1996 BMW E38 750i (SWB)

[bmthnick1981]

I doubt it will be ready as I had a call today saying they have fitted 3 of the 4 bushes but one is slightly undersized so loose. I have ordered another but they come from Estonia (I can't find them in the UK?) so it will be another week....

I really want to come to Sunday Service as I enjoy MB world but with my 3 cars in the garage that only leaves coming in the wife's Alfa 147 which isn't that appealing. I might still do so any park it round the back out of sight!

[bmthnick1981]

Yes, it's a fking nightmare!

1 of the 4 new bushes doesn't fit (too loose), so ordered another, also too loose.

Have now ordered some polyurethane ones to see if they will fit, but also coming from Europe so another week delay.

It seems no UK supplier does these swing arm bushes for the E38 which I find rather odd.

[bmthnick1981]

harry kular said:

not many people would take on a 750i AND a 560sec!

I bid on a Bentley Mulsanne on Friday too at SWVA in Poole, luckily I didn't win it...

[bmthnick1981]

E65Ross said:

What a pain in the arse. I bet they cost a fortune from BMW as well?

Bushes not available from BMW, they only supply the whole arm with bushes complete at £342 + VAT per side, hence I am trying to get new bushes pressed in, much cheaper option.

E65Ross said:

Am I right in thinking you were going to sell up? If so, how come? Running costs, fancy a change, surplus to requirements?

Yes will be selling end of May early June as i've order a new lease car. Don't tell anyone but it's a 4 pot diesel! Will I be banned from the Barge thread?? Seriously though I wan't to use the cash from the 750 to get the 560 SEC finished. I'm also planning to sell my Audi estate (as the new lease car will be an estate I don't need two) so there may be room for another purchase in due course.

E65Ross said:

What's your experience of selling cars like this? My main concern is trying to sell the E65 when the time comes... How many want a thirsty V8 these days?

My experience is that the good cars sell just fine, look at your 728 for example, many would say that would take a while to sell but it went very quickly because it was a good car. My red 750il sold very quickly as it was a very good example. I don't anticipate too much problem selling mine as I won't be asking the world for it and I am confident it is much better than most that are offered for sale.

[bmthnick1981]

E65Ross said:

You're going to go to the dark side?! What car is it? You'll HATE a 4 cylinder diesel after running a 5.4 petrol V12, you realise that, don't you?

It's this model in this colour;



The engine choice wasn't my first choice but I like the car and we get a bulk discount through work, plus I get some tax relief on it so it's (to me) a fairly economical way of running something new which will be smart for work, economical, good for family duties etc.

Hopefully it will make driving my old barges feel extra special. I will always have at least one big petrol engined old barge as well :-)

E65Ross said:

Don't worry, of course you'll be welcome in the barge thread, the 560SEC is certainly a barge! Any idea when you think it'll be finished, and how much more work is needed on it?

Fuel distributor is thought to need a rebuild, so a kit has been ordered and my mechanic mate is hoping to get to it this weekend. In fairness he is working evenings and weekend on it for me for cash to keep costs down hence why it is taking a while. Once that is done hopefully it can be MOT'd, it has had the small bit of welding it needed done and we don't think there is anything else it would fail on.... famous last words. Once MOT'd I want to strip the interior give it a good deep clean, new headlining, refurb the wheels, some new tyres, then decide how far to go with the bodywork....

[bmthnick1981]

Right car is now back from the garage and my wallet is about £650 lighter. 6 bushes on the rear suspension and 1 arm. Rear is now silent, no creaks, groans or squeaks. Very satisfying just a shame it took 4 weeks!

MOT next, then for sale.

[bmthnick1981]

E65Ross said:

What sort of price are you looking at getting for it?

£2k'ish Ross. Only getting rid as have too many cars, I would keep it but with a new lease car arriving on Friday, my 560 SEC project (funds from 750 to go into that) I have enough on my plate.

I've owned the 750 since October I think and used it daily, it's a brilliant car. Everyone should own and run a V12 while we still can.

[bmthnick1981]

0a said:

Someone needs to buy this! I sold Nick that e23 from earlier in the the thread and he was a very patient and understanding gent to deal with - I've no doubt the 750 is a bargain and underdescribed rather than oversold.

Cheers Alec, you have an email from me by the way!

[bmthnick1981]

Quick update and just to 'close this chapter'.

750 now sold to a fellow PH'er - maybe he will keep this thread updated.

After the suspension work the alternator died so a used 2nd hand item was found and fitted along with a new battery and a couple of collapsed breather hoses. Another nice little bill.

Then it was MOT time and it needed 2 new rear tyres to pass.

I've updated the running costs in the 'My Garage' section of PH, inn summary I expect it has cost me something like £1,600 to run over 8 months and 8,000 miles. Quite a lot I guess, but worth it to me for the V12 engine alone. Some of the cost was discretionary spend as well, e.g. wheel refurb and oil service neither of which were arguably needed.

Here is my final picture of her as the new owner collected her;