Used 1996 BMW 7 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Most comfortable car ever
bmwdvr, 04/13/2006
1996 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought my 740 used with 65k mi. Have had two years and have loved car. Amazing comfort on highway. Huge back seat. Good handler. Amazing ride. Great seats, precise steering. Engine is quiet and smooth but could deliver more power. Car still looks great after 11 years. However if you buy one of these, be pepared to spend a lot of money to repair and keep it going. I've spent $3000 on maintainance and repairs in the past 30 months. I've purchased 2004 Lincoln LS V8 to replace BMW because tired of the big repair bills. Even though my BMW is 11 years old, it still is in many ways a nicer car to drive than the almost-new Lincoln.
Know the car
Mark S, 06/22/2016
updated 12/27/2017
1996 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
I investigated the car's history ( in general E38 - V-12's, for over a year ) and looked at many poor examples -- I'm a bit amazed, how people treat a $100,000 car -- but in the end result, that favored me, ( the cars rep suffered -- BMW dealers contributed to that, along w/ the recession ) I bought a well taken care of 98 750 in 2007, w/91M - for $6250 ----- but I adopted this schedule -- oil & filter changed between 4-5000 mi. -- transmission fluid & filter every 40,000 mi. -- rear end -- 25,000 mi. -- power steering . brakes and coolant flushed every 30,000 mi. ------ I had to replace the entire cooling system - give it a complete tune-up and 70% of the suspension -- but I consider this normal for the 92,000 mi. I put on the car ----- so what went wrong out of the ordinary ? no wd. regulators, no electrical gremlins, starter, alternator, abs -- only an auxilary water pump -- bypassed it. The car never left me stranded -- the real key for me, is I have a mechanic I pay $50 an hr. to -- doesn't charge by the book - only for the time it takes ( prides himself on being faster ) and replacing all items at once - not piece meal - saves considerable labor----- I spent $ 4783 for 9 yrs. to keep it on the road --- sold the car to a neighbor 2 months ago ( I was tired of the black/black combo ) he was always impressed, how I took care of the car -------- so I went on a nation wide search for a white E38 - 750il -- found a 96 in Orange, CA - w/97m very clean - flew out picked it up and made a road trip out of it ( Bryce canyon in Utah is spectacular ) back to Minneapolis --------- here we go again --
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1996 BMW 7 Series for sale near you
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- 740iL SedanMSRP: $6,9991,320 mi away
Best Car in the World
ntnylion75, 12/16/2002
1996 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The BMW 750il is the most magnificent car I have ever driven and owned. It is a unique blend of power, comfort and excitement. People who are afraid of the 12 cylinder engine due to 15 year old quality issues are missing the drive of a life time. This car is far superior to a 740il and is all around faster than the 540i. I know because I have owned both vehicles. Caution: be careful. If you drive one it could spoil you for other cars. It's that good.
The Flagship Driving Machine
Rolo, 03/20/2002
1996 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car from style to performance to driving experience. Perfect for those with a split personality who on some days, enjoy a comfortable drive, while on others, prefer to drop it in sport mode and experience some real fun.
Great car
money, 04/28/2002
1996 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The 1996 bmw 740il is one of the greatest cars ever made. The handling is superb, the performance is great, and it is a very good investment. The car holds it value, and still is a sweet looking car today.
Gotta Buy One
AndyS1234, 01/27/2003
1996 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is one of the most well- engineered I have ever seen. From the littlest detail, you have to take a close look at the little things to apprecite this magnificant machine.
V12 in the family
rwr, 05/21/2009
1996 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Looking for what to buy next, I'm reviewing my decade with my 750iL. Bought off lease at 62K mi now has 160K. Fabulous handling given the sheer size of the car. Great brakes, turns are fast and precise, and the engine is nearly great. It's underpowered. For a v12 that could put out 1000hp it does about 380. Smooth and powerful but not as impressive as it should be. Precise shifts at all times. Cost to maintain is about $4K per year but I paid that gladly for love. Electrical and plastics break or wear out too fast. Best time has been 140K mi and up- no more problems, but 14 years of dings, scratches, kids, time for a new car. I never liked the new 7s and M5 and i-drive so whats next? MB S65?
Early Opinion
pickleneck, 10/16/2002
1996 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After trading a fairly new GS 430, I must admit I'm quite taken w/ my used 740IL. It handles every bit as well if not better than the Lexus. It accelarates smoothly coupled with generous torque. My only concern is the higher miles/reliability factors. So far so good.
Fantastic car that oozes quality
rubenrod, 11/09/2003
1996 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Repairs can be expensive. Suggest purchasing extended warranty.
Care Will Be Rewarded
bavariancowboy, 06/07/2006
1996 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The calling card of the 7 is how capable this car is. The performance, handling and comfort combine for an impressive driving experience. The V-12 effortlessly moves the car and highway passing is especially stellar. Even years later, the features are still contemporary such as heated steering wheel and heated/reclining seats front and back. These cars are not reliable in the way of a Toyota. Maintenance is required however the upside is that they maintain their level of performance along with fit and finish very well. A cared for '96 750iL looks and drives like an impressive BMW not a 10 year old used car. In one line, a great car to drive!