7 series vs 5 series

[simple guy]

Hey All ---

I am a newbie to this site and a soon to be first time BMW owner. I have been eyeing the 2001 740iL for about 6 months. I have been reading all the reviews I can get my hands on and it has all been the same: "it's a great ride ...yada yada yada but ...". That "but" is always followed by ridiculous maintenance and repair costs. So I've spen the last 2-3 months trying to convince myself to like something else: Lexus GS, Audi A6/A8, ... Point is for a luxury performance sedan, nothing seems to compare to the 740 for me.

The reported maintenance costs on most of the reviews is what has been scaring me.

Then someone mentioned that I should look at the 5 series. My first reaction was that it costs almost as much as the 7 and it is "smaller" car. The 5s have a better "reliability" record than the 7s.

Can anyone give me their thoughts on this? Obviously preference plays a role but what are your thoughts on the issue of the E38 vs the E39 (specifically 740iL vs 540i)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Big Daddy]

First off welcome to the board!

I do not believe the maintence cost would be any more for the t vs the 5. I have owned 2 7's and they were great cars. The maintence for the 750 is high, but I do not think it is any more for the v8 than any other v8.

Before you buy used have it throughly checked out. It is important that the previous owner(s) serviced the car regularly.

Best of luck and again welcome.

 

[simple guy]

Thanks Big Daddy.

The other concern I had with this is mileage. I am stuck on buying one that has <50K miles. I keep feeling that more than that is too much. Some folks say that even 75K - 80K miles is ok as the car will last if well maintained. For the 2001, the price can drop significantly between 50-75K vs under 50K.

What are your thoughts on mileage?

 

[Big Daddy]

The "national average" is 15k per year now, it was 10k per year. I prefer lower mileage cars but must admit that my 733i went over 300k with out any major engine work. My 750iL had just broke 100k when I sold her, and she was running fine. My current 97 Chev pickup has 140k on it and my 91 318is had 160k when I sold her. The 318is was purchased by my brother in Germany and I bought it from him, so I know that it was Mobil 1 every 3k for it's life. The key is did the previous owner take care of the car, and you can tell this if they have the records. I would not be afraid of one with more than 50k, but if your willing to pay the premium get one under 50k.

Just my thoughts and experience.

 

[lechef]

My 95 740 i is in mint condition and I preform a regular maintenance on it and at 114k it still runs like a champ and very low maintenance costs so far. I must warn you that the oil filled bushing on the front suspension are a problem and to replace them with poly urethane at a cost of approx $600.00. I am convinced that the 7 series are a great car and well worth owning them as it is a awesome and comfortable and fast ride.