Faults:

Within 1st 2 months spent $2k.

Alternator (water cooled $960 ouch!).

Mass air flow sensor, various rubber hoses/vacuum lines.

CPS (camshaft positioning sensor), but I budgeted for this because I got the car for SO little, other diagnostic fees.

127,500; radiator replaced as well as fan belt.

139,000; crankcase ventilation valve.

General Comments:

I NOW understand what the car magazine writers wrote when reviewing BMW's...the handling and ride is incredible. I also bought a '93 525i so both of my BMW's impressed me on their suspension 'feel'. This top of the line 7 series is incredible... every meaningful option is there. If I were to wish for more, I'd wish for the massaging seat options and optional rear side airbags (and the DVD based NAV from the '01 models).

I love this car... great acceleration from the V12... so smooth... 324hp, 354lbs torque, passing power is effortless and high speed travel is silent, composed, and relaxed. This is the ultimate long distance travel motorcar as I have taken multiple 12 hour road trips and arrived refreshed (partly due to 14 or 18 way power seats).

I recommend buying one used, after 100k miles if it has service records, because many of the big cost items would have already been replaced. I was fortunate to buy one that already had the transmission replaced too (big $), but catalytic converters are really pricey, as is the EDC suspension. Don't forget, the V12 has double the amount of maintenance items (2 distributors, MAF's, air cleaners (6 including cabin filters) ).

This was a $96,000 auto and maintenance costs will be higher than standard cars... but what could you purchase that would be 'more car' or nicer for the money? Many of those who have bought a used one that wasn't abused or neglected, feel there's really not much out there that is better for the $9-14,000 cost of most 7 series e38 models available... vs a Infiniti, Cadillac, Honda, Acura.etc.

This car is loaded to the hilt... park distance control (parking assist), electronic dampening suspension, semi-automatic transmission, filtered everything, navigation, DSP sound system, heated steering wheel, external door handles, front and rear seats, power everything etc etc.

This 7 series feels expertly put together, has been reliable for me (despite nagging 'check engine light' whose cause has yet to be identified after numerous attempts), has gotten 26mpg on tank!!! (EPA is 13 city, 20 hwy)... it's ALL in how you drive. Think about this... even if you have to put 200 dollars a month in repairs... it would still be cheaper than a new car.

Consider that this car has largely already fully depreciated (though full coverage insurance is still expensive) and a new car will lose its value extremely quick and it still won't be a nearly $100k automobile! Try it... you'll like it.

Faults:

Engine - leaks like a pig, still runs good though.

Rear passengers window won't open.

Navigation and stereo quit working.

Plastic around the driver's seat where the controls are, broke and fell on the ground. Can't attach it back, need a new one.

Drivers door handle broke, cup holder broke, ashtray broke, passengers seat magazine holder broke.

Pixels on the dash control instruments went missing, couldn't read the mileage and general warnings, fixed that one by removing the assembly and spraying contacts with electrical cleaner, degreaser.

General Comments:

Where do I start?

The good - the car feels like a plane, pretty comfortable, a pleasure to drive when you forget about ever appearing problems and maintenance costs. Love the looks.

The bad - some thing always seem to break. I thought german engineers were supposed to be one of the best??? Doesn't seem that way, for that kinda money, the car is supposed to be perfect, you get what you pay for, right? No - in this case with BMW it's not. Problems kept popping up, I couldn't keep up with them and sold the car, glad I did. I loved the car in the beginning, but grew to hate it...

Bottom point - it's an old farts with money car, if you are young get something else. If you are not made of money - get something else. If you want something that's not going to irritate you, get something else. If you don't want to deal with the dealers mechanic, get something else.

BMW - I'm disappointed in you, doubt I'm gonna stick to german engineering anymore...