I currently own a C4 Corvette but am considering trading it on a 100k mile 1992 750iL. I've been doing some research and what I gather is that the 750iL is real dog. Is this true or are there just a few bad ones out there? Seems all the post's I have read indicate that the 750iL's were all built on Friday afternoons after a few beers at lunch. Is this the case? How can a $78,000 car depreciate to less than $6000 in 15 years? A few cars ago I had a 1992 540i and was very happy with it, replacing the water pump only while I owned it. I only drive about 2500 miles a year - is the 750iL going to be at the shop more than in my garage?

My Indy tells the story of a guy who drives one (750iL) over 200 miles a day to and from work every day and has never had anything other than routine maintenance done on the car. It has over 200K on it.

That being said, it's a very complicated car and needs an owner who understands this. Spend a couple weeks watching the forums and you'll see a pattern to what these cars do. You have to apply some logic filters to what people post about their cars. Most people don't usually post stories of all the things that go right with the car. Some of the problems are due to deferred maintenance by owners, some of it's caused by DIY'ers trying to save a few bucks, and even the dealers and indys have been known to screw things up. And there are things like window regulators, radiators, and cooling fans that just don't hold up no matter what you do. Some of these items are expensive to replace but others aren't. OEM radiators are $145 on eBay which I think is pretty damned reasonable. Window regulators are about $300 now.

European cars break more often than the Japanese cars, but there's something about owning a 7!:alright

Try to buy a one owner cream puff if possible. Avoid cars with little or no service history. Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

I am not an expert but with the mileage the car is getting into the risk zone...
I would say it's a no-no simply because you mention a "shop".
It is only advisable to get cars that old and worn to people who are actually willing to break a sweat and get dirty in return for the sheer sweetness of that car an its enormous engine.

The guys at Dinan here in Northern California told me that the E38 750iL is a better buy than the E32 750iL at pretty much any price due to changes in the engine. They tend to know what they are talking about.

Personally, I think a 1992 V-12 would require a fair amount of "get it back to fair/good/perfect shape" work simply because these cars like to be driven a lot at highway speeds. Maybe your car is the exception, but you won't know until you have a pre-purchase inspection done.

Chalk me up as one of the owners who posts when things go right. Yes, the V-12 and all the toys of a 750iL are expensive to keep in working order. Yes, there are better handling cars, whether 740i Sports, or 540i Sports, C4s, etc.

But it's not a lemon by any stretch. And my car is still a blast to drive, with 326 horsepower and a lot of torque in every RPM band.

With 102,000 miles, my 1999 drives about as well as it can (although I could probably use new shocks and struts to get the best ride possible). The V-12 will easily go a lot longer with normal (expensive) preventive maintenance. If the window regulators last that long is another story!

I'd be more concerned with the service history of a 7-series than anything else. And, even with that, ANY 7-series you consider purchasing deserves a pre-purchase inspection.

-pd.

i have 110k on my 90' and it runs strong and is no where close to being a lemon. it went into the shop for fluid changes and to get some fresh rubber on. thats the last time it saw the shop 'knocking on wood'. i too own a c4 vette (92') and i think if i were to trade it id get an e38. i dont know what shape yours is in but you should be able to get the 750 for about 6k at the most assuming its in great condition

Everyone:

Thanks for the great advice and information, what a pleasure to hear honest comments from owners. I went and looked at the car today, it was in fair cosmetic condition, I did not drive it or hear it run. I'll keep my C4 for now as it is in better condition, less miles, worth more, and all around cleaner. Not to mention I can work on it myself and parts are inexpensive and not scarce. I'll get back into a BMW one day I'm sure. I do miss my E34...

Steering Wheels, Shift Knobs, etc. I seldom make recommendations for parts, but if you need Steering Wheels, Shift Knobs, etc., go to RHAD Performance. I have dealt with them and they are great. Excellent Customer Service, affordable shipping, great prices, large selection. See Jeff Tezer at RHAD Performance. Tell 'em Shawn sent you.

The engine is rock solid, the electronics can be troublesome only if the car has been in unusual weather I think.
I bought an S600 Euro Spec MB and that engine had oil leaks front and back, needed a top end rebuild at 70K but I suspect it may have been driven at 100mph on the autobahns during its early years.
Suspension and handling on the 7 series is really amazing. The power punch is great, comfort and assurance like no other 4 door sedan.
Go for it. Always do an inspection by a good shop before making an offer.

When you get back to considering a BMW again, consider the e38 (1995 to 2001) instead of the e32. The e38 has too many upgrades to mention and maintenance should be similar between the two models. I believe the parts are slightly cheaper for the e32, but not enough to swing the decision.

I love my 2000 e38 BMW 750iL. The best car I've ever driven.

No offense, but from what I gather of how well you know your cars - I refer specifically to this:

...A few cars ago I had a 1992 540i...


- having to care for a 15-year old V12 and all its peripherals isn't such a good idea.

Unless it's a typo, in which case, you have my apologies.

I have several 750iL and my daily driver I bought 1994. It is from 11/1988 and I have no regrets.
I suggest you read on my website

Tips : Before you buy (E32)

http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/auto.htm

The 1992 already has the facelift M70 engine and that is also good for you.

No offense, but from what I gather of how well you know your cars - I refer specifically to this:

...A few cars ago I had a 1992 540i...

That is not unusual because my 740 was made in December of 1992 but is called a 1993. It was probably just a typo.

I would seriously go with an E38 750iL that has had it's spark plugs changed recently because it takes a half hour to change the 12th one. Yes it is that much of a pain.

My sister had an '88 750iL. It is not a lemon but just has it's fair share of problems that has to be repaired instantly so as to not overwhelm the owner of accumulated problems and ending up giving up on it. In other words, constant repair & maintenance. And it's not cheap.

its a glorified FORD ..... I am so hating mine right now.... trans fail program and 2 trans replace and still plague by this problem

Mine does the whole cut power and make me wait thing too with the trans program warning. I just have to wait for the engine to warm up. Rather annoying but it probably saves me from destroying the inside of my car.

Where is Qsilver7 to explain that problem, with detailed pictures, when you need him?

Maybe you read my write-up for the 750 "rough idle/no power-checking"


http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/244840

The problem is, that in the US there are not many mechanics who understand the basics of that high sophisticated engine management system. So either you find one, or DIY.
I do all by myself, no problem with the car.
Even here in Japan people come to me and ask for help. The young BMW mechanics here were still in the kindergarden when that car was produced.
Besides, only about 40.000 750 V12 E32 have been built in those days out of total around 320.000 E32. Maybe half of the or less are still alive worldwide.
There are BMW shops which may once a year see a 750 for service, of course they do not anything about this car.

The problem is, that in the US there are not many mechanics who understand the basics of that high sophisticated engine management system. So either you find one, or DIY...There are BMW shops which may once a year see a 750 for service, of course they do not anything about this car.

I can't agree enough. No matter what V-12 you have, E32, E38, 850i, 850csi, etc., the engines are comparatively rare and finding a mechanic who has regularly worked on one is vitally important for the car's longevity.

At my local dealer only one or two mechanics are "certified" on the V-12s. I have nightmares of some junior mechanic breaking out the TIS and grabbing a wrench, reading along as he tries to fix my engine!

I happen to live in a major metropolitan area, which gives me better odds of finding a mechanic who has worked on V-12s, but I'd be worried if I had to move to Podunk and have my car serviced at Podunk BMW (or BMW of Podunk if you prefer). I bet some of the more rural/smaller market dealers haven't sold a V-12 in years. These cars were $90,000+ new and often ordered, not simply sitting on the lots waiting for sale.

-pd.