Trade a 944 for a 740 il??

mambodave · 07:13 PM

Hi all. I frequesnt the Porsche board alot, so I though Id ask a question over here.

I went to look at a 94 740 il to make my daily driver. 70,000 miles on the clock. Black on Tan. Very good condition. It was his wifes car. He bought her an SUV and the dealer didnt offer him much on the trade, so he kept it to sell outright.

I want something larger, more reliable and good for trips.

I drive my 944 to take a look. The guy really liked it, and offered to swap me.

What problems should I look for ?

Any Advice is much appreciated. Getting a PPI tomorrow.

Dave

trj911 · trj911's Garage

I have a '94 740IiL as a daily driver and I love it. Big and lots of power and a nice quiet firm ride. The car has been relatively problem free all it's life. But, the 93-95 engines did have some problems. Some engines were replaced because they were made out of nikasil (sp?) and some gas causes small pitting in cylinders causing them to fail a leak down test. BMW now makes their engines out of alusil. (sp?) My car has 130M without any engine problems. Other iL cars had transmission problems but again, mine has been fine. BMW was picking up the ticket on engine swaps for 5-6 years but I doubt if they would on a 10+ year old car. You can tell the engine is bad if while running and in park, there is excessive shake in the car. There should be almost no vibration noticable at all. Overall my car has been great and I would buy another one any time. You will have problems, but compared to your 944 they will not be as frequent. Get a PPI done and if it passes, enjoy!

mambodave · 06-30-2004, 06:12 AM

It was swapped at 50,000 miles , so we are good there.

Thanks for the info!

trj911 · trj911's Garage

Better yet, you get a car with 20m! I would do it! Mine is also black with tan. If you don't want the car I'll take it!

mambodave · 07-01-2004, 01:58 PM

Well.. I made the even swap. My 85 944 (75K on the clock) for a 93 BMW 740i (70k on the clock)

Get this. I have EVERY single record from day 1. and a window sticker $56,000.

Quite funny actually. we both got PPI's at the same place at the same time, then traded keys and titles.

trj911 · trj911's Garage

It looks just like mine. (This is the only picture of it I could find, ((background)) You will love it as a daily driver.

mambodave · 07-03-2004, 06:49 AM

Yeah, Its a great daily. Now begins the search for a 951.

Nice Collection there!

What year is the silver?

trj911 · trj911's Garage

It's a '73T. Someday to be a track car. Enjoy the 740!

CrossT · 07-21-2004, 07:38 AM

Good thread/timing - I am on the verge of getting a 95 740iL at a local dealer. It has 109K on the clock [which causes a bit of concern], but if the engine was swapped out that would likely cause the sale to happen given less miles on the clock. Can you tell from looking at the engine if it was swapped? Can one call BMW with the VIN and see if it was done?

thanks
todd
1986 911 Coupe
93 Jaguar xj6
possible 95 740 iL

mambodave · 07-21-2004, 07:47 AM

There is a way to tell, but im not sure how...do a search. I remember reading it.

But a BMW dealer can tell you if it has been done or not.

Make sure you get a PPI, even if the car is from a dealer. Most of these older ones dont come with a warranty.

CrossT · 07-21-2004, 05:28 PM

thanks. I found a thread and it answered my question. The car had a new engine in at 65K so it had 45K on it. I called BMWNA cust relations and the guy helped me out. I was impressed.

I got right in the car and went to see the thing prepared to buy it. Well, the statement of 'no paint work' was not correct. Within a millisecond it was obvious the car had been repainted . . .

disappointing - there are plenty out there though. There seems to be the potential for a good deal on these 95s due to the liklihood they have a relatively new engine and a newer body style.

todd
1986 911 coupe