S-reg 728i

[oakey]

I'm going to look at one later. What sort of things should I be looking out for apart from the obvious?

Any common faults etc?

Is one with a fbmwsh likely to be a reliable car for 6 months or so?

[hubble]

Blimey Dave. 728 Who do you think you are??

Lets skip the 5 and 6 and go straight to the 7!

[oakey]

There is one 2minutes from me. It's fully loaded and looks
The 7's are cheaper in general than the 5's
I've found a 540i I may go and check out too

[Ziggy]

Fuel tank. Giles (Geeman) had issues with his - they're different from other E38s & a PITA to get hold of IIRC.

[oakey]

Fuel tank. Giles (Geeman) had issues with his - they're different from other E38s & a PITA to get hold of IIRC.

Do they go rusty and leek? Or some other issue?

[Ziggy]

Not sure what causes it, but yep they can leak.

[Blitz]

Fuel tank. Giles (Geeman) had issues with his - they're different from other E38s & a PITA to get hold of IIRC.

Do they go rusty and leek? Or some other issue?

I haven't seen any rusty ones. I've got a E38 V8 guide if that's any help to you I can scan it.

[oakey]

Yes please Blitz.
Muchly appreciated

[Geeman]

My E38 728i was a great car, I loved it... but like Ziggy said, the seam around the fuel tank became de-laminated due to a spot of rust and sprung an unwanted leak.

ALL E38 fuel tanks are the same... apart from the 728i. Brilliant!

I couldn't source one, so out it came for remedial work. It also dropped a cam sensor, but no big issue there. It had done 170k too!

I'd recommend one without a problem.

just watch for rust on rear arches, bottoms of doors and around the boot-lid.



It's now in Latvia!

[seanboy]

Also the box, Friend has one and you can drive her all day no problem but if you fancy being a bit right foot heavy she cuts out and lets you have only one gear till she cools down. Computer say (fail safe) or something like that. These boxes are ment to be sealed for life and not needed to replace the transmission oil?

[Geeman]

My E36 328i (same lump and box) went in limp mode when it felt like it. Re-start the car and it was fine... but I got rid as BMW couldn't find out what was wrong with it. Shame really.

[Blitz]

Sorry for the crap scans. Right click, view image for bigger image.

[oakey]

Thanks blitz. Incredibly good of you sir
Another good article by Andyboy

[Geeman]

Bear in mind I only paid £1,000 for my '96 728i with high mileage on it, but FBMWSH, 3 years ago.

You can pick up some right bargains now.

[Blitz]

Contour seats are the best.

[oakey]

Bear in mind I only paid £1,000 for my '96 728i with high mileage on it, but FBMWSH, 3 years ago.

You can pick up some right bargains now.

This one was £2000 and it was tatty so I left it.
I might have a look at a few 740i's but I can see myself going for a 540i now. I think the 7s are a bit toooo big for me. I just don't need that sort of car.

[Ziggy]

E34 540 would be my choice. Lot less to go wrong than on an E39/38...

[capri_rob]

Contour seats are the best.

B-e-a-utiful !

[Geeman]

E39 540i's are monsters. My Father had one when they first came out. Awesome motors.

I don't think you need anything bigger than a 2.8 in an E39 though. The V8's are quite thirsty animals.

Find a nice 528i Sport and you're on to a winner.

[Blitz]

E39 540i's are monsters. My Father had one when they first came out. Awesome motors.

I don't think you need anything bigger than a 2.8 in an E39 though. The V8's are quite thirsty animals.

Find a nice 528i Sport and you're on to a winner.

6cyl cars had better steering feel compared to V8's.

[capri_rob]

I don't think you need anything bigger than a 2.8 in an E39 though.

Really ? I had an E36 328i which was nice and quick - but I got used to the power fairly quickly - if I was trading up I would have thought that same engine in a heavier car whilst it wouldn't be slow by any means definately would feel slower than a 328i - especially as most of them in the 5 and 7 series cars will have slush boxes.

I always thought the ideal motor for the 5 Series was 3 - 3.5l, and the ideal for the 7 series 3.5 or bigger - that way you've got the power to pull the weight of the car and overcome the power loss through an auto box.

[Geeman]

Depends on what you want really I guess.

The 2.8 motor was fine in both my E36 Sport and my E38 - two different driving styles though!

The V8's in the 5-series will be thirsty motors. The 6-cylinder 24v motor is a good all-rounder and can cope with most things.

If you want to scream round everywhere returning 5mpg, then get a V8. If you're going to be a bit steadier and want somewhere like 25mpg, then the straight 6 is the way to go.

Go and drive some to compare them, then get the one you like. Simple.

[mrLEE30]

great cars and possible the last decent looking BMW, i mean look they still have chrome bumpers

actually looking at a 750iL for the old man at the moment, its a trade in heard about from a mate who works in a dealership.

its a lot of car for not a lot of money, and with the 2.8 in there not too expensive to run/repair.

GET ONE NOW!!!!

mrlee

[goldysingh]

Here's a few pics of my E38 Individual.

It's a 2.8 and to be honest has enough power for car of this size.
these are no e30's, more a cruiser but can move when they need to!

This might swing your mind to buying an e38 rather than the more common e39..







It will up for sale soon, pm me if you interested.

Thanks

[Blitz]

Very nice. I do think the E38 is more special then the E39. I love the skinny look of the E38.

What do those contour seats feel like?

[goldysingh]

The contour seats are brilliant..
Comfortable and they hold you in firmly too..
They are also heated so are good for cold weather.

If only they were made for the e30!

[hubble]

One of the nicest cars I've ever driven. Had the opportunity of driving a 750iL about 9 years ago. (Directors Car)
So smooth. Fully loaded and built as they say like a tank.

[Geeman]

The E38 will definitely put you at the top end of the rankings on the council estate... just ask PacerPete!