745i... do these problems really exist?

[phatride]

This is my frist time on this forum, just wanted to say hi to everyone...

I am looking to buy a 2003 745i but I heard from a BMW salesman bad things about the 2003 and was told to wait until the 2004 came out.

He sais that the computer systems had a ton of problems and that they will get better next year. Anyone seeing these kinds of issues or any problems to wait for the 2004's?

[EXtech]

The 2003's were most certainly a major headache. The first year of that body style, that engine and all new electronics. Combine that with technicians who have to learn a whole new system and that spells trouble. In 2003, there were so many weird problems with the 745 that even BMW's "masters" couldn't figure them out... even the designers were standing around scratching their heads. The first 745's out were completely shutting down on the highway, not starting, running rough... you name it and customer's cars were sitting in the shop for days, weeks and months.. resulting in many buy backs. I don't know how much that bmw has corrected on the 04's but from what I've been told, they are nowhere near as problematic as the prior year. I think only minor problems (as with all bmw's) are seen now. I would certainly buy the 04 over the 03.

[phatride]

I really appreaciate the reply, thank you.

Another quick question if you dont mind... would you think that the new 5 series would be a better option, or are they going to go through the same issues?

Thank you again.

[lwebb12]

well there have been some wierd problems reported by a member here on the E60 5-series. so yes and no. I would personally wait a year for the bugs to get worked out.

[cam540]

2002 was the first model year, stay away from them...2003 and even better yet the 2004 will be much better.

[EXtech]

Give the new 5 at least another year and watch the posts on here. They will surely have very similar problems.

[BIg Pappa]

been there done that. I jumped on a 02 745i and recently traded it in for an 04. the 745i i had had
1) Tranny issues
2) Firmware bugs
3) SRS bugs

My 02 745i was literally in the shop more that on it was on the road. Made me wanna cry. Something about the new 7 though Made me want a newer one. I truely believe that BMW has addressed all of these issues in the 04 model year. SO far I put 300 miles on my new one without any bugs just a big dumb smile on my face. cannot wait to break it in and et to "use" the steptronic which did not exist on the 02. and oh by the way. I had a 95 535, a 98 m3 , and 00 m5 before the 7 and can tell you first hand if you have a choice between a 5 and 7 get the seven esp with the sport package. Just my BMW lovin opinion .
MK

[BIg Pappa]

Is it me or the the 7 look like a monster compared to my 323?

[Snowjob]

yeah a little bit of a monster, the white helps out. looks like a shark, and it's even got the fin.

while on the subject of 3s.. did the E46 sedan have any special quirks when it came out in 99? (in other words is the 00 as much better as the 04 7-series)

[BIg Pappa]

white 745i the great white shark. like it
99 323i is as solid a car as you could by. nothing but regular service was needed on the car.
MK

[Centurion]

Big Pappa,
Very nice ride. Exactly the color I'm looking for in the '04 745 -- Alpine White
Except, I may opt to get the cheapest wheels because I intend on mounting aftermarket wheels.
Still, those wheels that come with the Sport Package sure do look nice.

Please continue to give us feedback with the software/iDrive experience with the car. This is especially important for me since I will be looking to purchase the car in the next 1-2 months.
I truly hope BMW has finally worked-out all the bugs in the software that is literally 'driving' the car.

Oh yeah, if it's not too much trouble, some more pictures would be great.

[stonecutter]

I bought a 2004 745i / sport in early December. Not one problem. I don't know what all the fuss is over the idrive. It's very simple. If a driver can't figure it out, then they need to go buy a "old fart" car like a Lexus.

[phatride]

Just wanted to say thank you for the replys.

After a couple of months of looking around... Looks like I am going to go with the 745IL instead of the 5 series and all those other brands. To me its like nothing comares to the 7 series.

I was thinking about going aftermarket with the rims. Anyone have any suggestions? I have been looking everywhere for rims, but its hard since you cannot see them on the car. I was told BMW had some nice rims, I guess I will look at them when I go down there.

Was stuck on the color for a while, but one night I walked out of a night club and saw a white one pass right by me and it blew me away. Looked great and that made me want to go white, even though I always told myself I would never get another white car... there goes that

Thanks again everyone.

[asohel]

Just Curious...what made you change your mind in regards to getting a 745Li as opposed to 745i, which is much cheaper, and looks the same? Are you planning on leasing? What options are you looking for? We're in the market for a 745Li with Premium Sound, Sports Package, Convenience Package, and Park Distance Control. We would like Active Cruise and Seating Package but it's not a must! Would you be interested in a group buy? Where are you located?
Thanks!

[phatride]

I live on Long Island NY. Just like the fact it is deeper, which I think is really the only difference. It really isnt much more on a lease, I am looking for a 3 year lease.

You saying they will give you a discount if you buy more than one car? I didnt think they did that since I know 2 others that bought cars at the same time I was going to last year and they wouldnt do anything that made a big impact on the payments on 3 cars. To me it really doesnt matter too much since my job is paying for the car.