Looking to buy

[hinchcliffe]

Well my '95 540i 6-spd is for sale and I'm ready for the next level. I've owned (3) 325ix's, (2) 535i's & the 540i. I'm looking for a '95+ 740i or il, preferably not white or champange. There is the obvious to look for, rust, sub frame mounts, all the same old stuff, 4.0 block replacement. What else is there? Anything special to stay away from? I might also consider the 750il. Now I hear everyone complain about the 12 cyl. Is it really that bad? What should I look for on that? I'm looking to spend under $11k and near 100k miles, preferably the car needs maintenence records.

What do you all think?

Curt
'95 540i 6-spd
'87 928S4 5-spd

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

As for the 740, you already have the same engine, so I don't think we need to talk about that.

I've got a 1997 740i, and often wish I got the 740il instead. I'm tall and on long trips, which is really what I use the car for, I wish I had the extra room.

I've got to tell you, I own a 535im and the 740i, and I enjoy driving the 535im much more. I know a big part of the reason is, I've set up the 535 with a very sport suspension. The 740i, I've only installed Bilsteins on. The Bilsteins do make the 740i much sportier, but then it's got no manual tranny (I love a good manual).

The 740 is very solid. I replaced the thrust and control arms at 100k miles, and did not need to do it at all. The old ones looked and felt new. I just assumed they needed replacing because of my experience with the 535. There was nothing wrong with the ride or handling prior to replacing them.

The only nagging item in my opinion is the digital computer display on the dash. Pixels go in and out constantly. Sometimes they are all visible, sometimes you can't read squat! There's supposed to be a fix for that, but I just need the time to figure it out.

It's an absolute great highway cruiser and I can't see ever getting rid of it. Good luck.

Oh, btw, I've always thought that if the tranny went out on it, I'd convert it to a manual. But then again, it's always good to have at least one car with an auto tranny, just in case you screw up a leg playing b-ball or something!

[shogun]

it in the second section

click here (http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/auto.htm)

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

http://www.bimmernut.com/ed/DSCF0083%20(Small).JPG

And BTW, I like White.

[shogun]

built 11/1988, 112 K km
http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/signat.jpg

[Robbo]

Well my '95 540i 6-spd is for sale and I'm ready for the next level. I've owned (3) 325ix's, (2) 535i's & the 540i. I'm looking for a '95+ 740i or il, preferably not white or champange. There is the obvious to look for, rust, sub frame mounts, all the same old stuff, 4.0 block replacement. What else is there? Anything special to stay away from? I might also consider the 750il. Now I hear everyone complain about the 12 cyl. Is it really that bad? What should I look for on that? I'm looking to spend under $11k and near 100k miles, preferably the car needs maintenence records.

What do you all think?

Curt
'95 540i 6-spd
'87 928S4 5-spd

FYI there has been a older 735i for sale in a local garage - been there over a year now.........it's white.

[shogun]

as for E32 and E38 the checking procedure is basically the same. I drive an E32 750iL and I am very happy with it. Of course it costs more in maintenance and fuel, but it pays back.
Reag on mypage in section 2 about ; before buying a bimmer;
click here (http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/auto.htm)

[hinchcliffe]

Thanks Shogun, if that's your real name. Ha ha ha. My Porsche 928 is expensive enough to fix, and I think my wife might kill me if I have another expensive car to fix. 740il will be enough for me. Thanks for the car buying info, I figured it was the same as usual. Thanks again.

Curt
'87 928S4 5-spd w. LSD
former 540i 6-spd owner

[MBXB]

Saw this is Sunday's St. Pete Times. Wish I were paranoid enough so I needed the Protection Option.

BMW 2001 750 IL V-12, Very rare, every BMW option available. Protection package. 18" M wheels. Navigation, sport pkg, midnight blue w/ivory leather, up to date service, Too many options to list. 49K miles. $ 43,900. Call for details. 727-647-7906 WEB ID SP73229

[Rick L]

Hey Hinchcliffe, how realiable is your 928 S4? I was thinking about purchasing one (1990 or newer) but heard they need a lot of TLC. A friend has a 1987 928 S4 and his always working on his car. Matter of fact, he was over yesterday and we worked on his car. Picture below from yesterday. Changed to cross drilled rotors but hard to see from photo... I think they are sweet ride with time-less design and might be interested in purchasing on near future. ;)

http://home.comcast.net/~jungerishere/Porsche1.JPG

http://home.comcast.net/~jungerishere/Porsche2.JPG




Thanks Shogun, if that's your real name. Ha ha ha. My Porsche 928 is expensive enough to fix, and I think my wife might kill me if I have another expensive car to fix. 740il will be enough for me. Thanks for the car buying info, I figured it was the same as usual. Thanks again.

Curt
'87 928S4 5-spd w. LSD
former 540i 6-spd owner

[hinchcliffe]

Mine's not too bad reliability wise. Except what the PO never took care of or just me tinkering with it. Normal annual maintenance is ~$2000 give or take depends on who does the work. Mine's usually on the road for a few months without issue at a time.