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Thread: Thinking about picking up a 745i

  1. #1
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    Thinking about picking up a 745i

    I'm thinking about picking up a 745i. The car i'm looking at is an 05 with 50k miles on it. I was wondering what kind of problems do they have, and what would you pay for 1 with that kind of milage? Thanks. Btw its white on tan with sport rims.
    “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
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  2. #2
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    I would do the smarter thing and get an 02 with 745i and buy the extended warranty plan. It covers up to 100k miles for 2900 dollars, and save 20 grand
    BMW FAN

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Htownmobaudio View Post
    I would do the smarter thing and get an 02 with 745i and buy the extended warranty plan. It covers up to 100k miles for 2900 dollars, and save 20 grand
    The 2002 model year arent really worth it, they are less expensive but they have a lot of issues and are missing a lot of the nice features that the later models have. The problems might all be solved but the 02 year is generally considered a bad year for the 7 series.

    Also, the 2002 and 2003 models came with a 6yr/100k factory warranty, which should run out by this year at the latest. I dont think there was a factory extended warranty available, only 3rd party for more coverage (although I might be mistaken here...)


  4. #4
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    ye you will save $20k now but will spend more than that in the repairs and headaches later on, STAY AWAY from 2002 7 series, i have an 03 and its much better than 02's
    - 2008 BMW 535i - 2007 SUZUKI GSXR-750 - 2003 BMW 745i SOLD -

  5. #5
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    I have an 05 e66. Troubles include programming issues (firmware), faulty sensor readings and Transmission problems. I have only heard about the transmission troubles, mine is fine. Mine has 49,000 on it and except for a few programming problems, a loose ground wire and a small trim issue, it has been a great car so far.

    Be aware that in most cases, the bugs that these cars have, have been worked out (PO has taken then to the dealer for repairs) before 30,000 miles. I would have no problem buying on 05 with 50,000 on it IF it were a CPO car WITH the CPO warranty AND a complete service history. I would never buy a modern BMW (02 - present) used without it being a CPO car. Too much trying to over run the plumbing on these guys. Too many chances for a serious electrical problem. TOO much money to fix the problem should it arise.

  6. #6
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    " I would never buy a modern BMW (02 - present) used without it being a CPO car. "

    My 02 was a CPO, yet I have had my share of issues. CPO only confirms that the care was inspected by a BMW dealership garage and meets certain standards, not that the car does NOT have issues. This statement was made by a BMW service Manager, not my definition.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Htownmobaudio View Post
    I would do the smarter thing and get an 02 with 745i and buy the extended warranty plan. It covers up to 100k miles for 2900 dollars, and save 20 grand
    They already have the 6yr/100k new vehicle warranty from the factory, which expires this year.

    The only effect CPO has on a car from that year is financing.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by seven11 View Post
    ye you will save $20k now but will spend more than that in the repairs and headaches later on, STAY AWAY from 2002 7 series, i have an 03 and its much better than 02's
    Wow!! I have never had one problem with my 2002 745i and I drive my car hard. My warranty just expired this week though What kind of problems have you had.....HAD....not heard of? Btw I have heard of just as many problems with the 2003.
    Last edited by unirok; 07-01-2008 at 05:23 PM.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by unirok View Post
    Wow!! I have never had one problem with my 2002 745i and I drive my car hard.
    lucky guy
    - 2008 BMW 535i - 2007 SUZUKI GSXR-750 - 2003 BMW 745i SOLD -

  10. #10
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    I just scooped up a 05 with 24,000miles Im surely anticpating some problems.. but I got the 05 because it appeared from my mini research that most of the firmware issues were ironed out by 2005..dont know buy i have an extended warranty till 2011..so whatever..Im hoping they jus fix all problems..an ill keep a driving...

    only thing i would say is jus get some extended warranty with the vehicle..atleast that made me feel more secure.. cause i heard its soo much $$$$$$$ to fix.. LOL even the dealership mechanic told me to stay clear...

  11. #11
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    Re Thinking About Picking up an 05 745

    I posted basically the same question 2 months ago and no responses. However, I purchased one anyone. I purchased a 2005 745iL with 29,800 miles on it.

    Took it in for service two weeks ago @ 30,300 miles and the Front Brakes where replaced in addition to some buttons in on the armrest that where peeling. My only concern is that according to the maintenance records, the front brakes on the car was previously replaced at 21K miles.

    Oh yeah, I purchased the extended maintenance plan @ $1,700 which takes my mainteannce up to 2011 or 100K miles "Front brake job alone would have been $700". Also picked up an "INCLUSIVE" 5yr fron date of purchase/100K miles on the odommeter warranty for $2,800.

    I'm going to scan and post all maintenance records as they occur with my car.

  12. #12
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    my car already came with the maintenance plan i didnt even know about it until after i purchased it
    - 2008 BMW 535i - 2007 SUZUKI GSXR-750 - 2003 BMW 745i SOLD -

  13. #13
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    I've been told by several dealerships and independent shops around Houston to stay away from the 2002-2003 models, but that BMW got most wiring issues, etc. worked out on years after those. I bought a 2002 745Li anyway after hearing that (bright, huh?), and it's been a dream. Though, if I didn't get such a good deal, I'd heed their warnings and go for a 2004+ model.

    The realistic options to me (unless you like to dump tons of money pointlessly) are:

    1. Get a car with at least some warranty time/miles left
    2. Get a car and buy an extended warranty -- though pay close attention to the maximum coverage amounts (most are VERY low compared to the bills typically seen on these cars)
    3. Get a very good price on a car with no warranty and buy a few wrenches, buy the TIS/EPC/wiring diagram CDs on eBay, and get to know your friendly (not likely) salvage yard guys.

    If you get one of these cars without a good warranty and can't work on it yourself, you're going to dump a lot of money very quickly -- regardless of the model year. I think most people on this board will concur.

  14. #14
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    I have a 2006 750Li with only 12k miles.
    Is anyone interested?

  15. #15
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    BMW 7-Series – The most expensive BMW and always used as their technology flagship, the 7-Series has always suffered from very poor residuals compared to the 3-Series cars. I’ll give you a mind-boggling example:

    2001 BMW 330i new – approx. $37,000 MSRP (typically equipped)
    2001 BMW 740i new – approx. $66,000 MSRP (typically equipped)

    2001 BMW 330i wholesale (avg. miles) value now – approx. $11,100
    2001 BMW 740i wholesale (avg. miles) value now – approx. $11,500

    The 740i is much larger, has many more luxury features, more safety equipment, and has a powerful V8 engine, but not a lot of difference in the price now, is there? I know guys that buy used 7-Series one after the other – everyone thinks they have money, but they don’t. They just know the used 7-Series BMWs are an incredible bargain.

  16. #16
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    7 series always been a mechanic treasure, its expensive parts and long time of work to reach a certain part and problems don't end, 745 with no warranty is no good, you are buying someone else's problem and headache before you know it you will spend more money on it than you could ever imagine, my 2002 is bought back by BMWNA because of a lot of issues . get a newer one , honestly no car drives like a 7.I hate to see mine goes but i hate to spend so much $$$ on a car and in the 745 when it rains it pours.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Htownmobaudio View Post
    I would do the smarter thing and get an 02 with 745i and buy the extended warranty plan. It covers up to 100k miles for 2900 dollars, and save 20 grand
    WHAT? that's terrible advice. aftermarket warranties suck most of the time and are a huge hassle. And 02's are commonly lemons.

    100k miles for 2900$? the warranty company would have gone under a long time ago


  18. #18
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    to the OP if you're still looking for advise:
    stay away from '02-'03s, even the dealer SA will tell you so --you may get lucky, but the chances are not in your favor. 745i 2005 with 50K or less will be great imo, the one thing I would choose different: Li

  19. #19
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    Great deals can be had on 2002 745's. If all the bug fixes, software, etc were applied by the previous owner(s) the car is actually extremely reliable. The problems that the 2002 745's had arose within the early period of initial ownership. Thus the vehicle could have been a pain for the initial owner(s), however once fixed the vehicle is very reliable in later years.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by dophineh View Post
    WHAT? that's terrible advice. aftermarket warranties suck most of the time and are a huge hassle. And 02's are commonly lemons.

    100k miles for 2900$? the warranty company would have gone under a long time ago
    Quote Originally Posted by Mad Dragon View Post
    They already have the 6yr/100k new vehicle warranty from the factory, which expires this year.

  21. #21
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    A former Service Manager told me not to touch anything before 05. She said bugs were worked out on models that were manufactured late 05.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by jdwalu View Post
    A former Service Manager told me not to touch anything before 05. She said bugs were worked out on models that were manufactured late 05.

    That service manager told you wrong.

  23. #23
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    Quote Originally Posted by unirok View Post
    That service manager told you wrong.
    +1

    "A former Service Manager told me..."

  24. #24
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    So I have a 02 745i with 109k miles.
    I'm having problems with it and need some feedback on what may be the problem.
    When I turn my car on in the morning and leave it to warm up for at least 7 min. My cars muffler rattles and the engine accelerates by itself, then gives me the engine maulfunction signal. Then after when I drive it everything goes to normal, but when I'm on the road and make a stop the car thrusts me from the back. I can't even make a quick stop and accelerate because the car thrusts me. I've changed the oil from engine and transmission.
    What should I do next?
    I don't want to end up paying for a new transmission or muffler. It's too much money. Help me with your knowleable comments.....

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