Used 1998 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews
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740 iL - A Great Touring Sedan
Chuck123, 01/07/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have put 120,000 miles on our 740 IL. It as an awesome car; fun to drive for such a roomy sedan, great performance. An....it's not boring! We have had some small but expensive repairs. However, overall it has run like a ..well like a BMW. All repairs are expensive on a BMW. So if you can't afford $1,000 to fix a cruise control(etc.). Don't buy one. But they have a good warranty and I would recommend getting the extended one. I am on this site because we are trading up to a newer 740IL.
750 il
jambroziak, 01/23/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car on the road. Bought used at 40k. Drove in 1 year 30k miles. No problems. Maintance is expensive: 12 qrts of oil. Tires 800$. Sparkplugs for 12 cylinders, 2 airfilters, etc. If you have a reset key it can be done at home, but needs oil changed according to internal lights every 9-10k. At 100mi/hr rpms are only 2200. Gas milage varies from highway 23-24 mi/ga on good gasoline to 16 in city, and 12 in sports mode. For little extra, much better deal than 740: much more power, torque, all leather and no vinyl, double security glass, lots of extras, and better quality.
1998 BMW 7 Series for sale near you
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740 Maintenance Blues
Highalpine, 01/25/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car! But how could BMW put such a maintenance monster on the road? Thank goodmness for the warantee! Don't drive this car without one! A $70k vehicle should not experience the kind of parts failures I have experienced. Brake rotor failure, catalytic converter (60K miles), radiater, valve cover seals, transmission seal, etc, etc.
Big Money Wasted
timber, 01/27/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great performance car, but the electrical and mechanical expenses will nickel and dime you to death. Looks great and interior is fantastic, would not own another bmw, ever. Better have a large amount of money for the repair bills. Has been running about a grand every 3 months on my low mileage vehicle.. a 1998 with 30,000 miles.
My new used car is great
NewUsed BMW, 09/11/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was lucky to leave the lot with this car after shopping for an E-Class or 5 series, my bank showed me the value of the 7 series by not financing the smaller cars to my liking. Next thing I know, I am driving the Ultimate Driving Machine flagship car. Just lucky, I guess. Everyone interested in used cars, should check the loan values and learn it is easier to get the flagship BMW than to settle for something less. E-Class is less.
fun and pleasure
jere, 07/21/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned car about 16 months. Fun to drive, especially on trips. Some problems I wouldn't expect...radiator replacement, valve gaskets...but have found a reasonable repair shop. Looking for a 2001.
Absolutely Love It!!!
beemerguy, 08/07/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned several BMW's, but this is by far the nicest most pleasureable one to drive. Maintaining it is worth it since it has all the attributes of a sports car and the accomodations of a luxury sedan. Super for business or family.
Too Much Fun
RobB, 08/11/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I bought my beemer in '00 I have just loved it. It did go thru a period of breakdowns around 80K miles but this is to be expected especially how I drive it. I regularly run at 115 to 120+ on the open Northern CA hwy's. Very responsive and fun. Comfort level is way up there. Raced it a few times at Infineon Raceway. This is a car that loves to fully aspirate in huge deep breaths and so do you when you drive it.
Needs Minor fixes on Design
Sandy, 12/22/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Probably one of the best driving cars on the road in its category. The engine /power and stability is excellent. Like a mistress , it is expensive, stylish and requires constant attention. Brakes are the best .. comes with the cost of replacing the rotors and pads very frequently. Tire alignment is a problem- so there is uneven wear of tire and they needs to be replaced more frequently. Automatic power windows are problem. They break very easily.. apparently there is a plastic part attached to the cable that breaks very easily.
Impressive Ride!!
jtb444, 11/11/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Finally got the car I've wanted for years in great shape with only one prior owner. Love the power and the looks. I can't see myself in the 2002+ model. Minor mechanicals but great dealer service at very reasonable prices compared to my wife's Volvo dealer. Son loves it!!
One Fine Performance Sedan
bdbd, 11/13/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Car; far better than the new 745; solid, performance oriented ....
Best car ever owned
Judith Speth, 05/14/2005
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Since I've owned this vehicle I've had only one repair. Take it in annually for an oil change, but that's about it. It's fun to drive and I've yet to be beaten in a race. We abuse it since we own rentals and load it up to drive the 300 miles to our rentals. My husband owns 2 vehicles but my BMW is our car of choice and he's trading his Audi All Road for a 750li. We always vacation in the Beamer.
BMW--NO OTHER
lionel, 11/14/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Smooth,strong, silent ride;low maintenance.
The next best thing to flying.
vnammoman, 12/10/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The BMW 740iL is absolute fun to drive. It's performance is outstanding. The 4L engine provides plenty of power, but most of all, the road handling is superb. Just a touch of the wheel and you corner like nothing else. It's as though you were flying, not driving.
pleasantly surprised
bmwraf, 02/20/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I seriously considered a used lexus before driving the 7 series bmw. This 98 had only 25K miles and was garaged. However, it needed some deferred maintenance and since has been terrific. Elegant and muscular, it is the perfect car for highway driving.
Best Luxry Sedan, Get One
arimah1, 02/21/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I replaced my Lexus LS400 with this car after I got rear ended. The car had 104k miles when I bought it and still looked and handled like new. I have put 15k miles in less than one year and all I have done to the car is change the oil. It is a blast to drive. One big surprise, I get 27 MPG on the highway driving at 80 MPH. What other V12 can do that? The faster you go, the more powerful it gets. Handling around corners is excellent for a vehicle this size. Interior has all the comforts one will need and quality of finish is great. Better than every car I have owned including the Lesus. Get one today and experience a new high in driving pleasure.
What a Ride!
The Vicar, 08/09/2006
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a car! Speed, comfort, and luxury! Traveling 300 to 500 miles a day several times a month and I feel refreshed when I get out of the car! My car has been perfect!
Fun but costly
vac5588, 05/20/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great looking, fun to drive, lots of power but what a headache to maintain. Would never buy another.
This car is why I'm a BMW fan
keymstr, 07/27/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 4 months now and have put 7,000 miles on it already, including a 3,000 mile cross country road trip. Ran flawlessly, in the flatlands, in the mountains and in 115 degree desert heat. Never changed the temp from 72 degrees and was comfortable no matter the outside temps. I've had some work done since owning, but all under warranty. This is my second 7 series. My first was an 88 735i. It had 150,000 miles on it and I put another 85,000 on it. Never had drivetrain problems. I'm a huge fan of these cars. I'll probably get another in about another 100,000 miles.
Disappointed in Certain systems
Disappointed_in_BMW, 07/29/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The BMWs I have owned have specific weekness that should be corrected by BMW rather that by consumers post- warranty. Condensation in tail lights, electronic readout cluster, cup holders are junk that should be upgraded by BMW due to poorly engineered and produced parts.
Why Did I Wait So Long
csabo, 08/11/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were looking for a car for my wife to drive on business. She's an artist and fell in love with the styling and interior. I'm an engineer and fell in love with the performance and handling. It didn't hurt that we got a great deal on the car. The owners groups on the 7 Series are second to none! We've had a couple of small problems and the forums have allowed me to fix the problems myself. Saved many dollars. We wouldn't trade the car for anything else on the road!
The Best BMW ever Built?
sfrei850, 09/07/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a 1980 528i-loved it. Had a 1989 750il-loved it too but it was an expensive relantionship. My current 1998 740il, bought used in 2000, has been very reliable and loads of fun to drive to the store or head down to LA from the Bay Area. The ride quality on the 89 750 was a bit harsh in retrospect while the 98 740 has that "feel the road" bmw steering with a much more comfortable ride, and more of a sports car feel. Hard to believe for such a big car but it's true! Love it so much I bought another one for my wife. The V8 has loads of torque and reminds me of the great muscle cars of the 60's.
'98 Bimmer
tex2007, 09/11/2004
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
..enjoyed the car more than any I've owned. Problem areas are :cupholder, driver's seat brackets,electronic control panel...wish BMW had not been so in love with plastic.
1998 740IL
Larry Dunbar, 01/24/2005
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Puts a smile on your face every time you drive it. A big fast effortless cruising machine with loads of safety features. The interior room makes a long trip very comfortable. The drive fun factor is only exceeded by my wifes 2001 530I Sport.The car now has 47,000 miles on it and so far I've replaced the A/C pump, radiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat and it's housing. In additon a complete fluid change on everything. The cooling system componants were replaced as preventive maintainance measures with the exception of the water pump that had failed. All of the preceding is part of the price of owning one of the finest, safest, rides available.
Worth The Price
M. Young, 08/02/2006
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
She isn't the least expensive car to own, but she's worth the price. If you love driving, the flagship 7 Series is a dream. Sure afoot, "broad-shoulder" powerful, smooth, quiet, and regal. This is before Bangle. No iDrive either! 14-speaker sound and top quality materials everywhere you look. It always feels like it could be driven across the country with ease. Only 10% of BMWs are 7 Series so you don't see them everywhere when you're driving. Very advanced tech for a 1998 car. Most 2006s still can't compare. Change oil often, replace radiator, treat her nice and she will make you happy.
BMW 7 series
Doug1958, 08/02/2006
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This Car is so fun to drive the way it handled around big bends is legendary.
Great Performance AND Luxury !
MKTViper, 04/05/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 750iL is unlike any car I've driven. The V12 accelerates so smoothly and quietly it feels like a (very powerful) electric car. And you can select "Sport Mode" on the transmission and dampening control for a high performance rocket that rivals 2+2 sports cars! Luxury features on this "top of the Line Bimmer" are abundant--to include power/heated REAR seats! Only complaint: lots of wind noise with exposed moonroof due to improper windshield fit. About $200+ to fix.
My last BMW
MJS, 04/20/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second 740 and what a disappointment. Too many minor problems, mostly electrical and all costly. Virtually all 1998 versions have leaking rear light assemblys( condensation after rain) which cause false "brake light out" messages. The climate fan is loud and costly to repair.
740iL, Simply the best 4-door driven
JT928S, 01/16/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned a 97 for the past 3.5yrs. And it has been the absolute best driving, handling and performing, not to exclude safest car I've ever owned. My 2nd car is a 85 928S owned since nearly new. So if you want near true 2- door sports car performance and handling without the cops pulling you over too often the 740iL is it. My car has been driven nearly 50K miles since I bought it and only the typical services had to be performed and it still runs like new. Those are the facts. Only thing better 750iL...maybe my next car.
my 740i
rickter, 06/29/2003
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is an awesome vehicle, but it costs to keep them going. I had the same problem with the "check taillight" alert. It is due to water getting in the rear light assembly. Costs about $300 to get both fixed. This car really scoots and is very fast and fun to drive. It's worth the $
A very expensive love affair
Jay, 03/20/2008
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fell in love with this car as soon as I saw it and I bought it without thinking twice. Big mistake!! Don't get me wrong, I still love this car but it is not for an average joe like me. It costs a lot and costs a lot more more just to maintain it. Every now and again problems creep up and every problem cost me more than a grand to fix. It's the best ride ever if you can afford it.
A maintenance nightmare
toni p, 04/01/2008
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been like a beautiful woman with an evil heart. From the first year until the eighth year of ownership, it has been one "freakish" thing after another. Unbelievably, in the third year the engine went, a piston through the heart! Cat converters, AC, exhaust. Car is in shop for it's final repair, a blown gas tank! Another $2100 repair bill! Great driving, great looking classic, but I've had enough. Time to look at another brand! Did I just get a lemon or what?
High class for a low price
Ken D., 09/21/2022
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My BMW E38 (740i) is from one of the best eras for BMW design. It has clean lines and a silky smooth V8. BMW is known for expensive parts but the V8 is a very common engine for BMW and parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. I really love this car.
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1998 750IL Best Ever 7-Series
VintageCollector, 05/24/2023
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1998 BMW 750IL was the pinnacle of BMW luxury design and style. Instant classic, the understated lines, interior finish and power and ride made a statement wherever it arrived. My model was black black with optional rear maple fold down trays and security glass that supposedly repelled tire iron hits and even small calibre firm arms. It was massively heavy glass. All conceivable options brought the sticker over $100K, but like many, I leased the car through my company, and back then the money factor rate was almost free, bolstered by jacked up residual values that kept monthly lease prices reasonable. I ended up trading it for the newer 7 series simply because the residual value was set so high and fear of out of warranty costs for the complicated 12 cyl engine and expensive suspension. Big regret as none of the newer 7 series could touch this car’s elegance and refined power.
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1998 BMW 740i
Jim T, 06/24/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have been very disappointed with this car. I used to drive a 328 i and absolutely loved it. Excellent performance and exceptional reliability. I assumed upgrading to a 740i would be a wise move. Was I ever wrong! I've had this thing into the shop at least 4 different times in the past year. It also stranded my family hours from home after the water pump blew. Numerous electrical problems as well. Never EVER again will I buy a 7 series BMW .
Do not buy a 7 series
Hamed, 08/27/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Problems, problems, problems. Cooling system, door locks, front end stirring arms, overheating, I am in and out of shops at least 3 times a year. Piece of luxurious junk. unreliable.
1998 740IL
AS, 06/11/2010
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 31 people found this review helpful
Love this car. This is my first BMW and I must say I am so pleased. Big car, Big V8, and Big smiles. I have owned a 08 Lexus ES350 and I would choose the 1998 BMW over it any day. Repair cost are no more then Lexus repair and the drive on the BMW is superior.