Looking at a 98 740i to buy. Really need advice!, Pre-purchasing questions

I am looking to purchase a 1998 BMW 740i. 77,000 miles, maintained to the letter, beautiful condition. I have heard mixed reports regarding the reliability of this car. Some have said they have had no problems whereas others have had some maintenance problems. Either way it seems that maintenance costs are very expensive. I would like to know if anyone here can give me their experiences with their 1998s or similar year cars and any problems they may have had. Is there anything I really need to know before completing the sale?

Thanks!

They are quite reliable overall, but, if/when something does go wrong or damaged, can be quite expensive to repair, BUT, compared to what. I've serviced BMW's only, for about, well, a long time but have heard the same complaints about MB, Lexus, Volvo, and US makes..it's all relative ? ?....jb.

Well I believe the one I am obtaining is in excellent working order, so I will just take up the reins of good maintenance. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

Hey there,
You should not have any issues if the vehicle has been maintained. I've had my 96 740il for almost 3 years and as long as you keep it up it should be fine.

At 80k though you will need to have the Inspection 2 done. It's the second major overhaul/tune up for the car-the first is at 40k. Should cost about $1200 or so but they take it apart and make sure everything is up to speed. (Make sure the first one was done.)

I have had no other issues with mine at all. Just putting brakes on and the usual oil changes. My suggestion is that if you're buying it from someone who has used the same mechanic or shop for it, you may want to continue to go there. I bought mine from a certified mech who had it on consignment and he has worked on it from day one. Very helpful if you can work out that situation.

Other than that, enjoy it-they are great and you won't have anywhere to go but down if you ever get rid of it.
Cheers,
Sverige

Awesome, thanks for that reply. I am going to pick it up at mid-day today. I have a list of items to check on from whether Inspection I was done, making sure thre radiator has been replaced, and checking the status of the cat. I will maintain her to the letter also :)

Thanks again!

Awesome, thanks for that reply. I am going to pick it up at mid-day today. I have a list of items to check on from whether Inspection I was done, making sure thre radiator has been replaced, and checking the status of the cat. I will maintain her to the letter also :)

Thanks again!

Glad to help. Just a note-I live in CA and the only other thing I had to do was put cats on it. On the 96, there are dual cats and to pass our smog that was expensive-about $2500. Although it runs even better and also will go another 100k miles. Check to make sure it passes your smog.

Good luck and enjoy.
Sverige

We have a 98 740 iL and have had it for about 2 years and have put on about 50 K miles as it is a commuter car going 150 miles a day...The only way to commute , except for the damn price of Premium fuel. We have also had to replace the Cats...EXPENSIVE!! Find a good trustworthy treliable mechanic and stick with them! We got screwed over by a local dealership who figure you have $$ to burn if you drive one of these and they tried to take advantage. We found a good one and a good dealership for routine sevice. Maintenance is pricey but that comes with a loxury performance vehicle. We are also experiencing an occasional electrical glitch that wont let you adjust the seat or stearing wheel and we are still trying to remedy this annoying quirk. Be gentle with the window shades, we have one small one that will no longer retract and are most likely going to have the dealership fix. They drive wonderfully and are GREAT fun, and sexxy too! I am 6'4" and love the leg & head room! Happy driving, Sean