Discussion
From what I remeber they arent that slow 0-60 9.9sec I think. But anyway these cars are more about wafting, certainly the bigger engines make the car faster but it depends on your personal preferences, just dont expect overtaking to be easy.
As for reliability the 6 cylinder engine is good but like any other major executive car any repairs are going to cost so I'd say have it checked over by someone that knows what they are doing. Apparently Aircon and Wiper blade motors are trouble spots so pay close attention to these.
All in all as far as I know they are a lovely luxurious car just be prepared for some large bills along the way.
ETA: 25mpg
As for reliability the 6 cylinder engine is good but like any other major executive car any repairs are going to cost so I'd say have it checked over by someone that knows what they are doing. Apparently Aircon and Wiper blade motors are trouble spots so pay close attention to these.
All in all as far as I know they are a lovely luxurious car just be prepared for some large bills along the way.
ETA: 25mpg
Edited by patmahe on Monday 3rd December 10:13
Posted for t'other thread:
In terms of reliability they're a good solid car without much in the way of engine problems. Just listen for the usual signs of problems:
As for fuel economy, the 728 is woefully underpowered for such a big vehicle so be expecting low MPG...probably less than 21mpg combined (take age into account!)
My advice would be to save a little more money and head for a slightly bigger engine thats better suited to carting around such a lardy machine as a 7
ETA: The average returns combined for an E32 730i are only 18mpg
NP100 said:
Hi Guys,Just wondering your views on a BMW 728- Y Plate.What are these cars like in terms of reliability,Fuel and any known problems.
Your views much appreciated
As far as I am aware they're a fairly solid car, the only problems being some eletrical gremlins on the older ones which should be redundant on a Y plater, but its something to keep an eye out for!Your views much appreciated
In terms of reliability they're a good solid car without much in the way of engine problems. Just listen for the usual signs of problems:
- Engine knock on start up
- Excessive blue smoke
- Leaks around the engine bay
- Check oil & fuel lines for any sign of weepage
- Turn engine off and check the oil cap for spunk
- Check brake and fuel lines underneath the car for signs of corrosion, not a huge problem but can be costly
- Check for knocks, rattles, wobbles and play on the steering and suspension while driving as these cars are getting on in life now and could require certain bushes/balljoints/linkages replacing (see profile for details)
- Check that the gearbox works in all modes, check the kick down
- Check for steering wheel juddering around 60mph and when braking, could be a sign of a warped disc/balancing/tracking/balljoint or linkage
- Sounds silly, but check for signs of leakage as some BMWs (like mine) do let water into the boot..its usually something simple such as boot seals or indicator cluster seals. More annoying than problematic
As for fuel economy, the 728 is woefully underpowered for such a big vehicle so be expecting low MPG...probably less than 21mpg combined (take age into account!)
My advice would be to save a little more money and head for a slightly bigger engine thats better suited to carting around such a lardy machine as a 7
ETA: The average returns combined for an E32 730i are only 18mpg
- that's very slow by anyone's standards!NP100 said:
Does anyone know the BHP of these cars.
According to wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E38190bhp and 207 ft lbs of torque.
This page also has good info: http://www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/e38.html
It suggests that the car weighs 1805kg and has 109bhp/tonne. Therefore he's saying it has 196bhp.
By anyone's standards that's properly slow
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 3rd December 10:53
NP100 said:
Hi Guys,Just wondering your views on a BMW 728- Y Plate.What are these cars like in terms of reliability,Fuel and any known problems.
Your views much appreciated
reliability generally very good although there is a lot of car there so things can go wrongYour views much appreciated
if you buy high mileage then obviously stuff starts to need replacing at around 80-100k particularly suspension components as they are heavy old beasts
I bought a 740i sport MY2000 2 weeks ago and took the advice on this forum to buy a bargain and then spend money on it.. i also had it fully inspected by a BM specialist
they are wonderful cars though with tons of toys.... a 55k+ cruiser for ~5.5k ! BMW can get damping and spring rates right when they try as well. On the motorway my 740 is incerdible and on country lanes it also feels fantastic. Fuel wise i think the 2.8 will manage aroudn 24mph combined.
The biggest bug bears on older cars are probably cooling system issues, notably the additional cooling fan (which was subject to numerous recalls) and radiators, worn suspension bushes and components, and also the dreaded/faded dead pixels issue on the dash. Engines are generally tough though and very well represented out in the real world. Gearboxes also strong and although BMW say they are sorted for life, enthusiasts recomend a gearbox service at 100k for aroudn 250 pounds.
Here is another persons list of issues that you should use as bargaining ponts if they show up:
1. Catalytic converters fail between 50K-80K. Start to rattle when they fail. Warrantied to 80K.
2. Radiators fail, waterpump, thermostat and sometimes coolant reservior fails during same time period. Parts ~$500, dealer labor ~$700. Top hose neck breaks on radiator and coolant reservior cracks and leaks.
3. Dash pixels disappear on instrument panel. DIY fix available.
4. Drain may gurgle on A/C during hot weather. Mod. available.
5. Stepper motors on A/C vents may tick when in Auto postion. Mod. available.
6. Valve cover gaskets may leak and need replacing by 75K miles.
7. Oil pump bolts have come loose on some between 50K-75K.
8. May need brakes pads and rotors front and rear for second time at 75K if it has not had them.
9. Make sure it is current on all inspections. Inspection II can cost $1000 at a dealer.
10. Sunroof may leak air. Mod. available but most report that it does not cure the problem.
11. Stock car jack is not safe for most to use on anything but a level concrete surface with the parking brake on.
12. Make sure lights and windsheild have no cracks. They are expensive.
13. I would recommend finding a car that had its oil changed at least every 5K miles and used a good synthetic oil.
14. Front cupholder is useless. Get one that works from www.cupholders.com.
15. Some report back cup holders break. Mine has been fine.
16. Some problems with rear window shade. I don't use mine so I haven't had any problems.
17. Small triangle shade on rear doors break very easily. I don't use these anymore either.
18. Get all 4 wheels aligned for good measure. Most owners over look this and you will get uneven tire wear.
19. Make sure radio, tape player and CD player works.
20. Most have analog phone that will need upgrading if it has a phone.
jackal said:
BMW can get damping and spring rates right when they try as well.
With all the anti-BMW sentiments out there, details like this can get lost. BMW have created some superb compromises between ride/handling over the years. I've never been in a 7 series, but I'm amazed at the body control that the 3 and 5 have, given their mass. So far ahead of other manufacturers with cars of a similar weight.oh and about the 2.8
i drove one briefly and it pulls quite well from low down so ots perfectly competent to haul teh 7 around
but although i never gave it any beans or reached the open road, i doubt it would be 'fast' in any sense of the word. saying taht its a lovely proven and super smooth engine.
unless you really have some sort of a petrol budget though, id definitely go for the 4.4 v8 which makes the 7 a bit of an animal
and yes, i would definietly hold out and get a car with full satnav and the sport option. The price difference at this level of the market will be negligible but resaleability and enjoyment factor will be far far greater will full nav and sport pack. And if you can get a 2001 car then do as they had teh widescreen nav and were specced up to the nines as standard (electric steering column adjustment etc..) as a reaction against teh S class.
i drove one briefly and it pulls quite well from low down so ots perfectly competent to haul teh 7 around
but although i never gave it any beans or reached the open road, i doubt it would be 'fast' in any sense of the word. saying taht its a lovely proven and super smooth engine.
unless you really have some sort of a petrol budget though, id definitely go for the 4.4 v8 which makes the 7 a bit of an animal
and yes, i would definietly hold out and get a car with full satnav and the sport option. The price difference at this level of the market will be negligible but resaleability and enjoyment factor will be far far greater will full nav and sport pack. And if you can get a 2001 car then do as they had teh widescreen nav and were specced up to the nines as standard (electric steering column adjustment etc..) as a reaction against teh S class.
RobM77 said:
jackal said:
BMW can get damping and spring rates right when they try as well.
With all the anti-BMW sentiments out there, details like this can get lost. BMW have created some superb compromises between ride/handling over the years. I've never been in a 7 series, but I'm amazed at the body control that the 3 and 5 have, given their mass. So far ahead of other manufacturers with cars of a similar weight.I have the same 328 motor in my E36 Coupe, which weighs a fraction of a Seven Series.
I manage 23mpg if I drive gently. I would be amazed if a 728 gets anywhere near that.
The motor is excellent, sounds good and is pretty reliable. In standard trim it puts out about 193bhp, but the motor is substantially detuned from its true potential.
An induction kit, large bore throttle body and modified 325 inlet manifold kit should cost about £500 and will see you up to 220bhp.
The early 328s suffered from Nikasil bore failures, so if the 728 has an aluminium block it will be worth checking if it has been replaced under warranty.
I manage 23mpg if I drive gently. I would be amazed if a 728 gets anywhere near that.
The motor is excellent, sounds good and is pretty reliable. In standard trim it puts out about 193bhp, but the motor is substantially detuned from its true potential.
An induction kit, large bore throttle body and modified 325 inlet manifold kit should cost about £500 and will see you up to 220bhp.
The early 328s suffered from Nikasil bore failures, so if the 728 has an aluminium block it will be worth checking if it has been replaced under warranty.
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