2001 740i Sport purchase (66k miles)

[kkirschn]

I'm looking at a few different 2001 740i Sports models. My only concern is the cost for maintenance. How much should I be worried and other than "everything" is there anything specific I should have checked out so it won't cost me a pound of flesh down the road. The models have about 60-70k miles.

Any input would really help me out. Thanks.

[Bear]

Well, I have a 750, albeit a 1988 750 and I put aside right at $1000.00 per year for maintenance. Do I spend that much, sometimes yes and sometimes no, but, as you are looking at 2001 machines, there should be less in the way of major problems (for awhile) but these are costly cars to repair, great cars, but costly. I do much of my own work and buy parts from internet aftermarket suppliers. As an example of costs, one hose from the expansion tank on my car retails at $100.00 and I buy it aftermarket for $42.00. Remeber this the higher the series number on the car (7series vs 3 series) the greter the cost of maintenance as it is a lot more complicated to repair the big machines.

[lml99740]

I posted this on another related message today, hope this helps:

Having lived with a 99-740i Sport Package, model for the last 5 years I would encourage you to proceed with some caution on used purchases. Basic rules apply here, know the service history and inspect carefully. Stay away from an accident-repaired vehicle. I advised friends to consider a CPO model from a dealer with the 100k warranty; you will use the warranty on this car.

The vehicle is the top of the food chain for big luxury sedans. At 94K miles mine looks and drives like it was new. A Lexus does not hold up as well on the performance and feel but this model is no Lexus when it comes to repairs. You can expect tires to go quickly (every 25K miles), power steering hoses every two years, O2 sensors, sunroof wind noise, hood sensor and coolant level sensor to name a few. Brake rotors cannot be turned and must be replaced every other pad change. Little things can be costly, but the power train on this car has been flawless. I budget about $2K / year to keep it in top condition, and I do yearly fluid changes (brake, coolant).

I plan to drive it at least another 100K miles. There are just no other cars in its class that match the drive and performance. My only concern is the transmission life span. It is “sealed” with lifetime fluid. You will find varying opinions on if fluid changes should be attempted. If the transmission goes, the expense will be significant (mine shows no signs of wear, so far).

This car is one very safe, high performance vehicle. If you get a true sports package model beyond 99 you get stiffer, shorter springs, M parallel wheels, shadow line trim and a quicker differential, plus better seats. Happy hunting.

[gm3mtm]

Very expensive to maintain and repair and there are always things breaking on these cars. See consumer reports comments that state these cars are very high maintenance. Avoid the dealers who take their customers for a ride each time a visit is made. Great car but not worth the constant maintenance issues.

[ronaldo]

lml99740:

i have a 1999 740i sport package and have M parallel wheels, sport seats(yes the true sport seats with fluid bags for your ass, hehe), stiffer suspension, and dark trim (non-chrome). i thought these features were on all 1999 and newer sport models.