Wow, cancerman, thanks for the long and thoughtful response.

I think that, for now, I am recommited to keeping the 740 on the road. It's immediate needs are new front brake calipers, new rear springs, and for me to fix the central locking system (I think the relay may be shot).

If I were hearing that the FWD model were more similar to the RWD models in their simplicity and owner-feasible repair, I'd perhaps make the leap.

My concerns about the beloved 740 are two-fold:

1. It's wanting me to spend some money right now, maybe around $500 or $600. I'm fine doing that, but worry that it's going to want the same in a couple of months. Granted, that's life with an older car no matter what the model. I've just been trying to ascertain via esp whether bad things are coming or if I'm just becoming a worry wart.

2. The engine, the B230ft turbo, does make a fair amount of clunking/tapping noise, primarily when cold. Piston slap perhaps? At the same time, it's ALWAYS made these sounds, and has decent power, but when the power door locks don't work and the sun roof leaks and the leather seats are cracked, the noise seems much more ominous.

That said, I have done a significant amount of maintenance on the car, and it has many new parts (engine electrical stuff, fuel pumps, new exhaust, etc), and so I'd hate to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Okay, I'm convinced: I'll hang in there with the 740 and hope for the best.

Thanks again for the reply.

mrad