Used BMW 7 series opinions?

[mayonnaise]

Doing the car shopping thing for a while now and entertaining the thought of a used luxury sedan. So I was wondering what you all thought about the 7 series?

I am aware that it is an expensive luxury vehicle and the parts/maintenance is $$, but the prices for some of the 2006ish classifieds are very enticing (below my max current budget if I was to buy new) and would allow for a rainy day fund to be set aside for repairs and such.


Open ears to any and all opinions you got

 

[Vette73]

The price is lowwer for a reason.


Unless this is a 2nd fun car and/or you got a pile of money and know how to work on it then pass.


Look into a Lexus, Caddy, etc... i.e. American or Asian car. Plenty of good luxery cars that are more reliable.
My brother in law just sold his Infiniti and we are going to the auction this Friday as he wants a STS (maybe CTS). Already has a european car so does not want another one. He needs a car to drive while I fix the european one.

 

[MiataNC]

The HR manager at my previous employer had a 740i.

Within months of the warranty expiring he had to replace the transmission (sealed non-serviceable), power steering pump, and Rack&Pinion. After dropping more than $8K into it, he couldn't get rid of it fast enough.

 

[KDKPSJ]

I'd join "Don't Get It" crowd Slightly off-comparison, but when I got my 3 in 2007, 2003ish 5 was about the same price. And while I spent 0 on my 3 (B2B warranty + free maintenanace) so far, I am sure I might have spent few grand if I got 5 instead back then. Should be same to 7, or actually worse.

 

[DeviousTrap]

The post-refresh e65 cars aren't nearly as bad as the 2003 or 2004 model cars that got absolutely horrible reviews. Still, it's a D-Class German sedan with all sorts of electrical gizmos that can easily nickle and dime you. However, since you said you do have money to put away in a rainy-day fund, go and drive a 550i instead. A 2006 might actually be more expensive than a similar 750, but the later e60s are considerably more reliable than the e65. Also, if driving fun has any importance in your decision, the 550i Sport is a blast to drive (for a large sedan) while the 750 will feel like a boat.

 

[BarneyFife]

I second the 2006 550i

 

[KIAman]

If you can pick one up CPO or with original owner extended warranty, you should be good for the next 2 years. How long do you plan to keep the car?

 

[mayonnaise]

Originally posted by: KIAman
If you can pick one up CPO or with original owner extended warranty, you should be good for the next 2 years. How long do you plan to keep the car?

At least 2-3 years, depends on how much I enjoy it... maybe more.

 

[KIAman]

I would say go for it assuming you have money to maintain the car after 2 years. Just considering the 7 series, I'm going to assume you want a luxury limo and not something a little more sporty like a 5 series.

The only thing left is the 2010 7 series will make the 2006 look outdated. With the 5 series, the refresh comes with MY 2011. If you go 3 series, you can last till 2012. This is assuming you care about new models.

 

[ChaosDivine]

I'm in favor of domestic and Asian luxuries. Will be getting a 2006 Lincoln LS elite with 8k on the clock in a little bit

 

[SoulAssassin]

Unless you plan on hanging out in the backseat and having someone drive you I think the 7 is a waste of space/money. You can pick up '07 535xi's all day long for $32K at a dealership near me if you want to go a little smaller. Also, make sure you go CPO...you don't want to know what I just dropped for an extended warranty on my '05 645.

 

[Corn]

The 06 7 series is a nice car. I'd prefer the Audi A8L though, you should be able to find a CPO A8 for significantly less than the Bimmer.