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V12 not for the tool shy. I stumbled onto your
site doing a search in Ferrari V12 maintenance, and BINGO. so here is my $.02
worth: I also was seriously considering a 850Csi, but I figgered that at that
price range, I could get a 400A or a 400iA, both of which can be a real 'killer'
on parts on service BUT a Ferrari, even an 'undesirable' model, (like the 400)
will hold its value, and will most likely end up appreciating. The amount of
support on the web, parts, literature, is immense. And, let's face it a Ferrari
is a FERRARI.
Andrew B. <email address on file>
USA - July 17, 2002 at 18:34
Axel's reply: Well then, I suppose a 750iL is a 750iL.
Hello, this is not a story, but I could not find
any other e-mail addresses on your great site. I was just wondering if BMW ever
replaced your car or if you took them to court. From what I hear BMW is hard
to deal with on replacements, I read a site about a man who owned a 740 that
was a lemon and after he repeatedly threatened court he received a new car,
but he got stuck with all the repairs he had to pay for. From what I hear BMW
is quite a hassle to deal with concerning customer service. So good luck on
getting yourself a replacement if you haven't already.
AJ <email address on file>
USA - Tuesday, July 10, 2002 at 14:45
Axel's reply: Would you believe that BMW has not shipped me a brand new car?! Just kidding- I don't expect that to happen and have in fact never asked for a new car replacement. I did once ask for a better deal on a certified pre-owned BMW, but later withdrew that suggestion. I have not taken BMW to court and have no current plans to litigate, but haven't ruled it out.
I'm looking for an 1988 750il owners manual. Any
one who has one can contact me at this email address
John T. <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, July 4, 2002 at 10:40
Axel's reply: [Privately, I told him where to likely get an owner's manual].
hey was looking at 750's, i wouldnt mind having
one around the house to work on, im a colledge student here in sunny Queensland
- Australia, and wouldnt mind taking the burden off your hands... now you may
say it's more trouble than it's worth, but i wouldnt mind trying to muck around
with it anyways. tell us what you think :) your's sincerely
Bruce B. <email address on file>
Brisbane, Australia - Thursday, July 4, 2002 at 6:41
Axel's reply: Sure, stop by and pick it up,
and when you're done with the repairs, I'd appreciate it being dropped back
at my place.
FREE 750il PICK UP SERVICE I will take any used
750iL off anyone's hands for free! i will come to you and pick it up, for absolutely
no charge! (p.s. i'd be real suprised if you actually post this one!)
Phil N. <email address on file>
USA - Friday, June 28, 2002 at 20:41
Axel's reply: Thanks, but I'm not offering my car for free, certainly not after spending more than $27,000 for repairs and maintenance. If I were to give it away, it would be to a charitable tax-deductible entity, although knowing what I do about my car I don't think I could do that in good conscience. Also, if you're looking for a freebie, you might want to consider the other hefty expenses involved with owning a 750iL- maintenance, insurance, and excessive fuel costs.
Phil sends this follow-up July 17, 2002: .....um...gee.
nobody emailing me to give me their 750's. I REALLY will come and get it free
of charge. I know I can't have yours....anybody else?
American Cars Rock!!! Dear Sir, I'm from Windsor,
Canada. I'm in university (biochemistry) and I have always dreamed of driving
a black 1999 BMW 740i. I cannot believe a vehicle that looks SOO GOOD could
be so bad. I seen the pictures of your BMW 750IL, and it looks BEAUTIFUL. I'm
sorry for the trouble you had with it, it really is unfortunate - and I can
understand, well in a certain way. I have dated this really gorgeous blonde
a few months ago. I'm not going to say much, but let's just say that if she
were to be my girl, wooh, I'd have to put A LOT OF MONEY AND EFFORT in order
to make her function properly - and girls don't come with warranty. Anyway,
if you know anyone willing to donate a BMW, as long as it runs, I'll take it.
Oh yeah, I own an '88 Pontiac Grand Prix, with 278,000 kms on board. It still
runs, and get this, the power windows still work, I'm not kidding. I would've
never thought Pontiac would kick BMWs butt. Well, we beat the Germans in WWII,
now we beat them in their vehicles. NORTH AMERICAN VEHICLES ROCK!!! Thanks for
reading my e-mail, Andrei :) P.S. my e-mail is [omitted] if anyone is willing
to donate their bimmers. Peace Out !!!
Andrei (1988 Pontiac Grand Prix) <email address on file>
Windsor, Canada - Thursday, June 6, 2002 at 19:51
Axel's reply: After my experience with this 750iL, I am inclined more than ever to buy American.
your lemon 750. Axel, I stumbled across your website
while looking for maintenance costs for 740s. I can't help wondering if you
might have purchased a car that had been in an accident and sold as salvage,
then 'restored' and resold as a clean vehicle. Certainly, some of the repairs
you've required should never be needed on a well treated car (front end wishbones?!?)
Have you checked [an online service] for info on your car? Sincerly,
Jim G. <email address on file>
Thursday, May 23, 2002 at 21:27
Axel's reply: No, my car was not sold to me as a restored salvage vehicle, and I did check the title with an online service- it came up completely clean.
Is this the newer 750il. Hello, I have been looking
at your web site and I am looking at buying a 96 or 97, 750. All I read is about
older 750's on your web site. Is the same problems with the newer ones? I would
like to get a truthful answer from some people that owns a newer 750. Please
help me before I buy. Tell me if there is someone or some people that I can
reach (phone, e-mail), that can give me a truthful answer on this model and
year. Thank You,
Kevin <email address on file>
USA - Wednesday, May 22, 2002 at 21:49
Axel's reply: Difficult to say why the newer models have less feedback here. Could be because there are far fewer of them on the road (I understand that some of the later years had fewer than 100 made per year), or it could be that they have fewer problems.
I am looking at a 1989 750 il with 116,000 miles.
it seems to be in great shape, but I have been told these are by far the most
expensive BMW's to maintain. Is there anything I should be wary about, or is
there anything that tends to fail on these vehicles after 100,000 miles? It
seems the book value for the car is extremely low, considering the original
price of the vehicle. I can get this one for $5,500. What is you opnion? thanks.
Tim T. <email address on file>
USA - Sunday, May 5, 2002 at 9:31
Axel's reply: Yes, be wary of the 750iL. But read all the commentary here and decide for yourself.
Engine Swap. Have you considered changing the
12 cyl. to a six or a Chevy/Ford V8?
Douglas D. <email address on file>
Sunday, April 21, 2002 at 23:55
Axel's reply: No, I have not considered swapping the engine, because a significant feature of the car IS the 12 cylinder engine. If I wanted to use a V8, I'd being driving a V8.
Helloo. i'm considering buying a BMW 750IL in
europe because i need something with a very strong engine...i mean that exceeds
the most...and i see those cars there for around 2500$ for one that is in a
good condition (gas is very expensive there)... but i only am there for about
3 months/year ...and i need the car with the huge engine as i don't have a license
that is valid in Europe (an american license) and i need something that can
outrun the cops (fairly) good (cops in europe are easy to outrun) so would the
car be any good for like just a month a year maybee? (during the summer) like
would it hold a full speed race trough a city? or would it break down? And i
wonder if you know any site with the engine specs on BMW 750IL ?? like quarter
mile and that kind of stuff? top speed and acceleration...i can't find it on
the older models This sounds a little crazy..but ...iti's different ....but
is there only bad things about the BME 750? or are you just listing the bad
ones? I know if i brake that car apart totally i can sell it in parts for more
than it's worth originally... Hope you will give me some feedback. [6 hours
later, this follow-up email]. i was looking at all the stuff that was going
wrong with your car...well the car maybee is a very defective car..but that
was over the line....i have a freind who's dad's a mechanic....first time you
pay him full price for the job he does...next time you only pay him half of
that (if it brakes down again) and the next time you only pay half of the half...because
he's making sure that it will stay fixed.... That car i beleive a lot is the
mechanic's fault...they love you man...imagine all the $$$ they are making on
your daily visits.....and then they go....no a/c leaking found.....yeah right...look
it's a big bullsh*t... i think you should try to swtich mechanics...try to find
someone that is very reliable and you have heard from otehr people that he is
vey realiable that have been going to him a long time... I beleive you about
the car...but that sounds just a bit too much.....i think you need to change
your mechanic....well that's an advise..but i still want to buy that car in
europe.....i need it bad... Sincerely
Oto G. <email address on file>
Thursday, April 18, 2002 at 17:48
Axel's reply: Unless you have a pit crew standing by, I would not rely on the 750iL for a "full speed race" through a city. I don't know of a website with the engine specs of the 750iL. The mileage on the 750iL is not very high, so if the cost of fuel is a consideration, you could easily do a lot better. I am not featuring only the "bad things," but providing anything anyone has to say on the subject.
Got a little cheese to go with that whine, When
I first stumbled across your page, it sounded as if you had bought this car
new. As if you were out all this money. Blah blah blah, I am quite new to the
7 series but a little common sense can help with the problems you are having.
Also, for the front end shimmy, try turning your rotors. Later,
Bruce <email address on file>
USA - Friday, April 12, 2002 at 8:36
Axel's reply: Cute, but there's a lot more going on here than an isolated problematic 750iL. I don't see how turning the rotors could have anything to do with the shimmy when they're not engaged when the shimmy occurs.
It was interesting to read the stories on your
website. Do you think it's only the 750i having these problems or the entire
7 series? Thanks.
Nelson Y. <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 10:58
Axel's reply: From the feedback, it appears to be the 750iL, not the entire 7 series. Decide for yourself after reading both sides.
Don't understand... did you buy this new? If not,
didn't you know what you were getting into buying an eight year old car? Does
not seem fair to trash BMW over a 13 year old car.
Rod B. <email address on file>
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 9:15
Axel's reply: No, I did not buy it new. At the time, it was about 6 years old, which does not excuse it from being a maintenance disaster, particularly since many of the problems occurred throughout its history, not suddenly after 13 years.
Good of you to inform others of the perils of
BMW . I never cared for those cars or the ilk who drive those machines !!!!
Hydra <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 00:40
Axel's reply: Oh, I guess that makes me "ilk." Glad to be of service.
I am a mechanic for BMW. The 7 series is luxury.
Don't think that all BMW's are like this. The culprit is the engine. Particularly
the 5.0 V12 engine that goes to the 750i/il & also the 850 Ci. The V12 engine
is a helicopter engine. It is made for aviation. Some things just don't go together.
All 7 series models are excellent. 740 & 735. Just stay away from the 5.0
V12 engine.
BB <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, April 11, 2002 at 00:02
Axel's reply: I knew something was missing- the propeller.
je vien d'acheter une 750il votre site m'a fait
des frisson dans le dos!!! Elle est actuellement en carrosserie pour un relookage,
peinture kit carrosserire ect... savez vous où je peut trouver des informations
techniques même en englais car comme vous j'ais des ennuis avec ma 750il?
j'ais besoin entre autre du shema electrique et d'info techniques sur la boite
automatique. je vous remercie d'avance...
Cedric D. <email address on file>
France - Friday, March 8, 2002 at 1:54
Axel's reply: Je ne parle pas français. Anyone care to translate? Something about this website giving you the shivers and wanting technical information in English for a broken car, which I think is a 750iL? [Privately, I referred him to a place to get a service manual for the car].
Move on! Hi: I had a similar experience many years
ago with a brand new Cadillac Eldorado. Every major component was troublesome.
After 17 trips to the dealer for warranty work in an 18-month period, I traded
it for a new Jaguar. Haven't owned an American car since. Life is short. There
are many great cars out there. Get rid of your lemon!
Bob J. <email address on file>
Florida USA - Saturday, March 2, 2002 at 13:36
Axel's reply: Of course I could have gotten rid of it long ago, but then I wouldn't have had the chance to continue detailing the car's maintenance requirements.
Hi, I was just wandering if there is such a difference
of the BMW's being made in Germany for Euro market, and the ones assembled in
the United States by a mighty american hand, reading onto the German instructions
about what piece goes where. lol Thanks,
Aloyz <email address on file>
USA - Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 15:04
Axel's reply: I was unaware the 7 series was assembled in the U.S.
Is BMW 1996 750IL a bad one too? Hi, Axel: I was
planning to get a 1996 750IL in a few days. i got a pretty good deal (less than
$20000 in Bay Area). but sounds like 750IL really sucks, although they label
their cars as the best. i read through most of the comments on your website,
but i didn't find any one for 1996 750IL in particular. and most of the problematic
cars were of pre-1995 models (i had a 1988 one and managed to sell it before
it gave me major problems). so i'm wondering if you have ever heard about 1996
model's problems. if i could possibly hear back from you in next a couple of
days, i would really really appreciate it because i need to make a decision
asap. Thanks for your great job on setting up this helpful website!!!
Victor C. <email address on file>
Stanford, California USA - Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 5:10
Axel's reply: [Privately, I exchanged some email responding to his questions].
why didn't you get reimbursed with Lemon Law?
4 repair attempts on same problem while under warranty makes it a mandatory
event. I did it with MB USA and it went very smoothly. Too late now, but better
luck next time
Brian <email address on file>
USA - Saturday, December 29, 2001 at 2:24
Axel's reply: I don't believe the car qualified for reimbursement under the Lemon Laws.
I have an interest in buying a 850ci 1999 I believe
was the last year that model was made. I was told by the dealer to stay away
from the first year models they have issues with the timming belt. The later
models have timming chains. can owners of the 8series share some of there experiences
with me. I also like the L7 model.
Kevin W. <email address on file>
Friday, December 21, 2001 at 8:58
Axel's reply: This website hasn't had much 8 series commentary, because it focuses on the 750iL, but if you read through the appropriate Comments pages, you'll find something.
my name is tomer and i from israel. i wnt thet
u send mi pictures of this bmw
Tomer <email address on file>
Israel - Friday, December 14, 2001 at 5:08
Axel's reply: [Sent him a link to the pictures already offered on this website].
hello,,i am thinking of buying a 1991 735i with
190,000 miles on it, for $5,500 good idea or not? the car is in really good
shape but it has alot of( dust bunnies?) around the floor vents under the seats
and on all the seat buttons and the door hinges,, damdest thing ,, you wouldn't
believe it...what do you think caused it? lazy prior owners,,,,it has a slight
ticking sound also,,,is that normal,,and do you think that that is way too many
miles? thanks
Bob C. <email address on file>
Friday, December 7, 2001 at 23:37
Axel's reply: Gee, dust bunnies can be a serious problem, really big ones might even get in the way of peddling, but I've heard of this newfangled invention called a "vacuum cleaner." Maybe the ticking sound is your brain rattling around in your head.
you keep trash talking this 1990 bmw 750 series
and i am revolted at your juvenille claims. you say you own a 1990 bmw, why
so old? by the looks of your house, you could own five brand new ones. is that
house even yours? if it isnt, i would conclude that your fabricating this whole
story due to your unreliable and conning ways. if you dislike the car so much,
why do you still have it? if the worth of the car is negative, why not donate
it? and if it must come to selling your bmw product, i will buy it for a positive
value. bmw is one of the finest quality car makers in the world, and to see
you trying to sell your story about what a bad deal they are, and how bmw sells
lemons makes me very dissappointed. maybe you should get a new 750, stop complaining,
sell me your 1990 bmw for zero dollars, and be happy with the best car ever.
~please answer my questions in a response [25 minutes later, a follow-up email]
i read the faxes from you to bmw - heres what i think once i was shopping at
llbean, and i was in the customer service line. in front of me was a man with
a pair of shoes that were painty, worn, faded leather from outdoor use, and
the man stated that they were ten years old. he wanted his money back. obviously
he did not get it, because despite the fact that they have a full money back
garauntee, the shoes were beyond turning them back in for fifty dollars. in
the same way, you cannot expect bmw to fix a car that is 11 years old because
it broke. the warranty ended eight years ago - take a reality check.
Nick <email address on file>
UK - Friday, November 30, 2001 at 13:14
Axel's reply: Let's see if I have this right- if my house is big, it's okay if my car needs lots of work and it also means I'm fabricating everything? Now who's being juvenile. And I don't believe a pair of $80 shoes that required no maintenance compares to an $80,000 car with more than 100 maintenance issues, so far costing over $36,000. Let's not forget the money I had to pay to purchase the car. We're talking about a car that has involved more than $130,000, yet is still worth less than zero. You don't find that to be the least bit noteworthy? The reason I am keeping the car is because I choose to drive it, which does not mean I must be agreeable to the maintenance required to keep it operating.
Dear Sir: There is a 95 BMW 740IL for sale at
around $13,500. It has 100K miles on it and owner stated that the engine had
a recall at around 70k miles (the original engine was replaced). I would much
appreciate it you opinion on it since you know so much about BMW. I was thinking
of save enough for a Lexus LS430. Best regards,
Shimon L. <email address on file>
Michigan USA - Monday, November 19, 2002 11:35
Axel's reply: Save your money.
You have got to be kidding. If you need a shop
to fix your car, I'll do it. I have never seen such high prices for little things.
The 750 still has its original motor and trans so its not too bad for the mileage
you have on it and the extreme amount of time that someone has tinkered with
it. It sounds like most of your problems are induced by those working on the
car and being over critical of a car that now has 100,000 miles on it.
Matt G. <email address on file>
Texas USA - Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 22:03
Axel's reply: No, I can assure you it's no joke. But any car with a record like mine deserves to be laughed at. You may want to look over the repair record more carefully, because a significant number of problems occurred well before 100,000 miles. Thanks for the offer of repairing my car, but getting it to Texas might be a tough commute.
Hello Axel. Hi there, Sorry to hear about the
problems you have with the 750il. This was supposed to be one of the best cars
in its class... You mention that you have had another 750iL. Was this so bad
car ??? My opinion about those cars is that once they got into trouble it is
really difficult to repair them...you need lot of $$$$$ as you say. Regards,
Javier T. <email address on file>
Spain - Sunday, October 28, 2001 at 14:02
Axel's reply: The other 750iL I had was wrecked (not my fault) shortly after buying it, so I didn't really have a chance to experience the maintenance needs of that car over time, as I have unfortunately had to endure with my current 750iL.
How about a 96 750il with 57K miles. Is that a
better year?
Pat F. <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, October 25, 2001 at 14:06
Axel's reply: Yes, I think a much better year.
Beating a dead horse- Dear Axel, As one who has
been in the exotic car business for over 30 years, I feel obliged to respectfully
suggest that you stop "beating a dead horse" and sell your 750. Guess
what? From that day forward you won't spend one more penny on repairs, and won't
waste one more minute of what, in theory, should be your precious time. Formulate
a plan to put your newly realized spare time to productive or leisure use. Take
a percentage of the money you've been wasting on repairs and give it to a worthy
charity. Buy a newer used car and a comprehensive long-term warranty (available
from a number of internet sources). And for goodness sake, do a little homework
this time! All of your ramblings about how numerous BMW techs, service managers
and service writers say the 750 is a disaster simply makes you look like an
idiot for not checking the car's reputation in the first place. The internet
and a good book store like. Borders are full of automotive reliability
reports. Check into the reputation of the Lexus LS400. In closing, get off of
your 750 soapbox and get a life! Best regards,
John L. <email address on file>
USA - Monday, October 22, 2001 at 21:29
Axel's reply: Can I beat my car instead? This website is not trying to merely draw attention to the amount of money or time spent on my car, but to the repairs- that such a car exists, and not just for me, but for many others who have suffered similarly. What you call a soapbox, I call information sharing. If there are plentiful Web sources on the reliability of the 750iL, or lack thereof, perhaps you could point me to one, because this is the only one I know of, which is why I created it; certainly five years ago when I bought the car it's very unlikely there was one. In fact, this website is the very source you speak of for others now considering the 750iL, to be better informed in their decision. When I originally bought my car, it was a "newer used car" and an extended warranty by now would have cost over $12,000, but in hindsight you're right- that would have saved me some money. Lexus never did anything for me, although I have to confess I do like the new convertible. And in regard to my getting a life- why would spending a few minutes here and there responding to email get in the way of my life? I'm happy to provide a place where people can share their 750iL experiences.
Axel, Would you be interested in selling me your
BMW at a fair price. I am not a dealer or an automotive expert. I know almost
nothing about cars except your BMW is maybe still a drivable and clean car?!
Well, the repairs do look expensive.. but I don't need all the electrical gizmos
to work again. You should buy the MB S600. That should make you feel better:)
I am in New Jersey. Please consider a price. Thanks,
Adam T. <email address on file>
New Jersey USA - Friday, October 5, 2001 at 22:22
Axel's reply: Thank you for the offer, but for the moment I am not offering it for sale. (Privately, I provided information on where to buy a 750).
Your 750 woes- Hi Axel, Sad story. However, why
did you buy a car that was know to have been in a workshop on at least 50 separate
occasions??
Ross T. <email address on file>
New Zealand - Saturday, September 29, 2001 at 22:18
Axel's reply: Because I'm stupid? Well, maybe, but I didn't think the car could possibly keep up the same repair schedule.
Extended Warranties- With so many problems with
the 750iL, why don't people buy the comprehensive warranties for the 1989-1990
750iL's. I have just done some research and many of the problems that I have
read would have been covered by a $2,100 policy. If you want the status, obviously
you'll have to pay for the down time in the shop, but maybe not so much on your
nickel.
Jeff H. <email address on file>
USA - Tuesday, September 25, 2001 at 15:27
Axel's reply: I did look into purchasing an extended warranty when I bought the car- it was about $2500 per year. $2500 x 5 years = $12,500. And at the point when the car was eligible for an extended warranty, I was unaware it would be so problematic. In hindsight, yes, I certainly would have saved some money.
I'm thinking of buying a BMW- Axel, Thanks for
your information on the Flagship of BMW. Can I ask the question is it just the
750's that have all the problems or is it the whole 7 series range. would love
to know your thoughts on the V8's in the range. kind regards
Darren J. <email address on file>
Australia - Monday, September 24, 2001 at 10:27
Axel's reply: Seems to be, based just on the feedback, the 750iL. To my recollection I haven't had a single horror story from any other 7, except the 750iL. But you're welcome to read all of the feedback here and determine for yourself how they fare. Good luck!
piece of coal- I'm sorry to hear of your troubles.
I have to admit the early sevens (e32) had electrical problems and that was
not affecting just 750's. I think part of the problem is high dealer costs and
lack of knowledge on service writer and possibly technician levels. A lot of
bad publicity has been created about 750's, when a 735il has identical bells
and whistles and a service bulletin warning of pistons with inadequate tolerances.
Which leads me to ask... how much do you want for your car as I'm always looking
for a diamond in the rough.
Rodd <email address on file>
USA - Thursday, September 6, 2001 at 22:08
Axel's reply: I don't believe the 735iL ever had identical "bells and whistles" compared with the 750iL, and I think the 750iL has been capable of creating it's own bad publicity without the help of the 735iL. My car is not for sale at a price that would fall into the "diamond in the rough" category, but thanks for asking.
hello mr.750 ! i really like your site on
the internet !! The 750 is a very cool car, it is a symbol for the technology
of cars !! are you going to buy the bmw 850 ?
Rogny W. <email address on file>
Germany - Wednesday, September 5, 2001 at 2:44
Axel's reply: When the car works, it is indeed a cool car. The rest of the time, it's rather uncool, particularly since the air conditioning system has broken down. After what I've been through with my 750iL, I will not buy a 850.
Is it true that there were some changes made between
'91 and '92 models, making '92 models a more reliable car
NW <email address on file>
USA - Sunday, August 26, 2001 at 18:21
Axel's reply: Yes, there was a design overhaul right around that time (I'm not sure of the exact year), which allegedly improved the reliability factor.
I have heard many bad things about the 750 reliability
and some good, but for any of your comment listers that purchased their cars
with over 100k they should at least resign themselves to the fact they they
are putting themselves right in maintain/replacement zone of most cars and are
banking on the diligence of the previous owner(s). On a car as complex as the
7, after 10 years or 100k things will start to go wrong and the high-end priced
car's will have high-end priced parts and repair costs. I'd love to buy a 7
or better yet an 8 series but that is the primary reason I won't, I know the
repairs are very costly and it's hard to find people that really know what their
doing when they work on them.
Dave P. <email address on file>
USA - Wednesday, August 22, 2001 at 8:23
Axel's reply: You are correct that a car with over 100,000 miles should expect higher maintenance than one with lower mileage, which will obviously lead to repair bills, although it's more than just the expense, but the frequency to which the 750iL appears to break down and keeps breaking down, even the repairs that have relatively recently been completed need re-repairing, not just once, but sometimes several times.
Hello Axel , my name is justinian i was wondering
if you can tell me whether or not the 735iL is a problem car ? thanks
mate
Justinian <email address on file>
Melbourne, Australia - Wednesday, August 15, 2001 at 23:22
Axel's reply: I think my response below covers your question.
Axel, I read through your BMW story, sorry to
hear about all the problems. But in your dealings with this, is it just the
750 that was a problem, or was the 735 also a dog? Obviously they share
alot of similar structure, with the exception of the engine, so wondered what
you've hear about them. Was considering the purchase of a 1990 735i, but don't
want your experiences!!! Thanks for your help, and GOOD LUCK with any
legalities!
Brad B. <email address on file>
USA - Monday, July 30, 2001 at 21:48
Axel's reply: I haven't heard anything about the 735 that even comes close to the 750. It's all here, so you can browse around and see what you can find. Get your car checked out by a dealer first, so you don't have any surprises! I would guess that the 735 is a lot safer bet than the 750.
bmw's rule this is crap
Arakcaj <email address on file>
Friday, July 20, 2001 at 17:23
Axel's reply: Hope you didn't burn out all of your creative energy with your five word, subject-only comment. At first, I couldn't make sense of it, then I realized that a comma would solve the confusion. I think you were trying to communicate, "BMW's rule, this is crap." And "this" I assume is in reference to my website and any notion that a BMW might have a problem. So, you are saying that each and every single BMW is perfect? Did you read all the stories?
Hi! Had lots of fun reading the comments
of different beemer owners! Nobody though seemed to have anything to say about
the 730 model... I´m planning to buy an -90´ BMW 730ia with 180 000km
on it. Price tag of 10 000$, rip off?.. yeah maybe, but thats what
they cost here. What should I be aware of, what mistakes not to make?
Thanks for any tips, hints or advice I can get.
Joni K. <email address on file>
Finland - Thursday, July 19, 2001 at 18:27
Axel's reply: There's a 730ia model? I have never heard of that one before. All I can suggest you do is bring the car to a BMW dealer for a full evaluation, so you know what work the car might need before you buy it. $10,000 does sound like too much for that car.
Thankfully I don't have a 750i disaster story
but I have a probably dumb question...(there are no dumb questions)..I am considering
a 1984 745I (3.5 w/factory turbo) 100K but meticulously maintained by a close
friend. New trans (BMW OEM - not rebuilt) and recent head rebuild, Is there
anything I should be aware of here? Your response would be appreciated.
...thanx
Eric S. <email address on file>
Ohio USA - Tuesday, June 26, 2001 at 5:13
Axel's reply: I'm really not familiar with the 745I. All I can suggest you do is bring it in to the best dealership in the area that you can find and tell them you're about to buy it and ask them to tell you everything that is wrong with it, and they'll do their multi-point check. If you know a good BMW independent, experienced with the 7 series, you could try them instead. It might help you get a better idea of the car's value.
Why did you buy the car? Hi Axel!
First I'd like to say I'm sorry to hear that your car has caused you all that
trouble and loss of money. I'm planning to buy a 740 E38, 1995. Even though
I was shocked when I read your "repair-diary" I'm not scared of buying
the car. One could have bad luck and one could not. The majority of the 7-series
is of good quality, at least after what I've heard (??). What really makes me
wonder is why you bought the car in the first place? I mean, the previous
owner had it in for repair 50 times, didn't that scare you off? Or prehaps
you found out about it much later? Best regards
Peter S. <email address on file>
Sweden - Friday, May 18, 2001 6:20 AM
Axel's reply: I realize the majority of the 7 series are fine cars, but I'm focusing on the smaller group who are not happy with their experience. I bought the car because I wanted to drive what was supposed to be the "best engineered car in the world," a luxury, high-performance sedan of the highest order. While it has delivered some of that, it has been way too unreliable and fallen far short of my expectations. The repairs by the prior owner, which at the time of purchase I didn't know about in detail but generally (I looked into it further much later), didn't scare me because I thought that perhaps he had been too attentive to the car, or that the car couldn't possibly need much more work done because it had already had so much done. I wasn't thinking that it would need another 50 visits, and I learned first-hand that the other owner was taking the car in so much simply because the car needed it.
Hey Axel, I was considering purchasing a 735i
of the same bodystyle. Have you any idea if the 735s have been as problematic?
Thanks.
Daniel R. <email address on file>
Houston, Texas USA - Wednesday, May 02, 2001 at 21:21:00
Axel's reply: I have never had a 735i, although I would suspect it would cost less to repair, without the 12 cylinder engine of the 750iL.
ugh.. its a 1989 750iL! Its pretty much out-dated
meaning that you should get the 2001 model, which is more improved!
Doctor Chiang <email address on file>
USA - Sunday, April 29, 2001 at 15:35:31
Axel's reply: I would like to think so, really I would, but read about Oliver's 2000 750iL, which has been in the shop 112 days already! Has there been a further significant improvement between the 2000 and 2001 models?
Axel, thanks for your website; I found it accidentally.
I've been considering a 1998 540i that has high miles of 66K, and was looking
for maintenance schedule info. But instead, your website has underscored the
crucial nature of buying a used car still under warranty, the reality of niche/captive
market of BMW repairs, as well as the palpable dealers' arrogance. Audi is looking
better...
vix moore <email address on file>
Monday, April 9, 2001 at 17:02:25
Axel's reply: Buying a used car with a warranty is a good idea. Without one, a dealership will do little or nothing for you simply because they contractually have no obligation to do so, and no legal obligation means they can't be sued successfully. As I have no warranty with my 750, I do not have a viable action against BMW. I chose to share my story instead, so that others will be better informed before buying their next car. I wish that I had run across a website like mine, BEFORE I had bought my 750.
Axel, the previous owner may have been a CEO
who took care of his car, but what if he had 2 teenage boys who ran the hell
out of the car. Buying a 7 year old BMW is absolutely crazy
<anonymous>
Saturday, April 07, 2001 at 08:07:11
Axel's reply: Yes, the CEO could have, but he didn't, not that I think it would have made any difference in the repairs I've had done. If you're trying to say the car suddenly had lots of problems under my ownership, following years of abuse from the prior owner, that's just not the case. There is no dividing line between the maintenance requirements comparing myself and the prior owner. Read the car's repair history for each of us and I think the pattern will be clear. I don't agree that buying a used 750iL is crazy. On the contrary, buying a used 750iL makes a lot of sense. See my reply to Alan W. for more on why I purchased a used 750iL.
Dont be a bitch
<anonymous>
Monday, March 26, 2001 at 22:48:19
Axel's reply: If I am to take that to mean "don't be someone who complains," I think I have spelled out why it's justified. As I suspect English is your first language, I encourage you to stay in school, or return to school, to better develop your writing skills and perhaps to improve your reading ability as well.
STOP BITCHING.....YOU PROBABLY DRIVE IT LIKE
A WOMAN
<anonymous>
Thursday, March 22, 2001 at 16:18:34
Axel's reply: If "bitching" is "complaining," I think my complaining is well deserved. In regard to female drivers- statistically, women account for fewer car accidents, and are actually more careful drivers. If I were driving it "like a woman," it would in fact be better for the car, so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. Speaking of being gender specific, interesting that you weren't man enough to leave your name or email address.