Is there a BMW forum like this?

[Peyton300TD]

I'm looking to troubleshoot some problems on a 1995 740i. are there any forums like this that could help me out?

Eric

There are a couple that I can think of...

www.dtmpower.net is the Fast and the Furious of BMW forums. If you like to talk about how "da E46 M3 ownz joo" and other intellectual topics, you might be interested!

www.bmwplanet.com is more sane. both have a lot of members.

-Sam

[Trelinski]

There is also roadfly

http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/

And Bimmernut

http://www.bimmernut.com/

I think some of them might actually be the same board, I dont know, I just have these in my BMW favorites, I dont actually go there.



Mbz380se, would you mind, relating to me your experience with the volvos compared to your mb. I'm quite interested. If this isnt the place, there is always PM, thx. Im talking in terms of overall quality, and operating costs, I am familiar with the driving characteristics of both.

bimmer.org is best unless your looking for Preformance Upgrades IMO

The Volvo 740 Turbo (that my parents got in the spring of 2000, and is now my regular driver) has needed very little (if any) unexpected repairs. Normal maintenance items have been the order of business with the car. Since it's a turbo, I change the oil every 3000 miles (important with a turbocharged engine) and the thing just keeps going and going and going.

Unexpected repairs have been pretty much an overdrive relay ($40 for the part) that kept the car out of 4th gear and consequently, it revved around 3300 rpms at 60 mph. Right now, it needs a new transmission support piece, which will greatly reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (it did on the 940SE)

In the time we've had the Volvo, we've probably had $800 to $1000 US done in work to it. It's had a new water pump, a new timing belt, new tires (do those count as work?) new shocks, and other minor stuff I can't recall done to it.

Sure, the 740 is like a tractor when I get out of the 380SE (mostly driven by my dad) but the repairs have been less costly than the 380SE's repairs. We've had the 380SE since January of '99 and have probably put around $3500 into it. Of course, $2300 of that went toward some top-end engine work and a new timing chain after the original chain slipped a few links and valves got bent. Our fault for not having the chain changed! Right now, the 380SE's climate controls don't light up at night, which is kind of annoying, but not a pressing issue.

In terms of overall maintenance cost, the Volvo's just been a little better. It's not as "finicky" as the 380SE's been. The Benz has never left anyone stranded anywhere (the chain failure happened in the driveway) but little things have happened, here and there.

Overall, the Benz gives the impression of more quality, but the simpler and unrefined Volvo has less "little things" go awry with it.

Hope this helps,

-Sam

[Trelinski]

Thanks.

I've been pretty set on a w126 for about 6 months now, but sometimes I wonder if I wont go insane without a 5-speed. Definately gonna at least take a look at some 740 Turbo wagons.

[Peyton300TD]

Sam, id agree with you about the volvo.

I had the same problems as you in a 1995 840 volvo. it was a great car though. i mean, seriously, i think volvo's have the most comfortable seats ive ever sat in. i drove this volvo 13,000 miles in just 6 weeks throughout new england. i loved that car.

eric

Maybe the 380SE's seats need new stuffing, but they are NOTHING compared to the comfortable velour seats of the 740 Turbo. Not as much lateral support (ok they are leather) They aren't heated, either. No adjustable lumbar support, either, which my back likes on a long drive.

In 1985, a 380SE cost $42,000 US, while a 740 Turbo was around $22,000, with some options. For nearly twice the price, MB's seating arrangements are somewhat inferior.

-Sam

mbz380se
Do you have heated power front and rear seats?