A neighbor is selling a 94 740i for about 5k(asking).I did a visual on it and it seems OK..a small ding in the trunk and the interior looks good.Will likely have my mechanic do a OB/GYN on it.It has 94k miles..What should I look for?Any specifics on this..Havent test driven yet(prolly this weekend).How is the ride(compared to my GS/Bilstein coilovers )?Any input greatly appreciated..

 

If this car checks out OK, condition-wise, I'd say go for it. The 7-series, IMO, went WAY downhill several years ago, in many ways, with the Chris Bangle re-design. The 1990's 7-series were like tanks compared to the new ones, with doors of bank-vault solidness, easier-to-use conventional analog controls, a conventional shifter, and of course no I-Drive. ( genearch may disagree with me here but this is the way I feel about this car ).
Yeah, if this 1994 model checks out OK, then go for it....but keep in mind that parts and service for BMW's, especially their 7-series flagship, can be quite expensive. At that age.....11-12 years old.....you may have to start looking at replacing things like belts, hoses, seals, etc......which deteriorate with age as well as mileage., besides the normal things that often go out with a lot of miles like water pump, alternator, etc......
Air bag sensors and seat belts are also designed to operate for 10 years...they could also require replacing. I don't know if it is possible to test air-bag sensors without actually having them fire the bags. That's something to ask a technician about.

 

Please heed this advice. I know someone who bought an older BMW. Built like a tank and serene as you can get. But maintaining it requires the owner to have a substantial portfolio....if you know what I mean.

 

Thanx for the heads up..After a little closer inspection and taking the Wife to see it,Im noticing the details that an **** Lex owner would notice .The area around the shifter is damaged and the interior looks like it wasnt kept well.No inspection sticker and he has the back seat out so he can keep jumping the battery.Im thinking if I take the plunge I may offer $3500 or so.But if its a money pit just for upkeep that takes away from the Lex toys then maybe Ill leave it.

 

I forgot the details exactly (you can prolly find them on BMW forum or something) but I remember in around 94-95, BMW had VERY VERY big issues with their engines, including the V8. There was something about the type of metal they used as lining in the cylinder walls that didn't hold up very well. Many cars had sulfer corrosion problems in the cylinders and had to have the engines replaced. The new 4.4L, which was introduced in 1996 had a cylinder lining of a different material. I'd look into this if I were you and see if anything was done to remedy this problem on this particular vehicle.

 

That's a good price, check www.bimmerforums.com/forum for more info

 

..Thats the stuff Im talking about!! Thanx for the heads up..Will definitely grill the seller knowing that...OLT..thats why Im questioning cause the price seems almost too good..

 

I believe the Nikasil engine problems were most promenient in the 1995 7's. Please check the http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/e32/ for more info on the E32.

I've owned numerous E32 to E38 ranging from 6 to 12 cylinders. The 7 series are great luxury cars to buy and to own provided that they were well cared for by the previous owner. You need to know its complete history and maintenance records. You also need to bring it in to a BMW shop for a pre-purchase inspection. If you are not a "do-it-yourself" kind of person, I would recommend that you stay clear from ANY luxury cars especially when they are old unless you have tons of extra cash to pay someone to do it for you.

Good Luck!

 

Thanx guys..with the info I picked up here I was able to make a mor intelligent inquiry with the "owner" ..He got real dodgy when pushed so I decided to pass on this one..To many "I dont knows"and"It ran fine for me".It hasnt been NJ inspected and had no valid inspection sticker and one of those"auto mall"liscence frames...Thanx for the help guys..I think I dodged a bullet.

 

From what you say, yes.....and possibly an artillery shell as well.

 

Hahaha

Maybe you could look for a 96 7-series with the new 4.4L. I haven't looked lately, but I think you can get one for $10,000 or under. But as someone pointed out, if you're not a DIY person, although I've had a few friends with this generation 7-series, and while there were no real major or catastrophic problems, there was always something smaller going wrong, and BMW parts& labor can add up pretty quickly. Good luck!