Bmw Advice - United Bimmer Community

**mlongo2005** · 12-12-2006, 02:10 AM

hello,recently my 1994 alfa romeo 164LS was totaled parked on a street.now i finally have the opportunity to purchase the only car id ever said i would if tragedy struck my alfa.im looking for a 740il.my question is since i do not know much about the actual car itself other than i love the look is what is the difference between a 1996,1997,1998 bmw740il?what is a better car the 740i or 740il?im sorry to ask all these questions,but as i can see you need to go straight to the enthusiasts to get the correct answer.hence the bimmer forums.any advice at all will be greatly appreciated.by the way im looking for a black bmw with black interior fully loaded.thanks in advance...marco.ps,do all these years use the same body styling,if so can parts be interchanged from a newer 7 series to an older 7 series such as tail lights,or headlights,interior upgrades etc...

**BMWLotAttendant** · 12-12-2006, 11:10 PM

First off, welcome!

Second, to adress some of your questions.
Let me add also, that BMWs are based off bodystyles and years. The years that you are looking at in the 7-series is considered an e38. I LOVE the e38 bodystlye.

The difference between a 1996-1998 740i and 740iL is length. The "L" stands for "Long-Base"....if you compare a 740i and 740iL side by side, the rear passengers doors will be shorter or longer depending on which model you choose. I think the interior might be a little bit more roomier. I can't remember.

Body style? Yes, they all have the same body style.
740i/iL from the years 1994-1998.
BMW only gave a change to 1999-2001 of the 7-series body style.
In 1999, the 7 series received a small facelift: the headlights and rear lights were changed, and there were some minor changes in the interior.

Parts changed from a newer 7 to an older 7? I think they only can be changed within their years and models. (so within the e38 years (1994-2001). And maybe with bodystyles....so maybe just 1999-2001 can be changed, and 1994-1998 parts can be changed. Not sure if you can mix and match.

Engine wise, all the models you are concerned about all have the same engine with the V8. BMW made a 750i/iL from 1994-2001 and those have a V12 engine. The 750i/iL have 40 more hp (326).

Here is my PERSONAL opinion:
I highly suggest getting a 740i/iL from 1999-2001 with the sports package. They are more sporty and have a sportier suspension. I think they look and drive better too. I think they have less problems than a 1996-1998 would have. But don't take my word for it. Go and drive several different years and models...1996, 1998, 1999, etc. and see for yourself.

Side note: You can tell if it has the sports package by the steering wheel, it will have an "//M" emblem on the bottom. Also the wheels, if they are in a star spoke pattern (like my picture at the bottom, those are sport wheels)

Good luck! Any other questions, feel free to search the site and ask ANY questions, we are here for YOU!

**mlongo2005** · 12-14-2006, 04:04 AM

thanks for the repky.i do plan on getting the IL because of the length.i will also provide the car with a sport suspension and engine upgrades,basically put my own style to the car.id like to know which you guys think has tyhe best performance upgrades for the car.i hear alot about dinan,but are they the best,or are their better products out there for the 7 series,who makes the best lowering springs,chips etc

**BMWLotAttendant** · 12-14-2006, 11:00 AM

Ok, if you find a 740iL with the sports package, I don't think you need to provide the car with a different suspension.

As far as engine upgrades, what did you have in mind? Swapping a V12 in there? Or did you mean a turbo, or supercharger? I'm confused about this engine upgrade?

I personally LOVE Dinan, I love thier exaust, and everything the offer. Each tuner is different and you have to figure out what YOU like. As far as exaust, the sounds and performance. There is UUC, Dinan, ACS, Remus, etc. Everybody complains about how much Dinan tuner's prices are. So they look elsewhere. Everybody is different and has different styles, tastes, and expenses....so that's what you have to figure out for yourself. If money isn't a factor, I suggest you buy a 2001 740iL Sport, then look for upgrades.

**cainchapman** · 12-15-2006, 03:16 AM

iL actually stands for Limousine.

I like the iL as the have more options. Although, that does mean more can go wrong with it. So get it check thoroughly by a dealer, before you buy it.

Otherwise, they are a great car.

**Dudesky** · 12-15-2006, 08:40 AM

^^^Are you sure? I've always known it to stand for Long wheel base

**celsdogg** · 12-15-2006, 08:43 AM

yeah, i have known it as long wheel base too. maybe its different in other markets

witeshark · 12-15-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celsdogg

yeah, i have known it as long wheel base too. maybe its different in other markets

^^^ Yup that's what it is. It's Limousine in many places

**mullethunter3** · 12-15-2006, 12:06 PM

As for lowering springs and struts/shocks, I think the general mood around here is that Bilstien Sport shocks and H&R Race Springs are the best.

That's my $0.02.