Looking at a used BM 7-series…

[Acroy]

I plan to buy a 740 or 750 (love that V-12) that has been scrupulously well maintained, but likely over 100k miles.

A tranny costs $6-8k to replace. Trannies on these cars normally last 100+k, but I’ve seen a few with 250k+.

Any thoughts on running a cleaning Auto-RX cycle, and switching to Redline or comparable fluid to extend tranny life?

Thanks

 

[d00df00d]

Sounds interesting. I'm subscribed, and here's a free bump.

 

[Acroy]

Originally Posted By: d00df00d
Sounds interesting. I'm subscribed, and here's a free bump.


I see from your sig your M3 goes through a lot of oil, my friends with Bimmers do as well, though they all "git on it" quite a bit

 

[wavinwayne]

If it were me, I would simply do a pan drop, clean the pan, replace the filter and gasket, and re-fill with whatever fluid BMW recommends. Then maybe 1 or 2 additional fluid drains and re-fills (no pan drop) over the next 12 months.

 

[simple_gifts]

Did you research the 750 model yet? It is one of most maligned BMWs out there. I researched buying one years ago and it didn't look pretty (the reliability record that is)

http://www.my750.com

If you don't mind the expense go for the 750!

 

[BGK]

The 7 series that is currently going out of production is probably one of the least reliable sedans on the road-electrical problems are it's worst enemy. The stupidest feature on the car (that is supposedly going away on the next gen) is the ridiculous awkward and unreliable gear selector behind the steering wheel.

If I was buying a 7 series, I would look for a 2001 with the sport package and the short wheel base, not the L. It's the last year for that series and they are not as problematic and are very attractive.

 

[JHZR2]

why would you want a used BM???

 

[Acroy]

I never say it made sense – I just want one

Car in question is a e38, 95-01. I’ve lusted after them since theri introduction, researched them pretty heavily, troll the bimmerforums, and have gleefully watched $100k cars come down to $10k

The engines in the e38 7-series are pretty darn bulletproof other than a spate of v8’s with issues in 95, and the potential for “loose oil pump bolt” which will munch the engine but is an easy fix. The steering & suspension gets creaky but is fairly easy to tighten up as well. There are a few other common issues like radiator cracks, steering pump lines, etc. I’d buy a car from an enthusiast who already did all that work for me. Parts are easy to come by and not all that pricey.

The cars came with a lot of electronic gizmos – load leveling, adjustable shocks, power rear sunshades, zillion-way-adjustable seats with memory, heat, massage, coffeemaker… etc. This has been the Achilles’ heal of these cars, but I don’t care about the do-dads.

I like the big comfy yet sporty car with the silky V12 and awesome handling!

To each their own. The mere fact we all belong to and spend time on a forum dedicated to oil tells the world something about our priorities

I have a couple practical cars – this is one I WANT. I’m sure you understand.

Now, any constructive comments??

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: Acroy
I see from your sig your M3 goes through a lot of oil, my friends with Bimmers do as well, though they all "git on it" quite a bit

This is double the consumption rate of the next best thing. I'm only using it because it was free...

 

[d00df00d]

To the OP: If you want it, go for it. I won't pretend it's reliable, but the appeal is undeniable.

As soon as I saw the website dedicated to the E38 750iL with the 6-speed manual swap, that clinched it for me: if I had to buy a large luxury barge, there is nothing else I would buy for any amount of money.


EDIT: Here's the website: http://www.robertlevinson.com/seven/

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: Acroy

Now, any constructive comments??


It was actually a joke... nevermind

 

[Mr Nice]

Stay away if it has such a poor reliability .

 

[simple_gifts]

A bulletproof motor maybe handy; after a year, you might want to shoot the car....

 

[BullyT]

I bought a '99 BMW 740iL 4 years ago and absolutely love the car. It is my daily driver (including driving it through Canadian winter) and I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

My car has 170,000 km (about 105,000 miles) and the engine and tranny are better than ever. Prior to buying my 740iL, I had always bought new North American vehicles and yet driving my 9 year old BMW I still get more compliments on the car than I ever did on previous vehicles. The performance, handling, and safety are amazing for a such a big car.

Yes, maintenance can be expensive. I like to DIY and bought a $100 service manual and handle basic maintenance myself. The best BMW website for info IMHO is bimmerboard--those guys can guide you through anything. Also check out http://www.e38.org

Many owners report that the 750 with V12 actually has fewer issues than the 740 with V8, but any engine work/maintenance on the V12 (changing plugs for example) is time-consuming and expensive. Still, the motors are very strong.

I make the distinction with BMWs between "reliability" and "durability". A Lexus is more reliable, but doesn't offer the driving experience. In addition, when I compare my BMW to an older Lexus of the same vintage the paint, wheels, etc just look better on the BMW.

 

[d00df00d]

Originally Posted By: BullyT
I make the distinction with BMWs between "reliability" and "durability".

Excellent point.

This is part of why my '96 M3 is treating me better at 150k miles than my old '95 Maxima did at 100k. I find that the Japanese econoboxes work better for mild drivers, but usually can't stand up to more than that. It's all about using it the way it was intended to be used.

Lexuses do indeed break less and incur fewer costs than BMWs in the real world, but that's because they're designed to be driven pretty mildly, designed to encourage mild driving, and bought by people who intend to drive them mildly. If you like to drive, a BMW will treat you better than almost anything.

 

[sprintman]

As a fairly recent purchaser of a used BM I'd make sure it was thoroughly checked first by somebody like an ex BMW master tech as you just don't know what you are getting. Mine was dealer only serviced (what a joke) and only had 74,000kms but I have spent $4,000+ on mechanicals and nowhere near finished yet. Be velly velly careful mate!

 

[AzFireGuy79]

Why dont we just anwser this guys original question already! As for the transmission yes on the auto-RX treatment. After that I would perform a pan drop with a new filter. Then depending on which type of trans fluid this car requires, I would fill it with Redline ATF and install a magnefine and enjoy your new ride. I always thought this car was pretty bad [censored] because of the V-12. Pretty fast car for its size and weight!

Make sure to perfrom a complete flush when you change the ATF.

 

[Acroy]

Thanks for the feedback!
i will sure look into bimmerboard - thanks for the suggestion BullyT, and glad to hear you like your 740il, I'm jealous.

 

[BullyT]

Originally Posted By: Acroy
Thanks for the feedback!
i will sure look into bimmerboard - thanks for the suggestion BullyT, and glad to hear you like your 740il, I'm jealous.


No problem. I note that you're in Texas--there is a very good 7-Series owner's group there (Dallas/Fort Worth 7's or something). I didn't answer your original question about the tranny flush and AutoRX. These cars have a ZF tranny which is supposed to have "lifetime fluid" and there is no dipstick to check the fluid level. The fluid from the dealer is absurdly expensive, and a number of ATF manufacturers now list their fluids as compatible (Amsoil, Castrol Import Vehicle ATF, Mobil 1 Synthetic, among others). Make sure the fluid meets the Esso LT71141 spec or is listed as equivalent. Also, if you replace the tranny filter you must use OEM (Filtran)--there have been problems with aftermarket filters.

When people complain about maintenance costs on these cars, they don't take into consideration the level of sophistication the car has--more stuff...more potential problems. When I bought my 7-Series, it had 20,000 miles on it and I paid about 1/3 of original sticker (that was 4 years ago--prices are lower now).

If you are the type who takes your car to the dealer for everything, the car will be very expensive to maintain. I use a combination of DIY and a good local independent mechanic.

 

[Craig in Canada]

To the OP, I'd also be careful of the ATF chosen. Make sure it is Esso LT71141 compatible. I don't know that Mobil1 is, for instance.

I think Maxlife ATF is (if you want less expensive stuff for flushing) and so is Amsoil ATF. Of course you can also get the real deal "Esso LT71141" from places like BavAuto for less than the dealer.