BMW 740i = Refinement on a budget (BMW 7-series (1987-94))

Member Name: nickcplay7

Product:	BMW 7-series (1987-94)
Date:	25/02/03 (1001 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Luxury, Comfort, Performance

Disadvantages: Engine, Fuel, Grip

I have owned a BMW740i K reg for the last year, done 25k in it, currently on 102k

For the money it would be difficult to find a car that represented better value for money, as a motorway cruiser, at least

The car has been extremely reliable and beats any other car I have owned for long journeys - this includes my current S Reg BMW 528i.

For around 3 - 4k this also gets you electric everything including seats though no memory or heated option - at least as standard

It is also very fast - 0 - 60mph in 6.9seconds and is awesome where it really counts - is 45 - 70 for overtaking when in Sport mode.

Its also relatively economical to service.

So what are the down sides....

Make sure you buy the right one. Full service history is essential. Also look for worn back tires, problems with automatic transmission and odd messages about electrics on the digital read out.

The most important thing on the v8 at least is make sure you have the right engine - later plates and some of the older engines were replaced due to initial problems. Make sure you have this or you will be liable to low engine compression shortly followed by a duff engine. Check with BMW before you buy.

The only other drawback is the grip - this car is very prone to sliding, even at low speeds driven carefully. The wheelbased was reduced in later versions to counteract and you would be as well to put something heavy in the able boot !

The only other grip is the mpg. Expect max on 28 on cruisecontrol at 75 and 15 around town. I've done 24/mpg over 22k miles which is as per the manual.

Conclusion

If you do a lot of motorway miles and are on a budget this is the car for you - but remember the downsides and be careful when you buy. Happy motoring.

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