E65 730d - am I mad?

[FunBusMk2]

I want to get back into the BMW fold and keep coming back to E65 730d Sports. c.£12k can get an early facelift example (better looking than the pre-facelift) and there is something about them that really appeals.

What are the rose tinted glasses helping me miss though? I read lots on here about E39's but little on E65's so any insight from owners or our fellow BMW beards appreciated. I'd buy on condition and comprehensive service history and also put a warranty (ideally BMW) on it.

I'm also considering an E39 530d Sport (less than 100k miles), E60 530d M-Sport and E90 330d M-Sports - an E65 would be a totally different beast I don't deny. Perhaps one of the above would be a better idea as a daily?

Edited by FunBusMk2 on Monday 27th February 22:34

[PJ S]

Suggest you read threads on bmwland to see if you still want to scratch the E65 itch.
I know I did, but don't now - decided to play safe in the form of a Lexus GS300/450h, even though I hate the foot-operated parking brake.

[FunBusMk2]

Thanks for that. Not been on bmwland yet - will take a look.

[black1]

ive got a e65 facelift had it for years its never gone wrong

[Bubba Zanetti]

If you can confirm that the car is eligible to be covered by the BMW warranty before you purchase, then that would give me enough peace of mind.

[Vroomer]

On the AUC site:

730SE £12,950


Registered December 2005
61,252 miles
Automatic
Diesel
Registration MM55SLV
Exterior colour: Black Sapphire
Interior: Beige Nasca leather







Helluva lot of car for the money and a bullet-proof warranty.

[FunBusMk2]

I've seen that one too - ill be honest and say I'd prefer a Sport with the 20" wheels but an SE would be just as nice.

[Crombers]

You mention E39s and E65s so I feel in a good position to comment.

I had an E39 528, 540 & B10 V8 Touring. The 528 was a work horse, reliable, cheap to maintain and a pleasure to drive. The 540 more powerful but a mini barge. The B10 the best of both worlds, a car of sporting pedigree yet a lolloping great estate with plenty of poke.

The E60 I hated, dull boring I was ready to jump ship to AMG, then I bought the E65 B7. The E65 is the natural progression for the E39. Yes it's a boat but it feels like a step up from the E39. Handling is sharp, back roads are equally enjoyable and still it provides the satisfaction of an E39 and more. I'm lucky, the B7 is an animal and not much can touch it in terms of performance. However, if the base car wasn't right the B7 would be a pig.

As such, give the 730d a go - I'm sure you won't regret it!

[phib]

Had my e65 sport facelift with BMW warranty for two years and circa 50k, been great.

Re the costs tyres about £1k all round for 20 inch alloys fronts lasted 35k so far and rears lasted 25k, the warranty can only be extended if the car already has it. Don't believe you can reto add it..

Mpg 33 and servicing very little, two light clusters under warranty about £1200 but apart from that pretty perfect

Insuspect mine is now worth circa £14k ish with 83k and 57 plate / warranty

Phib

[Goughie]

E65's are lovely cars to own as long as the electrics don't go mad on you. I owned a 760Li for just over a year that was a peach to drive, but the electrics were its Achilles heel - mine was in and out of the shop a number of times. A solid AUC warranty is a must on E65's imvho. Also, some of the bills can be large - you are buying at least a £55K motor (for a 730d) - expect commensurate bills. (You can imagine the bills on mine!)