E38 7 series

[chopper]

Hi was thinking of buying a e38, but a few people say they crap and cost the earth to fix. I was thinking of the 750 longwheel base as its just for comfort driving when used, but I've heard that the 740I v8 is much better than the 750I v12?? There is 40 bhp between the two so I can't work out why people say that the 4.4litre is better than the 5.4litre v12??
Also has anyone ever owed one of these?

[mrLEE30]

As with all cars of this era they are getting old now, so things mainly electric start to play up. And the E38 has electric everything!!

Engines are varied, 740 pre 96 are 4.0, 4.4 came 96 onwards with the Vanos coming in 99. Later models are better if looked after. weak points on all are gearboxes which tend to last about 100-130k miles.

V12 is bulletproof as an engine, only downside is they are basically two 6cyl engines, so two of everything even fuel system on some models, thus twice as much to go wrong.

As for the car check everything that is electric seven times : window, seats sunroof etc etc.

[mrLEE30]

As with all cars of this era they are getting old now, so things mainly electric start to play up. And the E38 has electric everything!!

Engines are varied, 740 pre 96 are 4.0, 4.4 came 96 onwards with the Vanos coming in 99. Later models are better if looked after. weak points on all are gearboxes which tend to last about 100-130k miles.

V12 is bulletproof as an engine, only downside is they are basically two 6cyl engines, so two of everything even fuel system on some models, thus twice as much to go wrong.

As for the car check everything that is electric seven times : window, seats sunroof etc etc.

[capri_rob]

There is a good buyers guide in last months Car Mechanics magazine

[Andyboy]

750i's are superb, but they drink so much fuel. The 740i does an extra 5-8 mpg and goes plenty fast enough. The early 4.0 version was more robust with the M60 engine and 5HP30 autobox.

[sweep]

do 750i's break any good ? got offered one the other day,

[Andyboy]

Probably, yes. Front end panels, mechanics and electrics etc etc.

[lamby]

i,ve had various e38s got a 96 4.4 at mo and only probs was expansion tank failed when i done hose up,my fault,front shimmey common but walk away as its a pain.never had a gearbox prob last 728 had 280 thou on original gearbox and it was fine.if its just the comfort angle a late 728 is enough in the real world.then again so,s a e39 525 etc etc.only ever had 1 m60 4.0 and it weren,t good BUT it was a cheapy.and yes the 750 engine is f*****g lovely and for the dosh its worth it just for the engine and if it breaks make furniture out of it.

[chopper]

Thanks guys, was thinking about a 728 but then don't want it to be sluggish when I put my foot down, I've seen a few but may wait until after Christmas as people may need the money

[dips346]

i have the 740i and no regrets with the car as its drives spot on ,as for the shimmey nearly all 7 had them but not hard or that expensive to fix and once done its a treat to drive .

here is my one

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... light=740i

[chopper]

That is wicked!!

[dips346]

That is wicked!!

thanks bro .........if you get one and can afford to run it get the 740i enjoy a v8 lol...............oh my one is up for sale soon

[chopper]

How much is yours up for? Without the wheels?

[dips346]

How much is yours up for? Without the wheels?

not worked it out yet but will 100% be without the wheels

[chopper]

Cool I've got some rims that would look good,so let me know, never know!!

[dips346]

Cool I've got some rims that would look good,so let me know, never know!!

you still on the same number ?

[chopper]

you still on the same number ?[/quote]

Yea man

[Alex]

ive always thought the 728i sport has got to be the best of the bunch with todays fuel prices.

Shame we never got the 725tds although i belive there pig pig slow

[sunnyr83]

Hey man, wheres the e30??

[darkchild]

Shame we never got the 725tds

No its not. That was a blessing!

The E38 740d would've been interesting though.

[chopper]

Hey man, wheres the e30??

You alrite dude? It's getting a new engine in, prob gonna put it away so I can do some work on it during winter, it's goin to be marmite, you love it or hate it

[sunnyr83]

^^ I'm good, yourself?

So you still going for the brown, and what engine you going for??

[chopper]

Na staying black with cream centres and top part of the hard top cream, same engine as the other one started playing games

[Alex]

Shame we never got the 725tds

No its not. That was a blessing!

The E38 740d would've been interesting though.

ah forgot about that one

[Blitz]

ive always thought the 728i sport has got to be the best of the bunch with todays fuel prices.

Shame we never got the 725tds although i belive there pig pig slow

I always thought early 740i's were best.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3241619.htm

[sunnyr83]

Na staying black with cream centres and top part of the hard top cream, same engine as the other one started playing games

Not tempted to put a bigger engine in?? Dips 7 series is well nice in the flesh...

[chopper]

Was thinking about it but it's pretty pointless as i don't blast it around coz it's too low, lucky it's only a wkend car otherwise I'd get pi$$ed with the decked stiff ride, and change it straight away.but that's how I want it to look so have to deal with it!

[sunnyr83]

Low & slows how you roll... lol