HELP buying 1997 740IL

[revjim]

I have the chance to purchase a cosmetically nice 740IL from my father in law for 5,000.00. It has 85000 miles on it. Gentle miles. The guy is just a passive calm person. However, I took it to a BMW guy locally and he said this is the list...R/F wheel bearing starting to make noise, L/F lift pad is missing, L/F strut is bad, Left Catalytic converter is rattling, Timing covers are leaking, but not bad, probably needs an intake manifold gasket/valve job.

You guys know best. I have seen DIY's on this stuff and all look easy accept for the timing covers.

IS THIS A GOOD DEAL or should I walk?
Thanks,
MY FIRST BMW!

[Tom Taylor]

Does the car run shift& Idle OK? R U mechanic and or do you know one you can trust?these can be great cars but you have wonder why they depreciate
so bad.I have one its a 94.your`s sounds like its been neglected,which can been as bad as beeing dogged.this is a heavy car and it costs alot to hotrod
it.example you don`t cut the rotors you replace them.there around 180.00to250.00 each it will only be worth what you paid for it so unless its free.its a bottomless pit:

[Teh Prof]

I think I'd do that if I wanted a 7, and pretty happily.