1996 BMW E38 750i (SWB)
Discussion
I've seen one, X plate, so it's out there somewhere. 
Yes, around 70k miles when it left me, really should never have sold it as it's been irreplaceable.
Still have the Calypso one lingering around, but I've never loved it as much and the amount needed to bring it up to par would buy just about the best of the E38s that come up, plus I've had a change of priorities at home and any idle dosh is going into a planned transatlantic move and a lot of travelling until that point, so it'll end up as a pile of parts I'm sure.
Owning a good example and an average smoker one has taught me that I can't be happy just making do with a merely passable example and spending 2-3x as much on a better one is worth every bit extra. I've yet to come across a sub £4k E38 that didn't immediately need the sort of work that would quickly take it past that level, to satisfy how I'd like it, anyway, however serviceable it may be below that point.
That said, I can never stop checking the classifieds for them, they're under the skin very firmly.
Yes, around 70k miles when it left me, really should never have sold it as it's been irreplaceable.
Still have the Calypso one lingering around, but I've never loved it as much and the amount needed to bring it up to par would buy just about the best of the E38s that come up, plus I've had a change of priorities at home and any idle dosh is going into a planned transatlantic move and a lot of travelling until that point, so it'll end up as a pile of parts I'm sure.
Owning a good example and an average smoker one has taught me that I can't be happy just making do with a merely passable example and spending 2-3x as much on a better one is worth every bit extra. I've yet to come across a sub £4k E38 that didn't immediately need the sort of work that would quickly take it past that level, to satisfy how I'd like it, anyway, however serviceable it may be below that point.
That said, I can never stop checking the classifieds for them, they're under the skin very firmly.
bmthnick1981 said:
It has the DSP stereo as well so subwoofers in the rear parcel shelf bit.
Yep Dunbar Road where the two red ones are pictured, I used to live there.
Awesome, must sound pretty good!Yep Dunbar Road where the two red ones are pictured, I used to live there.
Thought that looked like Dunbar....I'm an estate agent so pretty used to recognising streets and houses! I should get out more...haha.
As BMW's first attempt at the top-end of the Luxury market I think the E32 750 still retained a lot of the DNA from the driver-focussed 5-series. Involvement still trumped refinement to a small degree. I think the E38 marked a shift firmly into the limo market with a lighter helm, more compliant suspension, double-glazing, more toys etc.
To me the E32 certainly feels like an owner/driver machine whereas the E38 was veering more in the Chauffeur/Fat Cat direction!
To me the E32 certainly feels like an owner/driver machine whereas the E38 was veering more in the Chauffeur/Fat Cat direction!
Small update, did around 600 miles over Christmas in 2-3 days, car performed perfectly. Mileage now approaching 119,000 so I have done around 4,000 since October. The front suspension is beginning to knock ever so slightly so in the next few weeks I will have it in for new lower and upper front arms, drop links and ARB bushes. Slight squeak from the rear also so will get the ball joint / rose bushes done as those are usually the culprit for a squeaky rear end! Will get oil and filter done at the same time. Other than that I still need to sort the CD changer and drivers side folding mirror (needs replacing). Other than that all good and continue to use it every day. A quick pic after a quick clean after Christmas;
Come on chaps, E65 760 is getting dangerously close to barge-dom now...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-760Li-V12-Super-Car-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-760Li-V12-Super-Car-...
what's the verdict?Small update, car is now approaching 121,000 miles, still being used daily.
This week I have;
1. Changed the windscreen washer pump as the old decided to give up. Quite an easy job, remove drivers side arch liner to get access.
2. Changed the front ARB bushes for Meyle items. Had these sat in the garage and as I had the car jacked up I thought i'd replace them, easy job 2 x 19m bolts each side.
3. Oil and filter changed, 10 litres of 0w 40 fully synthetic.
Car is into local specialists today to have a look at the slight knocking on suspension at the front, and squeaking at the back.
MOT due end of May but I will probably get it done in the next few weeks.
This week I have;
1. Changed the windscreen washer pump as the old decided to give up. Quite an easy job, remove drivers side arch liner to get access.
2. Changed the front ARB bushes for Meyle items. Had these sat in the garage and as I had the car jacked up I thought i'd replace them, easy job 2 x 19m bolts each side.
3. Oil and filter changed, 10 litres of 0w 40 fully synthetic.
Car is into local specialists today to have a look at the slight knocking on suspension at the front, and squeaking at the back.
MOT due end of May but I will probably get it done in the next few weeks.
Another small update garage has reported that the suspension at the back needs 1 x upper arm and 2 x rear axle bush / ball joints replacing. I suspected the latter needed doing but not the former, the work is now being completed. They are also looking at the front suspension and I suspect 1 or more arms and maybe drop links will be needed......... I feel a big bill coming on! Oh well, the ride should be nice and smooth after all this :-)
My fuel is always paid for on one credit card, I have all the statements and could probably work out what has been spent on fuel since October when I bought the car... I expect it would be quite frightening! Then again I don't do VAST amounts of miles so would expect something like £250-£300 a month on petrol which perhaps isn't TOO bad...
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