HA - these guys had the car listed for $15K and just dropped it to $12,9

2001 BMW 740il Silver/Black,85Km

If the pin in the hatch is a known rattle problem that can be avoided when a new one is installed, have the dealership install a new one and just be careful. I don't remember what keys cost nowadays, but I demanded a new key when I got the X. They were a "no negotiate" dealership, so I had to get my pound of flesh somehow.

That might be your sign!

thanks I may need some advice .
I will do any renovation required over time . items on the list so far -
front suspension
front brake upgrade , considering fitting 4pot brembo calipers from 728i , 735i .
pusher fan , air con seems to have stopped cooling
cruise control unit
tail lights
new tyres after wheel refurb
rust bubbling under paint on wheel arches needs attention
paintwork requires polishing.
car has 147500 miles . new radiator and fuel tank at 100k . new dealer fitted engine at 130k . new springs around 130k .various bushes .
full bmw service and maintenance history . built nov 96 . M62 740i .

Wow. thats a clean lookin 7. Def. a sport . Vavona wood, shadowline trim, M-pars, lower front end. !2k isnt a bad deal if thats the one that had alot of work done in the last 10k miles.

Front suspension - If you want a stock ride with expected BMW life, you can get FCPGroton parts with a lifetime warranty off eBay. If you want a little more heavy duty you can get Meyle HD (SLIGHTLY stiffer ride but longer life) bushings in certain arms or polyurethane bushings (FIRMER ride, not good for areas with bad roads)

Brakes - other than going aftermarket Brembo's, you could get away with a set of PBR/Axxis Metal Master pads and easily upgrade to the 750iL dual piston calipers with larger rotors all around.

Pusher fan - I don't know how to help you there other than stock. I removed the clutch fan from my car and went with an electric, but that's on the opposite side of the radiator that you're trying to address. Have you double checked the resistor pack on the pusher fan to make sure it hasn't failed? www.e38.org is a great resource.

Cruise control - junkyards, but I don't know how readily available they are in your area. I use www.car-part.com whenever I need something that I can't find local, but I don't know if they ship internationally.

Tailights - I personally still want a set of the CELIS style taillights.

Tires and wheels, your on your own there man.

Since you've already got a new engine, I'm going to assume you've got a new waterpump, hoses, expansion tank and OSV. Let me know what else I might be able to suggest.

nope - that one is Anthracite / gray and is still listed at $15,8K which is pretty clearly $3-4K too high!!

Silver / black is a nice color combo and something different from the other 2 on my court - one is white / tan sport and the other is anthracite / gray non-sport with sport wheels.

Ahh. Service records are nice when buying a 7. I didnt have any when I bought mine and now I worry about all the common problems and if they were delt with. They shouldnt be too hard to find for closer to 10k.

M5james , I have most parts already , need discs and bushes . yes new waterpump factory fitted to engine , bosch plugs also until twat at dealer changed them at next service for ngk claiming he was only following procedure and had already binned the bosch plugs but he could not disguise such a lie .
hoses replaced with radiator because fan of clutch failure and consequent damage , I know that you know what happens when a fan clutch fails .
osv was reason for new engine , misdiagnosis of oil consumption .you can already build a picture as to why I avoid the dealer for repairs . I have a good indy or I can do repairs myself if I need to .
got rear lights from a 2000 model .
replacing Pirelli Snowsport with Goodyear ultragrip performance 2 winter .

I think this driver was faced with the choice of comfort or practicality and found the ideal solution at the coachbuilder .
edit - I just realised this is post 1000 for me , oops should have posted something better .