BMW 750i or 760i What could possibly go wrong?!!
Discussion
After running a VXR8 for the last year, I'm considering something a little more soothing, to while away the next 12 months and 30,000 miles. I can't help but notice what good value the big 7s seem to be at the moment. For a budget of around £15k, it would appear that there are plenty of 750is to choose from, but I'm really tempted to seek out a 760i. I know almost all of them are the LWB L derivative and don't mind this at all. Is the V12 a potential whole world of trouble, compared to the V8 in the 750i, or are they both pretty bomb-proof propositions with the right provenance? If I really enjoyed the car, I might look to keep it two years or 60,000 miles. Any of your experience and feedback would be much appreciated. I am aware that fuel and depreciation will be an issue, but that aside, what's it going to cost to keep one of these cars running like it should and would I be right to hold out for the V12? Many thanks!
k it up.Have a look in this thread:
Best 5-20k Barges
Other than that, I hope you've got deep pockets or a company fuel card!
Best 5-20k Barges
Other than that, I hope you've got deep pockets or a company fuel card!
louiebaby said:
Have a look in this thread:
Best 5-20k Barges
Other than that, I hope you've got deep pockets or a company fuel card!
I am only too aware of the Pandora's Box that is the 5-20k Bargain Barges thread! I have had a search and most of it relates to the huge value etc and I didn't want to take it too far off piste by asking specific questions like this. As for fuel, I've averaged 18.3 MPG for the last year, I don't suppose much will change. Best 5-20k Barges
Other than that, I hope you've got deep pockets or a company fuel card!
I ran a LWB 7 series for about 5 years (E38 740iL) and it was one of the best cars I've ever owned.
As has been said, because these cars are the marques 'flagship' models, they are engineered to a very high level with (almost) no expense spared. Mine was utterly reliable in 5 years and 70k miles.
In terms of fuel, driven carefully you'll probably see about 25mpg which isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things, and the payoff in terms of comfort, waft and feelgood is more than worth it IMHO.
On the LWB subject, I really wanted a LWB as they look better (proportionally smaller glasshouse meaning the car looks a bit sleeker), better room in the back (obviously) and the car will most likely come with parking sensors so not really any more difficult to park.
I can't believe how cheap the E65's are nowadays and, like the E38, there are probably enough scrapped/crashed cars to make the second hand parts readily available.
I say, buy carefully but go for it.
As has been said, because these cars are the marques 'flagship' models, they are engineered to a very high level with (almost) no expense spared. Mine was utterly reliable in 5 years and 70k miles.
In terms of fuel, driven carefully you'll probably see about 25mpg which isn't that bad in the grand scheme of things, and the payoff in terms of comfort, waft and feelgood is more than worth it IMHO.
On the LWB subject, I really wanted a LWB as they look better (proportionally smaller glasshouse meaning the car looks a bit sleeker), better room in the back (obviously) and the car will most likely come with parking sensors so not really any more difficult to park.
I can't believe how cheap the E65's are nowadays and, like the E38, there are probably enough scrapped/crashed cars to make the second hand parts readily available.
I say, buy carefully but go for it.
I ran a a 3 year old 760 in 2008 for 20k miles / a year. Incredible. 18mpg I recall, no problems, very smooth, very fast and would buy one again. I think they look a little overpriced / inconsistently priced at the moment. I sold mine for £22k in 2009 which had dropped from just under £100k in 2005. Oh - and mine was great on tyre wear I recall also. Apart from fuel, cheap to run.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Small Car said:
I ran a a 3 year old 760 in 2008 for 30k miles / a year. Incredible. 18mpg I recall, no problems, very smooth, very fast and would buy one again. I think they look a little overpriced / inconsistently priced at the moment. I sold mine for £22k in 2009 which had dropped from just under £100k in 2005. Oh - and mine was great on tyre wear I recall also. Apart from fuel, cheap to run.
Good luck.
Thanks for that, very helpful. Good luck.
The irony of your username is also amusing! 
slippery said:
I am only too aware of the Pandora's Box that is the 5-20k Bargain Barges thread! I have had a search and most of it relates to the huge value etc and I didn't want to take it too far off piste by asking specific questions like this. As for fuel, I've averaged 18.3 MPG for the last year, I don't suppose much will change.
Well in that case, keep us updated! I've had loads of E38's, but not had an E65, there's a great forum though called the7seriesregister, I'd suggest dropping in there and enquiring about common problems.
So far as I know the E65 is not overly afflicted with any issues, though possibly the electrics can be a little challenging if they go wrong, like any complex luxury barge. I'd guess they're heavy on the suspension components too, but probably a great car for the money.
Personally I found with 7's, although I loved the long wheelbase, it did make it that bit more difficult to park, and for rear seat passengers to open doors in car parks. Also before assuming the larger engine is better, take a couple for test drives, the V12 in the 750i made the car a little too heavy at the front end on the E38 imho! Don't know if it's the same with the 760i.;)
So far as I know the E65 is not overly afflicted with any issues, though possibly the electrics can be a little challenging if they go wrong, like any complex luxury barge. I'd guess they're heavy on the suspension components too, but probably a great car for the money.
Personally I found with 7's, although I loved the long wheelbase, it did make it that bit more difficult to park, and for rear seat passengers to open doors in car parks. Also before assuming the larger engine is better, take a couple for test drives, the V12 in the 750i made the car a little too heavy at the front end on the E38 imho! Don't know if it's the same with the 760i.;)
bozmandb9 said:
I've had loads of E38's, but not had an E65, there's a great forum though called the7seriesregister, I'd suggest dropping in there and enquiring about common problems.
There are some really helpful chaps on there (unfortunately let down by the 'elitist' idiots who are also on there).
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff