Ive been shopping for a V8 BMW. Prices compare to E34 or E39 to E38.
E38 seem like a better deal. almost the same price but much more car.

So I found this one asking for $9995
97 740IL 110K mi, Black on Black.
originally from TX then became a CA car for the last 7 years.

The Good
good Carfax report
good body and paint with only 1 small dig.
leather in good shape
chrome M-parallel staggered
New tires (pilots)
good running engine, shift smoothly.
New water pump.
Upgraded speakers.

The bad.
window chrome trim rubber mounting cracked
window chrome trim bracket broke
headliner dropping near rear.
Pixel indash messed up
Need some engine cleaning
rear sunscreen works but it doesnt totally rolls back in.. it bunches up at the end.

Should I pick it up? what should I counter offer?

There are too many other great 7ers out there than to waste time on a car which someone did not properly maintain. It may be a great price now, but in the long run, you will end up paying more later.

My advice: Keep looking.

jk

I came over from the 5 forum also...you probably know my E34.
Anyway, bought my 2000 740il w. 105k miles and all the possible goodies for just $11.500

pics

She's a gleam machine, for sure.

jk

Dayum.. Thats a deal.. I guess I will look around more.

I bought my car in SoCal and while looking (I only had two days to decide as I was from out of state), I visited several dealerships and previously enjoyed vehicle outlets. Firstly, I was amazed at the number of vehicles available (I was only looking at 7ers), and secondly, at the poor quality of most of them. I found everything from evidence of water damage to kidney grilles glued on with silicone.

A car which has been well maintained and lovingly cared for will not be on Fabulous Fred Fudpucker's Used Car Lot and Auto Emporium....so don't waste your time there. Private parties want to unload their cars and move on to the next machine, so be extremely careful. Most knowledgeable folks know how to make their cars look and sound good just to get them out of their driveway and into someone else's hand. The 'stealers' are usually an arrogant lot who don't understand the word 'negotiation', and are generally driven by greed.

Also, remember that many of the cars you see on this forum did not arrive at their current owner's garage looking like the pictures you see. The have been subtly modified to the owner's liking...so try and save some money for the aftermarket goodies you might want. It's a fine line.

There's many a good 'un out there, you'll find your dream machine. Take the time to do your homework, as it will pay off in the long run.

jk