low mileage 2003 BMW 745Li - good buy, or run?

[FCaz]

I picked up a 2011 X3 a while back and as a result, I've become a bit more comfortable with older BMWs with the N52. Currently looking at a 2003 745Li with less than 100K miles. Any thoughts on this model? I think this model year has a N62? Are these generally reliable at this age, or are there known major issues I should be aware of?

[ptpending]

run
unless you want to spent your life with it

[FCaz]

Originally Posted by ptpending

run
unless you want to spent your life with it

Thanks. Can you elaborate any?

[vt100]

Originally Posted by FCaz

Thanks. Can you elaborate any?

The more you run the better your health is

[Dagstar]

Originally Posted by FCaz

Thanks. Can you elaborate any?

E65's are notorious for having issues. A low low point for BMW reliability. Engine leaks (more so than the average BMW), a lot of electrical gremlins, and they're all expensive fixes.

[TimmyTurbos]

Definitely run. Or join a credit union, you'll need it! Hahahha
There's a reason you don't see many of these in the wild.

[TimmyTurbos]

Originally Posted by vt100

The more you run the better your health is

+1 🤣

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by FCaz

Currently looking at a 2003 745Li with less than 100K miles. Any thoughts on this model? I think this model year has a N62? Are these generally reliable at this age, or are there known major issues I should be aware of?

There are few cars more expensive to maintain and repair than used 7-series BMWs or S-class Mercs.

There is a reason both can be had for under $10K, which will roughly be the bill for the next minior rapair on either one of those cars.

Run!

HTH,
a

[FCaz]

Update: Apparently the car sold, so it's a moot issue. FWIW, it was listed for $1,400, so it was priced right to allow me to tinker with. I wouldn't have minded if it was manageable, and I would have tolerated minor leaks if it ran regardless. (this is basically the situation with the X3 I have). But if it was going to be a major hassle, it's not worth it at any cost.

[ptpending]

the e65 was a car with a complete new electronics bus architecture and this not went good in real life, so bmw, which designed e60 with same arch, in 2005 changed e60 significantly to e87 e90 e70 arch
so in real life this is super comfortable 20+ year old car for long trips but it surprises its owners every week, even if not driven
if you ever consider old bmw car, chose the latest year of the manufacturing, it will have most factory design issues fixed, like 2006 M3 e46, 2009 E65 750 or 760, 2011 335is, 2011 m3 e92 and so on. and the most reliable e65 was 730d diesel version, which is not available in US

[TriumphTim]

"Are these generally reliable at this age" Probably not reliable off the lot... lol

Generally any era 3-series will be the easiest to tinker with, BMW made so many of them that parts are easy to find either new, aftermarket, or used. More online documentation and fixes in these forums too.

Any 5 series or up has more complicated systems, the V8s are more complex and not as reliable as the N52 or NA straight sixes. Less overall enthusiast support...

[pbonsalb]

The 2011 X3 with N52 is a DIY friendly car. We have a 2012 X3 with N52 in the family that I maintain and repair. I have done a complete servicing with preventative maintenance (all fluids and filters, brakes, belts, valve cover and gaskets, plugs, O2, etc. I recently replaced most of the suspension front and rear and that was a big job on a 14 year old New England car with rust and corrosion underneath.

A 2003 745i would frighten me.

[Cyphir]

Would be a great way to learn more about bmw maintenance, but can you see yourself using it long term?

[MarcoF90]

I would run.....almost everyone in the german car world regards it as the most unreliable 7er gen of all time.

There is a reason there's more 7er enthusiasts with a E38 as opposed to a E65.

I implore you to find a E38 for sale (preferably Pre-VANOS) you'll have a much easier time tinkering and maintaining it compared to the 7er gen that came directly after it (E65)

[Dagstar]

Originally Posted by MarcoF90

I implore you to find a E38 for sale (preferably Pre-VANOS) you'll have a much easier time tinkering and maintaining it compared to the 7er gen that came directly after it (E65)

This right here, plus, they ooze cool, and are the best looking 7 series, especially with the sport package. One of my top picks for an everyman's German garage queen.