BMW 7-Series (1994 - 2002) 740i V8 4d Auto (94) (1996/N) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

This car shows that i'm a wealthy small person, (but in not) i'm just 5ft 3 so people do stop and stare when i enter/exit the car. It also shouts out luxury and subtle elegance, best describes my personality as i love subtlety and sophistication.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

My family and freinds absolutly love it. They say it suits me as i'm a conservative individual. When purchased, everyone on my street came to ask me about it, was a wonderfull feeling, I've got half a dozen people who want to buy it off me, but i'm definatly keeping her till she sees at least 200,000 miles! (touch wood she does).

Would you buy this car again and why?

I most certainly would. It's such a beautifull beast, a jumbo jet highway express. People are always like "wow 740i must be a bit juicy eh?" but if you keep her below 2000rpm (there's plenty of low end torque to pull away) then it deleivers excellant fuel consumption. E.G £10 can get nearly 70miles out of it!

What are you likely to buy next?

I would purchase a later 740i on a W, X or Y- registration. I belive the 750i is not renound for its superb smooth ride considdering its a collosal V12 thirsty alcoholic beast. The V12 is also in many people's opinion a technologiocal nightmare and noone i know has a good word to say about it. Therefore the 740i V8 is the best all rounder.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£595

When did you buy the car?

June 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

I purchased the cheapest E38 7 Series BMW in the whole of England, it was a 1996 N-reg and had covered a massive 160,000 miles with a full BMW service history, all it needed was a front off side suspension spring coil for her to sail through the M.O.T. Everything worked, right down to the voice activated Sat Nav.. cant go wrong for £595!

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I wanted a car that seated four comfortably & went along the motorway in a very smooth fashion. I also love luxoruis items so a BMW 7 Series was in true order. After the sad death of my old E32 735i (1987) i have always had a soft spot for the big 7.

What was the dealer like?

The dealer was a nice, patiant man who let me spend 1 hour browsing through service history and underneath the car at my leasure. He however did not know much about BMW's as he predominantly sold small hatchbacks & budget bangers.

What's it like to drive?

In a straight line this so called "Barge" is phenominal! 0-60 in 7 secs flat with a top speed off a stupidly electronically govered 155mph, does anyone need to go any faster? Considdering the cars size when you drive it, it doesn't feel so big at all, it feels more like a E39 5 Series, light on its feet. However.. don't accelerate enthusiastically in the wet, if you catch the traction controle out, you will wheelspin a smokey one in a ludacrissly anti-social manner! This thing could sit on the motorway all day long whithout busting a sweat, the V8 block upfront is absolutly bulletproof.

What's it like to park?

This car is huge! Heavan knows why one would want the "L" (Long wheel base to you and me) one. Non the less, i have "PDC" (Park Distance Controle) At the tap of a button a pulse tone is emitted and parking is a doddle, with a few palm movement to the left and right, she can squeeze in any supermarket carpark spot!

Have you had any problems with the car?

The car was purchased without an M.O.T, it failed on a strangly cracked off side suspension coil spring, which has now been put right for less than £100 (inc labour & VAT) by a very talented BMW independant specialist. Other than that not one thing has gone wrong at all. No rattles & No sqeeks (Touch Wood)

What's most practical about your car?

The most practical thing about the 7 Series is the ease of drive, you just get in, turn the key and go. The boot is huge, can fit lots of belongings & i like the way there are neat cubby holes in the cabin for all those less neccasary things. The key/remote central locking all in one is very neat as well, the range on it is crazy.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Mines has the "Comfort seat" option, it secures & soothes the driver as you drive, such lovely confortable armchair's. I also like the Satalight Navigation/T.V Monitor inside the centre console, its a lovely piece of equipment. Everytime i sit in the drivers seat before i start it, i have a smile on my face :o)