e38 7 series - which model?

[bigunit00]

Hi All

I am researching getting into an e38 7 series. I like the overall package for the money. Given I dont need massive speed and am after more of a wafter/cruiser for weekends or during the week. I am thinking more of a 728i sport or 728i sport individual.

GMS have some nice cars at the moment. The 735 sport in imola looks nice and is priced keenly against the 728's they have in stock....though not sure on v8 reliability/running costs etc. The 2.8 is only 1 second slower to 60mph at the end of the day relative to the 3.5lt 8. I dont want to be running a 4.4lt v8 so they are out of scope.

Anyone bought a car from them? They are priced at the higher end so for a premium I want minimal to no "bork factor" and some decent prep presale.

Any suggestions on what to look for when buying and costs per annum to keep it running assuming say 3-5k miles a year? Any good indies in south east london/kent area?

also - insurance wise - is anyone using a classic policy where the car is parked on the driveway (not garage) - just wondering what the indicative yearly cost is and the providers I should speak to for cover.

Any guidance appreciated.

[miniman]

Popular opinion is that the 735 gives you all the performance of the 728 combined with all the running costs of the 740 making it rather the runt of the litter, not dissimilar to the 528/535/540 comparison.

[louiebaby]

There is a lot of chat in here about them:

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

E38Ross has a nice one, and quite a beardy knowledge.

The chap that just started running a 750i Sport in BMW Car also pops in now and again...

I've never driven one, but love my E39 540i Sport Tourer, and suspect the 740i Sport would be even better.

Happy shopping!