Used 2003 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews
7th Wonder?
The car overall is fantastic. Its an almost do everything type of vehicle if youre looking for something to be a commuter by day and sports car by night. Do your homework (service records) before buying one and make sure able to afford the maintenance required for this car. Its not a Toyota. If you can at the time of purchase buy and extended or aftermarket warranty. The parts for this car are a little pricey but when its all said and done, its hard to find anything else out there that drives and handles like it.
Looks Can Be Deceiving.
This seems like a brilliant car, the interior is sumptuous with a gorgeous dashboard (especially when the navigation is on). Ride is smooth, and engine just purrs. Every angle of this car grabs attention. However, the reliability is abysmal! This car has been in the shop so many times, I eventually just sold it. Glitches in interior parts (too many motors and unnecessary gizmos prone to go bad over time) just added to the gamut of problems. This car is atrocious in the winter or any slick conditions. The fat rear tires get no traction, and on subject, tires they DO sell are outrageously expensive. $400 a tire! And they barely make 10k miles. In fact, most parts for this car are absurd.
- 745Li SedanMSRP: $6,990169 mi away
- 745i SedanMSRP: $13,980306 mi away
- 745Li SedanMSRP: $4,995383 mi away
PIERO ORIOLO
I'm a driver, I love cars, and I love quality and performance, this is one of the best sedan that i had, has better performance, excellent comfort, beautiful seats, holds road in curve. The only thing, I would like more space for cup holder, better navigation system, and definitely move the stick shift back to the console. I like the 0 maintenance.
I can't believe
The 745i is a great car when I am able to drive it. I've spent countless hours driving back and forth to the dealership because of malfunctions. It's great they give free maintenance for the first 50 thousand miles because you will need it. My gripe is that I maintained my car with regular service. The "check engine light" came on. I thought it would be some minor repair. Turns out the repair cost is $12000 for "CARBON' on the cylinder head!!!!-not a blown head gasket, but CARBON!! That's like telling me the brake dust on my rotors require a new axle! The ULTIMATE MACHINE has a poorly designed engine if carbon build up requires 12 grand of service. No More BMW for me - Honda/Infiniti here I am.
Driving my 745Li
The driving of this vehicle is smooth, sound and fast. the turning power of sharp turns is incredible and the brake system allows you to stop on a dime. The extra large rear is great for passengers, who can extend their legs and feel comfortable. The drawback, too many bells and whistles. Give me a radio that I can operate like the less expensive cars. The navigation system is definetly a no-no, hard to operate, In the time it takes to set your destination you can call a friend to give you directions,which is less nerve wracking and quicker. Improvement needed on this issue. The car is great otherwise.
Best Car Dollar for Dollar
This is the best car I have ever owned dollar for dollar. It is truly a joy to drive and ride in, despite what has sometimes been reported in the news. The I drive is a challenge to learn, but once you read the manual it is easy to use. The cabin is spacious and provides ample room for both the front and rear passengers of various heights or sizes.
Owner review
Imagine on a 36 month lease, shop time in excess of 45 days! One and half months out of 36! Three days to "re- program" the computer, replacement parts always available, but not the same day. Two repairs to the trunk lid, an engine hood that doesn't stay open. This was my second 7 series car and a total disappointment relative to reliability. After the dealership initiated a daily rate for a loaner car I chose to take my business elsewhere. Imagine paying for a loaner for the second repair to a warrantee covered item - on a car in this price range.
My worst nightmare!
This car is the worst mistake I have ever made. The car has been at the shop 5 times in 7 months. The electrical system is a total joke. I am trying sell trade in this piece of junk ASAP. DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.
What's not to like!
This is my fourth BMW, second seven series. They just keep getting better and better! The seven rides like a dream and handles like a tight sports car. The crowd at BMW truly define the Ultimate Driving Machine!
Scrap this car!
I have had this car for 10 month and had to take it back to the dealer atleast 20 times. Its is still at the service shop for Piston failure. This car is a nightmare. Buying this car is buying a major Headace. I have had problems with the Nav, the sunroof, the engine, the airbag, and many other nagging electrical problems. BMW needs to do something about this for their customers.
The best
If youre having trouble with the 7 series you didnt get the right, I can see none of you got the AMAZING 760. The 760 is much much better than the 745. I have had no problems. The unique styling seems quite refreshing. I love the interior. The amazingly soft leather seats and the lusterous polished wood. Its amazing.
happy
thw best car in the world cant be touched
Great car, but maintenance is a big headache
Comfortable and steady smooth ride. Oil leak even after service & fixes. Parking light comes on & off.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unsatisfied Customer
Excellent engine, plenty of powers. IDrive - terrible mistake. Had so many problems with it. Mechanical support from the dealer is terrible. They do not know how to fix it. I left the car for 15 days last month to fix the air conditioner fan. Took in three times for the same problem about the seat belt warning sign within the first 6 months afrer the purchase of the car. My patients think think that I am working at BMW dealer because I drove so many different BMWs (loaners from the dealer) to work. The 7 series was a mistake and I will never buy BMW near future even though I have two as of now. I am a bit afraid to drive this car.
Just sold the car
My car 2003 760 IL was a fantastic car. I said "was" because after the first few years it became eminently unreliable and extremely expensive to fix. But I loved the car and, admittedly, I kept it for too long. Finally I just sold it after it developed a fuel problem (problems to start the car and to idle) that the BMW dealership deemed "unfixable".....the car had only 64,000 miles! I had a 760il of the previous generation that developed valve problems at 80,000 miles. I had a lot of problems with big Mercedes as well. I think I will skip German for a while.
Col. Klink Makes Cars
Horrible reliability makes the flagship car of the Ultimate Driving Machine a Yugo wanna be. Coupled with a third rate Roadside Assistance Program the 2002 7 Series BMW becomes the Ultimate Lemon Machine. It is exactly what Lemon Laws are designed to protect. I'm just embarassed that I actually bought one for the amount of money that it cost. Sham on me. I will drive it (when it gets out of the shop) to my closest Mercedes dealer and buy a new MB ASAP
2003 BMW 760 LI
Couple of months ago I bought BMW 760LI, in the beginning I was kind of scared about all the talk about iDrive and reliability issue, but honestly I figured that one out in less than 5 minutes, without a manual. All the reviews regarding iDrive were written by people who really don't know how to use a computer... or were born in a generation (you know what Im talking about...) where computer skills are non-existent. I love the fact that almost ANY function in the 7-series can be accessed through iDrive. It is actually fun but I can understand how my grandfather or even father would hate to mess with it. The drive is beautiful, reliable, attention getter, comfortable and smooth ride. 10+
Love my 745Li
This is my favorite car, it is extremely comfortable and gorgeous. It is costly to maintain, thankfully my husband knows a good deal about BMW.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BMW's Flagship Sedan
This car is the best I have ever had! I have recently had a Mercedes-Benz S500 and personally I think the 7 has much more in luxury and performance. This really is the best!
I love my BMW
I've purchased a 2003 BMW 760Li in february, scince the first test drive, i have fallen in love with this car. I have driven many cars, including the mercedes-benz s-call, but none have proven to be as luxurius, as powerful, as reliable, or as great to drive.
745Li
Amazing handling, acceleration and ride for a full sized sedan. Absolutely the "ultimate" driving machine.
BMW 745Li 2003
Bar none, the 745L is the best luxury car on the road today. Closest thing to flying a jet while staying on the ground. All the technology anyone could ever use or want. Performance oriented in just about every aspect. A fine car in a great longstanding dynasty of many cars. Luxury and handling in perfect combination. Great job Germany.
Great Car
Great Car! No problems this car rides and handles great. Idrive is a very simple operating system to learn. Very quiet ride. Upgraded sound system is perfect.
Run don't walk from this disappointment
I was leary about the 745 from the 2002 reviews but thought that all the computer glithches would have been resolved by 2003--No such luck--My vehicle is again at dealer to fix the gremlins of the I DRIVE--intermittent problems persist with phone,navigation and tire pressure systems--Now a recall for more software updates for rough idling--
I love this car....!!!!
This is a really amzing machine. Fun to drive, responsive, incredibly agile for its size. I really do not understand all the criticism related to the idrive. It took me about an hour to learn it! No manual needed. What also can I say...you cannot beat a Bimmer!
Intimedated by the i Drive ?
As my first entry into the BMW line-up it's hard to beat. I was looking at the new 5 but found it's size may not meet the needs for a family of 5 (even though the kids don't see much of the back). A perfect match of perfomace (19" wheels, 325HP) and Luxury. i Drive should take about 1 week to master (going through each menu screen) and loading some favorites then it's a matter of how much you want to know while your drivig. If you have trouble with Windows XP maybe maybe you should think about a Lexus & touch screen.
The iDrive sucks, BMW, Never again.
The designers for the iDrive and the ofiicials at the BMW design center must be on drugs to think that iDrive is a good idea for the ultimate driving machine. It is a nonfunctional electronic trouble making disaster.
Best car for performance/comfort
Owned 5 Series and recently upgraded to 7 series...If you want performance and luxury, there is no other car.
Nightmares of repairs
The car is great, but in 9 months of leasing, 6600 miles its been in shop for repair 16 times for the nav, tire pressure and phone system.
LOVE THE 745Li
This is the first BMW we have owned and we love it! We looked at the Mercedes S class as well, but after test driving the 745Li, we knew this was the car we wanted to drive for the next 10 years. The Idrive system is overwhelming at first, but once you learn the commands you need most often, it is a breeze. More commands can be mastered as you get more comfortable with the car. They provide a great CD that goes over almost every aspect of the car. It provides "real life" examples of how to work everything in the car.
Super Luxo Liner
After dealing with numerous electrical problems, I traded in my Mercedes E500 for a 745li and have been very pleased with the car. The 745 has effortless power and is as agile as a cat. I love the idrive system. It took me all of five minutes to figure it out. People who cannot figure it out should probably drive a Saturn.
Amazing
Picked the car up in Munich and it founds its way through Germany, France and Austria. Amazingly stable, smooth and secure on the autobahn. Excellent ride; quiet, comfortable. Very nble for its size. Looked strange at first; now looks stylish and distinctive, with comments from strangers on what a beautiful car it is. But mostly, the joy is in the driving.
It's a Love Hate
Having owned a 750il and a 840ci, and now with a '03 760 li, I feel I can speak to BMW cars. I've owned S class Mercedes between then. The '03 760 li has been a near disaster since delivery- - out of round tires,engine hesitation and cut outs. This problem will show up on most new 7 cars eventually. The pre 9/03 760 productions don't even have the ability to have satellite radio installation (or retrofit)-- an asinine oversight in a car of this price. As I've said with the V12 BMW's- when they run right they are a dream, when they don't they are a melting dreamsicle.
Worst car EVER!
This is my 5th BMW and my last! The car is in the shop all the time. The company will not even try to help. The interior design is all wrong. The idrive is the worst crap ever. They need to put the shifter back where it belongs. If they wanted the idrive to work they should make it a touch screen. Lexus has a better system. I have never sat in such uncomfortable seats in all of my life. Racing cars have a more comfortable seats. There is nothing good to say about this car. I know 34 people with this car only 3 like it, 2 can stand it, and the rest HATE it like me! This BMW is not a car to walk away from, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!
bmw
This is the best car ever its fast and powerful and luxery it the best
2nd Go Around
We initially leased a very early production 2002 745i. It was the first one available at the BMW Center locally and not really my favorite color (Black Sapphire Metallic). It had many of the problems everyone has heard about. We loved the interior of the car, just not the color as much and especially not the problems. So we visited Global Imports in Atlanta who gave us a more than fair trade in price for the 2002 and we left with a 2002 in the color which is our favorite (Alpine White w/Flannel Gray Leather Interior). This one has been trouble free and a pleasure to drive. Once you learn to use the controversial I Drive, it's a blast to operate.
BMW 745I THROW IN THE TOWEL. 2003 STINKS
Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. Don't do it. Germany leaves USA dealerships completely in the cold. My dealership tried like hell to fix this car nearly 1 week per month 4 months. FREAKING IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK ON OR FIX THIS NEW BMW. SOFTWARE IS AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE. Any adjustment to the seats,,automatically shoots the headrests to highest electric position. GLITCHES GALORE. KEYFOBS GO DEAD. SCREEN GOES TOTALLY DEAD. RADIO Will NOT SHUTOFF,EVEN WITH NO KEY IN IGNITION. AUTO TRUNK MOTOR BURNT OUT TWICE!! 15,000 MILES AND AN UTTER HUNK OF JUNK. USA DEALER was great however. BMW absolutely has to scrap this LEMON.
BMW 7 Series
This car is an awesome car. I have 19inch summer tires and 18inch winter tires. The iDrive navigation system works great, easy to use and precise. Overall this car is the highlight of the neighbourhood and when on the road it catches everyones attention n I love it.
Truly comfort and true luxury
My wife and I chose this car because we needed a full size sedan that could comfortably fit 1-2 car seats and 2 adults with comfort. Believe it or not it is hard to find a car that can accomplish that and still maintain comfort for everyone. This car does it all. We had to get the Li for the space. This car is loaded with all kinds of gadgets and toys that I love to play with. After spending time with the iDrive, it's really not that bad, you just have to get used to it. My wife loves it for the space and the trunk is huge! Can you tell that I am rating this as a family man? Great family vehicle.
Better than I expected
The new 745i Sport is amazing. Yes, the idrive takes a few trial and error experiences, but the basics like radio,cd,phone,navigator, etc. are all quite easy to use. There are so many additional things to do with it that you can continue learning some every day, if you wish. The performance, handling and comfort could not be better. I had a 740i Sport before and thought it was the best, and this has surpassed it by quite a bit. Not only is it impressive to drive, it's the most interesting and engaging car I've ever found.
Great Car
I think this is a great car. Those who have whined about the iDrive in the reviews, either do not actually own the car or have never used a computer. The ride is great, comfortable seats, excellent build quality etc. This is my 2nd BMW.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Credit Chris Bangle for taking risks. From the inside, this car is more involving and rewarding than any I've owned. The performance is enjoyable. The styling, while controversial, is a differentiator. Whenever I go out to my garage, I enjoy looking at such a unique, distinctive vehicle. I think it looks better in darker colors than lighter, but there is a 745Li at the garage I park at that is attractive. Bottom line - you will not be disappointed by this great car.
what happen to the gear shift?
745LI ABSOLUTELY DRIVE LIKE A DREAM, THE CAR IS SO RESPONSIVE CONSIDER IT'S SIZE. BUT MOUNTING THE GEAR SHIFT BEHIND THE STERRING WHEEL IS WHAT REMINDED ME MY MOTHER'S OLD OLDSMOBLE. AND FOR A BMW WITHOUT THE ABILITY OF UPSHIFT IS NOT A TRUE BMW.
My BMW 7 Series
I LOVE my car. The exterior is a love/hate thing, but I love it. If your good with video game conrollers you will not have any problems with the iDrive, if not call my 17 year-old son. I looked at the Lexus LS 430 and liked the 7 Series better. I do not like Mercedes-Benz so the S430 was not even an option. But I test drove the S430 after I bought the 7 Series, and that just reconfirmed that I had made the right choice going with BMW. If your wondering why the build quality rating is so low, thats because the 7 Series' price is such a hurdle. Is the 7 Series worth 2 3 Series?
Never again
Each required visit to the dealer for repair results in having to return to have at least 2 additional items corrected. Idiot drive aside, safety issues are of primary concern. 4 months for BMW to figure out they had to replace the modual that controls the remote key (Plastic emergency key required to open a $85,000 car). Intermitant operation of headlights and tail lights. Engine goes into idle mode at the slightest touch of break pedal. I thought the 2000 S-430 was trouble prone but would gladly trade back. The 745LI is my wifes car which I have limited her use to daylight driving only. For security reasons, she drives our Expedition or Town car when venturing out after dark.
fantastic vehicle
I purchased this 2003 745LI for $52,500 and it was a steal. I felt like I was robbing the dealership. I love this car and baby it to the utmost. (car cover) I spent $43 on my first fill-up that will certainly cure my speed demons. Great vehicle and I couldn't be happier!
Best of the Best
This is a great vehicle to have and fantastic. This car beats every other car in style, luxury, looks, options and so on. Extended warranty by BMW up to 6 years or 100,000 miles is great to have, which covers everything from maintenance to replacing bulbs for free of charge.
Beta machine - Not ready for prime time
BMW is now in the software business. The iDrive is not ready for consumer use. Constant problems. Have had car in monthly for bug fixes. They are not being truthful to the buyer.
All thats New
Traded a 2001 Lexus 430 on a BMW 745I. Hard decision since the Lexus was easily the best car I ever owned. The BMW has performed even stronger than my lexus and has proven to be a great road car. Love the amenities and power options. The vehicle is truly a new driving experience. Great Car.
GREAT
DEALER HAS GREAT SERVICE, FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE WORST, EXECUTIVE OFFICE LOUSY, I WOULD GO BACK TO THE DEALER UNFORTUNATELY THE BMW FACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE, THE WORST.