Due to some known issues with the NS motor in general, I ended up deciding to go ahead and sell my 98 STS right now while its still in top shape before some of tha major problems start to appear. While Im still eyeing that dirt cheap ZJ in Orlando... my car is up on Autotrader, Ebay and a couple other places and depending on how much money I get for it, Ive decided that my vehicle of choice would actually be a 95' or 96 BMW 750iL Sedan with low mileage (for the year, like 85-110k versus the 100k on my 98 Seville). I miss my old BMWs alot... as you all know I had a 2001 330i and a 2000 740iL which I loved dearly back when I used to finance my cars.

I came across the 750 due to a few reasons. Firstly, the 750 is a BMW, which is about my favorite thing on 4 wheels regardless of which model... Secondly, I found out that to my surprise, the V12 in that car is relatively solid and trouble free, in some cases even moreso than the 4.0 and 4.4L V8's in the 740 (this tends to make sense because really its two inline sixes slapped together, and BMW knows sixes better than eights). Lastly, the car has just about ever feature that is important to me, including Xenon headlamps, STANDARD beginning in 1995, while they werent even an option on the 740 until 1998. The entire dashboard is covered in supple leather which is cool too.

That really only leaves us with one major flaw, and that of course would be fuel mileage. The V12 gets 15 city and 20 hwy, 17 combined. Fortunately, being that right now Im only getting about 16 in the city with my Seville due to a faulty FPR, Im already used to that kind of mileage, and the Jeep was even worse at 13/17, so Im not really worried about it.

Ive seen some salvage ones as low as 6500 with minimal repaired damage, and some non salvage ones as low as 8500 in decent condition. So depending on what I get for my Seville, I want to do this without any outlay of cash so I can devote that to repairs the car will need from the start. The car is a little more expensive on the maintenance side... Inspection I and II can be pricey, but not substantially more-so than the V8, and also due to the fact that its basically two straight sixes squished together, you actually have two air intakes, two MAF sensors, and two of alot of other little things which can get pricey. Still, theres nothing scary with that motor like a 1 in 10 chance of a 3k headgasket repair. Otherwise its all electrical and suspension issues.

Truth is... owning my cars is much funner than financing them... I can get a little taste of everything until I find something I wanna hang onto for more than two months :p

Ill keep you posted!

Hmmmm very interesting.....

Of the three mid '90s german flagship sedans, the 7 Series is my least favorite, the W140 SClass is #1, and the A8 is #2. I think the BMW is very bland looking, even for a more sedate german sedan. But I can see how one would love the BMW the most. They are called the "Ultimate Driving Machine" for a reason, I will find out when I drive one (whenever that will be :rolleyes: )

My main problem with BMW is that people that buy them, buy them just to look cool and fit in, thats not as apparent with the 7 Series, you see that more with the 3 Series IMO.

Ian, why the 750iL over a S600 or S8? Or even better, why the 7 Series over the A8 or S Class?

Hmmmm very interesting.....
Ian, why the 750iL over a S600 or S8? Or even better, why the 7 Series over the A8 or S Class?

S600 or S8 does not give me the options I want for anywhere CLOSE to the money the 7 Series does. The A8 is nice, but it is a ROYAL PAIN in the arse reliability-wise. I have heard NIGHTMARES about that cars electricals and spun bearings and stuff... not fun.

This gonna be another case where in a week you post about Your latest purchase, an 81 Malibu or some other out in left field random car?? *cough*avalanche*cough* :p :D

S600 or S8 does not give me the options I want for anywhere CLOSE to the money the 7 Series does. The A8 is nice, but it is a ROYAL PAIN in the arse reliability-wise. I have heard NIGHTMARES about that cars electricals and spun bearings and stuff... not fun.

Does The 7 Series have a Trip Computer? I was disappointed to hear that the W140's don't have those.

Does The 7 Series have a Trip Computer? I was disappointed to hear that the W140's don't have those.
I'd imagine so, my old 3 did.

Your 1984 325E?

Your 1984 325E?

Yup. Time/date, avg MPH, Speed reminder, Avg MPG, Range, Timer, Outside temp, and anti-theft code (<-Neat feature). All in one unit.

Yup... BMW was one of the very first modern vehicles to jump on the Trip computer bandwagon. Surprising since the 1994 Infiniti Q45 I drove didnt have anything but an outside temp gauge.

Some of the early-to mid nineties 3 series even had dual climate control! That feature oddly disappeared for a while and then came back.

The 7 Series has a very advanced trip computer.

The 7 Series has a very advanced trip computer.

I'm looking at some on ebay, are the controls for the trip computer located on the steering wheel?


Dave, my friend had a 84 Audi 4000S Quattro before he had his '97 A4 1.8T, on that 84 he had a trip computer, not even Cadillacs had those in '84, and Lincoln had a "miles til empty" indicator on the '78 Mark V.

My 7's got everything, rear power sunshade, trip computer, you name it. Watch miles though. Way more than the Cadillac's got. Just don't buy a car that anyone's tinkered with the audio system on. I've heard much bad about that. I'm not sure I'd buy a 1995. A 1997 or 1998 ok. 1996 maybe. I really don't think I would buy a 1995. It's the only year where there were more than a handful of actual electronic problems and gremins. Radios coming on with no explanation, things like that. 750s aren't worse, they just have more stuff as a rule (like the rear shade being standard, the rear power seats, etc.) so there is more to go wrong. They aren't problematic cars at all like the E32s were.

My 7's got everything, rear power sunshade, trip computer, you name it. Watch miles though. Way more than the Cadillac's got. Just don't buy a car that anyone's tinkered with the audio system on. I've heard much bad about that. I'm not sure I'd buy a 1995. A 1997 or 1998 ok. 1996 maybe. I really don't think I would buy a 1995. It's the only year where there were more than a handful of actual electronic problems and gremins. Radios coming on with no explanation, things like that. 750s aren't worse, they just have more stuff as a rule (like the rear shade being standard, the rear power seats, etc.) so there is more to go wrong. They aren't problematic cars at all like the E32s were.

Hehe... I was waitin for you to reply!

I wish I had a little more dough... there is a 2000 740iL that was recommended to me for 13k! 2000 Had Nav and Xenon standard. Although it was the little Nav rather than the widescreen one.

I'm looking at some on ebay, are the controls for the trip computer located on the steering wheel?

No, they're not. There is a button on the end of the lever on the left (signal control) so that you can choose which function to display on the cluster display. Otherwise, the operation's from the MID. (Multi Information Display - the panel that controls the radio, above climate) If you have nav, it's controlled there. I have the only 1999 750 without nav. :hmm: :tease: :2thumbs: Well, seriously, they are rare without. I did want it that way, because while the nav is easy to use for its era, I don't want every trip function accessed through the navigation. It's really nerve wracking. :coffee:

The trip computer has:
Fuel Consumption 1
Fuel Consumption 2
Range Remaning
Distance to Destination
Distance Travelled
Stopwatch 1
Stopwatch 2
Speed Limit (these cars never feel like they are going as fast as they are. When you exceed the value you set, it beeps and displays messages.)
Starter lockout code


Oh, and it also has Auto ventilation, which is great. you program a time, the fan runs automatically at that timeto tool the car.

BTW: 15 mpg city ina pig's eye. Try 13-14 usually, 15 sometimes. Highway it will pull 22 (cruise 80 mph 130 miles - from experience).

I'm going somewhere now, will post anything else I think of or play with while in the car.

Dave, my friend had a 84 Audi 4000S Quattro before he had his '97 A4 1.8T, on that 84 he had a trip computer, not even Cadillacs had those in '84, and Lincoln had a "miles til empty" indicator on the '78 Mark V.

Yea, my 3 had some controls on the turn signal stalk. Pretty neat. Audi? Saying Audi/VW isn't my favorite car mfgr is being overly nice. They did have some neat stuff in them though.

I'm not %100, but I think you can check for codes in these without a scan tool, just like Cadillac's off and warmer trick. I believe pumping the accelerator three times to WOT will cause the Check Engine light to show blink codes.

No, they're not. There is a button on the end of the lever on the left (signal control) so that you can choose which function to display on the cluster display. Otherwise, the operation's from the MID. (Multi Information Display - the panel that controls the radio, above climate) If you have nav, it's controlled there. I have the only 1999 750 without nav. :hmm: :tease: :2thumbs: Well, seriously, they are rare without. I did want it that way, because while the nav is easy to use for its era, I don't want every trip function accessed through the navigation. It's really nerve wracking. :coffee:

The trip computer has:
Fuel Consumption 1
Fuel Consumption 2
Range Remaning
Distance to Destination
Distance Travelled
Stopwatch 1
Stopwatch 2
Speed Limit (these cars never feel like they are going as fast as they are. When you exceed the value you set, it beeps and displays messages.)
Starter lockout code


Oh, and it also has Auto ventilation, which is great. you program a time, the fan runs automatically at that timeto tool the car.

BTW: 15 mpg city ina pig's eye. Try 13-14 usually, 15 sometimes. Highway it will pull 22 (cruise 80 mph 130 miles - from experience).

I'm going somewhere now, will post anything else I think of or play with while in the car.

Wow.. 10 points for the 7 Series! :thumbsup:

The european sister of the dodge omni came out in the late 70s with a full trip computer ....

And what car would that be? The VW Rabbit?

No, they're not. There is a button on the end of the lever on the left (signal control) so that you can choose which function to display on the cluster display. Otherwise, the operation's from the MID. (Multi Information Display - the panel that controls the radio, above climate) If you have nav, it's controlled there. I have the only 1999 750 without nav. :hmm: :tease: :2thumbs: Well, seriously, they are rare without. I did want it that way, because while the nav is easy to use for its era, I don't want every trip function accessed through the navigation. It's really nerve wracking. :coffee:

The trip computer has:
Fuel Consumption 1
Fuel Consumption 2
Range Remaning
Distance to Destination
Distance Travelled
Stopwatch 1
Stopwatch 2
Speed Limit (these cars never feel like they are going as fast as they are. When you exceed the value you set, it beeps and displays messages.)
Starter lockout code


Oh, and it also has Auto ventilation, which is great. you program a time, the fan runs automatically at that timeto tool the car.

BTW: 15 mpg city ina pig's eye. Try 13-14 usually, 15 sometimes. Highway it will pull 22 (cruise 80 mph 130 miles - from experience).

I'm going somewhere now, will post anything else I think of or play with while in the car.

Your right... a 99' 750 without Nav is EXTREMELY rare, 98 a little less so.

No biggie though, the Nav system was a joke up until the last 01's, and even then it was pretty basic compared to most of the other 3D Navs of the time. I-Drive was much nicer.

And what car would that be? The VW Rabbit?

no it was whatever chrysler of eurpoe was called ....simca i think

Heres some pics of a couple Im looking at:

This is a 96 with 93k on the clock, clear title, good shape. Few of the speakers apparently dont work and its got scratches here and there. Its about 9k and it would mean about 2k out of pocket a long trip to California.
http://images.prosperpoint.com/images/2695/135755-4308.jpg
http://images.prosperpoint.com/images/2695/135755-4304.jpg
http://images.prosperpoint.com/images/2695/135755-4303.jpg

This is a 95 with a salvage title but only 83k on it. The car was hit in the rear quarter and the fender was replaced, but there was no frame damage. This one is DIRT cheap at 6600.00, but long story short, someone already won this car and I can only have it if they dont come through...
http://i14.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/0c/e7/63_12.JPG
http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/0d/50/5e_12.JPG
http://i2.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/15/0f/a8_12.JPG

Nice. Now you can play out your favorite Transporter scenes. :D

Yup... BMW was one of the very first modern vehicles to jump on the Trip computer bandwagon. Surprising since the 1994 Infiniti Q45 I drove didnt have anything but an outside temp gauge.

Some of the early-to mid nineties 3 series even had dual climate control! That feature oddly disappeared for a while and then came back.

The 7 Series has a very advanced trip computer.
What are you talking about. The Q has TWIN trip meters... Its nice because if your going on a long trip, you can keep track of total miles on one and gas mileage on the other.

I remember back when my first Q died and I was looking at buying something else. I was orignally looking a E32, and nearly everyone said that if your looking for daily transportation, they recommended saving more money and getting an E38... Apparently the germans got their act together for a little while, as far as electronics......

Anyway just remember the 750 V12 is just like maintianing 2 of the I6's. 2 air filters, and things like that...

I also second what the E38 guy (zorb) said about fuel mileage. If your doing real city mileage, dont expect more than 12 or 13. however, i wouldnt expect you get much less mileage than you currently do in your STS, maybe by 2-3 MPG... on the highway it should be about the same.. pretty pitiful that this guys 750 gets better highway mileage than my Q45..... :(

Play,

I'd get a BMW. But I hate Fields BMW so much. I'd rather go back to Cory Fairbanks and buy another Mazda.. lol... How do you deal with getting them serviced other then Fields is there a good BMW shop?

That BMW is ugly and slow, Ian.

I say that because I'm jealous.

Play,

I'd get a BMW. But I hate Fields BMW so much. I'd rather go back to Cory Fairbanks and buy another Mazda.. lol... How do you deal with getting them serviced other then Fields is there a good BMW shop?

Im actually in Tampa so I believe Ive got a couple of BMW shops here, Ferman and Reeves at least.

What are you talking about. The Q has TWIN trip meters... Its nice because if your going on a long trip, you can keep track of total miles on one and gas mileage on the other.


Ya I did see that, but it doesnt Distance to empty, Gallons used, etc etc. does it?

BMW calculates distance and time remaining.

Hell, the BMW tells you exactly what time you're going to arrive. I found that feature to be incredibly cool and useful, and very, very accurate.

The drivetrain on the BMW is almost bulletproof... but when you compare the potential problems the Northstar will give you vs. the amount of money you will spend tracking down and fixing the BMW electrical and suspension gremlins.. the STS wins IMO.

Now, if you are getting the BMW for better driving enjoyment and refinement, that is a far better argument.

So what exactly is the big deal behind a BMW?

Does it drive that much different than a similar car? (750iL V. S600)

Is it all its hyped up do be?

So what exactly is the big deal behind a BMW?

Does it drive that much different than a similar car? (750iL V. S600)

Is it all its hyped up do be?

Well again, a 750iL and an MB S600 are in entirely different price categories. A 1996 S600 still brings an easy 13-15k at the LOW end, while a 96 750iL can be had for 7-8k if you know where to look. The Mercedes is more of a car to be chauffered in with ample power but not a whole lot of driving feel, the BMW will always be a drivers car at its core, even though it is a tad softened up in the 7 Series. It just goes where you point it and gets there fast.

Well again, a 750iL and an MB S600 are in entirely different price categories. A 1996 S600 still brings an easy 13-15k at the LOW end, while a 96 750iL can be had for 7-8k if you know where to look. The Mercedes is more of a car to be chauffered in with ample power but not a whole lot of driving feel, the BMW will always be a drivers car at its core, even though it is a tad softened up in the 7 Series. It just goes where you point it and gets there fast.


Well yeah, I suppose a S600 would be more expensive used, but they are in the same $120-130k range when new. So does the Bimmer have the better suspension and better steering feel that make it more of a "drivers car"?

Well yeah, I suppose a S600 would be more expensive used, but they are in the same $120-130k range when new. So does the Bimmer have the better suspension and better steering feel that make it more of a "drivers car"?

I really dont know if I would necessarily call it a "better" suspension because each person has their likes and dislikes, but what I can tell you is that the suspension and steering componentry in the Bimmer results in a car that overall, is more connected to the road.

Ohhh ok gotcha. Kinda like how my deVille feels when compared to a Brougham.

Kind of. MB S600 1995 goes for $8500-10000 around here. I looked at a 1998 for 27500. It was flawed so I did not buy it. How can a non smoker have what is clearly an ash burn on the seat?

If I could have any flagship V12 sedan it would be the CL600. However, I've heard of some bad ones out there. I've seen a few in the teens as far as the ask goes. I'd stay far away from cars priced too low. I've spoken to several people who either owned a V12 Benz or know someone personally who had one with big troubles. They guy I sold my Mustang to works at a Mercedes dealer and we were talking about them. He claimed they were junk and that Mercedes never got the first generation V12 running correctly. I've also heard stories of wire chaffing to the tune of a 12,000.00 repair (I doubt this one)

At my local branch of Bank of America there is a sweet 750il and they have the Benz V12 emblems on the C-pillar. It's a gorgeous car. There is something so tempting about them. The BMW lost so much value and they can be had so cheap. There was a dude on another board that bought a '88 750il for 2k! Of course it had 200k on the clock. We all warned him to stay away from it but he bought it anyway.

What about a Jaguar XJ12? Of cource, that isn't a car you see everyday.

88 is the e32 750. Junk.

88 is the e32 750. Junk.

Junk in your eyes maybe. It was a technological marvel in 1988, with many more options and power than its rival the w126 560 SEL.

While true a 560SEL has much more value. You could buy two nice late 80's 750 cars for what one nice 560SEL is worth.

Junk in your eyes maybe. It was a technological marvel in 1988, with many more options and power than its rival the w126 560 SEL.

Oh, it was a great car. It was also more problematic than the 2002 E65 BMW 7 series. (The ones that now have the free huge warranty extension)

Everything broke. The only engine problem that I can think of is the leaking of water from the valley cover coolant passage.

The assisted door close is cool too. I think it was the first car that did it.

Looks almost like our old one. My moms was silver though. You will like the car a lot, just watch out for buttons breaking apart inside.

The cupholder will probably go first, next you will have buttons from the navigation falling off. How does th ac look in the one your getting? If its the rolling knob, which i think are 94-96. becareful because the orange lights start going out.


I still like the buy, anything BMW is great.

Hmm, since you're a beeeeemer guy... what do you think the outcome of a 95 ETC vs a 95-97 (I don't know the exact year) 740i would be? I think I'll pull pretty hard (once I piece my car back together that is) but I could be wrong.

740i? Hmmm.....

My Eldorado can keep up, almost. 45-90 I can beat it (from 45 start). 740's 5 speed transmission saves it most of the time. 0-60 is about a solid 7 seconds. The 7's got a tall rall rear end gear, but his weight balance is good. You CANNOT spin the tires on a 740, unless you're on the white line at a stop sign or light, then it will spin.

When I had a 740iL, I would literally kick it to sport mode, stand on the brake and push the gas down (only for 1-2 seconds right when the light was about to turn) 3/4 to all the way depending on surface, then let go. I got a sharp chirp and usually two tracks about 8 inches long where my rear tires were and I was gone. It's got to be one of the best rear wheel drive launches there is.

Then again, I actually changed my trans fluid at 100K, and was planning on doing it every 50K afterward, despite the fact that BMW calls it a lifetime fluid. I raced it, I stoplight raced it, I autocrossed it. I ran the hell out of it. The car is WAY faster than you would believe 282HP and 324 ft-lbs torque would be in a +4000 pound car. Now the iL is a little slower than the i, my iL would lose to my friend's i 0-60 every time since I taught him the launch trick, but my front bumper would be lined up with his mirror, so not a big loss.

Pretty much, my friend's 01 STS would pull ahead until about 30, then the BMW would catch up, then be ahead at about 70, then the STS would be back with me by about 100, but they (Cadillacs) slow down pretty badly when they hit about 135 or so and it goes into OD, and the 7 would pull ahead again, still in 4th gear until maxed electronically. My limit was set by dealer to 155 on the BMW if you're curious.

What I'm trying to say is it'll be close. If it's a 740i, I give it 50/50. If it's an iL, I give you 60%, if it's a 740i Sport, you will lose.

My Eldorado has head work, exhaust, high capacity cat, TB, other induction work. It's quicker than stock, not hugely though. Loses to ETCs by less than a nose usually, beats 98, 99 STS.

Benz offered that door close thing way before then I think. What a waste. If you can't close a car door yourself you shouldn't be driving! It adds weight and it's just something else to go wrong. I don't even care for the trunk assist Caddy has been using forever. You always have to tell people not to slam the trunk.

W140s still used it on the 600s. It's for noise reasons. The seal was hard for you to compress without slamming the door really hard so MB and BMW did that. You can still shut the door pretty hard. It's not like our trunks.

Ah. I've never experienced it first hand so I would not know the facts like that. What your wrote make a lot of sense for the reasons to use it though. Double paine(sp?) glass, etc makes for a real heavy door.

All this BMW talk makes me want to look at some on ebay....


Would they be a good car for a 20-22 year old?

Good meaning, cheap to run (relatively), reliable, stylish, cool, cheap to buy, somewhat efficent.

All this BMW talk makes me want to look at some on ebay....


Would they be a good car for a 20-22 year old?

Good meaning, cheap to run (relatively), reliable, stylish, cool, cheap to buy, somewhat efficent.

An I6 3 or 5 series would be.

So a E38 740i or 740iL is a bad idea?

I'll stick to the Caddys (or Lincolns) thank you very much!

I second that. I loved mine. Go for a 5spd E30 if you can, those things are pretty damn easy to work on, the 325e gets amazing gas mileage (mine had over 200k, ran like 40k, and I got 20mpg driving "spirited" constantly in mixed driving) If you want AWD, look for an ix (i've heard there just about unstoppable in the snow). There's a bunch more models in that body style, so you have lots of choices. 2dr, 4dr... There pretty cheap to get anymore too. Mine ran perfect and I paid $400, but I got a killer deal. ;) They also usually came nicely equipped, unless its the barebones model. Mine had that onboard computer, Recaro leather seat package, Leather wrapped steering wheel, pwr sunroof, pwr windows, pwr locks, 4 wheel disk brakes, etc...


Oh, and Ian..... Purple?

Well despite that, good luck with it! Hopefully it works out and you end up with a creampuff!

Between a fun to drive, boring to look at, monotonus, expensive to repair older 3 Series, and a slower, luxurious land Yacht like a Brougham or Town Car, I'll take the Brougham or Town Car.

My view of BMW and Benz is that if you are gonna get one, you should just go for the Flagship vehicle, which would be a financially unwise decesion at my age. Between the W140 and E38, the W140 is the better looker, inside and out, but the E38 has more cool features, including my beloved Trip Computer. And whereas the A8 combines the best of both worlds, its more unreliable than either the Bimmer or the Benz.

I second that. I loved mine. Go for a 5spd E30 if you can, those things are pretty damn easy to work on, the 325e gets amazing gas mileage (mine had over 200k, ran like 40k, and I got 20mpg driving "spirited" constantly in mixed driving) If you want AWD, look for an ix (i've heard there just about unstoppable in the snow). There's a bunch more models in that body style, so you have lots of choices. 2dr, 4dr... There pretty cheap to get anymore too. Mine ran perfect and I paid $400, but I got a killer deal. ;) They also usually came nicely equipped, unless its the barebones model. Mine had that onboard computer, Recaro leather seat package, Leather wrapped steering wheel, pwr sunroof, pwr windows, pwr locks, 4 wheel disk brakes, etc...

:yeah:


According to UPS, my H&R/Bilstein sport setup arrives tomorrow! oboyoboyoboyoboyoboyoboyoboy :bouncy:

740i? Hmmm.....

My Eldorado can keep up, almost. 45-90 I can beat it (from 45 start). 740's 5 speed transmission saves it most of the time. 0-60 is about a solid 7 seconds. The 7's got a tall rall rear end gear, but his weight balance is good. You CANNOT spin the tires on a 740, unless you're on the white line at a stop sign or light, then it will spin.

When I had a 740iL, I would literally kick it to sport mode, stand on the brake and push the gas down (only for 1-2 seconds right when the light was about to turn) 3/4 to all the way depending on surface, then let go. I got a sharp chirp and usually two tracks about 8 inches long where my rear tires were and I was gone. It's got to be one of the best rear wheel drive launches there is.

Then again, I actually changed my trans fluid at 100K, and was planning on doing it every 50K afterward, despite the fact that BMW calls it a lifetime fluid. I raced it, I stoplight raced it, I autocrossed it. I ran the hell out of it. The car is WAY faster than you would believe 282HP and 324 ft-lbs torque would be in a +4000 pound car. Now the iL is a little slower than the i, my iL would lose to my friend's i 0-60 every time since I taught him the launch trick, but my front bumper would be lined up with his mirror, so not a big loss.

Pretty much, my friend's 01 STS would pull ahead until about 30, then the BMW would catch up, then be ahead at about 70, then the STS would be back with me by about 100, but they (Cadillacs) slow down pretty badly when they hit about 135 or so and it goes into OD, and the 7 would pull ahead again, still in 4th gear until maxed electronically. My limit was set by dealer to 155 on the BMW if you're curious.

What I'm trying to say is it'll be close. If it's a 740i, I give it 50/50. If it's an iL, I give you 60%, if it's a 740i Sport, you will lose.

My Eldorado has head work, exhaust, high capacity cat, TB, other induction work. It's quicker than stock, not hugely though. Loses to ETCs by less than a nose usually, beats 98, 99 STS.

I dunno about an Eldorado with 3.11s, but I know in my ETC 45 is a HORRIBLE speed to start a roll race, just after the shift point at 40. I try to only race from a dig anyway, I've never seen anyone at the strip leave the tree, accelerate slowly up to 40, honk 3 times and then race. I rode in the 740i yesterday, I think I'll take him once I piece my car back together. Especially since here traction is rarely a big issue with everything losing so much power from the altitude. My 0-60 is supposed to be 6.6 with a 14.8 1/4, the 96 740i is 7.7 15.9 according to the database everyone uses.

I got to drive Ian's 750 for an hour today and I did NOT want to get out. I got lost and ended up extending my joy. What a masterpiece of a car. A gentle touch on the gas and the torque throws you back. A few more nudges and you're at 100.

Just... wow.

I dunno about an Eldorado with 3.11s, but I know in my ETC 45 is a HORRIBLE speed to start a roll race, just after the shift point at 40. I try to only race from a dig anyway, I've never seen anyone at the strip leave the tree, accelerate slowly up to 40, honk 3 times and then race. I rode in the 740i yesterday, I think I'll take him once I piece my car back together. Especially since here traction is rarely a big issue with everything losing so much power from the altitude. My 0-60 is supposed to be 6.6 with a 14.8 1/4, the 96 740i is 7.7 15.9 according to the database everyone uses.

There is no 96 740i. Just iL

Look 97+

1995 had the weaker 4.0 V8, 1996 had 4.4 in the iL and 5.4 V12 in the 750iL.

Anyone who says this car is that slow should be shot for stupidity. I ran my 740iL at 7.1 0-60 (gtech competition series) and 15.1 quarter (milan drag strip) many times.

Database everyone uses? Please. BS. Everyone uses what makes their car look best. I like to look at multiple reviews of the same car, disregard outliers (unusually fast or slow by wide margin) and find an overall group consensus. I never believe one source. Remember the Car&Driver magazine that first wrote up the 300C? 5.3 or 5.4 0-60 I think it was? A full second faster than anyone else has ever gotten one to do. THAT's an outlier. It skews the average and should be ignored.

EDIT: Addendum:

Edmunds Complete Test 1998 740iL (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=44074/pageNumber=1)
Here's a 740iL with an extra 350 pounds and the same powertrain... 7.2 0-60. 1999 has 14 more torque.

Edmunds First Drive 1999 740i Sport (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=43938/pageNumber=1)

My car is nose to nose with my old iL, +/- 4 ft depending on run and launch. (Damn Cadillac hard to launch!)

I sold my iL last May, about a month after I got the Cadillac. At the time, two E38s was overkill.

Well, they're nice cars becuase they're big which makes them comfortable. They're also quite refined.

However, the 750i the sales director (who drove like a granny) had in a company I used to work for kept blowing at 10,000 miles or so and beging replaced by BMW. They said it was a known issue and they had no plans for a fix, it was cheaper to just keep replacing them.
The company also had several 740i's and they all used to consume coolant in a big way. 2 of them also lunched their transmissions.

So I'm afraid I don't agree that the drivetrains are bulletproof.


They tend to have a lot of electrical issues, mostly motor related.


As for the Ultimate Driving Machine, I completely fail to see where that comes from. I was excited when I finally got my com pany BMW but within 2 weeks I realised what a let-down it was.
The Ultimate Driving Machine comes from the BMW marketing department and everyone repeats it as fact.


I've had BMW and now I have my 00 STS and it's a much better car.
Yes the BMW handles better due to firmer suspension, but in every other aspect the STS is as good or better.

Database everyone uses? Please. BS. Everyone uses what makes their car look best. I like to look at multiple reviews of the same car, disregard outliers (unusually fast or slow by wide margin) and find an overall group consensus. I never believe one source..

Actually it's the database that everyone does use (http://www.albeedigital.com/supercoupe/articles/0-60times.html) for magazine times. It's on a Thunderbird club site so it's not going to be baised towards Cadillac so I wouldn't think it makes my car look best. I don't believe mag times either but they're usually within a few tenths. Look at the times for the STS, the body didn't change enough to slow the 98 down by 3 tenths compared to the 96. Look at the times for the ETC, same powertrain as the STS and 100lbs lighter but a tenth slower and 4 tenths slower to 60? Yeah I'd say there's a bit of error, but it is generally within a few tenths like I said.

So a rabid BMW fan thinks the BMW is gonna win, a rabid Cadillac fan thinks otherwise. I'll just have to get the video camera and see then I guess. I'm also gonna have to ask the owner what year it is, I'll do that tomorrow if I can.

http://www.q45.org/1headlight

http://www.q45.org/1headlight

:histeric:

http://www.q45.org/1headlight


Hahahah very nice Jesda!

Thats a great song!

I have to say, my "one headlight" was worse though
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/9/web/753000-753999/753753_21_full.jpg

Well again, a 750iL and an MB S600 are in entirely different price categories. A 1996 S600 still brings an easy 13-15k at the LOW end, while a 96 750iL can be had for 7-8k if you know where to look. The Mercedes is more of a car to be chauffered in with ample power but not a whole lot of driving feel, the BMW will always be a drivers car at its core, even though it is a tad softened up in the 7 Series. It just goes where you point it and gets there fast.

you got this for 7-8k That is a steal for a v12

Does The 7 Series have a Trip Computer? I was disappointed to hear that the W140's don't have those. Who said the W140 doesn't have a trip odometer?. Mine does. :thumbsup:

I think were talking about different things between what you and what Wes also mentioned about the Q45.

The BMW literally has a FULL onboard Trip computer for everything from Distance to empty, to a calculator which will calculate to the exact minute what time you will arrive at a given destination (you enter the number of miles to your destination) based on your current speed and time of travel. So if you stop at quiktrip for 40 minutes, and get back in, your time of arrival will update to 740pm from 7pm for example, all things remaining equal.

I dunno about an Eldorado with 3.11s, but I know in my ETC 45 is a HORRIBLE speed to start a roll race, just after the shift point at 40. I try to only race from a dig anyway, I've never seen anyone at the strip leave the tree, accelerate slowly up to 40, honk 3 times and then race. I rode in the 740i yesterday, I think I'll take him once I piece my car back together. Especially since here traction is rarely a big issue with everything losing so much power from the altitude. My 0-60 is supposed to be 6.6 with a 14.8 1/4, the 96 740i is 7.7 15.9 according to the database everyone uses.

Well, when you're out playing cars, anything can and does happen. You don't line up every race, sometimes one gets a head start, sometimes the other one does, sometimes it doesn't matter.

For me, 40 is bad too. 45 is ok though. It's the begining of the pull.

Put these wheels on and get the updated headlights and tails.

http://i23.ebayimg.com/05/i/06/4e/f9/f3_3.JPG

I had m pars on my 740iL. I don't like them on the 750. They are fine for the 740i Sport though. The 750 has a unique wheel not available elsewhere. I have the 17" version of that (Late 99+). Ian's wheels are 16" 750 wheels. They look good. Look at what people did to these cars @ www.e38.org and decide for yourself. I think the chromelining is silly, and that V1s suck, as my Escort 8500 X50 Blue is better and $100 less.

The wheels on the 750iL are not aesthetically pleasing IMO. A car that large needs 17 or 18 inch wheels at least. A staggered set of BBS wheels would look great. One of the first things my parents did to their S600 was 18X8.5 in the front and 18X10 in the rear and boy does it look mean and sexy :thumbsup:

I agree with Zorb, the wheels that Im gonna be putting on it are actually the 99 540i 18 inch wheels. Ill see if I can dig up a picture.

Ah yes, I know those wheels. They are the "Alpina" style wheels. Good choice, just double check the offsets to make sure they work on the 7.

There are considerations when putting e39 wheels on an e38. I will look it up. I know it's not a huge deal though. If it works out, you could get the 17" version like mine too, lots of the people buying these cars put hideous wheels like spinners ( :vomit: ) or those pizza pan looking things. You CANNOT put large chrome on a BMW. It looks awful.

http://www.fantasycars.com/sedans/bmw/alpina_b10e391.jpg

http://www.fantasycars.com/sedans/bmw/alpina_b10e392.jpg

Are these the wheels you are talking about? Pic is at a bad angle I know... Sorry.

I *think* this is them... hard to tell off the car, and Id like them in Chrome:

http://images.marketworks.com/hi/51/50502/alpina18x8hypersilverfront.jpg

Looks like it, but not enough spokes to be the 18" version. That is proportioned as the 540i's 16" wheel is.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/vikkd/IMG_0694.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/vikkd/IMG_0691.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/vikkd/IMG_0687.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c282/vikkd/IMG_0686.jpg

this is what i did to a 98, hopefully you wont have to test the safety of this car, but if you do know that my friend in the passenger seat who is 6'5 and i the driver who is 6'0 both walked out of the car UNHURT. scratched yes, scrared shitless, hurt NOPE!! Safe car, great car, dont let a 16 year drive it though.

Looks almost like our old one. My moms was silver though. You will like the car a lot, just watch out for buttons breaking apart inside.

The cupholder will probably go first, next you will have buttons from the navigation falling off. How does th ac look in the one your getting? If its the rolling knob, which i think are 94-96. becareful because the orange lights start going out.


I still like the buy, anything BMW is great.

93-94 A/C. That's e32 style. Probably the most problematic BMW ever. Never seen nav come apart. And yes, I agree, the cup holder is fragile. You can't fix it usually, but SAVE THE WOOD PIECE! The replacement doesn't come with it and it's $88!

Integline: 740iL. Nice job! What did you do, drive it off the roof?

Integline: 740iL. Nice job! What did you do, drive it off the roof?
haha i wish.
Senior year or back in Dec. of 98 I took my dad's car to school instead of getting dropped off(16 trying to show off) and my friends and I ditch school. We were racing around on the freeway to the opposite side of town toget beer, and going up an inclined right turn to get back on the freeway lost control. Granted i had traction control off, just did a burn out at the light and was going around 70mph on a 35mph turn. spun lost it and flipped.