1992 BMW 7 Series Consumer Reviews

I bought this car in 2008 for a song because the transmission always seemed to be in the wrong gear a lot of the time. That was due to a defect in the gearbox's valve body, which along with a trans refurb cost nearly 5k to fix. It's a common problem on these cars with the 5-speed ZF auto. However the 4.0 liter V8 is a jewel of an engine, nice, smooth, economical and powerful for its size. The guts of the engine are reliable as a stone axe. Can't say that about a lot of the "ancilliaries" on this car however, as everything from the driver seats, window shade, power steering pump, front end bushings (big problem on these), fuel pump, radiator (twice), water pump, and interior lights and switches have needed my love and attention. There's probably more I can't remember. Oh, did I mentioned its cockeyed PCV valve? What a freakin over-engineered expensive joke to fix! Sometimes I think if Oldsmobiles had been made in Germany, this car would be it. But still and all, when she's running right and feeling good she's a pleasure to drive. I can't think of a better freeway car, especially. She's good looking too.

This car is a pleasure to drive in every way, power comfort, handling, braking. and even being as old as it is it still turns heads and catches peoples attention with how it looks. I am always getting comments on how good looking the car is. you will however need a budget of around 300 a month to put away for maintenance costs. as that is what I have figured my true cost to own on this vehicle. That may go down some for a bit once I get the car fully restored. now at about 13000 I am looking at having to replace the struts so that could be another 3500-4000 repairer bill. my cost to own includes that replacement of the struts. all in all I do recommend this car you just have to be prepared for the maintenance costs.

This car is very comfortable with leather (heated) seats. Its also very roomy and fits 5 comfortably. Had the car but 2 weeks and the crank shaft sensor went out making it incapable of turning over, but 150 dollars later it was fixed again and shouldn't be a problem for another 20 years. The mpg is horrible at 15.3 mixed highway and city but makes up for it with convenience, room, style, comfort, and overall being amazing. Also is very fast (in my opinion) in a jam i can get 0-60 in about 4-4.5 seconds without it even shifting out of first gear.

I have owned my 740 i for 5 years.... yes there are some things wrong (they do not work as they should), but the 32V aluminum V-8 and 5 speed automatic are as good as new. The car handles great...so much fun to drive! The power seats have a problem...unless you want a "gangsta lean" and ther climate control is a pain... starting to rust a little, but a GREAT 20 year old automobile.

its a fun car to have but it takes a driver that takes real care of it

Have owned this car for over 6 years, and don't regret a single moment behind the wheel. Even with the smallest engine available for this vintage 7 series (3.5L SOHC slant inline 6 cylinder, M30 designation) there is no lack of acceleration performance and exhilaration when driving it. "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is a well earned catch-phrase! This car (like most any other BMW) is bred from technology that most other manufacturers strive for, but never quite accomplish to their (BMW's) level of refinement. The M30 power plant is a direct descendant of the engine which made BMW famous for it's aircraft engines before they became an automobile manufacturer. And while every BMW engine has their DNA, the inline six cylinder continues to be the engine of choice when it comes to power, performance AND reliability. The engine and transmission in my particular 7 series both have 200,000 original problem-free miles on them: only requiring the usual maintenance and repair services (tune-ups, full synthetic 4K-5K mile oil changes, battery replaced every 4-6 years, ATF flush every 30K miles, a couple of water pumps and an alternator*)*Replaced at 175K miles. Cons: Fuel economy- won't see much better than 18-22 MPG on the highway, 14-18 city driving in this vintage 7 series. Not even with the smaller engine. Fairly high maintenance- keeping one of these machines running and driving properly requires a technician with familiarity of the technology within and pays attention to detail. Quality parts can be somewhat pricey, cheaper (lesser quality) parts will wear out prematurely. Tires can be expensive, depending on the size, and should NOT be rotated on any BMW... otherwise, adverse handling may be experienced.

really the last of the true BMWs. The classic look of the E32 has an almost Jaguar look. Mine is dark green with tan leather.

love it!