Re: E38(740i) questions (sorry; non E39 topic) (archive)

The 7-series does drop in value much worse than 5 and 3 series. I think this is because BMW will give a discount to cash buyers on this car. BMW does not (ever) give cash purchase incentives on 5 or 3 series, instead they subsidize cheap leases this allows them to control the resale value of these cars because so many of them come from BMW directly. This is a self fulfilling phenomena since BMW subsidizes leases, it needs to maintain the residuals, to do this they cannot give purchase incentives, thus they lease ever more of the cars....

With respect to the S-class, my boss has an old-style S-600. He has had many problems with this car. But, it rides like the best limozine in the world, not like a BMW that feels glued to the road. And, if you want a plush car like the S-class I think I would purchase a DTS Deville, this is a great highway car, well built, comfortable beyond belief, and half the price of the S-class. I personally need to wait about forty years before I can consider one for myself, because getting within ten feet of one of these things makes me feel like an old geezer...and I don't know why.

Hi guys, I'm thinking about buying a 740i or 740iL for my mom 'n pop.. they deserve one. I wanted to ask this board some q's about it. E38 board seems to be very quiet compared to here.

1. I know this is the last yr for E38, but I think it still looks extremely nice, especially in silver or anthracite paint. I've heard that there are some specials and huge discounts. Is this true and does anyone have specific examples? Can I get one for under invoice? I'll be looking at one w/o much options. (maybe pdc) Huge discounts is why I'm getting one!

2. It seems like there's a huge price diff. bet a 7er and MB S-class. Why is this? Is S-class such a better car that deserves extra $15k?

3. Even if I can get a 740 @ invoice, based on my 540's horrific depreciation (MSRP $61,800 5/99 , now $barely $40k retail), I wonder how much a '99 740 would cost now. Would it be wiser to get a low mileage 740?

4. Are 7ers easy to maintain, not so costly to fix, etc? If 740 maintenance is similar in demand and cost to 540, then it'll be ok for us. I assume bmw would have straightened out any nagging problems by now (last yr of prod)

5. what is the euro delivery invoice for 740i and 740iL? Will I save $$ if I do euro deli?

thanks

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