Re:used 740iL

[Phil Marx <BMW@xxxxxxx>]

>In a message dated 3/9/99 2:22:26 PM Pacific Standard Time, T.Jacobson writes:

> I am considering buying a '94, 740il but am hesitant because of problems
> with the Nikasil block.  Does anyone have any advice to share?  The block
> would be covered under the manufacturer's 6yr/100m warranty but that only
> gives a year and a half.  Do you buy an extended warranty to cover things
> after that or forget the whole thing and look for a different car?

Randy responds:
>~~~~~~~~~` Personally, I would look for a 1996 740il that perhaps is a little
>higher mileage, yet still qualifies for the BMW 2 year factory Used Car
>Warranty. This gives the best overall package, as the car does not have to
>still be under the factory warranty, and the engine jumps to a 4.4 litre over
>a 4.0 litre, with none of the problems.

Good advice, but see "pricing" below.

>I have had MB's for years with the "new to BMW" silicon/alluminum
>blocks/cylinder bores. MB has been using this for over ten years ( now found
>in 96'-forward 740's) .
>You can take one of these 96's apart at 200k miles (with proper oil changes)
>and see virtually no wear in the cylinder walls. It's THAT good.

Using the M-B word gets my hackles up.  BMW has used the Alusil technology
in the 12 cylinders for over ten years as well.  And Porsche had it in '77
in the V8s.  Now if M-B could only make a timing chain that would last.

>Don't be shyed by prices on 740's.They are actually very close year to year.
>Most dealers pay about $800 LESS than wholesale Kelly Blue Book or NADA Guide
>prices, so add about $1500 profit, and make a deal.

The price difference between the two year 7's ('94 vs '96) according to the
NADA guide is nearly $20,000!  You could buy a loaded new 528i for what the
'96 740iL lists for, with money left over for the first two years'
insurance.  I think anyone considering an E32 740i is most likely more
restricted, budget-wise, than a '96 would allow.  Just make sure it had a
new engine done under warranty after January of 1997 (Alusil).

- -Phil

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