Looking at 1990 750Il What should I see?

[clnilsen]

I am looking at a 1990 750IL, with 84,000 at a BMW dealership to consider buying. I'm looking at this as a daily driver, so I'm wondering what I should check out. I am planning on having a PPI done, but what issues are there with these? I'm initially concerned with rust and mechanicals.

I've only seen the outside of the car, and it looks well maintained. The seats look clean and lightly worn.

I know that auto leveling system is expensive to replace, and that the heater core is expensive if it goes, but with this milage, what is the probability that these will be bad. Anything else major that's a killer?

Next - I know and expect this car to be a dog. Is there any worthwhile upgrades that people have gotten good response out of?

Finally, what's the general opinion on these cars? The price is $8,400 so it seems like a pretty decent deal.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

Chuck

[Bear]

First thing to look at is the dollar signs on all of the service and the second thing is to look in the mirror and try to figure how to remove that S*** Eating Grin.


Realistically, I put away about $1000 per year for mainternance. Do I always spend this, NO. Parts are expensive, but internet providers are plentiful so this will keep your costs down. Find a independent BMW technician for any work you cannot perform (like changing the spark plugs) and use them. Buy a Bentley manual and get familiar with it. Read this and the Roadfly message boards and ask questions.

The car is not a dog, it is not a stop light drag racer (0-60 times are about 7.2 seconds) but this is a high speed touring car and at speed on the auto bahn is very satisfying. Top speed computer limited is 155 MPH and I get about 15 MPG city and 20.5 highway at 75 MPH.

[Wayne 962]

$1K a year? Isn't that low, these are teh 12-cylinder cars...

-Wayne

[Bear]

Yup same as mine only mine is a 1988.

[joski]

somebody help!!!
I just traded a dirt bike for a 1988 750IL in real good condition, but a bum tranny.

after reviewing pricing I am wondering if anybody has stumbled across a manual tranny that will work in this car, or even a cheep auto?

I really apreciate any help

Joe