
Used BMW 7 F01/F02 - advantages and disadvantages of choosing a used model
The BMW 01 Series in the F02/FXNUMX body is a prestigious German car, which makes many drivers and pedestrians turn their heads. You can buy such a model from 750 rubles - like a new budget car.
Is it just worth it? Will the car ruin the new owner?
You need to start with the fact that the oldest BMW 7 F01 / F02 is already 14 years old. The second point is that people who were far from poor bought cars, they were not worried about the prices for spare parts and consumables.
Cars have repeatedly managed to change owners and everyone tried to save on maintenance. Therefore, finding a BMW 7 F01/F02 in perfect condition is a difficult task.
Some do not see the difference between E65 and F01. Photo: Youtube.com
And now we deal with the nuances!
Rusty BMW 7 F01/F02 were not seen on the streets - they are partially aluminum, plus they are trying to take care of them. Rarely, minimal paint blistering can be found on the rear fenders, roof pillars and windshield frame - these parts are steel.
From below, you need to look at the condition of the plastic and lockers - if they are intact, then the bottom will be no problem. If there is damage, then there is corrosion. But nothing criminal - you will not find through holes in any case.
The main problem of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 body is clogged weirs.
The salon is luxurious, there is a lot of space. Photo: Youtube.com
As for the equipment - complaints about the door handles from the outside. It's funny, but it is recommended to change the original to China - they are cheaper and more reliable. This also applies to door locks - the version from China is better.
There are also complaints about the optics - the LEDs burn out in it. To repair one headlight is 15 rubles, although the officials will say that a complete replacement of the element will help - and this is already 000 euros.
If for cars aged 10 years and older the main thing is the body, then with a BMW a good external condition is rather the norm.
It is strongly not recommended to buy a car after a serious accident - it is difficult to restore it - such is the body structure.
If we compare the interior trim of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 with the same E38, it is surprising to find that the quality of materials has dropped significantly in the new model. The more "bells and whistles" in the cabin, the more problems await the next owner.
Not everyone can afford to own such a car. Photo: Youtube.com
If many options do not work upon purchase, then hundreds of thousands of rubles will be spent on restoring the factory state. It is recommended to look for a car in which each button functions.
There are many complaints about the heating and ventilation of the seats - they do not like strong point pressure.
The model has a lot of electrics. It broke down during the warranty period, so breakdowns are inevitable in older cars.
The generator takes care of 150 km, and a new unit costs 000 euros.
Posting problems does not bring, which is strange. Electronic components are reliable if they are not wetted. The main thing is not to climb there and not to introduce foreign equipment. After inexperienced craftsmen intervene in the wiring, cars can even catch fire in the parking lot - there have been such cases.
Finding BMW electronics repair specialists is a difficult task. 100 rubles can be easily spent on diagnosing and searching for problems with officials without getting any specific result.
BMW cars on the chassis have always differed for the better. This also applies to the brakes - they are ideal for the BMW 7 F01 / F02. But if the car was standing, the souring of the calipers will not keep you waiting. By the way, they are the simplest - single-piston.
The most popular engine is 4,4 liters biturbo. Photo: Youtube.com
The hydraulics of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 does not name any complaints, even for the oldest modifications. Tubes and hoses are strong and reliable.
The ABS block spoils the picture, more precisely, not he himself, but the ICM module working together.
Electric parking brake - if it is not used, the gearbox and control board inside corrode and gradually fail. Replacing a node with a new one costs 1 euros, but you can find a used one at a disassembly for 000 rubles.
Here, the BMW 7 F01 / F02 has no problems - thick aluminum levers, ball, reliable silent blocks - with careful operation, they are able to take care of 100 km or more. But many BMW owners believe that cars should be "flying", and the roads often do not agree with them. Therefore, the suspension may need to be repaired after 000 km.
Repairing a broken walker will be inexpensive for a BMW, but costly for a buyer who has taken a car instead of a new state employee. Purely for the mechanical part in front - 700 euros, more expensive in the back - 1.
The rear wheel turn block is cool. But the cost of 1 euros can be disheartening. And active shock absorbers at 000 apiece will complete the collapse of the budget.
This car gives comfort not only to passengers, but also to the driver! Photo: Youtube.com
The rear air suspension is comfortable when it works. Not available on all BMW 7 F01 / F02, but if it breaks down, it terrifies the cost of repairs.
With automatic transmission, you need to be careful when buying a car. They are six and eight-speed, the average resource is 200 km. More modern 000-automatic transmissions are considered reliable, but do not withstand frequent slippage and abrupt starts. And what BMW driver doesn't like to drive fast?
They know how to repair BMW 7 F01 / F02 gearboxes, and work has become much cheaper over the years, but still, 150 rubles is an average check for repairs.
On 6-automatic transmission boxes, you need to change the oil every 30 km - then they will work longer.
Versions with all-wheel drive are common. But it should be understood that the more complex the design, the more problems.
The BMW 7 F01 / F02 has a lot of engines, but almost all of them are structurally complex. The main thing is not to overheat the engines, you need to carefully monitor the operation of the cooling system.
Turbocharged sixes are more complex in design and problematic in operation.
V8s of the N63 series eat up oil if they are badly worn, they do not have cast iron liners. Engines do not like overheating, but they are “hot” by design.
The timing drive does not take care of more than 100 km. And it's not about chains, but about tensioners and dampers. Any extraneous sound is a signal to open the front cover and repair. If this is not done on time, then the timing chains will break and you will have to pay 000 rubles for restoration.
The V12 of the N74B60 series is more reliable than the V8, and it’s not for nothing that they put it on Rolls-Royce!
For a BMW to please its owner, it needs to be looked after! Photo: Youtube.com
As for diesel versions, they do not like low-quality fuel, and in general - a real BMW should be gasoline! The engines are almost identical in design - N57, the number of turbines is different - from one to three.
When buying a BMW 7 F01 / F02, you need to understand that about 150-200 rubles a year will be spent on car maintenance and minor repairs. And that's assuming nothing major breaks.
There is, of course, an alternative option - having a large garage to maintain and repair the car yourself. Then you can invest in 50-60 rubles, but only a few are capable of this.
The BMW 7 F01/F02 is a great car, but it requires careful maintenance. If a potential buyer wants to buy it and do nothing for 5 years, it is better to immediately abandon the purchase.
Is it just worth it? Will the car ruin the new owner?
You need to start with the fact that the oldest BMW 7 F01 / F02 is already 14 years old. The second point is that people who were far from poor bought cars, they were not worried about the prices for spare parts and consumables.
Cars have repeatedly managed to change owners and everyone tried to save on maintenance. Therefore, finding a BMW 7 F01/F02 in perfect condition is a difficult task.

And now we deal with the nuances!
Body and its equipment
Rusty BMW 7 F01/F02 were not seen on the streets - they are partially aluminum, plus they are trying to take care of them. Rarely, minimal paint blistering can be found on the rear fenders, roof pillars and windshield frame - these parts are steel.
From below, you need to look at the condition of the plastic and lockers - if they are intact, then the bottom will be no problem. If there is damage, then there is corrosion. But nothing criminal - you will not find through holes in any case.
But the trunk must be carefully checked for the presence of liquid in it - there is a constructive miscalculation associated with clips in the drainage systems. Moisture may also be inside the doors.
The main problem of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 body is clogged weirs.

As for the equipment - complaints about the door handles from the outside. It's funny, but it is recommended to change the original to China - they are cheaper and more reliable. This also applies to door locks - the version from China is better.
There are also complaints about the optics - the LEDs burn out in it. To repair one headlight is 15 rubles, although the officials will say that a complete replacement of the element will help - and this is already 000 euros.
Otherwise, all bodywork is reliable, they just like to shoot it on the streets. If you buy parts at a showdown, it can still cost a couple of hundred thousand rubles.
If for cars aged 10 years and older the main thing is the body, then with a BMW a good external condition is rather the norm.
It is strongly not recommended to buy a car after a serious accident - it is difficult to restore it - such is the body structure.
Salon and electrical
If we compare the interior trim of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 with the same E38, it is surprising to find that the quality of materials has dropped significantly in the new model. The more "bells and whistles" in the cabin, the more problems await the next owner.

If many options do not work upon purchase, then hundreds of thousands of rubles will be spent on restoring the factory state. It is recommended to look for a car in which each button functions.
There are many complaints about the heating and ventilation of the seats - they do not like strong point pressure.
The climate system is a headache for the owner of the BMW 7 F01 / F02. Although the interior heats up or cools down in a couple of minutes, the installation is not reliable.
The model has a lot of electrics. It broke down during the warranty period, so breakdowns are inevitable in older cars.
The generator takes care of 150 km, and a new unit costs 000 euros.
Posting problems does not bring, which is strange. Electronic components are reliable if they are not wetted. The main thing is not to climb there and not to introduce foreign equipment. After inexperienced craftsmen intervene in the wiring, cars can even catch fire in the parking lot - there have been such cases.
Finding BMW electronics repair specialists is a difficult task. 100 rubles can be easily spent on diagnosing and searching for problems with officials without getting any specific result.
Тормоза
BMW cars on the chassis have always differed for the better. This also applies to the brakes - they are ideal for the BMW 7 F01 / F02. But if the car was standing, the souring of the calipers will not keep you waiting. By the way, they are the simplest - single-piston.

The hydraulics of the BMW 7 F01 / F02 does not name any complaints, even for the oldest modifications. Tubes and hoses are strong and reliable.
The ABS block spoils the picture, more precisely, not he himself, but the ICM module working together.
Electric parking brake - if it is not used, the gearbox and control board inside corrode and gradually fail. Replacing a node with a new one costs 1 euros, but you can find a used one at a disassembly for 000 rubles.
Suspension
Here, the BMW 7 F01 / F02 has no problems - thick aluminum levers, ball, reliable silent blocks - with careful operation, they are able to take care of 100 km or more. But many BMW owners believe that cars should be "flying", and the roads often do not agree with them. Therefore, the suspension may need to be repaired after 000 km.
Repairing a broken walker will be inexpensive for a BMW, but costly for a buyer who has taken a car instead of a new state employee. Purely for the mechanical part in front - 700 euros, more expensive in the back - 1.
The rear wheel turn block is cool. But the cost of 1 euros can be disheartening. And active shock absorbers at 000 apiece will complete the collapse of the budget.

The rear air suspension is comfortable when it works. Not available on all BMW 7 F01 / F02, but if it breaks down, it terrifies the cost of repairs.
Gear boxes
With automatic transmission, you need to be careful when buying a car. They are six and eight-speed, the average resource is 200 km. More modern 000-automatic transmissions are considered reliable, but do not withstand frequent slippage and abrupt starts. And what BMW driver doesn't like to drive fast?
They know how to repair BMW 7 F01 / F02 gearboxes, and work has become much cheaper over the years, but still, 150 rubles is an average check for repairs.
On 6-automatic transmission boxes, you need to change the oil every 30 km - then they will work longer.
Versions with all-wheel drive are common. But it should be understood that the more complex the design, the more problems.
Engines
The BMW 7 F01 / F02 has a lot of engines, but almost all of them are structurally complex. The main thing is not to overheat the engines, you need to carefully monitor the operation of the cooling system.
The most reliable engines are N52B30A / N52B30AF - atmospheric sixes. Finding such a car is not easy, and their prices are high.
Turbocharged sixes are more complex in design and problematic in operation.
V8s of the N63 series eat up oil if they are badly worn, they do not have cast iron liners. Engines do not like overheating, but they are “hot” by design.
The timing drive does not take care of more than 100 km. And it's not about chains, but about tensioners and dampers. Any extraneous sound is a signal to open the front cover and repair. If this is not done on time, then the timing chains will break and you will have to pay 000 rubles for restoration.
The V12 of the N74B60 series is more reliable than the V8, and it’s not for nothing that they put it on Rolls-Royce!

As for diesel versions, they do not like low-quality fuel, and in general - a real BMW should be gasoline! The engines are almost identical in design - N57, the number of turbines is different - from one to three.
Take it or not?
When buying a BMW 7 F01 / F02, you need to understand that about 150-200 rubles a year will be spent on car maintenance and minor repairs. And that's assuming nothing major breaks.
If the buyer cannot allocate the necessary amounts for the maintenance of the car, then nothing good will come of the acquisition.
There is, of course, an alternative option - having a large garage to maintain and repair the car yourself. Then you can invest in 50-60 rubles, but only a few are capable of this.
The BMW 7 F01/F02 is a great car, but it requires careful maintenance. If a potential buyer wants to buy it and do nothing for 5 years, it is better to immediately abandon the purchase.
- Ulf
- https://youtube.com
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