Hi all:

I'm just thinking about this.

My Dad has a 740i and I've always loved the lines of that car (E38 series, the one before the latest iDrive debacle you either love or hate). He and several others have been recommending I trade my 99 "darkhorse" black GS400 against a 2000 or 2001 740i Sport. ( I wouldn't even think of getting a 5, they are extremely common in these parts.)

I know it's almost like comparing apples to oranges but looking at the great feedback/comments from CL on the A8 vs GS400 thread I thought I'd look for your feedback on this potential move.

It's gonna cost me especially in terms of taxes in and out so I have to have a good reason to do it. Help me out here!



I'll start a pros and cons on the 740 against the GS400.

Pros of 740 Sport:

Higher initial cost of car so more snob appeal
Top of the line BMW snob appeal
Bigger and roomier
A lot more luxury features (from electronic trunk closing to sideviews that go down when backing up)
The Sport even though it's big like a boat hugs the road like it's on rails with little to no modding
Since it depreciates worse than a GS4 I won't have to drop too much extra dough aside from the taxes in and out to get it

Cons of 740 Sport:

Reliability is in question esp compared to a Lexus/Toyota
Insurance coverage a lot more expensive
Depreciation worse
A bit slower both off the mark and top speed
Bigger and heavier (but this may be a plus for those who like that for safety)
Image of an older man's car (do you guys think the 740 is for old folks?)
Might not get the black on black that I like (but I'd probably wait it out)

I know in the end it's a taste thing, but just curious if anyone has had direct experience with owning both the 740 (esp the Sport) and the GS400 and would you have strong opinions one way or the other? Particularly curious if you feel the 740i is for old folks.

Many thanks in advance,

Paul

99 GS400 BLACK ON BLACK

 

you got a picture of the 740i?

 

Not sure about other areas but I only see age 40+ (more like 50+ ) driving 740i in my area. If I want a bigger luxury vehicle, I would pick LS430.

 

Well, for the record, LS430 is not any more of a young man's car than 740.

Darkhorse,

the best thing is to do what makes you happy. Chances are that you know what would make you happy better than any member here. My only advice is that if you go for the BMW, make sure you get extended warranty. This way, you have a piece of mind as far as reliability is concerned.

Best of luck with your decision.

 

keep the lexus bro.

 

Take the savings from keeping the GS400 and go mod crazy! GO FOR THE JUNCTION PRODUCE!!

 

GS is a keeper

 

I am younger and I love the 740 and the new 745. They have style and class no matter how you look at it, and if your worried about it being an “old persons” car then you’re buying for all the wrong reasons.

I have a friend who just picked up a Blue\Tan 740i sport DIRT cheap, I want to say like 25k or less.

Beautiful car and I believe the 740i generation was pretty reliable, compared to the first year 745…

 

The 740 body style is too flat,square, and old....It will look out dated right off the back! Keep your lexus.....I do enjoy the 745, now that is a beautiful car. I plan 2 get the 7451 next year wish me luck!

 

I think the latest series of the E38 is one great looking sedan, a sporty looking limousine.
I tried a test drive, and the car handles extremely well, typical BMW... it doesn't feel floaty, but the ride is also far from being harsh.
It offers a more luxury compared to GS, except the "not too intuitive, 1980's computer interface lookin" navigation system.
I was originally offering the same car (used '00 - '01 740i Sport) for my brother (he was 19), and he felt the car was just too big. One thing that bothers us, though, was BMW's reliability; most reviews on the www.carreview.com say that BMW's maintenance once you're out of warranty is more on the expensive side; hence, not a good combo.
But, look and performance-wise, I think it is on par or even a little better than the GS. And no, I personally don't think 740i Sport is for old people; MB S and LS430 are more for mature people (although I'm 23 and drive LS43, I don't regret it, it's a matter of preference)

 

why is it good to have snob appeal. the gs is less money new but worth the same now. that should tell you some as well. I am sure the neat little electronic parts are fun to have fixed as well. i don't see how a 65k car can sell for 18k-22k in my area and only be three years old.

 

Since you are not getting the iL version, bigger and roomier shouldn't be much of a regard...

 

I was gonna get a 2000 740i sports package black on black.......Oh Man.......they are so sweet and nice. I'll take a 740i over a GS400.

 

My friend has the 2000, and he likes is but he has complained alot about the "gremlins" that he has had with his car, like the radio getting replaced twice, the sunroof coming off track, the price for little routine repairs, and replacing his electrical box because of some recall. Honestly, his complaining started AFTER I dusted him in my near stock GS (at the time).

Depends on what you are looking for in a car. It is a nice looking aar!

 

Don't play stop light wars very much but I can definitely say that a GS4 stock will walk away from a 740. And, as we all know, with a very few suspension mods, the GS will also easily outhandle a 740. But if your heart is set on finding out about the BMW ownership experience and it is very important to be driving the same car as your dad and his friends, go get it. So how many miles would be on a 2000 now? 50,000? Even if things go well, that's just when the bills start to add up. Might want to check on the maintenance cost at your local bimmer shop for just the routine maintenance at that age or more. We get complaints on Lexus maintenance costs but a three or four old bimmer is going to be impressive. Don't know if they still have their Service I and II jargon but it will be coming up on an Service II which was around $1700 ten years ago on a seven series. And the stock shocks will be getting near their end as well. And on and on and on.....

If the info that is starting to leak more on the next gen LS and GS is at all close, about a year from now a 2000 740 is going to look pretty out of date.