I'm after an E38 740i Sport

[sparks_E39]

Any and all information regarding running costs and general ownership would be great (compared to an E39 would be useful) And if anyone knows of a good one going...think fsh and well loved... let me know! I don't need to know about MPG! I know what to expect there..

My itch is for a V8... so I'd consider a 735 too but would prefer the 740i. I'd love a 750il but I can't justify running one. I know the 728i is lovely but I've had two 6 cylinder E39s now...

[sparks_E39]

Anyone?

[Esseesse]

I'm no expert but hear the fuel tanks can be a problem (rust and need replacing). I think you're looking at a little north of £1k for a replacement, so if you can stomach that then no problem.

Other than that I think they're comparable to an E39. I would be interested to know if an E39 fuel tank (plastic) can be made to fit an E38?

[woodruffm]

Email me, I have a 740 sport that may be available in a few months time if you want to wait for the best one out there.

[bigdom]

sparks_E39 said:

Any and all information regarding running costs and general ownership would be great (compared to an E39 would be useful) And if anyone knows of a good one going...think fsh and well loved... let me know! I don't need to know about MPG! I know what to expect there..

My itch is for a V8... so I'd consider a 735 too but would prefer the 740i. I'd love a 750il but I can't justify running one. I know the 728i is lovely but I've had two 6 cylinder E39s now...

Little in the overall running costs, although some of the parts are dearer. Usual things to look for be wary of at this age, suspension & heating system may require some form of make-over, gearbox, weeping power steering lines, the alternators are also water cooled on the V8.

I wouldn't bother with a 735i, same fuel consumption, far less oommph

I've had 2 E38 7's and never had an issue with the tank.

[JeremyH5]

Great cars. I've stuck to 728s and replaced fuel tank on the first one at about £1k. Moved it to my second one now after finding terminal sill rot in first. I'd quite like to have a V8 but all my spares stock is for the I6. Fortunately I like it a lot so no hardship.
You need to have a read on this site for background and buying issues, it's brilliant.
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/bmw_e38_buying_guide....

And http://the7seriesregister.co.uk/forums/index.php?a...

[Gramrugby]

woodruffm said:

Email me, I have a 740 sport that may be available in a few months time if you want to wait for the best one out there.

Brave statement! Any details ?

[woodruffm]

79K
Full service history

Recent work and new parts in the last 6 months includes :

Inspection II
2 new front tyres - Hankook Ventus EVO IIs
Rocker cover gaskets replaced
Shadowline trim with the end rubber weather strip replaced with new parts from BMW
New Pads and disks all round all genuine BMW
New front brake calipers - Genuine BMW
Complete suspension refresh - including Bilstein B6 sport dampers, H&R Stage 2 springs (imported from US - Turner Motor Sport), new lower spring pads, new top mounts, front and rear drop links replaced, new left rear sub frame bushes, front aluminium billet strut brace from struttbrace.co.uk
15mm TPI hubcentric wheel spacers rear, 12 mm spacers front
Upgraded to widescreen sat nav
New side indicators
New colour coded lower door trim
Rear cargo net purchased from US - BMW part
Rubber boot liner
Green Cotton Performance air filter fitted
New Michelin Stealth Wiper blades
New front left Bumper trim - BMW part
New headlamp washer jet assembly - BMW part
C pillar porn lights from a 750il fitted

Work do be done over next month :

Upgrade nav computer to MK4
Upgrade to braided steel brake lines
I have genuine BMW Xenon Headlamps which will be retrofitted

Pics :

http://s328.photobucket.com/user/woodruffm/library...

Got a nagging itch for a E60 M5, wife is getting a bit precious about me keeping the 740 as well, but I'm working on it.

As I say, may or may not be available just happened to see SParks_E39 question on the forum yesterday.

Thanks,
Woody

[Gramrugby]

Very nice. I have a similar e38 740 sport individual but only 9400 miles and full annual BMW service history.
I think that's the best in the country, until someone else probably comes along!
Great cars. I ditched a 6 series to go back to them. Far superior build quality (lights blue touch paper and retires)
Been tempted by M5 myself, but don't have the time to enjoy the cars I have. Retirement looming shortly though, so who knows.

[woodruffm]

That wouldn't happen to be the very nice one that GMS cars had for sale a while ago with 8K miles on the clock ? Style 32 alloys with individual sport comfort seats ? If so, you're a lucky man, very nice indeed.

To be honest, I absolutely love this era of BMW, would really love a nice E34 M5 but haven't got the garage space to put it in, and it would be sacrilege to leave it outside for the winter, they're old girls now and need looking after. I think I'll also kick myself if I never have get to own/drive the E39 M5. A lottery win and a larger garage and I could scratch all those itches in one go

[Gramrugby]

That's the one. It's the 2nd E38 I've bought from Glen.

[woodruffm]

What's the other ? Not one of those amazing looking individual 750s he was selling with 20" alpinas etc ?

[Gramrugby]

No it was a 2.8 sport, slate green, black interior. I traded it back agains the current car and it's been re sold.
I only use the car in London Mon - Thur as I live in Scotland and need a car when down South.