Used 1994 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews
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Twice is a charm
I enjoy driving this car, mainly because the horsepower is amazing and the ride is excellent. Had a 1984 733i and loved it. This one is a v8 and man is it like night and day between the two. Had oil change, wiper, air filter, tire rotated and radiator fluid and man you can feel the difference and power. Like the computer. Heated seats, phone and memory seats and lumbar support. I'm in heaven and loving it. Worth the time and effort to fix whatever is wrong with it. Last a very long time.
Wow factor!
This is my 3rd BMW. Having owned 2 6-series in the past I wanted a big sedan to haul the family and clients. This was a cream puff with only 78000 miles after 13 years and has been very dependable and comfortable. I have replaced the front brakes and driveline as both were causing vibration and now it's as smooth as silk. Perfect blend of luxury and performance. I have installed aftermarket wheels and performance tires which made a big difference. 25 mph corners at 65 mph NO PROBLEM! 0-60 in a blink and I still get 19 mpg in all around driving. I had it detailed recently and it looks like new. I love this car!
Built to last
I drove this 94 old body 740il from 130,000 to 170,000 with no issues. The body and finish look new (thanks BMW). The chrome perfect. Body rubber is pliable. Plastic door handle seals and BMW badge aging are the only blemish - both cheap replacements. Fuel economy is still 24 mpg on the highway - unreal for a 14 y V8. Build product quality on this 740il is superior to the 200x year MBs I shop for. I run 10% ethanol without a problem at 148 mph - no problem - it was in its element. Starts immediately - engine is smooth and quiet. Parts prices are not high and low maintenance you can do all yourself. Best car ever made? It just might be.
Best car I've ever owned.
I've owned many, many vehicles for the past 45 years; new and used; foreign and domestic. (BMWs, Saabs, Volvos, Hondas, Toyotas, a VW Beetle, Fords, a Buick, a Chevy, an Olds.. and maybe some I've forgotten!). The 94 740i I now own is by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. It looks good, drives beautifully, has plenty of power (I outrun many a car!), and has had no problems. The Nikasil block was a problem; but most have been replaced. Mine has the Nikasil and has no problems (and since sulphur in gas was the culprit.. if your Nikasil is OK now... don't worry since sulphur is now greatly reduced in our gas).
Ronbimmer
I would not buy another BMW without manufacturer or extended warranty.. Items that fail are out of site on expense. Examples: Catalytic Converters $ 3500 Examples: Power Steering Pump $ 1500 Other items equally expensive, and this does not cover labor to install. Car has alignment problem inherent to BMW this model, The Rear has no adjustments and wears out the inside of the left rear tire with everything else ok.. I have changed 4 left rear tires, and BMW says, "it's not our problem", also BMW Dealer charged for 4-wheel alignment when there is only a 2 wheel alignment according to factory specs. There are NO adjustments in the rear.
Still an Awesome Driving Machine!
I have owned a '79 320i and a '84 528e. I bought my beautiful white 740i back in 2002 - it had 123,000 miles and cost only $9,000. That was less than I paid for my 1 year old 320 in 1980! I put Bilstein shocks on it as I did my others. It handles like a dream - it is the perfect mix of size and power. Drives like a magic carpet on the freeway and a sports sedan around town and on the open road. It isn't fragile with super low profile tires and low front air-dams like cars of today - I don't slow down for dips driveways or speed bumps.
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great used car buy
These are well built cars...with less problems of every series after this one ( due to less weight and less electronics). They can have some problems with eractic ecm control modules but mine has had any). I got it at 99k miles, needed normal maintenance items only ( brakes/waterpump) but an unusual a/c blower fix ( the 'sword' replaced since that fixes the blower motor issue only working on 'high'...basically a soldering issue). A previous owner did have the transmission replaced at 72k which seems ridiculous to me....more often than not, replacing the tranny fluid and filter keep it going great. I get 26-29mpg on highway driving carefully at 75mph, quiet, solid, low insurance costs.....can save $$ doing things yourself and most all 'issues' are fixable and identified on the bmw forums. Update: 104k no problems, enjoying it
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94 740iL
very reliable,I only bring it to the dealer for regular service.The ride is very comfortable, engine is very quiet.Suspension is very good.
It's the ultimate driving machine
I bought my car used with a mileage of 75,000. This is the best car I have ever had. I love to drive this car especially on freeways because it have a lot of power in it. It's very comfortable to drive no matter how far your going. I love the engine its very reponsive, have a lot of power and very quiet. I love the looks, the projector headlamps to the roller sunblinds. This is the best BMW 7 series ever made.
Be aware of engine trouble
I like the car a lot, but this one (year and model)is susceptible to an engine problem created by certain additives in US gasoline. The additives pit the cylinders. The engine needs to be replaced and is not fully covered by BMW.
greg
Car has plenity of power. On board computer can be a bit bothersome at times. Will warn you about any low fluid levels, blown bulbs, etc. Computer will keep the warning light displayed until filled or fixed. A little slow on the take off, but once in second gear this car really excelerate.
1994 740i stay away
The vehicle has a short block issue. The car run good at high speed, but performs badly at stand still. Idle is low due to a leak down engine problem. The problem was well noted by BMW and 180,000 units were affected. The Engine is this car does not do well with American gas due to a Nakusil material that the short block is made of. There's material on the web that supports this claim. The car is no good for that year. I wonder if the BMW engineer was terminated. The dealer sold me the car knowing that it had a problem that they could not fix. As a consumer it only to me one day to late to figure that out.
Absolutely love it!
Love this machine, very solid, fast, beautiful curves, comfortable, reliable, a real head turner! Absolutely love it!
Good acceleration
The dealerships were overall great on repairs except the last time. The car felt very stable while driving and had wonderful acceleration. It was quiet.
Support your local 740
I really like this automobile. The engine is about right for the size and weight. By the way at 4200lbs it is similiar in weight to my 91 50ft long caddy. I love the ajustable seats that heat up, and the leg rm in back is endless, maybe a 500 series will be plenty next time. Great ride and drive. Love the sun roof on a shaded road. I plan to keep this one for a while. Only real draw back, the dealer and their repair and parts prices. My foreign born mechanic as saved me several occassions. Wheres the cup holder?
Excellent Overall Sedan
It has been a Great car. Comfortable, powerful, reliable..What else could you want...well, the styling is a bit conservative for my taste. The regular service maintanences are not cheap, about $300 for Level 1 and $650 for Level 2. I have changed the oil every 3,000. The only repair I've had is a Water pump was leaking, cost to replace $400. Its a big, smooth car, that's gets 23mpg highway and 19 city. The interior is very high quality with a stereo to match. If you can find one that has had only 1-2 owners, has full service records...buy it...you'll love it.
A rare luxury Sedan thats underated
I have owned this Classic since Aug 2005 and I confess I've spent 7800.00 restoring her to greatness. These are some of the best engineered cars in the world. The car is almost 15 years old and it still turns heads and performs close to the way it did when it came from the factory. This was the last year that these cars were hand made and designed by engineers and not the marketing guru like today's BMW. It has a strong road feel and power to burn when you need it. It hugs the open road and if you don't have a heavy foot I can get 25 miles on the highway doing 70 MPH. Maintenance must be done on a regular basis and parts are not cheap but this 7 series is a true driver's car.
just the best
this is the most awsome vehicle i have ever owned. Its a bit slow off the line but onece its moving (hold on) drives and handles like its glued to the road If you can afford to maintain and repair this beast it is truly the ultimate driving machine this one has 145000 miles and still looks new
Good but Expensive
This car has Power. At 340 hp, it moves, and so does its fuel. Service and parts is too expensive. Has lot's of bells and whistles if you like gadgets. Needs a lot of pampering and maintenance. Still its a very classy look and very elegant. Find one thats been well kept and serviced. Mine looks great at 137k miles, but at a cost.
Recomend this car to anyone
Its been a pleasure through out!
A Great Car: For a while
I drove this car for 5 years and over 50,000 miles until it had about 95,000 miles. Never a problem until about 90,000 miles and then there were all too many. Wonderful car to drive. Problems later were a/c and suspension. When I bought at 44,000 miles, it had a new short block, courtesy BMW recall.
I love my Big Grey Bomber
I've enjoyed a wonderful 17 yr relationship with this 20-year old car. Purchased with 40k mi for $35k back in 1995. I've spent $40k since then maintaining. So when they say your purchase of a 7-series is just the beginning they're not kidding. You should locate a trustworthy independent BMW technician before you buy used. Nevertheless, at 230k mi it continues to deliver a great driving performance... 90+ mph feels like it's on a rail and could easily go faster. Wherever I go people comment on how good it looks.
a car built the way it aughta be
I'm totally in love with this car. Driving has never been such a pleasure - or this comfortable. You could drive for seven hours straight, and still feel great. The ride is incredibly smooth. BMW has made the 740i with no wasted space - intelligent use of every inch. Car handles much better in 4th gear (sports handling) - noted some rear end slip in normal drive gear (economy). Managed to find a beemer with rear headrests (my kids are tall) - very rare in most models. Not cheap to maintain, but neither were my last three Volvos. Worth the money. I'm told this car will easily go to 300,000 miles, if well maintained. Life is good.
Comfort for the body and soul
Have owned Cads, Audis, Alfas, Fords, Chevys and BMWs - this is first 7 after a couple 3s and shares a garage with a 5. This is a great used car - solid, goood looking, well designed, driver's car. A real pleasure to drive, V8 power and still averages more than 21 mpg! No problems - except lack of OEM cup holder! Wife loves dual a/c driver/passenger temperature control - excellent interior legroom - trunk is big enough to rent out. No exotic engineering, reliable traditional design. Make sure the trans has been serviced properly and oil changed frequently.
Excellent Value For the Money
Loved this vehicle! Owned it for 8 years, and would own another one in a minute, no question.
High maintenance
An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.
A Rocket
This car had the bad engine which was replaced by BMW at 40,000 mi. At 60,000 mi, I installed factory rebuilt transmission. This car is a dream to drive and a rocket ship. I plan to keep her for a long time.
High maintenance
An enjoyable driving experience. High maintenance cost. Electrical accessories are not reliable. Need cupholders.
my BMW
such good car to drive family oriented also
A great and timeless BMW!
Although I've owned this car for less than a month I can already tell that it'll be in my possession for years to come. It's the perfect mix between luxury, sport and all-around quality.