1998 BMW 7 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• bmw sucking air throgh dipstick?

  Written by: brents98bmw on Dec 5, 2009 11:40:32 AM

  hi i have a 1998 bmw 740il that i bought not running, now it is running but it has a rough idle and upon further investigation i found that it is sucking air in through the dipstick. I am at a loss here please some one help

• 740iL likes to stall

  Written by: dougmc on Jul 9, 2009 9:27:31 AM

  I am still hoping someone will help me with this 1998 BMW 740il and it's stalling problem, as originally described above. Thanks.

• 1998 BMW 740li stalls intermittently

  Written by: dougmc on Jul 2, 2009 8:30:45 PM

  My 1998 BMW 740il has 198k miles on it, and will stall intermittently. You never know when it will happen. Could be when I start it,and it acts like it's flooded, could happen at a stop light or when I'm driving it. When I restart it, I have to rev it up. But never dies totally when it is being driven. The mechanic thought it needed a new crankshaft sensor, but ... Read More

• My last BMW

  Written by: mevander1 on Jan 8, 2009 9:40:06 PM

  I have owned BMW's for a long time and my current 740I will be my last. At only 75,000 miles (1998 model year) the thing is falling apart re: repairs and I am not the only one with these problems.. too many to list. The latest and perhaps most costly problem is the Catalytic converters. I don't have the engine light yet, however they are making that trademark 'gravel' type sound ... Read More

• MISSING WINDOW STICKER

  Written by: berthahn on Oct 30, 2008 6:40:53 PM

  I am the owner of a 1998 740 iL with 120K mileage. I no longer have the window sticker that came on the car. Is it possible to get a re-print of the original from BMW? If not, I would love to find someone with the same car who has their original, that would copy/scan and sell it to me. Mine is Cashmere Beige Metallic. :)

• My 1998 740i needs a Catalytic converter, Dealer wants 5800.00, Help!

  Written by: mevander1 on Sep 28, 2008 8:35:47 AM

  I have a 1998 BMW 740i. The dealer indicates I need to replace my Catalytic converter and they want 5800.00. I have checked out a few forums and seems many people are using the Magnaflow (universal fit) model. There are also other choices and they can be confusing with converters being listed as left and right and even 'eastern'. Has anyone here had theirs replaced? Thanks in advance! Mike

• Re: Knowing the problems, would you buy again? [rcharcom740]

  Written by: buckleym on Sep 11, 2007 10:58:16 AM

  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 ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Breaking News [blkhemi]

  Written by: brightness04 on Mar 9, 2007 8:31:05 AM

  So packaging, as you say it, has everything to do with why MB stopped using I6 designs in the early '90's. So the 96-'03 I-6 TurboDiesel was not an inline design. Your posts are getting more irratic by the minute . . . Hope this quick tutorial helps. The 96-03 turbodiesel simply had an old design. The first modern production MB V6 was put into 1998 C280 gasoline car about a ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• 1998 740il

  Written by: john740il on Jan 14, 2007 1:27:34 PM

  i am really surprised after working on my car, figured bmw be a b...h to work on. but pleasantly surprised how easy they make it just one problem plastic clips like to fly when they pop out. i wish they didn't use plastic so much but i guess the car is heavy enough already

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1998 740il wiper ,electrics [john740il]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Jan 14, 2007 10:50:12 AM

  You could call up BMW parts department and ask where that relay is. They'd have a diagram of it when they looked up the part number for you. Ask for a "price and availability" on that part and then ask if his/her book shows where it is so you can examine it prior to purchasing a new one (there's no exchanges on electronic parts, usually, if you open the package).

High End Luxury Cars

• Tag

  Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 6:21:54 PM

  ... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More

• Re: Tag [drfill]

  Written by: tagman on Nov 25, 2006 10:29:54 AM

  ... and not changing for changes sake. Change is an ongoing process in the automobile industry. Merc has constantly, ad-nausium, put up pics of Mercedes evolution in exterior styling. But they are at best inconsistent on interior styling, as the 1998, 2000, and 2006 have little incommon with each other. I didn't know the wheel needed reinvention. Meaningless point. And the interior relationship to BMW is well-known and unmistakable. How is ... Read More

• Tag

  Written by: drfill on Nov 25, 2006 10:10:35 AM

  So, it also makes sense to re-style the interiors of cars as well. Not an easy accomplishment, but Mercedes rose to the occasion. Lexus only tweaked the same old interior dash/center stack/console layout, while Mercedes S-Class interior represents a more recent and contemporary restyle. Contemporary to what? Buyers wanted the LS to offer AWD, more trunk sapce, more rear seat room, more features, more power. Lexus delivered. Apparently, the interior design ... Read More

• Re: Quality is Job One Again for MB [merc1]

  Written by: dewey on Nov 14, 2006 3:16:20 PM

  I've read where a lot of German suppliers opened up shop here back in 1998, but my nose told me otherwise when I sat in the first ML. Good professional wine tasters will smell the bouquet of a bottle and tell you whether it is a good wine or not. Apparently you are uniquely endowed with a nose that can tell the quality of a car from the residue of its ... Read More

• Re: No auto sales data today [dewey]

  Written by: killerbunny on Oct 4, 2006 1:46:40 PM

  Regarding: If Kia introduced a luxury model they would steal market share from BMW and Lexus no matter how sub-par that Kia model is. Then, why didn't Kia do so? Because a sub-par model won't steal any significant market share. Your argument would have held if Lexus sales went from 1 car to 2 cars. Yeah, some people would buy just because it's a new thing. But for Lexus, in 1989, ... Read More

• Peugeot 908 RC, C230 etc.......

  Written by: merc1 on Oct 1, 2006 3:05:49 PM

  Thanks to everyone for the comments on the Peugeot 908 RC concept. Going by the comments posted, I think that you all seem to like the car somewhat just as I do. Interestingly, no one called it hideous or awful looking! I think the French could make it big here being different, but they would have to get with the program when it comes to reliability. Did I mention that Alfa-Romeo ... Read More

• Re: Actually, [syswei]

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 2, 2006 4:22:13 AM

  I haven't really been reading what all the fuss is about with the surveys this time around, but I do think JDP should have broken the IQS into two surveys because certain brands (like BMW) rank differently when you break down the two categories they used this year: A little something I saw on MBWorld.org, someone posted the breakout for the study: Auto news More rankings June 8, 2006 Email this ... Read More

• OT...Smart in the US

  Written by: syswei on Jun 24, 2006 5:09:37 AM

  DaimlerChrysler AG plans to announce next week that it will launch its tiny, two-door Smart car in the U.S. in 2007, a bid to turn around the unprofitable small-car unit, people familiar with the matter said.... The unit has been unprofitable every year since its first model in 1998.... In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in January, Mr. Zetsche said that if DaimlerChrysler brought the Smart brand to the ... Read More

• Re: Sources: Porsche, Hyundai make big gains in quality study [merc1]

  Written by: syswei on Jun 8, 2006 10:12:03 AM

  from the WSJ: ....This year for the first time, J.D. Power divided the publicly published results into two categories: design quality, measuring things like the usefulness of dashboard displays and controls, and production quality, which measures the level of defects and malfunctions. Based on the two different categories, Porsche had 49 defect or malfunction problems and 35 design problems per 100 vehicles. BMW, in contrast, had 82 design problems and 52 ... Read More

• Re: Merc [drfill]

  Written by: merc1 on May 20, 2006 1:01:58 PM

  You were right about C-Class sales. Ok! I missed that one. It sells much more than I thought. Bingo! Finally! But you are also guilty of lack of research, and saying without knowing! Nope. Not. You seem to like to pick on the GS, as I do the C-Class. For some reason you are quick to jump on BMW's bandwagon, while the E-Class gets passed over easily in comparisons, like it's ... Read More

• Merc

  Written by: drfill on May 19, 2006 5:43:20 PM

  You were right about C-Class sales. Ok! I missed that one. It sells much more than I thought. But you are also guilty of lack of research, and saying without knowing! You seem to like to pick on the GS, as I do the C-Class. For some reason you are quick to jump on BMW's bandwagon, while the E-Class gets passed over easily in comparisons, like it's bretheren, the C-Class (but ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• 1998 740il Shuts Off When I Press the Gas

  Written by: sjp1993 on May 18, 2006 6:55:47 PM

  Anyone please help, because BMW Dealer cannot. My 1998 740il shuts off when I press on the brake. In addition, when I put it in reverse it makes a loud knock. I took it to the dealer over 3 months ago (it is still there) and they cannot seem to figure out what is wrong with the car. At this point they told me they cannot fix it and wants me ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Merc [drfilll]

  Written by: merc1 on May 16, 2006 10:19:29 PM

  Doc you're confused. I know you didn't bring up the $50k CLK as a C320 coupe! YOU can't wait to announce it as a SC430 competitor, and superior at that. The CLK and C-Class sedan share a platform, and that's about it. Yeah I did as to say that the CLK's sales aren't counted in the C-Class like BMW counts their 3-Series coupes in with their sedan. The CLK shares its ... Read More

• Re: Merc, I already won this argument! [drfill]

  Written by: merc1 on Apr 10, 2006 9:42:36 PM

  Re: the SC vs. the SL, part of the reason for the HUGE success of the SC is the SL-matching V8 within the Sc430 engine bay. Whether the Lexus built the SC to compete with the SL primarily, at $25k less is debatable. But the SL, for 3 years, would struggle to outrun the Lexus. I'm sure this was used in "walkarounds" often. Won? Won what? The bottom line is that ... Read More

• Re: Plain as day [tagman]

  Written by: sv7887 on Mar 17, 2006 7:06:27 AM

  Tagman, I respectfully disagree with your assessment. I still own my 1992 LS400 and will not part with it period. I don't need to justify anything: My experience with Lexus Customer Service and their Service Department has been very poor. How would you like it if you've invested $200K in a certain brand and they treat you poorly when you need them? That's not called Service. They were not loyal to ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: How to program the garage door codes on 1998 740 [kdubbs]

  Written by: mimeo on Jan 10, 2006 7:53:57 PM

  You can download or view a .PDF version of the owners manual in the "owners" section of the BMW site. Much easier/ cheaper than buying manual. Thanks to Mr Shiftright for brake pad info!

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: How little has change in 35 years! [brightness04]

  Written by: dewey on Dec 26, 2005 7:16:54 PM

  No it does not. Reviews have not bemoaned about LS not haing MB handling or ride for years. It has had a cushier ride than MB since 1989, and outhandles S class since 1998. The price difference has not been an issue lately either, as it is actually more expensive to acquire an LS than a low-level S, given MB's subsidies. A MB S350? What continent do you live in? Does ... Read More

• Re: How little has change in 35 years! [dewey]

  Written by: brightness04 on Dec 26, 2005 3:59:41 PM

  Does this not sound like a current Lexus LS review ? No it does not. Reviews have not bemoaned about LS not haing MB handling or ride for years. It has had a cushier ride than MB since 1989, and outhandles S class since 1998. The price difference has not been an issue lately either, as it is actually more expensive to acquire an LS than a low-level S, given MB's ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1998 BMW 740i check engine light with sounds [whale2]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Oct 6, 2005 2:37:50 PM

  First off, go to another mechanic. The light is on for a reason.

• 1998 BMW 740i check engine light with sounds

  Written by: whale2 on Oct 6, 2005 1:58:47 PM

  My 1998 bmw 740i has 150k miles, recently the check engine light has come on won't go off...mechanic say that diagnotic check show nothing going with the engine yet I have noticed there is some vibration in the engine even after its has been running for a while with a noise coming from the left side underneath the driver door. Please assit me with this matter, Thanks

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Reliablity Viral Contagion! [gshocksv]

  Written by: merc1 on Oct 26, 2005 2:27:33 AM

  What I meant was, if it wasn't for these corporate parents and the injection of capital, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls, would probably be plagued with reliability problems and have already gone bankrupt. Well that is basically what I stated in my previous post, except for that reliability part. I don't see here is how their reliablity has made any difference when they never traded on reliability in the first place. Secondly, ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• 1998 BMW 740iL Rattling Noise

  Written by: transporter2 on Oct 20, 2005 9:09:36 PM

  Hello Everyone, I don't know too much about cars, but I know that something is wrong when the clicking sound and now rattling sound, is disturbing the once quiet ride. It has been getting worse over the past few months and I am wondering if that is a common problem (one of the components in my car is wearing out) or my car is loose on the bottom? The sound seems ... Read More

High-End European Luxury Sedans

• new 7 series is ghastly, not the S class

  Written by: xkss on Sep 13, 2005 10:08:25 PM

  I don't like the rear of the new S-class of the interior, but the trunk doesn't copy the 7 series because the 1998 Maybach concept predated the trunk of the new 7 series. I can't stand the new BMWs coming from the previous ones.

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: Lexux? [syswei]

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 12, 2005 2:57:37 AM

  in 1999, MB beat Lexus unit sales in the U.S., 189,000 units to 185,890 Thats easy, that was the year they rode the popularity their first SUV introduced in 1998, and 1999 and 2000 were the best years for the previous M-Class, that is what put them over Lexus, not their more expensive cars. Lexus is only ahead of MB and BMW because they caught the SUV wave, not because of ... Read More

• Re: Just for the heck of it here's the next level down [oac]

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 26, 2005 9:38:52 AM

  Oac you continually miss the point. I said in the entire lineup of MB or BMW, not just their sedans like you're stuck on. There are Motorsport cars for BMW and AMG cars for Mercedes. There are coupes, convertibles, roadsters, more choices than Lexus has with all their boring sedans and SUVs. They have one 2-door car, the SC430 it has been proven over and over again to be a 2-door ... Read More

• merc1

  Written by: lexusguy on Jul 11, 2005 11:58:45 PM

  "Mercedes gives a percentage of their cars that are still on the road, yet it is seen as untrue or silly. Yet if Lexus said the same thing from 1990 onward it would be seen as a true testament as to how good Lexuses are. Like MB would really make such a statement without some research." Well, the point I was trying to make is that a sweeping statement like that ... Read More

High-End European Luxury Sedans

• New S class

  Written by: xkss on Jul 2, 2005 1:39:08 PM

  I don't like it. Too many gizmos. Anyways... The trunk is not a rip-off of a BMW 7 series. It looks like the 1998 Maybach concept. 1998 Maybach concept

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

• cars

  Written by: xkss on Jun 25, 2005 7:05:26 PM

  The trunk of the new S class is like that of the 1998 Maybach concept. 1998 Maybach concept Check out this ghastly BMW. New BMW coming

• 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

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Help me 1999 740IL 104107 miles [markinla]

  Written by: mevande on May 23, 2005 6:09:32 AM

  Mark, Sorry about all your problems w/ the car. I have a 1998 BMW 740i w/ 60,000 miles and the car has been perfect save for normal wear and tear items (steering pump and a few other items were covered in warranty). I met a guy at the tire dealer when I was getting some new tires. He has the Exact same car as I (color, year ect) except his has ... Read More

High-End European Luxury Sedans

• The Maybach's trunk

  Written by: xkss on May 14, 2005 7:40:58 PM

  The trunk of the 1998 Maybach predated the trunk of the current BMW 7 series. check this link 1998 Maybach

High End Luxury Cars

• merc1

  Written by: syswei on May 12, 2005 6:23:01 AM

  BTW on the C&D comparo, the 530 placed 6th and the GS430 2nd. I'm perfectly willing to believe that had they tested a 545, BMW would have placed better than 6th. But would they have leaped ahead by 4 places to finish ahead of the GS? That's an open question. A higher dollar cap would have allowed the GS to be more heavily optioned (against a stripped 545). And you still ... Read More

• Re: merc1 [merc1]

  Written by: syswei on May 10, 2005 6:13:46 AM

  according to Lexus not an E-Class fighter, but a 5-Series fighter. That to me says sport is a little higher up on the priority list this time around A fair statement, I think. And my perception is that the reviews view this edition as more sporting than the 1998 edition. Sports sedan target missed Not sure about that, some see it differently. Automobile magazine on the driving qualities of the 545: ... Read More

• Re: Failure or not [mariner7]

  Written by: merc1 on May 8, 2005 10:43:37 PM

  Am I reading those figures correctly? You mean to tell me that a Lexus actually had a sales drop. Oh my. The Lexus sales machine never stops. Never. Expect those numbers to be spun into the positive somehow. Seriously though and in fairness I hardly see a GS taking away sales of the ES, with the ES being the ultimate blue-hair set ride. If that is truly the case then Lexus ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Help me 1999 740IL 104107 miles [joshc]

  Written by: markinla on May 5, 2005 8:47:22 PM

  Hi Josh, I've got a 1998 740i with 128k miles on it. A friend 'gave' me the car a year ago. It had 124k miles when I got it. In the last year I've done almost every light bulb in the car (laugh but they're typicaly $15 or $20 each and there are a lot of them!) belts, hoses, a 'major' or II service, and had the water pump go (that ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• My Journey to the LS430

  Written by: rgsw on May 3, 2005 4:14:11 PM

  Purchased used MB in 1978, took Military BX European delivery of 300D in 1980, had to wait 18 months from date of order to delivery at factory. Traded in 1990 for a 1989 MB 300E (a lease return with some damage repair unknown to the dealer), 1993 traded for another 1993 (New) MB 300E. 1995 traded for new GMC Yukon, 1998 traded for new GMC Yukon. 2001 started looking for replacement ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: new purchase [onion]

  Written by: mevande on Apr 18, 2005 6:24:04 PM

  BMW 740i(and il) are hot items. Most BMW dealers that get a 740i or il see them sell in a day or two. I think the reasons are many are not happy with the 2002+ styling and the "I Drive", hence 1998-2001's are selling at a premium. I think the Carmax deal sounds good!

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• BMW maintenance from a Non-dealer?

  Written by: mevande on Mar 30, 2005 10:18:15 PM

  Hello, I have read posts here that seem to indicate that it's almost impossible to get service done on a BMW w/o going to the dealer. Is that true? I have a 1998 740i (awesome car, 2nd 740i) w/58,000 miles and the warranty just ran out (BMW certified). I would rather take it to a local foreign car repair shop, for they are much cheaper re: maint. Also, how likely is ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: ljflx [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 25, 2005 11:05:23 AM

  Interesting points, as always. I do think you're looking at from just a hp/price standpoint and I think it will take more than that and a fuel economy edge to crack the market at the high end, especially on a proposed 600hp car. Mercedes has played their hand as far as the S600 and S65, you're right they aren't going to get any cheaper. However we really need to see what ... 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

• Re: Side Impact Airbags [sv7887]

  Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 7:21:28 PM

  Tiag_M5 has repeatedly said the LS 430 is UNSAFE because of the exclusion of a single airbag. No question all high end marques will fare better, but this goes to show the difference that an airbag will make using a common benchmark. I never said the LS430 was unsafe, I just said it was LESS safe than an S class. In the Corolla case, it made only a marginal difference. The ... Read More

• Re: More of the same... [michael_mattox]

  Written by: tiag_m5 on Mar 8, 2005 12:34:40 AM

  Your Logic would make Chrysler and Mercedes the same company...Heck Chrysler is carrying Mercedes. There is a HUGE difference between the Toyota/Lexus connection and the Mercedes/Chrysler connection. Mercedes and Chrysler were independent companies long before 1998 when Daimler-Benz purchased Chrysler group. Despite financial links, Mercedes maintains its independence as a separate entity from its corporate siblings. On the other-hand we have Toyota/Lexus. This isn’t a matter of one company owning another ... Read More

• Re: ljflx [ljflx]

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 7, 2005 10:09:10 PM

  "Well then that progress to produce a sporty design took a long time - 100 years or so." Right, like other cars during those years, 4-door luxury cars to be exact had such swoopy designs. Like I said before this is all because Mercedes kills Lexus in design today so naturally the only defense is to reach back 30 years to knock Mercedes, when there was no Lexus to compare to ... Read More

• Re: [syswei]

  Written by: tiag_m5 on Feb 24, 2005 10:43:51 PM

  Oh, so we should do this by number of innovations rather than their importance to the industry? OK, let's play it your way. Just visit the USPTO site and see how many patents have been issued to Toyota vs MB since 1990. Answer: Toyota 4906, MB 1998. Yes but the question is how many of these patents were for worthwhile technologies. I would consider MB's patent for ESC of greater value ... Read More

• Re: [tiag_m5]

  Written by: syswei on Feb 24, 2005 7:16:56 PM

  "Would you please provide a list of Toyota/Lexus innovations, in total, since 1990 that make them "at least as significant" to MB innovations?" Oh, so we should do this by number of innovations rather than their importance to the industry? OK, let's play it your way. Just visit the USPTO site and see how many patents have been issued to Toyota vs MB since 1990. Answer: Toyota 4906, MB 1998. (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

• no title

  Written by: sv7887 on Feb 14, 2005 5:39:11 AM

  Hi All,  Toyota prices the LS for less because it's more efficient to begin with. The TPS mantra they follow is the best in the industry. They fully utilize the benefits of platform sharing and not offering numerous engine types..Hence their strong financials. Their cars are built primarly by robots, hence avoiding the union worker mess the Germans have to deal with..Basic economics will tell you the most efficient producer is ... Read More

• Oac

  Written by: merc1 on Feb 14, 2005 11:01:42 PM

  "Can you provide your views of the Chicago auto show ? I am sure you'll have a lot of interesting viewpoints at what's going on in the auto world. Looking forward to reading your report.   In the middle of all of this I've almost forgotten what I saw there!!!!   Well I must preface this with the fact that Chicago isn't what Detroit is in presentation or brands represented. Chicago ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• 1998 740 IL TRANSMISSIONS OIL CHANGE

  Written by: georgebmw740 on Feb 13, 2005 5:24:11 PM

  HI EVERYONE JUST PICK UP A 98 740IL CAR IS LIKE NEW ONLY THING IS THAT IT HAS 150K ON CLOCK THE MANUAL SAYS TRANSMISSION OIL IS GOOD FOR LIFE ,WAS WOUNDERING IF THIS TYPE CAR HAS THE MAGNET IN SIDE THAT PICKS UP THE WEAR AND TEAR IN SIDE THE TRANS I TOOK THE CAR TO THE BMW SHOP IN THE CITY, TO RUN FOR ANY CODES HE SAID CAR ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• Re: [denaliinpa]

  Written by: sv7887 on Feb 13, 2005 4:26:57 PM

  Hi All,   You still ignore the fact that the ES by parts content shares 25% commonality with a Camry. That does not make it the same car!! Try and back up your opinions with facts for a change.   I don't know where you get your info from, but the RX in no way is a Highlander. The RX debuted in 1998. Highlander came along a few years later. I don't ... Read More

• 2005 Detroit Autoshow Report!

  Written by: merc1 on Jan 19, 2005 2:22:47 AM

  Fear not! Your annual Detroit Autoshow Report is here!   First off I'll say that the show is getting to crowded. There simply isn't enough space for every maker to display all their products. Only the luxury brands will be elaborated on here.   Audi - Each and every vehicle seemed to be a winner to everyone there. I personally love the new A6, grille and all. Ditto for the updated ... Read More

• Re: [pablo_l]

  Written by: garyh1 on Jan 6, 2005 4:39:59 PM

  This is upsetting to me. To me, buying a luxury car and holding it for a long time was my favorite strategy. It made me feel like I was using my capital wisely, while still enjoying a fine driving experience. It was an especially good strategy for me since I am a low mileage user (and even more so in recent years since I injured my back).   Real life example: ... Read More

BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

• wheel "shimmy" at 54 mph

  Written by: psyran1 on Dec 19, 2004 6:15:49 PM

  I have a 1998 740iL. Recently had new Yokahoma's put on it (forget the name, but were definitely right for the car). Had a local independent BMW shop install, balance and align. About two weeks after the install, notice major shimmy of steering wheel at 53 or 54 MPH. Took it back to place where had tires and alignment. They balanced tires again put it up on rack but said everything ... Read More

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

• Guys Guys GUYS

  Written by: audibob on Jul 20, 2004 2:41:06 PM

  Look, let me start off saying 'YES I AM ASSOCIATED WITH AUDI!' However, I bought an Audi after owning a BMW328, and a Merc E320. I love this car, as most europians do. That is what made me fight to get a position with the company. I am not trying to push this product, but I would like to get things straight. 1: Lexus is an "Entry" Lux car. It uses ... Read More

• Re: Lexus vs Benz [flkey] & fuel filler [dieselbreath] [michael_mattox] [dieselbreath] [michael_mattox]

  Written by: dieselbreath on Jul 18, 2004 12:44:04 PM

  I have a '98 Beetle TDI. In case you've been on another planet for a few years, ALL tail-pipe emissions are pollution now. [CO2, warming, tornadoes/hurricanes/pine-beetles....] So, the car that pollutes the least is the one that consumes the least fuel (in general terms), thus my car is the least polluting that you could buy in North America in 1998. PS: "Öko-Trend", the European equivalent of the Sierra Club, recently gave ... Read More

• lexusguy

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 12, 2004 9:44:18 PM

  "I've always been curious about something, why cant the Germans manage to put in-dash CD changers in their cars? That is something that Nissan and Honda were doing 10 years ago, and yet just recently Audi managed to actually put one in a few of its cars, and cars that just came out like the Taureg still have it shoved in the trunk. Whats up with that?" I'm going to surprise ... Read More

• designman

  Written by: ljflx on Jul 12, 2004 6:09:07 AM

  Can you imagine a world like this board where everyone criticized the guy who follows suit. There would never be improvement and there would never be any change at the top. There'd be stagnation as there was in the luxury segment until Lexus came along and caused everyone to scramble. The hardcore German enthusiasts have a real hard time with that last sentence. But the real buyers are so glad there ... Read More

• Re: sv7887 [ljflx #5746]

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 11, 2004 9:46:07 PM

  "BMW follows MB in the same way with most of these things." Really? I'm curious to know how so? Lexus is only one that follows, usually feature for feature with Mercedes. BTW, I don't call this copying or borrowing, just business, but to say BMW does it the same way Lexus does is a way off. I'm also curious to know why you think the new GS is going to do ... Read More

• Re: brightness04 [brightness04 #5640]

  Written by: merc1 on Jul 5, 2004 9:34:41 PM

  All I can say is that you're lost when comparing the 48K+ E-Class to the 33K ES330 in any way, especially in sales because they're both mid-size cars. That is totally and utterly ridiculous and really says that you have no sense of the market. The RL is priced like the E-Class at 45K and this is at the very least more comparable in terms of sales.   "Do you need ... 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

• oac

  Written by: merc1 on Apr 22, 2004 12:58:03 AM

  We're only 3 full months into the New Year, and no all companies are not in the same situation. Some have newer models, so have older models. Some are going through model change over in the spring as opposed to the fall. Some have new products in the hottest segments of the market. Staggered model introductions etc. etc. There a jillion reasons why sales could be off for any particular brand ... Read More

• sv7887 -- 1998 Jaguar XJ8 owner report

  Written by: johncalifornia on Apr 4, 2004 9:22:39 PM

  I bought my 1998 XJ8 (anthracite/black) two months ago with 50K on the clock. It's going in this week for an oil change with 54K miles, and highly enjoyable ones, too. I'll be using an honest and competent Jag specialty shop -- like most enthusiast owners I avoid the dealer service departments whenever possible. They're exorbitantly expensive for routine operations like oil changes, and prone to swapping components rather than repairing ... Read More

• ljflx

  Written by: merc1 on Mar 2, 2004 9:32:50 PM

  Your post # 4309 is right on the money. They built cars for the long term, and thus were appreciated for such. Now the competition has forced shorter production cycles and more people are leasing so the first impressions are more important than 10 year qualities. Gee, that is exactly the point I was trying to make, and you understood it perfectly. The root of MB's problems is having to adjust ... Read More

• Lexus Lineup

  Written by: motownusa on Mar 2, 2004 7:57:42 AM

  The main reason Lexus trails the competition in the car lineup is due to a lack of variety. The LS only comes with one engine choice. Although that will change soon. The Merc S class offers four choices from the S430 to S600 to S55 AMG. Same with the GS only two choices. BMW offers 4 powertrains from the grossly underpowered 525 to the lightning fast M5. I think the problem ... Read More

• 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

• all i can say is...

  Written by: i_drive on Jan 4, 2004 8:40:29 PM

  mercedes should stop producing soooooo many new models. jesus! it seems as though every week, poop! out comes a new mb model out of Germany. Has anyone seen the "MST" Rumor on germancarfans.com? They say MB is planning on rolling out a new "sport" crossover, which is more SUV than the GST. It seriously looks like a Nissan Murano. Lately, I've been disapointed with the direction MB, not BMW, is heading ... Read More

• ljflx

  Written by: merc1 on Dec 22, 2003 10:53:13 PM

  Well I don't doubt that Mercedes needed to spread costs out over a broader base, after all Mercedes has been at the forefront of new technology and innovation since, well since forever, so I agree with that. Toyota and GM are the ones that should be feared, they have the biggest pockets, though GM is still years behind in overall luxury car execution compared to Toyota. I guess I'm not as ... Read More

• syswei

  Written by: merc1 on Dec 13, 2003 10:54:33 AM

  "1. MB’s higher prices have – in the PAST – not prevented it from being the number one unit seller" That happened for ONE year, one single year. Hardly proof of anything. It's seems as though you're determined to forget certain key points that I have already listed in previous posts. The year Mercedes was #1 in the luxury market, they did it with a (at the time) brand new SUV. ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• 7 problems

  Written by: terry79 on Nov 14, 2003 5:41:47 PM

  Tasillo My brother mentioned that the WSJ had an article on the new 7 and its problems.(maybe he meant USA TODAY)He said BMW was buying back some of these cars on condition they sign an agreement not to disclose the buy back. The experience I've had with my 1998 740i is less than steller. It has 65000 miles. I thought all the bugs were being worked at when It was going ... Read More

• Blockislandguy

  Written by: sysadb on Oct 30, 2003 9:55:19 AM

  As BMWseller mentioned, you might want to check out other warranty plans. I paid Warranty Gold $1650 for their Diamond Plus plan on my used 740i a month before the factory warranty expired. (The price is different depending on whether you buy it before the fac. warranty expires). In comparing the available plans I found WG to be the most comprehensive and flexible (especially good on the wear-and-tear issue).  For example, ... Read More

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

• 3 Series

  Written by: riez on Jun 7, 2003 2:05:32 PM

  indiana97... If you like introduction and production data, check out Jeremy Walton's book, BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion (Bentley Publishers, 2001). Per it, the first 3 Series (E21) was "announced in the first week of July 1975 to the German press and European LHD markets, the 3 Series was also sold in RHD...in Britain in Autumn, 1975.... On sale in US starting November 1976 [320i MY 1977]." The E30 3 Series ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• 97 BMW 740IL 150 K Miles Maintenance Report

  Written by: ptcflyer on Dec 31, 2002 8:20:23 AM

  I have read many questions from folks about what to expect for reliability and maintenance on the BMW 740IL. I thought that my car might be a relative pioneer with its high mileage. Here is a summary of the problems that I have incurred since 1998 whe I purchased it at 60 K miles. Overall, the integrety of the car at 150 K miles is fantastic. It rides, looks, and feels ... Read More

• BMW 745

  Written by: ghloeb on Nov 29, 2002 6:38:11 AM

  Well, I bought it -- and it's fabulous. After two months of wavering while my 1998 740i lease ticked to the end, I started the process of buying the 740 from BMW because of my misgivings about the 745. This tread was a huge source of info on this. When BMW offered very favorable financing terms to move out the 2002s, the cost of getting the 745 became fairly close to ... Read More

High End Luxury Cars

• BMW 745

  Written by: ghloeb on Nov 29, 2002 6:33:04 AM

  Well, I bought it -- and it's fabulous. After two months of wavering while my 1998 740i lease ticked to the end, I started the process of buying the 740 from BMW (the lease was up) because of my misgivings about the 745. This thread was a huge source of info on that. Then I learned that BMW had sweet financing terms on the 2002s to move them out, and I ... Read More

• 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

• no title

  Written by: maxhonda99 on Oct 25, 2002 7:36:04 AM

  See, the pessimism continues. I basically have issues with your entire post. First and foremost, let’s begin at continue to fall down the sales list. How long has Lexus been falling down The sales list? Year to year, sales have been rising for over the last five years. Not just that but in 2000 & 2001 I believe, Lexus was the best selling luxury nameplate in the United States, ahead of ... 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

High End Luxury Cars

• Advice regarding used BMW 740iL by farenheit451

  Written by: jbreeves on May 21, 2001 10:51:38 PM

  I recently purchased a 1998 740iL on eBay. It had 59,XXX miles, and I got it for a mere $30,600. The car is in outstanding condition and is a dream to drive. It has exceeded my lofty expectations. If you would like to know specifics, you may email me at mailto:reeves@ezipp.com Here it is: http://ezipp.com/newride.jpg As I type this, there are fifty 7 series bimmers on eBay. http://listings.ebaymotors.com/aw/listings/list/all/category6978/index.html Brent Reeves

• georget3

  Written by: ljflx on Feb 22, 2001 4:48:20 PM

  I did not look at the BMW 740. Neither I nor my wife like its style and too many people we know had problems with their BMW's and told us to stay away from them. All of those people, like those on this board, raved about the engineering, but complained bitterly about the breakdowns. We did however seriouly evaluate the A-8 quattro, the E-430 4matic - both because of the obvious ... Read More

BMW 7-Series 2006 and earlier

• New 5 series vs used 7 series

  Written by: axel4 on Feb 20, 2001 5:07:46 PM

  I put this question on the BMW/BB/L board, but don't see any responses, although it is a great site, as is this one. I can afford a new 5 or a used 7 . Have driven a 530iA sport and a 525iA. Went to drive a 740/1998, but it was sold. There are many available in Houston (40 miles away). Anyone have who has experience in both and would care to ... 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

• BMW 7 series

  Written by: vovo on Nov 17, 2000 11:54:23 PM

  Does anyone know if/when BMW is introducing the new shape. I have seen a sleekier version of the 7 series in one of the auto mags but could not figure out if it will be introduced as a 2002 or a 2003 model. I am seriously looking at 1998s 740i, 749iL, and 750i. Am very interested in hearing about their perfromance/troubles (if any) from respective owners. Thanks p.s. any experience with ... Read More

• BMW 540i

  Written by: ulmer on Jul 5, 2000 1:24:31 AM

  BMW 540i , interested in purchasing a 1998 or 99 540i. Question what a decent price would be for either yr. model with 15,000 to 20,000 miles. All options included. Please respond.

• 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

• German Delivery of 740i

  Written by: rpawlovich on Mar 21, 2000 5:42:02 PM

  In response to the question in 151, I did the German delivery of a 540i in 1998. It is a very nice program, and saves a bit of money. Down side is you must pay cash 1 month prior to delivery, travel to Germany (I go anyway for business) and then wait 5-8 weeks for the car to reach the US. Upside is you have the car to tour Europe, a ... Read More

• 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

• Moonroof Leak in BMW

  Written by: nmaxima on Sep 29, 1999 4:14:13 AM

  I have a 1998 BMW 740il and an air leak in the moon roof produces a whistle sounds at high speed. The dealer informs that this is a known factory problem and therefore there is nothing they can do. It is kind of annoying. Anybody experience the same problems. Any solutions. ?