Parents Making A Decision Soon, 745li Or Ls 430 - BMW Forum

kseto · 10-20-2004, 01:10 AM

I know how everyone says how great the handling and driving experience BMWs are, but seriously, for a car that nice, how well does it hold up in reliability? My parents are planning on getting either a MB S500, Lexus LS 430 or a BMW 745Li. We haven't test driven any of those yet (that will happen this weekend), but seriously, why does it seem like German manufacturers have more electrical problems than Japanese manufacturers? I read consumer reviews on the S500 and 745Li, and i hear how great the driving experience is, but there are people who also complain about having electrical problems and other problems as well. Is there a reason why my parents should not get a Lexus LS430 over a 745Li other than the fact that it's a better handling car? Even if it's better handling, it's hard to trade off higher maintenance costs and poor reliability, isn't it? What's a car's use if it's in the shop all the time? Have BMW improved on their reliability lately or has it just been mediocre? Any advice appreciated, thanks.

325isBaby · 10-21-2004, 04:26 PM

Depending on the year of the 745Li the car is either a DREAM or a Nightmare...the 745Li (2004+ MY) is probably one of the more reliable cars and by far one of the nicest cars on the road today. With the extended warrenty you are offered protection for 6 years 100,000miles with the 7 series! The older 745's (2002 MY) with the debut did have it's issues, these are the people that you hear complaining about all the electrical issuse, but those issues have well been sorted out. German mfgs also play with alot more advanced/cutting edge technology than most of the Japanees mfgs tend to venture into. The car should spend more of it's time on the road than in the shop in all honesty. The 745 not only has handle better than just about any car on the road (due to ARS and DSC) but is probably the safest sedan as well. BMW's safety systems are VERY advanced and really pay off in the end. I think your parents would be very pleased with the purchase of a new 745Li and Best of luck.

Kickcity · 10-22-2004, 11:12 PM

I would get the Lexus. I have driven in all the cars you listed and byfar i liked the lexus the best

Zach745Li · 10-24-2004, 10:48 PM

Dont't get the 500. The problem with the Lexus is alot of people have them, and they look to Toyota. Id go with the 7.

Kickcity · 10-24-2004, 11:01 PM

in my town my dad is the only one who has a ls 430, there might be like 1 more but thats it....

xsperf · 10-24-2004, 11:05 PM

japaneese cars may be a little better with reliability, but i dont think they are that good with comfort

Live_the_Curves · 10-24-2004, 11:11 PM

The new 7 series have a lot of electical problems, cuase the I-drive is'nt prefected yet. I say get the MB 500.

bmwcrazy · 10-25-2004, 04:16 PM

MB's are good but if BMW is a choice its the best. Lexus is great but only for the IS300. All BMW cars are great. Only the MB CLK and CL are great.

325isBaby · 10-26-2004, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Live_the_Curves@Oct 24 2004, 10:11 PM
The new 7 series have a lot of electical problems, cuase the I-drive is'nt prefected yet. I say get the MB 500.

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You would be surprised how far the i-Drive has come in the last two years...the 2004 we have in the shop right now is WAY more user friendly than either of the 2003's. (these cars are training aides NOT in for service please note!) But as far as electrical problems the 2004+ have far less of a problem than the the previous years.

Live_the_Curves · 11-06-2004, 05:18 PM

Anyway I think the 7 series is FAT and bulky, the MB 500 is a sleek car.

PJV 528 · 11-06-2004, 06:20 PM

You want reliability, go with the lexus...you want comfort and a wicked ride go with the BMW. The S500 is a good all rounder but is getting a bit old!

M3Rider · 11-07-2004, 10:21 PM

I have the LS430, and ITS A SICK CAR!! One, all the chix dig it. Two, the navi is touch screen. Three the ride is smoother than the others. Four its cheaper!

Unfortunately, we are in need of a 4WD sedan, so we're returning the LS at the end of lease and getting a S430 4MATIC

Numark318i · 11-08-2004, 10:52 PM

...dont know much about any of the cars, but I do know that MB have alot of problems. My bosses(all three) are in the shop all the time for different things.

heidi528 · 11-09-2004, 11:40 AM

Tell them to save themselves some headaches. The 745Li is a piece of sh*t. Yes, it's beautiful, once you adjust to the styling. The I-drive is nothing more than a round mouse button; I don't know why everyone makes such a big deal about it. But as for reliability - there is none. I had a 2002 745Li, which was finally bought back by BMW and replaced with a 2004. (And now I'm going 'after' BMW for fraud, etc. on the supposed buy back.) It seems better, only 4000 miles so far, and so far so good, but I have no faith in the car anymore. They might want to consider an Audi A8L. Comparable car, costs less, and much easier and more reliable. I bought one to replace the '02 BMW, and alternate the two cars since I don't really trust the BMW far away from home.

325isBaby · 11-11-2004, 09:58 PM

That's because you bought the car when it first came out. BMW has recognized upon the debut the car was brought out way too early and for that had many "quirks" the 2004 MY 7 series have come a long way since the debut model. Sorry for your luck, but you were not the only 7 series owner that had this problem with the 2002. I can tell you from the technician side of it, I have an entire binder of recalls/SIBs/Programming bullitens on the 2002 MY E65/66 and since then I have MAYBE at most a dozen SIBs for the 2004-2005 MY vehicles mostly are just programming updates and technical updates nothing like the 02 MY bullitens. I would have to say the E65/66 is a much different car today than it was in it's debut. give the 04 a chance before you go and condem ALL BMW's from here on out.