2000 BMW 7 Series 735i Sport 3.5 litre V8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A bit unusual, and fantastic to drive

Faults:

Rear upper control arm ball joints had play. Complete arm is required (expensive). Replaced with good used ones.

Rear lower wishbone ball joint has play. Trying to track down the special tool to replace it.

Rear spring is broken. On the todo list.

DSC Precharge pump failed - replaced with good used item.

General Comments:

I bought this car recently. Even though it's a ten year old car, it's more-or-less spotless and is the rare M-Sport model (big wheels, stiffer suspension, everything black). It had one or two "usual" faults when I got it, and I have been working through these.

I think these are great cars and are fantastic value for money. The V8 engine is incredible. It's very comfortable, has lots of toys and just eats up the miles effortlessly.

On the flip side, it isn't a Ford Fiesta. It's a big heavy car with a big engine, lots of electronics, huge tyres etc. etc. There's no way it's ever going to be cheap to run, so I would strongly advise you to stay away unless you have some free disposable income. Check out parts prices even for a routine service - 7.5 litres of (the right) fully synthetic oil isn't cheap for a start.

Regarding repairs, it isn't any worse than many other BMWs. It's actually a very similar car to the contemporary 5 series with many common parts. There are lots of specialist garages, breakers and parts suppliers. It just needs a bit of imagination. There are also lots of poor quality copy parts around, which are to be avoided (if it's too cheap etc.). BMW rely heavily on their diagnostic system - DIY code readers are available, and most decent garages have the right gear these days.

I look forward to getting into my 735 every day. It's probably the nicest car I have owned (and that actually includes some newer and much more expensive BMWs).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th October, 2010

21st Feb 2011, 16:14

A follow up to my original comments. I eventually got all the work noted completed but there were some "surprises".

The sports springs are all but unobtainable so I had to replace all four with an Eibach sport kit. The suspension work was relatively straightforward but the only way to get the rear shocks/dampers off was with an angle-grinder and a blowtorch (destroying them). So new rear shocks as well. Many suspension parts are adjustable so it had to go for a proper 4-wheel alignment at a specialist.

The moral is, if buying one of these check carefully for suspension wear. BTW - you'll need to jack the wheels off the ground to check.

2000 BMW 7 Series 740 IL 4.4 V8 from Lebanon

Summary:

It makes a statement!

Faults:

Nothing, as it's still the beginning of the relationship.

Oil and filter change.

Front pads change, expensive at $130.. originals.

Replaced rear woofers, old ones were shot.

Everything in the car works.

General Comments:

As a previous owner of 2 beemers, an M3 and an M5, BMW's are no strangers to me.. They are fun cars and reasonably reliable.

This 740 drives like new even with 97,000 miles and everything works like it should..

Enough power to move this heavy car, and the handling is better than many smaller size cars.

Room is massive in the IL version and the interior is quite comfortable.

It's a very quick car from point to point and relaxing at the same time...

I wanted the latest version, but always had a soft spot for the E38...The shape is simpler and classic..

MPG is 17/18 overall, which is OK..

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st July, 2009

11th Nov 2010, 11:41

I am now on 120K miles approx after having owned this car for 1 1/2 years and 24K miles later, I can still say that it still soldiers on and feels even better now that I spent some money on upgrades.

I have redone most of the suspension front and rear, Remus exhausts, upgraded headlights, Alpina wheels, etc.

The car still returns a phenomenal MPG, and pulls like a train. It is a constant fun factor, and this is a car that you cannot sell.

I'm just trying to keep the mileage low now by using other cars and letting the big 7 take a well deserved rest...

This is one of the best cars BMW has ever built.

In reply to 11th Nov 2010, 11:41

27th May 2013, 05:25

Hello there, still own the E38 and now 135K miles. And the car never disappointed me.

The beauty about owning a 12 year old car, is that you can do to it pretty much whatever you like. It's now all matte black, and still as new, in and out.

Expenses are only consumables, and the power is still amazing. If you can find a good, clean E38, it will probably last forever...

In reply to 27th May 2013, 05:25

25th Nov 2014, 12:44

5 and a half years later of ownership, and still the 7 provides everything.

Had to change the alternator, which packed up on a trip. Replaced with an overhauled item at $350. It still soldiers on with 155,000 miles now and all still working as it should be. I really have no heart to selling, even though I yearn for a nice 650/645 cabrio... Maybe it's a bad idea considering their reliability. Who knows? The 7 might still be here for some time to come.

This car really has minimal maintenance, bar a tire change every 2 to 2 and a half years... and ditto for front pads. Apart from that, it's 8L of full synthetic oil and a filter every 5000 miles...