Discussion
Nar then chaps,
As of late I've been quite tempted by a 7 series. Namely a 728i for insurance purposes. What are 7 series in general to live with? Maintenance costs etc?
I currently drive a boggo 1.8 Peugeot 306 and I'm looking to upgrade to some affordable luxo waftiness.
At present I'm a dirty scum of the earth student who robs all your taxes and pisses it up all the wall every evening. Jokes. I am a student, but I'm also a dad so my priorities lie with looking after my son and trying to attain a worthwhile degree.
So on that basis is a 728i suitable?
As of late I've been quite tempted by a 7 series. Namely a 728i for insurance purposes. What are 7 series in general to live with? Maintenance costs etc?
I currently drive a boggo 1.8 Peugeot 306 and I'm looking to upgrade to some affordable luxo waftiness.
At present I'm a dirty scum of the earth student who robs all your taxes and pisses it up all the wall every evening. Jokes. I am a student, but I'm also a dad so my priorities lie with looking after my son and trying to attain a worthwhile degree.
So on that basis is a 728i suitable?
I think in your situation even a duff 528 is potentially ruinous.
I can't comment on 7 series specifically but heavy cars will wear out suspension components, tyres etc. much faster and will cost more to replace.
I can't imagine the 728 is the most satisfying thing to drive either. Those engiens are belters but it's in a damned heavy car.
I'd probably go elsewhere for luxo-barge but as I said I don't know that much about 7 series specifically...
Possible an alright idea but make sure it's a good 'un in my opinion.
I can't comment on 7 series specifically but heavy cars will wear out suspension components, tyres etc. much faster and will cost more to replace.
I can't imagine the 728 is the most satisfying thing to drive either. Those engiens are belters but it's in a damned heavy car.
I'd probably go elsewhere for luxo-barge but as I said I don't know that much about 7 series specifically...
Possible an alright idea but make sure it's a good 'un in my opinion.
Edited by Prof Prolapse on Thursday 9th December 16:03
I almost brought one about 2 years ago, was looking for a 528 and found what i thought was a nice 728, much cheaper to buy than the 5 series, i liked the drive almost brought it, as it has 70k on the clock, checked the history with BMW and they advised it was serviced at 156k 5 years previously!!... so they handle the miles well, I would never have known based on condition, etc..
So I'd say check history, BMW hold a central service database, so all you need is the Reg or Chassis number and call BMW UK they will give you the info you need
So I'd say check history, BMW hold a central service database, so all you need is the Reg or Chassis number and call BMW UK they will give you the info you need
I had an E38 740i and I loved it.
They are basically strong reliable cars with few vices.
Petrol tanks can be problematic and since the live above the back axle replacement is not cheap.
Suspension bushes should be regarded as consumable to some extent as should waterpumps.
They feel much smaller to drive and can be hustled along B-roads with unreasonable ease...
They are basically strong reliable cars with few vices.
Petrol tanks can be problematic and since the live above the back axle replacement is not cheap.
Suspension bushes should be regarded as consumable to some extent as should waterpumps.
They feel much smaller to drive and can be hustled along B-roads with unreasonable ease...
Just the sort of advice I was looking for, thankyou.
I've had a look at consumable parts like discs, pads, bushes etc and they're quite reasonably priced, well within budget. Plus there's nothing I like more than getting stuck into a couple of bushes.
The alternative Mercedes S class has a greater choice of engines, including diesels (which I would quite have liked) but I'm not a fan of its looks.
On average I do around 6 miles per day round trip. I could walk but that would mean an hour and a half trek...
...but I do like to travel the 140 miles home on occasion to the elegant picturesque town of Burnley and would like the trip to be as pleasant as possible.
Does anyone have any real miles per gallon figures, or perhaps the standard how-far-on-20-notes
Thanks again Gents (and Ladies)
I've had a look at consumable parts like discs, pads, bushes etc and they're quite reasonably priced, well within budget. Plus there's nothing I like more than getting stuck into a couple of bushes.
The alternative Mercedes S class has a greater choice of engines, including diesels (which I would quite have liked) but I'm not a fan of its looks.
On average I do around 6 miles per day round trip. I could walk but that would mean an hour and a half trek...
...but I do like to travel the 140 miles home on occasion to the elegant picturesque town of Burnley and would like the trip to be as pleasant as possible.
Does anyone have any real miles per gallon figures, or perhaps the standard how-far-on-20-notes
Thanks again Gents (and Ladies)
Matt UK said:
A 7 really needs a V8V12 IMO
EFA - Have a look at the 12. They are getting really cheap now and I dont think parts are that expensive either. Total for rear discs+pads <£300. Yes, I know you will get the horror stories about 'what would happen if engine this and that' BUT that is the same with any car!
Enjoyed mine so much and am regretting parting with it more and more
There is a chap on here that still has his and can give a good detailed breakdown. TBH I found the 728 was a real poverty spec compared to the rest.
No electric rear blinds, standard stereo etc.
Thats one thing that had slipped my mind, the dreaded MOT. I suppose even buying the very best that I can afford might still have hidden problems that the standard 'potential pre purchase check' simply cannot detect. A £2500 (£2000 labour!) bill would necessitate sale of the car.
I probably should be sensible and buy something French and s
te, but I've driven French cars since I passed my test 3 years ago and quite frankly I'm bored of the mundaneness of them. If I'm going to have a sensible car it may as well be something thats a nice place to sit in.
That said I often get cravings for something flimsy, light and loud. Usually when 7000 rpm approaches in second gear I remember being young, 19, fancy free and a prat driving a gutted 106 Rallye with a screaming 16v that was HORRIFIC to insure...
...however you can't fit a child seat into a bucket seat. And the Mrs would have my bks for canapes, she'd have them for canapes if i turned up with a 7 series...
How do you seasoned, veteran of relationship/marriage, worldly wise Pistonheaders get round 'the wife'?
I probably should be sensible and buy something French and s
te, but I've driven French cars since I passed my test 3 years ago and quite frankly I'm bored of the mundaneness of them. If I'm going to have a sensible car it may as well be something thats a nice place to sit in.That said I often get cravings for something flimsy, light and loud. Usually when 7000 rpm approaches in second gear I remember being young, 19, fancy free and a prat driving a gutted 106 Rallye with a screaming 16v that was HORRIFIC to insure...
...however you can't fit a child seat into a bucket seat. And the Mrs would have my b
ks for canapes, she'd have them for canapes if i turned up with a 7 series...How do you seasoned, veteran of relationship/marriage, worldly wise Pistonheaders get round 'the wife'?
djt100 said:
I almost brought one about 2 years ago, was looking for a 528 and found what i thought was a nice 728, much cheaper to buy than the 5 series, i liked the drive almost brought it, as it has 70k on the clock, checked the history with BMW and they advised it was serviced at 156k 5 years previously!!... so they handle the miles well, I would never have known based on condition, etc..
So I'd say check history, BMW hold a central service database, so all you need is the Reg or Chassis number and call BMW UK they will give you the info you need
Where did you almost bring it?So I'd say check history, BMW hold a central service database, so all you need is the Reg or Chassis number and call BMW UK they will give you the info you need
I know it's not a direct comparison but the theory is sound. My friends run an 2002 Audi A8 2.8. It was 3k worth of car and has had zero go wrong with it in their ownership.
I've driven it and ok, it's no rocket ship but it hustles along better than I expected and is an excellent cruiser. (I am particularly fussy too)
I've driven it and ok, it's no rocket ship but it hustles along better than I expected and is an excellent cruiser. (I am particularly fussy too)
CloakedBummer said:
Thats one thing that had slipped my mind, the dreaded MOT. I suppose even buying the very best that I can afford might still have hidden problems that the standard 'potential pre purchase check' simply cannot detect. A £2500 (£2000 labour!) bill would necessitate sale of the car.
Any car can through up big bills.A well maintained 7er is less likely than many to do so and not necessarily that expensive to fix.
If you avoid Sports you'll not just save on purchase price you'll also be running on inexpensive high profile 16" tyres which will give your bushes and longer softer springs an easier time. OK, you'll lose a bit of sharpness in the twisties and most of the gangsta cred but you'll gain extra waftiness whenever you waft, which sounds like 99% of your mileage.
Waterpumps and the front upper control arm bushes last ~60k so go for a 70/130/190k car with new ones rather than a 50/110/170k car without.
...something like this?
Edited by fluffnik on Friday 10th December 22:28
I ran a 2001 728 for a couple of years and put it in for a 2006 E66. The 728 was much better screwed together than the newer one, not a single squeak or rattle. Great car. I averaged around 25mpg, with mainly motorway use. Didn't have any problems or nasty bills. The only thing was it did sometimes feel like you could do with more grunt.
I ran a 728i a long time ago (I recall it was about 4 years old at the time) and when it worked it was wonderful. It had lots of niggly problems though, not least of which was the speedo went crackers halfway down the m50 when I was driving it home. The dealer bought it back off me in the end. Saying that, my current E65 is five years old now and has been great. The 728i is a bit underpowered but oh so wafty and they're cheap now so how ruinous can it be? If it's really broken then scrap it.
fluffnik said:
CloakedBummer said:
Thats one thing that had slipped my mind, the dreaded MOT. I suppose even buying the very best that I can afford might still have hidden problems that the standard 'potential pre purchase check' simply cannot detect. A £2500 (£2000 labour!) bill would necessitate sale of the car.
Any car can through up big bills.A well maintained 7er is less likely than many to do so and not necessarily that expensive to fix.
If you avoid Sports you'll not just save on purchase price you'll also be running on inexpensive high profile 16" tyres which will give your bushes and longer softer springs an easier time. OK, you'll lose a bit of sharpness in the twisties and most of the gangsta cred but you'll gain extra waftiness whenever you waft, which sounds like 99% of your mileage.
Waterpumps and the front upper control arm bushes last ~60k so go for a 70/130/190k car with new ones rather than a 50/110/170k car without.
...something like this?
Edited by fluffnik on Friday 10th December 22:28
That 728i is just the sort of car I'm after, it ticks all the boxes. Nice colour, well kept paintwork and grey leather.
CloakedBummer said:
That 728i is just the sort of car I'm after, it ticks all the boxes. Nice colour, well kept paintwork and grey leather.
Not a huge fan of grey leather myself but it seems well cared for with good history. 
Have you priced insurance on the 730i with the 3.0l M60 V8 which the 728i replaced? You'll get an extra ~20bhp and a woofle...
E38s are generally not that expensive to run - but there can sometimes be a pretty big bill around the corner. I took a long time picking mine out - It came with a box file full of paperwork, even for the most minor things. Over the course of it's life it's had a few things done which tells me it's not uber cheap - but nothing too expensive.
As it's aged, it's getting more expensive to run. In the 2 years I've had a 740, it's had a full set of springs and shocks (2 coils bust and 2 dampers leaking so I did the lot), a couple of bushes, some brake lines, a water pump, a radiator a couple of services, and just a few weeks ago, now in the custody of my sister, the head gasket has gone and there's a 1500 quid bill looming to get it done (assuming there's no cracked heads or anything).
Hardly cheap to run and I'd take the Pepsi challenge with my E38 over just about anyone else's of the same year. It's immaculate and well looked after, I paid top dollar to make sure I got the best I could find.
They really are fabulous cars, ludicrously comfortable and deft at swallowing gargantuan mileage, but for all they can be had for a couple of grand, if something goes wrong you could quite easily spend it again. I'm perfectly happy to do this because it's a great car I can't imagine leaving the family. If it was a ropey example that'd start going wrong, I'd have scrapped it, frankly.
Don't go into E38 ownership thinking that because they're reliable now they always will be - there's a lot of tatty ones about that will prove to be money pits, and as mine has demonstrated even lower mileage minters will sometimes strip your wallet unexpectedly.
728's are OK, but IMO too gutless for a 7 series. Try a 740 on for size, they're miles better without being much worse of juice.
As it's aged, it's getting more expensive to run. In the 2 years I've had a 740, it's had a full set of springs and shocks (2 coils bust and 2 dampers leaking so I did the lot), a couple of bushes, some brake lines, a water pump, a radiator a couple of services, and just a few weeks ago, now in the custody of my sister, the head gasket has gone and there's a 1500 quid bill looming to get it done (assuming there's no cracked heads or anything).
Hardly cheap to run and I'd take the Pepsi challenge with my E38 over just about anyone else's of the same year. It's immaculate and well looked after, I paid top dollar to make sure I got the best I could find.
They really are fabulous cars, ludicrously comfortable and deft at swallowing gargantuan mileage, but for all they can be had for a couple of grand, if something goes wrong you could quite easily spend it again. I'm perfectly happy to do this because it's a great car I can't imagine leaving the family. If it was a ropey example that'd start going wrong, I'd have scrapped it, frankly.
Don't go into E38 ownership thinking that because they're reliable now they always will be - there's a lot of tatty ones about that will prove to be money pits, and as mine has demonstrated even lower mileage minters will sometimes strip your wallet unexpectedly.
728's are OK, but IMO too gutless for a 7 series. Try a 740 on for size, they're miles better without being much worse of juice.
Edited by Stu R on Saturday 11th December 03:18
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