Buying 5th generation 7 Series Long Wheel Base
Discussion
I have decided to buy a 5th Generation 7 series Li model, I want the limo version so I can sleep and work in the back. I need some help from experienced experts on BMWs.
My plan is to buy one that has 100k to 125k mileage, FSH and 1 or 2 owners only plus buy from a dealer where I can get some form of warranty.
My question is what should I look out for? What do I need to investigate when inspecting/test driving? Are there any common problems? Does anyone have a guide to investigating the car?
Thanks in advance.
SG
My plan is to buy one that has 100k to 125k mileage, FSH and 1 or 2 owners only plus buy from a dealer where I can get some form of warranty.
My question is what should I look out for? What do I need to investigate when inspecting/test driving? Are there any common problems? Does anyone have a guide to investigating the car?
Thanks in advance.
SG
Make sure it's a decent warranty or else you'll be needing a brave pill for sure. They're not that comfortable to sleep in even with the executive lounge option, esp if you're a side sleeper like me! Out of experience, the 6th gen is a huge step up in handling and comfort if your budget allows. The 5th is still a bit of a barge whereas the G12 handles far better, more like a 5 series. In fact we were running a F10 and G12 at the same time and it handled better I thought. Maybe something to do with the carbon core tech, air etc.
I assume the 5th gen 7 series is the F01, so the LWB will be the F02. They share a lot of tech between all 5, 6 & 7 series cars around that time, so I'm not sure about the brave pill element - they're generally more reliable than an equivalent Mercedes. Anyhow...
Having considered an F01 previously, I had decided on a F01 740d. You get more power from that 3.0 diesel than a 730d, and the specification is generally better. I wouldn't buy a petrol engined one; the V8's have inherent issues, well documented.
I would have to have front comfort seats, a sunroof, and probably M Sport spec (as opposed to SE). The rest of the spec is ok as is; the rear entertainment system is outdated, so I wouldn't hold out for it. There are a lot of colour & trim combinations out there, so hold out for the trim & specification combination that you like.
If you are buying a diesel, make sure it doesn't have an outstanding EGR cooler recall (check on MOT website for recalls); if it does, it can take a while to get fixed, and your dealer will keep the car until they get the parts. 3 months is not uncommon.
Rear suspension airbags wear out, so listen for a compressor trying to keep them inflated on start up - or error messages advising you of a chassis error.
Bring someone with you who can read BMW error codes.
The gearboxes are good on these, but at 100-120k miles a fluid change would be worthwhile. Budget for this, as it's the sump & not just the expensive fluid.
Everything else is obvious car stuff.
Having considered an F01 previously, I had decided on a F01 740d. You get more power from that 3.0 diesel than a 730d, and the specification is generally better. I wouldn't buy a petrol engined one; the V8's have inherent issues, well documented.
I would have to have front comfort seats, a sunroof, and probably M Sport spec (as opposed to SE). The rest of the spec is ok as is; the rear entertainment system is outdated, so I wouldn't hold out for it. There are a lot of colour & trim combinations out there, so hold out for the trim & specification combination that you like.
If you are buying a diesel, make sure it doesn't have an outstanding EGR cooler recall (check on MOT website for recalls); if it does, it can take a while to get fixed, and your dealer will keep the car until they get the parts. 3 months is not uncommon.
Rear suspension airbags wear out, so listen for a compressor trying to keep them inflated on start up - or error messages advising you of a chassis error.
Bring someone with you who can read BMW error codes.
The gearboxes are good on these, but at 100-120k miles a fluid change would be worthwhile. Budget for this, as it's the sump & not just the expensive fluid.
Everything else is obvious car stuff.
Edited by BFleming on Monday 19th August 11:48
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