Re: 750IL Buying used, what should I look for. (archive)

Matthew,
Last June I finished a 8-12 month search for a 750il. I had narrowed my search to a 93-94 740il or 750il. I started in 93 because of the change in air conditioning refrigerant. I thought I would go with the 8 cy. and many used car dealers suggested that I do that and not focus on the 12 cy. due to weight and maint. and repair costs. (I also think they recommended the 8 because there were more of them for sale) The more I considered the risk in the block with the 8 cy and the fact that the price jumped in the new style in 95 directed me to the 93-94 750il. I actually like the line of the hood in front and the fact the hood opens from the back (hinged on front) in the e32, rather than have the grills integrated into the hood. The internet was a great source for omparison. I had one rule and that was to find a car with only one owner and all maint. records. I found one in Chicago (I'm in Denver) that had 44K miles but no records, only one owner an executive from a car leasing company. The last oil change on that car was at 11K, but the used car dealer said they were sure it had been changed since, who knows, any way that car sold for $25,300. I eventually found one in San Antonio that had 32K miles, one owner, who purchased the car in Nov 93 from the BMW center and all records at the BMW center in San Antonio. He traded it in for a new one. A beautiful car. Carfax verified everything, and the local BMW dealer in Denver ran the VIN and cold verify the maint. for the last year, also helped support the low miles. I thought I would find one with 60K-70K, so the low miles was a bonus. Even so I had to replace the rear shocks and lower oil pan gasket, new rotors, pads, etc and it was around $2,500 when all was said and done. And this was without the EDC shocks, but I did stay with the ALS. A good reference during my search were books call "Fast Facts" a small guide comparing BMW to other makes. Published by BMW for their dealers. I found the books at a car book store, I had 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, they were used and a bargin at $5-6 each and a great help. Would be happy to talk with you live if you have any other questions. Good luck with your search, it's half the fun!
Scott

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