How does a BMW 745 handle vs a 740?

All BMWs handle well. I tried out a 745il a couple months ago. Those cars are huge. Its like driving a limo. If I were you I would go for the short wheelbase one. Just my .02 cents. Good luck in your search.

 

have you ever driven the titanic? That is what a 745Li is like. The 745i is pretty cool. With to sport package it is even better.

 

For me it has to be a long wheel base, otherwise you might as well get a 5 series.

I've driven them both for awhile and really it comes down to how old you want to go, budget and not much else.

They are lovely cars and handle bumps and turns well. Also back when the 745 was launched, it got about 10% better mileage and was about the same weight, some say even 100 lbs lighter. The 2002 model got from 0-60 mph in less than 6 second and still is as comfy as your own private jet. {As long as the suspension is in good shape.}

I really like the 7's, does it show?

Just a note, more issues are in the 2002 range, than the 2004+ range and for most cars, the end of the generation has the most reliable cars.

Pick a car that's in top shape with somewhat low miles and take it for a drive.

 

Road noise is low in all BMW's that were made in the last 5 years or so. I'm talking used cars that have been driven will Still have low noise compared to other regular makes.

 

We have a 98 740i and Its the 3rd one weve had. They run for freakin ever. I have a 95 that eneded up with 300k miles on it and it drove like new.

The 745's have MAJOR electronic issues, so if you get one.. buy a warranty.

The 740 is pretty much a sport sedan and if you can find a 740 SPORT.. snatch it up. It has a steptrinic tranny and makes it feel like a 5 series when you get on it. Plus OEM 18" rims make a difference. Its pretty quick for a large sedan.

Overall.. I love the 740 (later models) I think its teh best Body BMW ever made. And its realy comfortable.

I would not get a 745 myself, ive heard/seen to many bad things go wrong with the early cars. (first few years fo the 745)

 

Yeah like I said, get a late model 45.

 

I have owned a 2001 740 IL and a 2002 745 LI. Both where very good cars. The only problem I had was with the 740. One day it just stopped while driving on the highway with some type of computer problem.

Personally I would suggest that you get a 745. There are lots of used ones for sale with a 100K warranty.

 

Yes, it handles very well with predictable dynamics and exceptional control. With the right tires it has better grip then the older 740. This is due in large part to 1. wider, bigger stock tires, and 2. a very clever electronic sway bar. The car is definitely bigger (I would say fatter) then the old 7, but masks its size very well when it comes to driving, as most BMWs do.

In terms of 'insulation' from the environment, the BMW does it rather well, but still lets in just the right amount of input to give you a great driving car.

745s were just a touch over 330hp, IIRC.

BTW, I am also a long time E38 driver and a very harsh critic of the new 7 series, so my praise is genuine. It can best be summed up IMHO as the "butterface" of large sedans...looks ugly (IMHO again), but still drives very well.

PS I just wanted to put this out there: Did you also consider the new A8? They can be had for 5-10k less then the same spec (year options) 7. They do not drive as well, but the difference is very minor (aka not like the difference in driving dynamics for example between a BMW and Mercedes or Lexus, of which the latter group can only be terms atrocious)

 

They're rated for 325 hp and they do handle very well. The cons are fuel economy and the idrive system. Some people had many issues with the system.

If I were you I would buy a very good used 740 and wait for the prices to drop, the "bugged" cars to fade away, more 745's to arrive on the streets and then take my pick of the best.

Really selling a car and buying a car doesn't take too much time. I don't think this course will be a burden to you at all.

 

The A8 is in a fact a lovely car as well. I don't think I would buy one, it just isn't my taste but they drive and stand up well. I know two guys who have them and love them to pieces and all the reports say they're good and strong etc....

 

Well, that's a personal objection, I would say it's there to keep the car looking low {which it is} and to tidy up the bottom. Would you have it removed? Replaced?

 

We had a 740i Sport (2001) which was one of the best cars ever owned. I do not generally like big sedans, but this car was special. It did not have ridiculous power (if memory serves, under 300hp), but moved along very quickly and was comfy in the back without being too pig a barge to drive. I was not taken with the aesthetics of the later 7's, and even today, pay more attention to the earlier series when I see them (although frankly, most here on the road look pretty chewed on). I have never adapted to idrive in the later cars and basically ignore the nav system, which is frustrating. Call me an analog guy in a digital world.

 

Where do you live? I assume you're worried about being stuck during the winter?

I've rallied my 5 in Nova Scotia for the last couple of winter without out issue.

 

That picture of the kit makes the car look even lower and over 2k just to get it on the car? Does that include paint?

You must really dislike the stock piece.

 

May you have many miles of smiles!

 

My question is what's the difference between the BMW 745Li 745i and the 740Li 740i? I had a 1998 745Li and it was huge and comfortable. All I know the 745Li is just 6 inches longer wheelbase back seat legroom than the 740i. I need something smaller than 745Li. But should I step down from my desired 745i to 740i? Or what's the difference between 745Li vs 740Li. BMW drives me nuts with all the different models.

 

This thread is well over a decade old…. Is there a particular reason you felt that needed to be re-addressed?