Used 1999 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 7 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 7 Series since its last redesign.
Nice Ride
Laslo, 03/05/2006
1999 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
With the Sport option, this is a sports car in sedan disguise. This car puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.
Poor engineering
Howard, 11/09/2020
updated 05/12/2023
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Components that are reliable on other brands fail regularly on BMW 7 UPDATE: Has had an agreegious history of serious failures due to poor design engineering. Mulitple cooling system explosions spraying superheated steam all over the public roadways, multiple oil leaks emanating from valve cover, timing chain, bottom pan, and other gasket design deficencies. Plastic throttle body fracture failures, intake manifold gasket failure and a plethora of interior, exterior, electronic parts failures. A brand to be avoided!
1999 BMW 7 Series for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- 740i SedanMSRP: $7,9951,093 mi away
- 740iL SedanMSRP: $7,9951,563 mi away
The most unreliable car I've ever had
Just say no to BMW, 06/13/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
1 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the most unreliable car I've ever had. Too many problems to mentions. The biggest mistake!
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.
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.
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.
'98 Bimmer
Zebra, 07/05/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the finest luxury/performance sedan in the world for the money. Where else could you cruise in total luxury at 90mph & get 24 mpg????!!
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.
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 $
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.
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.
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.
love and pain
RS, 01/10/2010
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Over the last 12 years I've owned a 528i and then briefly owned a 2004 M3 (what a machine that was) and for the last couple years I've owned a 98 740i with a Dinan package. Amazing deep blue car that is a joy to drive. The problems just started after about 106K miles...oil leak, spark plug issue, heater quit working, power steering leak...ugh. Just got a call from the shop wanting more than $4K to fix it all. I feel the car is a beautiful car but freaky to spend this much all at once. I just put brand new tires and brakes 6 months ago as well. All in all...I haven't driven a car I like better except for the M3...another story...just make sure you are aware that the big 8 cost more to fix.
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!!
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?
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.
Finally A Car To Match My Personality!
D-Pak, 05/08/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is the finest machine I have ever driven, and believe me I have driven a lot. The power and handling are excellent, and that is what makes the car fun to drive. In short, it is the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and elegance.
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.
Our740IL
BMW Driver, 10/02/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We sell high line imports & drive one ourself. We have had them ALL & I find the 740Il very well built & reliable. Other than a few minor flaws in is designe for the most part it will stand up to daily driving in this country. It has the style we liked has proven it self to be very well built. Having the ability to have work done on it at our own shop has not been a factor. In the year it has only needed a brake job.
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.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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 ....
Fun but not reliable
AndrewR, 10/04/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a lot of fun to drive. It performs like a sports car but has the roominess of a large luxury sedan. But, the reliability problems make it difficult to justify owning. It's almost at the point where I never know when I turn on the ignition whether the car is going to get me where I need to go. Everything from body mouldings that fall off while driving, two failed catalytic converters, a failed radiator, an airbag warning light that comes on intermittently, an intermittent warning that my rear bulbs are out, and on and on and on.
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.
Fabulous Flagship
CreagerLeasing, 11/24/2002
1999 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 740i is truely a remarkable car. Distinctive design with true creature comforts galore. The sound system is a reward to the ear. Stable drive that hugs the pavement. Top notch ergonomics, and you can hear, smell and feel the quality of the build. An absolute joy to drive and own. Plus you've saved over 40% depreciation by buying or leasing this 1999!
Best car I've ever owned.
Larry, 01/21/2010
1998 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliable, fun, handles well, looks good, for 2nd, 3rd owner don't lose much. Best and most reliable car I've ever owned.
Bought 740il instead of E-Class Benz
Raj, 11/17/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car from a Mercedes dealer on the recommemdation of the salesman. Was in the marker for a pre-owned E320 but salesman stated that this car was much better vehicle for less than E class.
Great Car
dynamos, 11/30/2002
1999 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 740i is an incredible car. Fun to drive plus has plenty of room both front and back. Loves to cruise at 80 mph+. Quiet and comfortable ride. Have had some problems, radiator and windshield wipers, but both were taken care of on factory warranty. Dealer service has been courteous and prompt.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I am going to miss my 740iL
jrlambert, 06/17/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is the ultimate driving machine! Fun and comfortable
First BMW
bill williams, 12/04/2003
1999 BMW 7 Series 740i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First Europen car I've owned. The last 3 cars we Lincolns(Two Mark VIII's and a 2001 LS). All had V8's but nothing to compare to the Beemer's performance and handling.I have the 740i with thw Sport package.
Flagship BMW
msk600, 01/19/2004
1999 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a smooth, quite ride. Although I purchased used, it feels and rides like a brand new car. If you can find a well maintained used one, go for it. Suprisingly, I get more than 20 MPG on highway driving fully utilizing its V12 power.
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!
Will buy a third 7 Series
Howard, 03/19/2009
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Big B' now has 120,000+ miles on it. It's the second 7 series I've owned. Great ride and performance! Pulled 24.6mpg running at 85 from Denver to KC last winter. Runs 16 -18mpg around town. No surprises with the owning costs - just budget ~$2500/year. Still cheaper than a new Honda Civic. A used 7 series is a bargain making up for the maintenance costs. I'll keep this '98 until the '09 series starts coming off leases in 2012 or thereabouts.
Better than the Camry!
momsfudge, 12/17/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 740iL has been a joy to drive for the past year. I have had some problems, but after learning that the $dealer isn't the only option, I have had them fixed rather reasonably. My biggest complaint about BMW is the complete and utter audacity of the service departments who act like there are no other options for us BMW owners. I say, "Go Take a Hike" to the bastards!
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.
too many defects
anheinz, 12/07/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle has been into the dealership for so many minor problems, torsion bar instability, brake lights out repeatedly!!!!!!!!!!!!! dealer says that's the way they are!!!!!!!! beautiful wood trim fell off one day. right mirror fell off hanging by wires only. power steering problems. the repair print out on this vehicle takes a few minutes to process. I will admit that the local dealer will address the problems and with the extended warranty, I only have to pay the $50 each time. Radiator inlet cracked and had to replace with new complete radiator. on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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.
JB B
LSTW, 12/31/2002
1998 BMW 7 Series 740iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i lease this vehicle. which the price i pay each month, i think i should have bought a lexus or acura or infiniti. NOT BMW. i dont remember how many times i've taken the car to the dealer to fix it and almost everytime i need to leave the car there overnight. lots and lots of problem.. i can't believe BMW's top of the line luxury sedan is like this.. i just feel like i'm driving a kia with leather seat.. no more BMW for me..
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.
Overall a good deal
stanley kowalski, 08/22/2009
1998 BMW 7 Series 750iL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Dirt cheap to buy for what you get. Incredible 12 cylinder model is if anything, more reliable than the 8, and well worth the small premium. Basically its been reliable with only one unscheduled repair in 2.5 years. Still, maintenance costs are considerable, but viewed as being in lieu of car payments, overall affordable, especially for those of us who do not put huge mileage on a car. Its not a headache car. Merely high maintenance.
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.
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.
'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.