Used 2002 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews
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love/hate -- sold it and bought an acura
I had the 745i for 10 years and at only 80 thousand miles, i finally decided to get rid of it. Fortunately, I sold it for a pretty good price and I was being very honest to the guy who bought it about the problems I had with the car before (they were fixed). I love the driving and I do agree that it's very addictive and this is why it took me so long to sell it. But, after 6 years, it started to need my attention and i have not stop paying money to keep it running in good shape. I had 3 oil leaks, coolant problems, vacuum failed twice, power window, shade, door lock, power button for the seat etc....and, I had the service engine lights on as well.
Had enough!
After 7 years of ownership, finally had enough of the continual issues with this car and traded it in (not a BMW). Only drove the car in the summer but that did not prevent many costly repairs once the warranty was over. Major coolant leak leading to engine damage (covered by warranty), cooling fan replaced, passenger window motor, 2 batteries, alternator, 6 CD changer malfunctioned, steering alignment could never be done properly leading to uneven tire wear on expensive Dunlops, bad sunroof windnoise that "could not be fixed", excessive road noise, clunky transmission, check engine light "forever" ON, low battery warning would appear often. Each dealer visit; minimum $1000. Enough!
- 745Li SedanMSRP: $5,995104 mi away
- 745Li SedanMSRP: $4,990382 mi away
- 745i SedanMSRP: $5,995497 mi away
No BMW Support
When I purchased this car, it was covered under the extended warranty package. Notwithstanding, the car was in the service bay every two weeks, fixing a sensor, rebooting the computer,checking a warning light. At six years two months and 128,000 KM or post-warranty coverage a new transmission was required; a second transmission tune-up(??) at 133,000 km. The dealerships are at a loss to completely repair some of the noises under the hood: it has become a very expensive guessing game. When there was difficulty starting the car, an alternator and new battery were recommended. An independent garage, they replaced the starter at a third the labor/parts charge. BMW shrugs & smiles and I get poorer!
Most comfortable and powerful Car!
I wanted BMW 745i rather than 745il! I was searching for one for a long time till I got this one. Very comfortable luxury sedan with sporty handling and plenty of power! Really a cool car even after 8 years! It's charisma did not fade all these years, paint looks new. I have a flawless grey exterior,but wait... what is the color of the interior? blueish gray! Grayish blue!? What color blind person made this interior? I didn't like the interior color at all, since the car was clean, and left with no other choice I've been forced to buy this BMW! Mechanically it is a good vehicle though. I am still puzzled, which guy with right frame of mind would make such an ugly color for a classy car?
Bad Experience, Worst car to buy
From the day i bought until now, every week i drop off the car for repair. I am broke, I did not know that I am paying for the BMW mess, mistake, for not making the better engine and computer complication. I think it is the time for 745i BMW recall. Whoever owns and has problems with car, like i mentioned before, should go public, media and have BMW fixed their own mess. I think even Mazda, Ford, Honda, Toyota are more reliable cars than BMW.
Bad Investment
BMW should be sued for selling this over price car. The labor and the maintenace is ridiculous. The peep hole problem is a joke. I HATE THI CAR. IF I COULD GET RID OF IT...I WOULD
BMW745li won't go in gear after its driven
I have a BMW 745li that the transmission was replaced at 20000. If I drive it now and turn the car off it may not go in gear for at least an hour. It will start but not move. BMW dealership could not tell me the problem. The car is still under 100000 but no longer under warranty because of the year. I would like to know if anyone else has this problem. Any repair suggestions?
Best Car yet
I have had no problems with my car and going from a 740iL to to 745LI was no problem and I enjoy all of the new toy to play with including the knob, I just haven't figured out how to to the voice comands yet but I don't need to. except for the telephone?
Best luxury sedan on the planet
The new BMW 745 (I own a fully loaded Li), is, hands down, the best sedan on the planet. Ride, finish, performance, convenience and looks are all straight 10's. The trunk is actually one of the most attractive (and debated over) features. Audi, VW are about to debut with new flagship sedans, but I think only MB in 2005 will be able to come close to this car with the new S series. I also own a MB E430 4Matic. There is no comparison with the finish and the ride. I am very happy for the choice I've made.
Initial disappontment
Just picked up a 745 and having issues already. My initial car was never delivered to me due to the dealer's inability to fix a code error during the system checkout. So i accepted a different color vehicle with different options. During the drive home from the dealership my speakers POPPED and the Idrive system re-intialized itself.Next day it occurred again and my left front speaker is blown. In all fairness the dealer has so far been excellent since the day I walked in the door..
Great car, but very unreliable
I really enjoy this car except for having to take it in to get the latest computer malfunction fixed every few months. CONSTANT computer problems and other little things going awry, fortunately it's under warranty but I'd hate to think what the maintenance costs would be if it wasn't. Definitely not keeping the car past the warranty. Amazing handling for a car this size, I love all the bells and whistles, ultra comfortable, but the computer system is garbage.
Boss Car
If you don't own one get one. The 2002 745Li is the best BMW that BMW has built. Technology is great but get the computer reprogrammed while still under warranty. This car is better built than the new ones. It turns heads like you would not believe and is one cool machine to drive.
bmw7
I cannot stop smiling while I drive this car. No need for a sports car anymore.
"the ultimate driving machine
An old timer with BMWs, I have owned 7 series since 88. I love the car and enjoy driving it. I have taken different 7s on interstate trips and have enjoyed the "Ultimate driving machine". BMW is ahead of the time and has always had some "technical issues" with their "1st year" model on 7 series due to complex electrical systems and components of the vehicle. The dealerships are very aware of the adjustments and have always tried to repair the defect. Part of owning a toy like this is to understand it would need maintenance and some TLC.
Great Ride/"I drive" over done
I have had the 745i for a little over a week and driving it is pure fun. Each time I get on I20 some teenage with a loaded small Honda pulls up beside me to race. All they see is how great my car looks from behind! The inside is very comfortable however the I drive is two much. I will trade mine on the first future 7 that comes out with a touch screen. I ran my battery down just learning how to operate the I Drive.
This is a bad car
I bought this car but now i love Mercedes S-Class, which i thought i hated, but now i love compared to this PIECE OF JUNK!!!
Love/Hate
I love/hate this car. The love portion comes with it being one of the most exhilarating cars to drive - until a malfunction light registers in your dashboard (which is an every other month occurrence). The medical bills on this car are unreal. It still has a clicking noise that no one can seem to cure; not even the dealer. Mine has over 125k on it now and is almost paid off but I don't know how much more I can take with these outrageous medical bills she bears.
the opposite of an S-Class
I Love the cars except this I-drive which is so complicated to understand. The dealer gave me a 45 minutes courses on own to use this system In one word; if you love gadgets and gizmos
Easy to drive
Excellent for 30 to 65 not older.
2002 BMW 7 Series (Good and Bad)
I want to buy a 7 Series but I have been told by many BMW salesmen that if I'm going to get one, by a 2003 or newer. They say that the 02 had several problems. I like the 2002 and newer body style. I Never cared for the 2001 and before body styles. But what I don't understand is for such an expensive car why did it come out with so many problems. Most of the reviews on the car from anyone who has owned one seemed to be very mixed reviews. People keep complaining that the car has several mechanical problems, but also say that they've kept the car for 5 to 10 years. So it must not be that bad. What changes were made in the 2003 and newer models to improve all the problems?
bad deal
Purchasing this car was one of my bigest mistake
dealers don't know how to fix problem
after purchasing my 2002 745i, i soon learned that the local dealer (monterey/seaside,ca) has NO clue about this car. In addition, I have had many problems with the software involving the NAV, phone,premium sound system. If I were to purchase another BMW, I would not buy it from the local dealer. They are incompetent
BMW 745
Outstanding car! Better than after owning it a couple of months!
Innovation
Found new technology to be better than anything I had imagined. The i drive system takes time to understand but then it becomes easy. Overall a wonderful vehicle in all aspects.
Great buy for the money!
Excellent value, better than expected with soothness of drive and very impressive engine !
vibration
Has intermitent shimmy/vibration in front end balancing did not fix it, alignment did not fix it, new front tires didn't fix, it putting new 18" tires in place of my 19" tires did not fix it.
NICE BUT
THE CAR IS THE BEST HANDLING CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED. BUT MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE COMPLICATED ELECTRONICS. 1. SOFTWARE PROBLEMS WITH NAV SYSTEM RADIO AND ON BOARD COMPUTER. VOICE ACTIVATION WORKS FOR RADIO AND PHONE BUT NOT NAV SYSTEM TRY CHANGING RADIO STATIONS OUT OF YOUR USUAL AREA!!!!
Never again!
2nd BMW I've owned and this will be the last. All of the great features of this car are offset by the endless number of bugs. Software problems, transmission problems, etc. Who wants to drive a car with the radio on when it skips through the preset stations constantly? Car has been in to the dealer four times. Latest visit is now for more than a week. Back to Lexus for me!
Best 7 Yet
I have owned 4 7s. This is my 5th and best one yet..
Good Choice
Incredibly fun to drive for a 4000+ pound sedan, no problems so far, friendly dealers
BMW New Problems
The best design in world. But flaws.At approx 75 plus MPH a high frequency begins until 80. This is not acceptable. Leith Inc. of Raleigh NC: greatest people to buy from. 11 new Mercedes and 3 740iL's ,one 745Li a loaned NEW 745i Leith went to bat for me with BMW and settled to my satisfaction.I have only driven the two cars, but I would advise testing the car. The problem will appear almost immediately. Rriend assures his does not have noise. But if you buy a car, buy it from Leith Inc. of Raleigh, NC. They sell Mercedes, Audi, BMW.
Should have waited one year more
Just took delivery on 8-1-02, since then the car has spent 90% of it's life being service for all sort of problems. Battery keep discharging by itself overnight, need to boost the car every morning. Dealer has no clue what the problem is or how to fix.This is my 4th 740iL. In all fairness the dealer has been very helpfull providing another 745 as a loaner car. Guest what, the new replacement 745 has as many problems as my own car. BMW need's to train dealer on how to service the car. They should have waited another year before introducing this car.
new 745i owner and happy
just purchased this vehicle and having a ball with it. Basically it is awsome. Still learning all the functions.Performs remarkably. This is my 5th BMW and it is definalely the most advanced and best
iDrive Failure
I have owned this car for 97 days. Unfortunately for me, it has been in the shop 55 days and counting. The iDrive system locks up frequently and when it does you lose the radio, phone and navigation systems. I might understand it if this was a buget priced Daewoo or Kia, needless to say, it is not what I expect from a car that costs $80K. As many other people have noted in the consumer reports, the dealerships are worthless at solving the problems. The one I'm working with in Buena Park, CA, is no different. BMW does not understand Customer Service.
Released with bugs
Awsome handling and an absolute road machine for highway or country roads. But way too many bugs for the BMW flagship. Should have waited to release. Intermittent window, radio, trunk release, phone keypad problems. I- drive reprogramming better, but still has bugs. Hesitation at stoplights is the most maddening thing.
Wait before you buy
I bought my 745i back in May and wrote a great review about the car...then the problems. I have a terrible problem with the software in the NAV system and the dealer does not have a clue on how to fix it. My car has been in the shop three times and still is not repaired. If you like the car I suggest you wait another year for BMW to work out the bugs. I can't wait to get rid of mine.
unbelievable
The best automobile I have ever owned.Much better handling than either my previous M-B or Lexus.Much quicker than both and quieter than the M-B.New, hi-tech controls are wonderful.
They need to work out the bugs
I had the car for two days, and then the problems started. i would list them if I didn't have to be under 700 chacters. Apparently there are many software bugs that need to be fixed. Of course the dealership doesn't tell you until after you purchase the car. I have been told that my problems have been already documentented, and BMW is aware of them. However they are not fixed. It's been at the dealership over a week now. The mechanics don't even know how to fix it, and must rely on BMW NA to help them.
WHAT A CAR
I PICKED UP MY 745I ON A SATURDAY THE SALES PERSON WENT OVER THE BASIC FEATURES OF THE CAR WITH ME THEM LET ME GO AND DRIVE THE CAR FOR A FEW DAYS. WE MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR ME TO COME BACK AND SPEAK WITH HIM ON THURSDAY, OR THEY HAVE A BMW MASTER TECHNICIAN AVAILABLE THREE NIGHTS A WEEK TO GO OVER ANYTHING IN MORE DEPTH, HE WAS VERY HANDY WITH EXPLAINING THE NAV. AND PHONE WITH THE CAR. I LOVE THE CAR THE WHOLE FEEL OF IT HAS A CERTAIN PRESENCE, AND THE EVERYONE STOPS TO LOOK AT IT. I GOT THE LUXURY SEAT PKG, PREMIUM SOUND AND REAR SUNSHADES
Lemon law - make them eat it!
Purchased my 745i one week ago. CONTINUAL battery problems (car left me stranded twice in two days). Nav system poor, phone has terrible voice recognition. Dealer reported that the problems with the nav system required a software upgrade. Why didn't they check everything before delivery? Maryland has a 7-day lemon law which I'm taking advantage of ot of desperation. Really bad for a $70+ car. NO MORE BMW's for me. A new Mercedes will be delivered to my door on Thursday. Maybe BMW should have waited one more year beforw putting this engineering on the market. Sorry I didn't read these reviews before wasting a lot of time hassling with the car.
Great Leap Forward for BMW
This car is unbelievably good. Has awesome power, excellent build quality, wonderfully comfortable power heated/cooled/massaging/ventilating seats. iDrive is no big deal, but setting radio stations a pain. Nav system is behind the times (need DVD system, which other BMW's except 7 will get for 2003). Has been back to dealer for software problems three times, but dealer is really interested in fixing problems and has always had loaner (7 or other). Overall, quite pleased. Much better car than my previous 2 7 series cars.
Try It, I Bet You Buy It.
Great deal, great car. This car has the feel of a much smaller and nimber vehicle. Its rides smooth on the highway and like a 3 series in the city.
First-Timer's BMW
Initial bugs in software (switching from miles to metric, arming microphone, etc.) Also, early problem in seat-belt restraint. None of these fixed yet, because I haven't had time to return to dealer.
Best bang for buck
Test drove S-420, QX-4, LS-430 and nothing comes close in style, performance, interior finish and comfort. 745 was recalled for computer and fuel pump issues, but we were given a 745 loaner. No complaints. This car is simply the most athletic car I've ever owned. Power and refinement, what more could you want?
BMW RULES
Some say this car is ugly; that is a matter of personal opinions. I, along with the many who purchased this vehicle (record sales numbers) think this car is a work of art. Some say this car is too complicated. WAKE UP!! Other car companies have already started trying to develop a similiar system to BMWs idrive. Why?? Because thats how all cars of the future will be. BMW just had the ballz to put it out first and suffer all the controversy. I love it. If you know how to use a computer (which you should living in 2002) you shouldnt have a problem, and once you get used to it, you will hate to get in an other car and look away from the road to change the radio station.
Jury is out
Buying this car is an act of faith that BMW is on the right track. The iDrive gets easier with time, but there is no excuse for the difficulty involved in using and setting the radio (clearly no person who was ever the driver of a car thought this up). I had the "disappearing radio settings" problem that has, for unknown reasons, corrected itself after six days. Car is attention getter - it is much nicer looking in person than it is in pictures, and the extra length of the Li makes it look less stubby in the rear end. By the way, it is much wider than the prior 740, need to watch mirrors.
I love it the 745i
I am glad I bought this car, it is simply the BEST luxury sedan of the world. I love it even more now after I tested the Mercedes S series (what a piece of junk). I make excuses to go to places and drive this AWSOME car.
Review
This car is abseloutly fantastic going around corners and the pick up speed is just awesome, this car made me speechless, you just cant find the words which sum this car up.
Beautiful
This is a beautiful car. When I first saw the car I must say that I thought it was ugly but now I think it is gorgeous. It has so many features. I would definitey recomend getting the luxury seats because I have never been so comfortable, especially thhe headrest that moves and almost grabs your head. I love it
What were they thinking????
I went from a 740 to a S430 and needed to get back to the performance of a 7, if your a real driver the S class won't cut it. I was the first on my block and the dealership for that matter to pick up this car and loved it UNTIL the problems started. Remote problems, telephone keypad went, Nav. system from 5 years ago which stopped working all together. The dealer can't fix all the problems just patch them for now, all in all the i drive system stinks. BMW rushed this car to market before fixing the bug and are lucky loyal customers are still around. BMW's lucky it drives like no other or they would certainly loose market share to other companies.