I own a 2001 BMW 740iL which is as sophicsticated as a Mercedes, Lexus or Infiniti, but with the handling and performance of a Corvette. BMW changed the body style in 2002 to the controvesial "bubble' shape with makes the 95-01 series 7 vehicles "keepers" because it is believed they will one day be collector's items. Expecially the Sport Package models which comes with "MParalell" 18" rims, 10 inch Michelins in the back and 8 inch michelins in the front. These cars can easily last 200,000 miles.

The sport package also comes with the 5 speed Steptronic auto/manual combination transmission, as well as electronic suspension control, and 4 wheel vented disc brakes. The auto manual transmission is a bit redundant because the engine has an automatic rev limiter which zooms the engine to 6,000 rpm, then effortlessly shifts. It is hard to damage this car even when accelerating so hard that you can feel the G-forces. It also comes with electronic traction control and positive traction like the muscle cars of the 1960's, with of course, rear wheel drive. These transmission have a built-in "shift kit". Under extreme acceleration the shifts are strong and instant like a manual transmission.

The car comes with a 6 cd changer in the trunk with a cassette player in the dash. The system has 14 speakers. While the bass doesn't work well for rap, it is flawless for everything else. If you like to hear EVERY instrucment in the music you will LOVE the sound system.

The seats are unbelievable with 10-way adjustments including the top half of the driver's seat and elctronic head rest height control. Unfortunately, the Sport Package does NOT come with heated seats. But they do have 3 memory settings.

The engine is a work of art. Four roller bearing overhead cams, 8 cylinders, automatic rev limiter, 32 valves, the list goes on. basically this car has a Formula One quality engine in a sedan! Only the 750 model, which has a similar 12 cylinder engine has more horsepower. BMW rates the 740's at 280 HP, but then BMW calculates horse power differently. I know so because I once left a Doge Charger Hemi in the dust.

The iL option is a stretch version of the standard Series 7 BMW. The rear passenger compartmen is 4 inches longer and has more leg room than the front. It also comes with foot rests. Another cool feature is the electrically controlled rear window and rear side widnow sun screens which allow adequate outside visibility.

Moon roofs are standard, as are heated side mirrors. The passenger side miror even tilts down when backing up to make sure you aren't driving over a toddler or the family's pet.

The car gets 22 MPG at 80 MPH, and 16 in the city. But then "city" usually means zooming away from stoplights in full throlle mode. There is a MPG analaog guage in the instrument pod. The car takes city corners at 30 miles per hour with ease. On the highway, it handles even better at 100 than 80. the speed sensitive power steering is excellent.

Maintenance is important for these cars if you want them to last 200,000 miles. Don't let Jiffy Lube near it because engine, transmission, power steering and differential oil are all 100% synthetic. Even the brake fluid is synthetic. Expect to pay a dealer or independant BMW service company $80 for an oil change every 7,500 miles or so. Remember, BMW started out building airplanes. Their logo is a Propeller. Routine maintenance can be deferred without destroying the car.

One nice thing about these cars is that they are built like tanks and can take a lot of abuse without leaving you beside the road.

The battery is located in the trunk (along with a 6 disc CD Changer) and weighs 70 lbs. It takes a battery the size of a diesel 13 wheeler to run all the electrical systems in the car. It costs about $200 if you have to replace it. However, these cars do NOT have the flukey electrical problems so common in older BMW's.

If you are buying one of them used, have it inspected by a certified BMW tech. It is not unusual for a poorly maintained 7 series BMW to have $2-3,000 in deferred maintenance. The sales price should reflect that expense. But remember these cars sold for $66,000 new and you get every dime in performance, comfort, styling and safety. Did I mention that side and dual front airbags come standard?

I hope this guide helps you find one of these wonderful cars at a reasonable price.