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#1
05-24-2004, 02:18 PM
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S Class/7 Series Comparison please.
I drove my buddy's 2001 BMW 740il Sports Package this weekend. The torque to the rear wheels is almost frightening in its response! Handling is as if on rails. I'm a Benz loyalist, however, and I still want a 2000, or 2001 S-500.
I'm wondering if any of you has driven both the 2000 or later S-500 and the 2000 or later BMW 7 series? I've seen their respective specs, but I'd love to hear driving comparisons! BTW, I went to "auto show in motion" this weekend. If it's coming to your town, do not miss it!! www.autoshowinmotion.com
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1991 560SEL (254K miles) 1980 Lincoln Mark VI - Givenchy 1979 Lincoln Mark V Collector's Series 1979 Lincoln Town Car Collector's Series 1979 Ford "Effie" Pickup (in gradual transformation to a show/street truck) 1969 Lincoln Mark III (waiting for "Overhaulin" to call) 1989 Lincoln Towncar 2001 Lexus GS300 (spousal unit's daily driver) 
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#2
05-24-2004, 03:51 PM
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I recently bought a 2002 745. I really came close to buying a 2001 s500 sport.
I would rate the cars as equals. The BMW handles a little better. Its steering feel is world class. On the other hand, the Benz handled nearly as well and was a little more comfortable. In the end I went with the BMW because price and warranty were better. I am pretty happy ith it. However, neither one of these cars is a match for the quality of the 129. MG
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1991 500 SL 2002 BMW 745i 2003 Harley Electra Glide
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#3
05-24-2004, 04:23 PM
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Check reliability. I have no clue who monitors this (Consumer Reports? Riiiiiight.)
 Our 97 740iL is a basketcase maintenance-wise. BMW's warranty costs must be astounding on these vehicles. That said I know nothing about S class reliability. best, Dave
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#4
05-25-2004, 04:14 AM
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Early-Mid 90's 740 has engine problems... Something to do with gasoline in North America that cause pre-mature engine wear.....
As for later 740/745, well, they sure have quite a bit of torque, feels as powerful as S500, and definitely head and shoulder above S430..... Late batches of 740i/iL should be fairly bug-free.... And IMHO, handles a tick better than W220 S-Class...... Fit/Finish seems to be better than early W220s(before facelift)..... But W220 rides better, if a nice comfortable cruiser is what you are looking for.... In the end, you really can't go wrong with either one.... But no doubt a mint 2001 740i/iL would be more sporty to drive than a 2001 S500 in similar condition.... but S500 will get you from A - B in comfort(relatively speaking).....
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1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/W140_Side.gif 2002 Acura TL Type S http://members.shaw.ca/AKRY/type_s_side.gif
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#5
05-25-2004, 08:59 AM
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I was in the backseat of a 2004 S500 L last night but I was pretty mortal so I can't remember much more than that it was very nice.
My dad had a '97 728i which was excellent. I've driven a 2002 745i which was fast as anything and a very good drive but I didn't care for the interior quality.
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JJ Rodger 2013 G350 Bluetec 1999 SL 500 1993 E300 diesel T 1990 190
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#6
05-25-2004, 09:36 AM
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BTW a GREAT site for BMW 7 series info is www.e38.org.
Check the list of known problems, etc. to see what the owners are up against with these cars. best, Dave
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#7
05-25-2004, 01:01 PM
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The problem engines were the Nikasil cylindered engines from '93 through mid '95....not in the year range that the poster is inquiring about.
My impressions are about the same as Mike G. However, while friends of mine seem to like the BMW more they don't appreciate the over-sophisticated electronics.
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Rick '85 380 SL (sold) '85 Carrera Flatnose '71 280 SL Signal Red/Cognac
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#8
05-30-2004, 09:59 PM
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Sorry to get off subject, but I hit 190K miles today on my '93 740i. It has the original Nikasil engine, and I drive it to work 60 miles every day. It is showing a slightly rough idle due to the leaking caused by the high sulfer content in North American gas. But hey, it started the rough idle business at 100,000...maybe I can still get it to 250-300K! Sorry I can't help with the original intent of this thread, since the '93 is a stagecoach compared to the new 7 series. Still, prefer my SL or the wife's E-Class over my 740.
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#9
06-01-2004, 11:39 AM
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A friend of mine has a 2002 745Li. Other than some GPS misbehavior due to a faulty antenna, it has been troublefree. I was with him yesterday when he filled the gas tank at $2.25/gallon. Ouch.
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#10
06-01-2004, 12:23 PM
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The 02 745 gets a bad rap on reliability. I must say that when I take it in for scheduled servivce next week, I have a long list of items that need to be attended to.
However, they are all small items that do not affect reliability. So, while this car has its share of electronic maladies, none of them affect my overall enjoyment of this machine. I enjoy driving this car more than any other car that I have ever owned -- save for my SL.
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1991 500 SL 2002 BMW 745i 2003 Harley Electra Glide
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#11
06-02-2004, 06:26 AM
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Quote:
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JJ Rodger 2013 G350 Bluetec 1999 SL 500 1993 E300 diesel T 1990 190
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