The recession is nigh, time to buy an E38 750i!

[ASBO]

Evening all.

I've spotted a 100k mile '99 E38 750 SWB for sale at a frankly ridiculous price. I've not yet had the pleasure of owning a beemer with more than 6 cylinders, so why not go the whole hog.

Moreover, my current E34 M5 isn't ideal for the daily commute so it's time to get me a proper barge!

Can anyone point me in the direction of a buyers guide or offer me any helpful hints about what to look for/common faults when viewing this monster?

Incidentally, do these things use the dreaded EDC from the E34?

Cheers.

Asbert.

[chrisr29]

How is a 5 litre v12 better as a commuter than a 3.8 M5? Only interested as I have one myself and though it's a bit of a gas guzzler it commutes pretty well. Great seats, good ride, quiet, happy to potter in top etc.

Not that I use it to commute mind you, seems an insult to a good motor to just mooch along in the daily grind.

[Fox-]

chrisr29 said:

How is a 5 litre v12 better as a commuter than a 3.8 M5?

More modern, more spacious inside, more comfortable seats, less exterior noise in the cabin, more refined, more luxury equipment, automatic gearbox.

[dan101smith]

Closest thing I could find to a buyer's guide here.

On the E32 750i the rule of thumb was that it effectively had two of everything, so budget for twice the cost. I'd imagine the E38 is a bit better than that, but by reputation they're fairly fierce to run.

[Blues]

Do it
I got a 750 earlier this year, an absolute bargain and a fantastic commuting wafter (provided you are not bothered about the fuel consumption).

There is lots of information available to you, but the most informative place i have found is http://www.bimmerboard.com.

[Spokey]

The front suspension is prone to wear due to the heavy engine. I can't really remember any other recurring issues.

[Blues]

One key area to check is in the battery compartment area, rear driver's side wing. Check for any evidence of water ingress/rust. Some of them had a problem of water leaking in, which then got into the electrics causing huge problems.

[ASBO]

chrisr29 said:

How is a 5 litre v12 better as a commuter than a 3.8 M5? Only interested as I have one myself and though it's a bit of a gas guzzler it commutes pretty well. Great seats, good ride, quiet, happy to potter in top etc.

Not that I use it to commute mind you, seems an insult to a good motor to just mooch along in the daily grind.

More torque than the Death Star and an auto box are the main reasons. The other one being that my E34 is just about kaput.

Fuel consumption doesn't bother me. Apart from which, fuel consumption is not the M5's trump card so the two should be fairly similar on the juice guzzling.

Thank for to the others for the replies. I'll no doubt need to go and do my homework on this one, although frankly, I can't imagine any car being as cripplingly expensive to run as a knackered E34 M5, so the running costs for BMW's finest shouldn't be too scary. Hopefully!

[Blues]

I'm in Berks (not far from M4 Junct 10), give me a shout if you are nearby and you can have a play with mine.

[ASBO]

Blues said:

I'm in Berks (not far from M4 Junct 10), give me a shout if you are nearby and you can have a play with mine.

Funny you should say that, the 750i I'm looking at is also in Berks! Near Reading apparently (although I unfortunately am not).

The plan is to drive down and have a look at a few. If you've nowt better to do, you could always tag along and cast a knowing eye over the car I'm going to see?

[Blues]

Let m know when you plan to be down. I am 15 mins from Reading, and would be happy to tag along if I'm free. Is it at a dealer or private? If the former, I could may be pop along and have a look for you. Feel fee to PM me. Cheers, David

[french]

Here you are AsBO nice forum very helpful & freindly,they helped me when I had probs with a V8 540i

http://www.bmw7resource.co.uk/forum/index.php

[ASBO]

french said:

Here you are AsBO nice forum very helpful & freindly,they helped me when I had probs with a V8 540i

http://www.bmw7resource.co.uk/forum/index.php

And not an Audi in sight

[robmw750]

I have a 99 750 its not a 5litre but a 5.4 litre , superb car get it chipped asap and then the mpg isnt a problem

[Blues]

robmw750 said:

I have a 99 750 its not a 5litre but a 5.4 litre , superb car get it chipped asap and then the mpg isnt a problem

can you give some more information on this? what chip did you get, where from and what results did you get. If you are happy to say how much it cost that would also be helpful, by PM if you prefer. Many thanks, David

[robmw750]

David ,

Sorry I should have said BBR out nr the Honda F1 team at Brackley, The change was incredible much smoother power delivery throughout the rev range and instead of 23.5 mpg on motorway was 29 mpg . The car was transformed up till the time the muppets at BMW Sytner Debden installed factory settings and overwrote the changes

Regards

Rob