Re: 740iL (archive)

Guys good points but let's face it, car buying is very subjective and this is a BMW forum so we all have a BMW bias. But lets try to be objective. I've never been in lock-step with what the press says, they usually just copy 80% of what the company press kit says, and then throw in their own opinion at the end and then everyone quotes their articles as if it were the gospel (not realizing that they are quoting the manufacturer), I know because I usally get a copy of the press kits and then when I read magazine articles they seem like undergradute paraphrased rehash (thats why all the magazine articles are similar, when they review cars). The 740i is unquestionably a GREAT car consistantly the best best in the world, so the press says and in this case I agree. I enjoy great cars, and the E38 7series has had its day in the sun but time marches on and for me... style, and features have as much weight as overall performance and the MB S-Class has clearly trumped the Bimmer (in my opinion for now) in this area for the same price, and it will retain a higher value in the long run compared to the BMW (look at a `97 740i then look at a `97 S420 wholesale values) no matter how much you make, everyone wants to sell a car at the end for a decent return (look at the poor Jaguar/Q45 owners). When you sit in the two cars the Bimmer clearly shows high quality, but also its age. If you have to have a car now choose what is right for you, not what the press says. I recommend you Park both cars side by side and run down the features, evaluate the style, and push them on the road and I'm sure in the end you'll most likely agree with me, for now the MB gets the knod. But perhaps this time next year the new 7series will once again reign supreme.

Tom
`97 740i

I also have a 98 740iL, I agree with DOGRA and would get the BMW now but I think I'd try to find a nice certified used 98-99 and save big $ over a new one. Just my .02

If you can wait the all new 2002 car will be here late next summer and from some early press/BMW news release accounts it will be the most techno advanced car on the road. I think it'll possibly be worth the wait, That's why I haven't bought the MB S430 yet, although itgets getting harder by the day to fight the urge to place an order.

Tom
`97 740i

I am considering a 2001 740iL. It looks like a great car and seems to have great reviews. What kind mechanical problems have owners had with this model?

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