1997 740i???

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

I have a good friend who is selling his 97 740i. Fire away with thoughts. In particular, I am interested as to how it compares to the gen1 Q. Secondly, the car I really want is the G35....do you think I would like the BMW performance?

62k on the BMW. I don't have the records, but my buddy cannot turn a wrench! For example, he had to spend $350 for a new cupholder in the car! I would have duct taped it! I will have access to all the records on the car in a week or so.

Some concerns I have:

-Known mechanical flaws/issues?-Can I do any of the maintenance? Looking in the engine bay the engine seems to be entirely covered by a shroud. Nice looking! I am talking brakes, oil changes and moderately complicated things like fuel injectors (I can, and have done these things on my Q).-Warranty availability?

Happy New Year!!

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

a 97 740i and a first gen Q have a similar design philosophy.

Meaning using technolgy to make a large luxirious car handle as well as reasonably achievable.

The engines are similar in size (4.4 vs 4.5) and configuration (both 32 valve V8's).Even the suspensions are very similiar.The Bmw is a bit heavier and a bit slower compared to a well maintaned first gen Q.

I used to like them a lot until i found out that even newer 740 suffer from trmendous maintenace haedaches that dwarf those of a first gen Q, primarily cuz the Q issues are easily diagniosed compared to the BMW.

Maintenace expesnes on a 97 740 should exceed those on a early Q by a marging within a year or two.

Fred...

PS: Sorrry about the bad news.

Post by **greg_atlanta** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

I remember something about BMW 7-series engines having a hard time with the higher sulfur content of American fuel (European fuel is cleaner in that respect). Generally requires new engine.

But that issue was resolved at some point... not sure if it was resolved for '97 model.

Spending some time on BMW forums would be a VERY GOOD idea.

Why is your friend getting rid of it? I'm sure there's a reason other than "I just want something new."

It's a way cool car and rides great, really hugs the road with authority, feels like a tank (I've been in one a few times). But not sure it's worth the headache if downtime and maintenance cost is an issue. Might ruin a friendship too.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

greg_atlanta wrote:But that issue was resolved at some point... not sure if it was resolved for '97 model.

It was resolved by then.

Fred....:thumbup

PS: how are things going Greg? Havnet IMed w/ U in a couple of years.

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

I will check out the other forums on the 740. Any in particular?

My friend is getting a company car and will not need the use of his 740.

He is a longtime friend, and presumably wishes to continue the friendship! Of this I am confident. Accordingly, I assume there to be no known defects. He is the kind of guy who would simply get it fixed, a la the cupholder!

My interest is piqued!

Post by **AZhitman** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Suffice it to say, Jed, that if you get the Bimmer, I'd be glad to "adopt" the GreenMachine (that is, if your wife will QUIT BACKING INTO IT!!!!)

Post by **tkd_q45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Do you have money to burn?

If not, buy a 1st gen Q and put the extra money into mods! I love the vibe of German cars but they are problematic. Many little things (and not so little) go out. Things that on a Japanese car/Infiniti wouldn't be an issue - alternators, motormounts, electrical components, AC ect. This has been my experience/obervation - I currently own a 92 400e MBZ, I have friends who have Porsches, VW, BMW and my family has owned several MBZs and BMWs.

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Hey, Hitman....Happy New Year....

I still cannot find that DAMN power cord. If I cannot locate it in a week or so, I will buy a new one and we can test out the cars.

I will let you know if I am going to get the BMW...

Jed

Post by **AZhitman** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Thanks brotha - Right back atcha.

No rush, I have faith in you. I'm thinking a night at SpeedWorld might be in order... I can't imagine you in anything but the Q, though.

Had a nightmare the other night, featuring your Q: While I was flogging her through the industrial park, the chain guides cut loose... Woke up in a cold sweat... Damn this board!

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Dennis...if you read this, can you direct me to any BMW forums or resources? I would be able to pick the car up next Saturday and want to do my homework on what to expect.

I would also value your opinion off line, as this is, after all, a BMW question!

Post by **AZhitman** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Jed - My email is on the fritz.... Sorry.

I just talked with Fred about your Q - He may chime in here with a price. Depending on your price, I may try to talk my mechanic into buying it.

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Hitman...cool. Fred...I am all ears. I am thinking $3500-4000. Close?

I am picking up the 740 next Saturday.

I have been checking forums and other various on-line resources related to 740i. Parts, in general, seem much less for the BMW. I was shocked! Fuel injectors are $65. Brake rotors $70. Pads $65. These are all OEM, too.

LAter...Jed

Post by **AZhitman** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Let me know when you get it - I want the full demo.

Keep me posted.

Post by **Bob_99Q** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

Man I'd jump on a clean 740 if the price was right and in good cond. But thats my type of driving, long distance with passengers.But I remember you said you wanted a G35...

The 740 and the Q45 are similar, the G35 and 740 are way different animals. Will that bug you after a while? Wouldnt you rather sell the 740 at big loss to a friend

and get that G35?then you'd be truly happy!!:rolleyes

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

I was not looking for a 740i and did have my eyes set on a g35...I prefer big sedans, so I jumped on this one. No disrespect to the g35, but it cannot compare to a v8 740i (different class vehicle). The q competes with the 740i....

There are tons of performance mods for BMW, too!

Post by **maxnix** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

That's the smell of cold cash burning.

Future of even shorter engine life. The Bmw V8 is a fine engine, but evidently not as durable even in stock form as the VH45DE, judging from the BMW forums. In fact, on FA someone was reveling in going from a late model 740i to a first generation Q45.

The grass is always greener.

Post by **AZQ45** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

I am still looking for a forum like this but BMW in nature...which ones have you seen?

Unless I toally love this car in particular, I intend to keep it to about 95k and then sell it. That is about three years driving for me. I am not looking to go 150-200k miles on an engine.

Post by **maxnix** » Tue Dec 31, 2002 11:27 am

My brain's like silly putty. Read too many boards now, and my bummer ownership days are behind me, unless I want to burn a lot of cash.

Try http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/ , http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/ , http://www.hotbimmer.net/forum/default.asp , http://www.bmwzine.com/forum/default.asp , http://www.bmwplanet.com/ , http://www.bmwcities.com/forum/default.asp , http://www.bmwinfo.com/ , http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/ , http://www.maxbimmer.com/ http://www.strictlybmw.com/resources/forums.htm http://www.bmwinfo.com , http://www.onlinebmw.com/ , and last and least, http://www.automotiveforums.com/ if their server will respond.

There are a lot of BMW model page sites also. http://www.bmwlinks.com/BMW_In...oups/ may be able to point you to some more.

I love this forum. Life is so much simpler and useful with this board. I love you guys (you know what I mean). You girls too.

1997 740i???

1997 740i???

There are tons of performance mods for BMW, too!

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