Need help in a decision

Hello, newbie here. I ran across a 88 750iL, with 66k miles on it, for 5 grand. The car is very very clean and runs good. I have owned a 735i and a 740i (which I should not have sold). I don't have much experience with the 750's.
One of the problems I'm having is that, when I always took my 740 to the dealer for service, the technician said I made a good decision on buying the 740 vs. the 750. Also the EML light is on on the dash of the 750, I didn't ever recall having that light on my 740, never had any lights come on for that matter.If anyone can help please do, I need all the feedback I can get. Thanks alot

First you need deep pockets for this car, do not get me wrong it is a great car (I own one) but after about 70,000 miles pricey to maintain (unless you do it yourself).

1. The upper control arm bushings are good for about 70,000 miles and then they need to be replaced. I would recommend the entire control arm (with bushihbgs and ball joints be replaced as one unit).

2. The driveshaft is good for about 100,000 miles, also the transmission bushings should be done at the same time.

3. Alternator and power steering pump may go 100,000 miles, and ther PS pump is a three way pump: first it supplies hydraulics to the steering, second it supp,is boost to the brakes (no pneumatics here), and three it supplies boost to the rear load leveling shocks ($350 each online suppliers).

OK enough, I just want you to know what you are getting into and finally, the engine compartment is literally stuffed with that V12 so small hands are a requirement.

Having said that I love the car and do my own maintenance so I save a few bucks, what I cannot do, I farm out to a independent tech.


Bubba in VA

Thanks alot bubba, I may need to just look for another 740

Thanks alot bubba, I may need to just look for another 740

I did not mean to scare you, but the V-12 version is a real bear to work on and even the battery access is through the electric rear seat cushion which you must remove to get at the bvattery and then getting that seat back in place is ugly ( I actually have it down to about 10 minutes). Ireplaced all of the coollant lines in the engine compartment of my car (along with some skin off of my arms), the rear spark plug on drivers side isanother issue left unsaid, and yet I love the car. I do believe the M60 engines are easier to deal with and if I did not have this machine I would look at one of those, or, if I desired an E32, then the 735i (not il) would be my next choice. I have amarried son with a 735i and a manual transmission and over 200,000 miles on odometer and she runs just fine and I can easilly work on that machine.

I totally agree with this. I own a 90 750iL. It's a beauty car and I probably wouldn't even consider selling or buying anything else. The engine compartment is a bit of a squeeze, like BEAR said...and it can get expensive if you don't have the mechanical know how to do it yourself. But all in all, I'd definately recommend the 750. The pleasures, to me, far outweigh the drawbacks. After all, it's a BMW!