Buying a 1994 740i

[ProMan]

Hi,

I am considering buying a 94 740i. Would like to hear from you guys if it's a good car in general.

1. Is it reliable?
2. Any common problems that will bit me?
3. Anything specific I should look for on the car before buying?
4. It's probably rear wheel drive, any comments on driving in the snow?
5. How much you spent for general maintenance, like oil change, etc.?
6. What is the worst problem you have?
7. Anyone maintain the car yourself? How easy is it? Any special tool needed?

Thanks in advance. Any comments is appreciated.

[dizzle1]

MW 1993 BMW 740i Road Test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuKdqllEW5A

the M60 engine, which used Nikasil bore linings. In America and the United Kingdom this made both susceptible to premature engine wear, as high sulphur content in petrol in those markets resulted in deterioration of the linings. BMW then introduced an Alusil version of this engine, which solved the problem."
All V8 engines had a recall check if engine was changed read the block #

It's a nice car to drive good balance between the 735 and 750il for power and economy

Personally its only 99 and up 740's if I wanted to get one, had a 90 735i It was a nice car fun to drive but was slow and a guzzler 15 city 21 highway early 750il's are quick if it has the short diff gearing makes the car an all around performer but 4speed auto only? V12 can drink fuel and the 740 has a 5speed automatic nice

[ProMan]

What is the "block #"? Where do I find it? And, what kind of number indicates the engine had been replaced? Thanks.

[dizzle1]

Look at this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M60 its on the block somewhere I don't remember but what you need is the Alusil version
1 745 872 - Alusil

[ProMan]

Originally Posted by dizzle1

Look at this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M60 its on the block somewhere I don't remember but what you need is the Alusil version
1 745 872 - Alusil

Thanks for the info.

I am dropping the deal. The seller is reluctant to let me check the block number. I managed to test drive the car, turns out the tranny has some problems

1. after you stop, the car won't move forward again, you have to switch to "snow mode" to "break" the holdup, then you need to switch the tranny back to "normal" mode and drive.

2. Some time after you stop and the tranny doesn't "hold" the car still, even if you start moving, if you don't accelerate fast enough, the car will brake by itself and stop hard. You have to do the above.

3. When the tranny hold the car still as stated above, if I shift the gear to neutral, guess what, the car will move backwards!

The seller didn't seem to be too concerned about the problem. He said this "hold-up" rarely happens. But during my 10-minute test drive, 80% of the time when I stopped, the car won't move again unless I switch to "snow mode". He said he had been driving using this "skill" for the past couple years. But to me, it's a big safety concern and a big hassle to drive like this. And I probably need to spend $5000 to replace the tranny. Plus I can't verify the engine block, plus, the acceleration on highway is not very impressive. So, the deal is currently off unless I can figure out if it's a big deal to fix the tranny.

Have you ever heard of this kind of tranny problems on 740i? Is it easy to fix?

Thanks.

[dizzle1]

As for replacement transmissions for me its DIY and buy from a place that warranties it or get a reman rebuilt transmission. From the way I hear it you don't seem interested in this one they were quick cars back then but times change.

More power more mpg's what you need is a 740i Sport 99-01 old car upkeep is too much work and people call it a expired money pit in its respect but still a nice car.

Thiers a ton of reasons why I would option for newer because if somthing were to go wrong in that 94 740i like a engine or trans the cost of that already puts u in a facelifted 99up 740i which looks better than the one james bond used

[ProMan]

Did find some posts with the same problem.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t38804.html

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/t552622.html


Now, I would say, it's possible to fix the tranny cheaply. I don't think it's too difficult for me to replace an RWD tranny. I have done once on an FWD car. But to open it and work on valve body is something new to me. I would say a manual for valve body/tranny is a must.

Does anyone has info on where to get the manuals?