down market? Isn't this what they bought Chrysler for? From a business perspective it would make more sense to concentrate on the Neon to penetrate this segment rather than dilute the MB brand name. Mercedes should concentrate on their E and above models and delegate the rest ... Read More

• brightness04

  Written by: merc1 on Feb 17, 2005 10:20:13 PM

  The A-Class is a Mercedes-Benz, not a cheaper brand car like most Acuras that have been re-badged from something else to sell under a luxury brand. I think you're getting me mixed up with others here, I didn't say Mercedes and especially Audi were exclusively high end luxury. My point with Mercedes is that are luxury car maker that recently (1997) started making cheaper cars like the A-Class. Mercedes has had ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Extended Warranty for 1997 BMW 740i

  Written by: mightyasp on Jan 28, 2005 1:51:55 PM

  My mom has a 1997 740i with 72k miles. She used to drive it alot, but much less in the past few years (<10k / year). I am going to be driving the car now, at least for the next couple years, and am considering buying an extended warranty from an independent insurer. The best quote I received was $2300 for major component coverage for 4 yrs / 112k miles, i.e. ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• BMW maintenance cost

  Written by: luxcarguy on Nov 3, 2004 6:31:56 PM

  Im considering a 1997 740il for 13,500 obo. Its right at the trade in value. My question and main concern is this: How much maintenance does a BMW require and what is the cost of proper care and maintenance?

High End Luxury Cars

• michael_mattox

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 1, 2004 10:15:27 PM

  This is amazing. (Last Post) "In your previous post the chart showed 700+ units and you said that was US sales???? I accept 1700+ for the SL500....Allante sold 6700 in 93." No chart or link I ever posted said anything like that. Period. It said (they MBUSA.COM) said 1721 sales for 1993. End of story. You said 700 or 800 in your confused state. The link didn't change from one posting ... Read More

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• Design of the 5 & 7...

  Written by: lovemyclk on Jul 15, 2004 3:52:57 PM

  Although both designs are polarizing, the 7 does have a certain "presence" on the road. I'm even acclimating to the new 5, but as a 2003 530 SP owner, my biggest complaint is with the interior control interfaces. Seats are wonderful, it's screwed together nicely, but BMW has instilled a "coldness" and an impersonal nature to the interiors of both the 5 & 7 IMO. The 7 has the requisite luxury ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• brightness04

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 1, 2004 11:30:10 PM

  The S280 wasn't sold here. Period. Your paragraph on this makes no sense at all. The RL has flopped in the marketplace so I'm done with it. Keep thinking it was compeitive with an S-Class or anthing else for that matter. The car has been a complete dud. "The engine is underpowered for its displacement; loud and lacking in smoothness compared to its primary competitors: Lexus/Toyota 3.0/3.3, Acura/Honda 3.0/3.2 and BMW ... Read More

• Re: brightness04 [merc1 #5550]

  Written by: brightness04 on Jun 29, 2004 12:47:58 AM

  Interesting points, though not all valid. albeit most _are_ ;-) The 3.3L Toyota V6 is brand new compared to the Mercedes SOHC engine designs came out in 1997 for 1998 models. Everything changes and technology moves one hence Mercedes like anyone else is updating their engines after 6+ years on the market. But even the 3.0 in the last iteration was DOHC VVTi as well; that had been around since the ... Read More

• Re: brightness04 [brightness04 #5548]

  Written by: merc1 on Jun 28, 2004 2:54:10 PM

  Interesting points, though not all valid. The 3.3L Toyota V6 is brand new compared to the Mercedes SOHC engine designs came out in 1997 for 1998 models. Everything changes and technology moves one hence Mercedes like anyone else is updating their engines after 6+ years on the market. To say that 3.2L V6 in say the E320 is not a smooth running engine is complete bs. That engine and the 5 ... Read More

• footie

  Written by: merc1 on Apr 4, 2004 10:22:36 PM

  It's just like I said before if you can't count all those taxi Mercedes, then you can't count all those so-called "Lexuses" running around in other countries as leathered up Toyotas. We disagree on what makes a "luxury" car obviously. Leather doesn't define it for me. I'm not trying to say you don't know what you're talking about here, but with the engine thing you really would benefit from doing some ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• misinformation

  Written by: f1buick on Jan 27, 2004 4:45:43 PM

  well, misinformation certainly gets spread around all right. Where did you get yours? The Nikasil V8 was intoduced in 1993 and infected all 1993 and 1994 e32 v8's. BMW extended the warranty on all of these cars to 100,000 miles and 6 years. I can personally vouch for that because when I shopped a 1993 V8 in 1997 the salesman made a big deal about the extended warranty, and the service ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• michael_mattox

  Written by: merc1 on Jan 15, 2004 10:14:47 PM

  Wow, you know what Mike, thats typical. Read the post again, very slowly....everyone else got that I was talking about the car mags except you. It clearly states in sentence #6 that I'm talking about the car mags. Read the entire paragraph before posting. ljflx, "The reason the auto mags don't want to deal with reliabilty in their analysis is partly  because the last thing they want to do is bring ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• The Ultimate Service Machine; The Power of Branding

  Written by: blockislandguy on Dec 10, 2003 7:49:22 PM

  I've been thinking about getting either a new or a late model 7 Series for some time. I joined BMWCCA in anticipation of a BMWUSA rebate when I buy one. Because you have to have been a member for a year or more to get the rebate, I joined a year or so ago in anctipation of my big move. Part of the package for your $35 is a subscription to ... Read More

• snow tires

  Written by: aciampi on Nov 12, 2003 2:18:33 PM

  Although I no longer have a 7 series BMW I noticed the discussion about snow tires and I just thought I would try and help out. I had a 1997 and an 2000 740iL that I bought Bridgestone Blizzaks that cost me about $600 with the steel wheels and they were shipped already mounted and balanced. And I absolutly loved them. I live in Massachusetts on a long and rather steep ... Read More

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• bentleyfam25...

  Written by: bmwmrc on Nov 1, 2003 3:41:42 PM

  very good points in your posts. No you're not the only one and you're not a "market of one" when you speak from your heart. As a proud owner of two BMW 5 series, (1995 and 2003), I tried to have an open mind with the new design and had the opportunity to see the new E60 in person and drive it. IMO, it just doesn't do ANYTHING for me. Whereas ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• Relative depreciation

  Written by: f1buick on Oct 15, 2003 12:54:05 PM

  is somewhat of an economic fallacy. You maximise profit by placing the least amount of money in depreciating assets. Percentages are irrelevant If you buy a $70,000 BMW and it only depreciates by 50% in 8 years, you have lost $35,000. If you bought a $25,000 Buick and it depreciates to zero in the same 8 years, you still are $10,000 ahead, even though the depreciation percentage is 100% compared to ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• libertycat

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 17, 2003 10:37:48 PM

  You've proven to me that you aren't bringing any facts to the table and if you really believe something like that there is nothing more for us to debate. Do you see that even some of the Q45 supporters don't even agree with some of your out-there rhetoric? Read some of DonFenn's posts. Much more level. DonFenn, You stated: "I also think that a nice car is not always determined by ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: merc1 on Jun 19, 2003 10:23:41 PM

  Well....... TLC/LX470 - 235hp Navigator - 300hp Escalade - 345hp Range Rover - 282hp I clearly see the inferior engine in the Toyota products. You'll have to do a little better than "hearsay" as far as the RR having engine problems. It's the same engine as the current BMW 540i, thats been around since 1997 so I hardly think it's bug ridden now. M

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• Styling thoughts on major luxury brands:

  Written by: carguy58 on May 24, 2003 10:02:23 AM

  First off lets startoff with Acura, their styling doesn't scream sporty but the designs have always aged beautifully. Infinti-definately great designs but the M45 is not my cup of tea. Volvo: Still too boxy. The C70 was their best styled model until they put it on the shelf. Audi-definately the styling leader. Chrysler-I wasn't too thrilled with the latest refreshening of the Sebring Coupe and Convertible. The Stratus Coupe looks exactly ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• 1487

  Written by: merc1 on Nov 4, 2002 10:29:22 PM

  You've somehow let the others confuse you. Where did I use "ownership experience" in any of MY posts? Though since you bring up the concept, why don't you take a look at the SL500 board and see what the owners have to say. Are you saying that every SL has to go back to the dealer and that all MB dealers are arrogant? If that is the case all of Cadillac's ... Read More

• wishnhigh1

  Written by: merc1 on Oct 30, 2002 5:57:28 AM

  "Beat them how? In the opinions of Magazine editors? You yourself has denied the value of magazine comparisons, because of the strong desire to compare everything to BMW. So what else is there? " Obviously you haven't been paying attention, I said that I'm tired of magazines ranking cars below BMWs soley because of handling. If you read some of my other posts I usually more or less agree with MOST ... Read More

• no title

  Written by: magnetophone on Oct 29, 2002 12:02:41 AM

  The only cars I see young people driving that are considered luxury are the BMW 3-series, the Mercedes C, and the IS300. I've never seen a young person driving a brand new Cadillac. Maybe in other regions things are different, but Cadillacs are not prevalent here, and those that are are base Devilles driven by older folks. Again, all this song and dance about what Cadillac is about to bring out ... Read More

• It's not a matter of opinion -- it's research and facts

  Written by: footie on Oct 20, 2002 5:11:50 PM

  On initial quality, year in and year out, Lexus, particularly the LS430 is the winner. It's initial defect level for the last 4 years was about 1/6th of what the MB are. In everyone of those years the entire Lexus line has swept the JDPower Initial quality awards. On Reliability, there is also no comparison. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus as Exceptional Reliability for the ES, GS, LS and RX. If you ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• ghloeb

  Written by: nyccarguy on Sep 27, 2002 12:45:40 PM

  I've got a few suggestions, and I'm not sure if they make your dilemma any better or any worse:) Traditionally the second year of a new model for BMW is stronger as compared to the first year. Take a look at the reliability ratings of a 1998 E39 5 series as compared to the 1997 models. I would think that the new 7 will follow suit. BMW knows there are bugs ... Read More

• 1997 740i Front Cup Holder

  Written by: blumrln on Sep 17, 2002 5:07:14 AM

  $300.00 to install a cup holder!! That's the price i was given at my BMW dealer yesterday, Anyone know where I can get one cheaper??

• Faulty Throttle Cable

  Written by: skichick35 on Jun 8, 2002 8:27:16 PM

  While passing a car at 80 mph in 5pm traffic to get off on an exit ramp, I realized I could not slow down or gear down and that I had no brakes. Without panicing, as some women would do, I tried to think of what I could possibly do in order to avoid a serious collision with the four lanes of traffice in front of me. After trying to gear ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• ljflx

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 18, 2002 10:05:26 PM

  That's true....*somewhat*, but trust me I know that the LS430 won't be full redesigned until at least 2006. Not even Toyota could re-do the entire car from the ground up in just 2 years of being on the market, it simply doesn't make business sense. My postion on redo is that if a car is a great design it can last 5-7 years, look at the previous 7-Series and S-Class. To ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• 1997 740iL Buy Opportunity

  Written by: gaspirit on Nov 18, 2001 10:40:37 AM

  Hi - I have the opportunity to purchase a 1997 740iL for around $33K. It has 42,500 miles and was driven by an elderly woman who took impeccable care. Although she's no longer with us, her car is. Besides a tire replacement, are there any nagging problems with this vehicle? Another person I know has had a series of issues with his '98. I don't want a vehicle that is going ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• no title

  Written by: arcoates on Jul 4, 2001 7:53:05 PM

  The Cadillac Catera had a rear sunshade in 1997, and that is by no means a great car. So let's not make it out as if BMW stole ideas from it's competitors, and it's nothing but a copy cat. BMW had electric trunk closers on the previous 7 series models. But, to make it in this market, a company must offer what thier competitors offer. But there is a fine line ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• '97 iL problems...

  Written by: jalowiec on Mar 23, 2001 9:42:51 PM

  I just got a 1997 bmw 740iL after selling the '97 E320 about a month ago. I have to say that the car is truly the ultimate driving machine. This one has every available option (the heated steering wheel and voice activated phone are especially nice). It has 92000 miles and shows no signs of wear. Right off the bat, I found the radio to be intermitantly malfunctioning (knocking and turning ... Read More

• 2001 BMW 740iL

  Written by: clum1 on Feb 18, 2001 4:33:37 PM

  I purchased a 2001 BMW 740iL about a month and a half ago. I'm am totally un-impressed after living with it for a while. The negatives are: Paint is very un-resistant to fine scratches. It even scratches when using a cotton terry cloth to dry the car. So does the interior wood trim. Cup holders are really cheap, so is the floor mats and the sun visors. You would think that ... Read More

• high milage BMW 740iL

  Written by: ulmer on Jul 2, 2000 2:27:39 PM

  Considering purchasing 1997 BMW 740iL, with 110,000 miles from corporate lease (salesman) Most highway miles. Asking price via company is $26,000 to 27,500. Need help in determining whether this car is worth the above price, without any manufactures warrenties. Miles seem to be high for 1997 and wondering what expenses I should expect if I purchase it.

• Daily Driver and...

  Written by: rx7r1 on May 24, 2000 1:00:02 PM

  Yes, I could see how the BMW "tippy" could help during the hotlapping in a 740i Sport. Certainly better than a standard slushbox. Yet the tippy doesn't allow nearly the control you have in a standard manual gearbox. That's the perspective I was coming from. My hands (and feet:) are competent operating the controls of a true blue sports car. I've never driven a slushbox drivetrained car around a track so ... Read More

• 740i Sport?

  Written by: rx7r1 on May 20, 2000 6:04:13 PM

  Ok, I've read just about all the posts here and am now caught up with all the threads that I'm interested in (I "scanned" the Dinan chip threads). Like a couple of others who posted about used BMW 7s, I too will be in the market for a used 7 in 2002/3. I'm doing my research early so that I could learn as much as possible about the 7 series. I've ... Read More

• BMW 740iL Reliablity

  Written by: jad6 on May 15, 2000 3:50:07 AM

  OK you good folks, I need some information concerning the reliability of a late model (1997-1999) BMW740iL. I have read with great interest much of the feedback from the "Sedan" segment related to the 740. It seems from what I have read the early or mid 1990's tended to have significant problems (i.e. engine, electrical, transmission). The question is has BMW corrected these problems? I love the car in terms of ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• BMW 750il

  Written by: scottphillip on Feb 10, 2000 8:22:59 PM

  I purchased a 750il (1997) to replace a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis LS. I miss the simplicity of the controls on the Mercury and its automatic headlights and digital door locks. I am afraid the BMW will spoil me and I won't want any other car. I just wish the radio and the a/c were easier to operate. I am afraid to try the phone. :)

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• TV on Navigation Console

  Written by: pitpro on Oct 28, 1999 5:23:44 AM

  Not true blaze 95035 (that the BMW 740i standard Navigation system can be used as a television when parked). The only year nav system where you can use nav screen for TV is 1997 (first year of NAV on BMW) Bummer Huh? Get a little Casio and hang it in the center vents using the little stand on the back of the TV, that's what I do works great, stays in ... Read More