I think I have decided what I want for my next vehicle and one that I actually want to keep around for at least a couple of years. I know I want a BMW, and originally I was looking at 3 and 5 series, but the truth is I still want something relatively large, and I decided that despite the bad experience I had with my 2000, I still want another 7 Series. It was not the cars fault it developed the problems that it did, it just wasnt properly taken care of.

So Im down to some relatively low mileage examples, originally only looking at 740iL's (which do not offer the Steptronic tranny unless they are sports unfortunately), but stumbled across a 750iL as well, which DOES have the Steptronic transmission. The shiftable tranny is the only thing I desire as much as the Xenon lights, which both of these cars have. The thing is, I dont really know how maintenance intensive the V12 is actually going to be. Ive heard good things about BMWs V12's and the truth is, at the price these cars are at my payments will be low enough so I can afford side maintenance as necessary.

What do you guys think? Stick with the tried and true 282hp 740iL but without the steptronic tranny and the "exclusivity" of the V12, or go whole hog and get a 750 with 326hp and Steptronic? Of course if my dealer friend finds a 3 or 5 series locally for me, Ill really have to go with whatever he locates, so this is not a for sure thing, he doesnt really like to get vehicles from outside his dealership if he doesnt have to.

1999 immaculate 740iL going for 22k with 46k miles:
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/9/182/263/1442729444.182263534.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jp g

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/9/182/263/1442729448.182263534.IM1.05.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

2000 750iL going for 22k with 58k miles:
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/20/181/895/1466699832.181895959.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.565x377.jp g

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/20/181/895/1466699834.181895959.IM1.03.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2005/5/20/181/895/1466699837.181895959.IM1.06.240x180_A.240x180.jpg

Nevermind... the 750 is gone. Im going to have to find a 740 steptronic I guess, or settle for a regular shift 740. The problem is, Steptronic shift 740's, are available in SHORT Wheelbase models ONLY. The 740iL Sport doesnt have the steptronic shifter, and I LIKE the longer size.

Too bad it's gone, looked nice. Lots of gadgets for a gadget FREAK! :thumbsup: :sneaky:

I would say if you can afford a V12, and the maintenance, I would go that route, especially if it might help keep exclusivity or maintain value to fight any depreciation. There is certainly nothing wrong with 282 hp either.

Checked out the new 3 series today. Pretty nice. Smallish looking exterior wise, but the interior had enough room for most imo. They had a nice light silver-blue color and the price is 47k Cdn.

Decide against a Mark VIII eh?

Decide against a Mark VIII eh?Evidently....

I would stay away from the 750iL. I bought a 1997 for my wife and owned it for 5 months before I sold it for the S600. The car had numerous fuel problems and had to be towed from our home twice to the dealership (it had 11,000 miles on it when we sold it). The newer models might have less problems, but just remember that 12 cylinder maintenance is not cheap. The 50K mile service on our S600 was almost $3K.

Have you looked at any W140 S-class Mercedes? I have been very pleased with our 1998 S600. It is at 58,000 miles now and still runs and looks like new. I am hoping to add another MB to the family now that the ESV is gone.. looking for a slightly used SL55.

Goodluck!

Actually, the Mark VIII is still not out of the question, but I had not realized how much the 7s had come down in price. I always wanted one and when I finally got my last one, it was trouble. So now Id like to try again.

The problem with the Mark is that to find one in superb condition, with decent mileage, the price is usually substantially more than the book value of the car, and therefore I wouldnt be able to get a loan for it. The 7's are the opposite, anything except 2001 (the last year) is not very desirable right now in these times of rising fuel costs, and they have book values that are much higher than what they are selling for, making them much more palatable to own.

I would stay away from the 750iL. I bought a 1997 for my wife and owned it for 5 months before I sold it for the S600. The car had numerous fuel problems and had to be towed from our home twice to the dealership (it had 11,000 miles on it when we sold it). The newer models might have less problems, but just remember that 12 cylinder maintenance is not cheap. The 50K mile service on our S600 was almost $3K.

Have you looked at any W140 S-class Mercedes? I have been very pleased with our 1998 S600. It is at 58,000 miles now and still runs and looks like new. I am hoping to add another MB to the family now that the ESV is gone.. looking for a slightly used SL55.

Goodluck!

Ive considered MB's, but even a 99 S500 with decent mileage and the options I want is still more than the 740. I like both cars equally, but when it comes down to price, the 740 takes the cake. The 7 series also has a more visceral driving feel which I like.

I agree about 750, that one for 22 was a lucky find but otherwise Im not going for those.

here the car for you
http://en.autos.sympatico.msn.ca/advice/standardart.aspx?contentid=4022397&src=News

Ha!!

Yes it is! Now give me a 100,000.00 raise and I can afford it! ;)

Thought you were more of an E55 AMG type ;)

You know I idolize both of those cars! But Dave's right... the E55 would be my pick there. Kinda doesnt make much sense since for all intents and purposes anything else I would go BMW or Cadillac.

BMW or Cadillac.

I still think you could be happy with a Cadillac Ian. You AND Elvis! Do consider them and have your buddy hunt them out for you......see what's out there and post them here. ;)

I am reasonably impartial and not trying to sway your final buying decision in any way, shape or form....... :sneaky:

Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac,
Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadilac, Cadillac, Cadillac, Cadillac.!!!

Mmmmmmmm, Victoria in the back seat of a CADILLAC....... :banana:

I have a 750. Love it you must get one. Also I was just looking to buy the new m5, But I am thinking that or the new m3. dont know yet, but get the 7 series you wont be disappointed.