Looking at buying BMW 735i E65 2002 - 2003 for the Mrs

[dcholden]

Hi Guys,

Have had my eye on a 2002 - 2003 7 series for the mrs, as they seem to be going at a fairly reasonable price. There is a few around at the moment with 70,000 odd km's on them that seem in good nick. Just wondering if anyone had experience with them? Are they fairly reliable? How many kms would you generally get out of the 3.5 Litre V8 before it starts to get tired?

As its for the Mrs, I want something European and reliable. The main things I have read that are wrong with this vintage 7 series (if you would call it wrong) are the looks and the complicated idrive system. Anyone also know what the servicing costs might be like on these?

Appreciate any help / advice you can provide.

[spank]

Hi Guys,

Have had my eye on a 2002 - 2003 7 series for the mrs, as they seem to be going at a fairly reasonable price. There is a few around at the moment with 70,000 odd km's on them that seem in good nick. Just wondering if anyone had experience with them? Are they fairly reliable? How many kms would you generally get out of the 3.5 Litre V8 before it starts to get tired?

As its for the Mrs, I want something European and reliable. The main things I have read that are wrong with this vintage 7 series (if you would call it wrong) are the looks and the complicated idrive system. Anyone also know what the servicing costs might be like on these?

Appreciate any help / advice you can provide.

a few of the guys down here run them as hire cars / corporate limo's they have found mechanics around that use cheaper non geuine parts etc with little or no effect on the cars, the only thing ive really heard of concern is auto trans issues at 300000klm plus but im sure thats lack of servicing, im sure the syd limo guys are doing the same thing as dealer serving and parts would just be to expensive given the klm we do

[dcholden]

Thanks appreciate the feedback. When I enquired with a couple of BMW dealers they are certainly expensive to service with them.

[BNGTO]

Good cars but a lot of electronics in any of those large ones that can go haywire at any time and if they do it can be super expensive as there is simply not a lot of volume in the country so the parts are hard work: especially on the electronics side which may not be so easy to find alternatives to OEM stuff.

Good thing to get a good warranty with.

[zorro]

the 7s are a big car, you would need to have a spin in a couple to realise this. If it were me Id be looking towards an e39 5 series.

As mentioned yes they are a bit when it comes to parts/servicing/maintenance, looked after and they will be fine. Ive found sourcing parts from the states to be cheap and have a couple of reliable suppliers, otherwise there are plenty of euro parts people here for a price.

[Shaune_M]

Great cars but have been warned to stay away from the 2002 build models in particular due to electrical issues. Anyone one else heard the same?

[GMHVNSS]

I have previously owned an E39 540i, great car, actually miss it at times, my suggestion would be go and look at the price of things like wiper blades, fuel/air filters etc.
These parts are quite expensive when compared to parts for Commodore/Statesman.

[Swordie]

My suggestion is talk to a mechanic who specialises in BMWs, see what they recommend. Get the potential car checked out by someone who knows them. If the seller refuses to allow an independent check walk away. As with most cars get a service history. If no service history exists move to the next car.

[NODDY347]

My brother has a 05' 735 with 70,000klms on it. only thing that he has had an issues with is a couple electronic problems. one being a dead alternator, from memory i think it was just shy of 3k for that. luckily he got a good extended warrenty when he purchased it.

[185iboy]

I'm a Bmw mechanic. I'd stay away from them. 3.5L 8 is especially sluggish and thirsty, the iDrive back then is a mess to navigate through. You'll be facing $200 for wipers alone. If the box goes which happens anywhere from 100,000km onwards its roughly 10-13k for a new one installed. Not a very reliable car at all and the interior wears suprisignly harshly if not treated right.

In saying that if I were going for a nice long highway drive there's nothing else I'd choose over it. Test drive one and see how you like it.

[dcholden]

Thanks guys, I've started looking at E class Mercs instead.

[VYSLED]

Hi All,

I am using a mates account to reply to this thread. Just thought i'd add my 2 cents.

The 735 02 - 03 is the biggest problem on 4 wheels (but still fantastic looking)

List of repairs in 2 years:
2 Alternators $2000 each
water cooling pipe gasket inside engine $160 (labour $7500)
new transmission $12,000
2 sets cooling hoses $750
water damage to voice module and sat Nav from leaking through boot common in all e65 models $9800 (paid for but still not fixed, on its way from Germany 3 months later)

countless tow truck costs, one from Lorne to Melbourne.

In saying that does anyone want to buy it, surely nothing else could go wrong.

$35K

[macca33]

:doh: The ULTIMATE driving machine....:lmao:

[mustanger]

:doh: The ULTIMATE driving machine....:lmao:

Very nasty....:lol:

[185iboy]

VYSLED a campaign was also recently released for E65's to replace the vac hose to the booster and or brake booster. Depending if engine oil has already gotten into it. If you haven't got the letter you might have to swing past a BMW centre again lol.

[HAVIC]

Hi All,

I am using a mates account to reply to this thread. Just thought i'd add my 2 cents.

The 735 02 - 03 is the biggest problem on 4 wheels (but still fantastic looking)

List of repairs in 2 years:
2 Alternators $2000 each
water cooling pipe gasket inside engine $160 (labour $7500)
new transmission $12,000
2 sets cooling hoses $750
water damage to voice module and sat Nav from leaking through boot common in all e65 models $9800 (paid for but still not fixed, on its way from Germany 3 months later)

countless tow truck costs, one from Lorne to Melbourne.

In saying that does anyone want to buy it, surely nothing else could go wrong.

$35K

Damn! We have been keeping an eye out for a 2006 ish 320i or maybe a 325. Seem to be an awesome buy for around the 30K mark...but you never know...that post has scared me!