7 series buying advice (circa 2000)
Discussion
I'm buying a 7 series and have seen 2 potential purchases but I'm not sure whether to go with my heart or head.
The sensible streak in me says go for a 6 cylinder and the outrageous side of me says go V8.
As much as I'd love the V8 I think the 15mpg economy will have me looking for a replacement before too long!
The V8 is cheaper and older & I could always LPG it.
The 6 cylinder one is a later car with nicer trim and a good spec and lower miles and will easily do 28mpg.
So, with either of these - what is there to look out for other than the usual suspension bushes, shocks and brakes?
They are both auto tiptronic, both have a good FSH.
Are the boxes robust?
Are both engines OK, not known to implode on themsleves with age?
Bodies, generally good?
I read one review where it said they are triple glazed, is that true and does that include the front and rear screens ....surely not?
All advice welcome.
Thanks!
The sensible streak in me says go for a 6 cylinder and the outrageous side of me says go V8.
As much as I'd love the V8 I think the 15mpg economy will have me looking for a replacement before too long!
The V8 is cheaper and older & I could always LPG it.
The 6 cylinder one is a later car with nicer trim and a good spec and lower miles and will easily do 28mpg.
So, with either of these - what is there to look out for other than the usual suspension bushes, shocks and brakes?
They are both auto tiptronic, both have a good FSH.
Are the boxes robust?
Are both engines OK, not known to implode on themsleves with age?
Bodies, generally good?
I read one review where it said they are triple glazed, is that true and does that include the front and rear screens ....surely not?
All advice welcome.
Thanks!
If they are anything like the E39 5 series then the 735i will be the runt of the litter - same economy as the 740i and same performance as the 730i. Personally I would love a 7 but it would absolutely have to be a big V8; I just don't see the point in having a waftmobile that needs to be a little faster and quieter. I don't think you will see your money back on a gas conversion either unless you are doing big miles - plus I would imagine the tank is boot mounted rather than underslung so intrudes on golf club space.
The 6 cylinder BMW engine is renowned for a soporific, creamy delivery.
However, the 7 is a heffalump and requires a minimum of 4 litres split between 8 chambers configured in a vee.
You mentioned LPG - don't - LPG is a sin and we Black Monks...
Here's the car to buy - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1337427.htm - the only question should be "when can Leonard have it here?"
However, the 7 is a heffalump and requires a minimum of 4 litres split between 8 chambers configured in a vee.
You mentioned LPG - don't - LPG is a sin and we Black Monks...
Here's the car to buy - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1337427.htm - the only question should be "when can Leonard have it here?"
Having read the Parkers reviews, there is not a huge difference in the figures to 60.
I'd say the 728 & 730 are both quite adequate and in fact the 728 is a little more brisk than the 730. The V8 is the punchy performer of course but at the cost of a greater thirst.
I think I'd probably be quite happy to waft about in a more econimical 728 to be honest.
Does this engine have the nikasil issues?
I'd say the 728 & 730 are both quite adequate and in fact the 728 is a little more brisk than the 730. The V8 is the punchy performer of course but at the cost of a greater thirst.
I think I'd probably be quite happy to waft about in a more econimical 728 to be honest.
Does this engine have the nikasil issues?
derestrictor said:
Here's the car to buy - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1337427.htm - the only question should be "when can Leonard have it here?"
I've just flogged my 540i, and although I can't actually buy a car at the moment due to being abroad, I really, really, really want that.
Kentish said:
Having read the Parkers reviews, there is not a huge difference in the figures to 60.
I'd say the 728 & 730 are both quite adequate and in fact the 728 is a little more brisk than the 730. The V8 is the punchy performer of course but at the cost of a greater thirst.
I think I'd probably be quite happy to waft about in a more econimical 728 to be honest.
Does this engine have the nikasil issues?
The 6 cylinder never had nikasil issues. A 1999/2000 V8 model will have the 4.4 V8 which also doesn't suffer from nikasil issues. The 728 is OK for motorway cruising but the 4 litre V8 is far better for making progress. I'd say the 728 & 730 are both quite adequate and in fact the 728 is a little more brisk than the 730. The V8 is the punchy performer of course but at the cost of a greater thirst.
I think I'd probably be quite happy to waft about in a more econimical 728 to be honest.
Does this engine have the nikasil issues?
You know, I came upon an early E65 735i in silver yesterday.
As photogenic as a bulldog's ankle yet in the metal, genuinely striking, in a +ve way.
You must not discount the fact of its great superiority (handling, poise, whallop)in the face of the relative pin up E38.
The scoundrel who sorted me the M5 back when (a PHer who buggered off to Washington state to form a Nirvana tribute band) assured me at the time, of the E65's rampant dominance o'er the sagging forbear.
As photogenic as a bulldog's ankle yet in the metal, genuinely striking, in a +ve way.
You must not discount the fact of its great superiority (handling, poise, whallop)in the face of the relative pin up E38.
The scoundrel who sorted me the M5 back when (a PHer who buggered off to Washington state to form a Nirvana tribute band) assured me at the time, of the E65's rampant dominance o'er the sagging forbear.
Never heard of triple glazing, but double certainly.
Defintely go for V8/V12 - anything less, whilst it would 'cope', just wouldn't be right. Mid-high 20's fuel economy easily achieveable - only dips into the teens with hoonage or urban driving.
The 4.4 V8 has serious pace, especially once it's on the move, and the kickdown/overtaking ability is superb.
Defintely go for V8/V12 - anything less, whilst it would 'cope', just wouldn't be right. Mid-high 20's fuel economy easily achieveable - only dips into the teens with hoonage or urban driving.
The 4.4 V8 has serious pace, especially once it's on the move, and the kickdown/overtaking ability is superb.
No idea on your budget, but there is a nice B12 Alpina that has been sat around for a bit waiting for a buyer.
You just know it's the kinda car you have to own just once in your life.
Still look fresh and handsome on the road today (all 7's not just Alpina) imho, and a shame BMW left this philosophy behind for their large cars (are large, but look small and svelte)
Good luck buying, and as others have said, get the bigger engines. Chances are you will tend to pay less for the big engined ones anyway
Dave
You just know it's the kinda car you have to own just once in your life.
Still look fresh and handsome on the road today (all 7's not just Alpina) imho, and a shame BMW left this philosophy behind for their large cars (are large, but look small and svelte)
Good luck buying, and as others have said, get the bigger engines. Chances are you will tend to pay less for the big engined ones anyway
Dave
The triple glazing is on the 750IL i believe.
I have had 740i and currently own the 728i sport. Whilst I cant disagree the 740 v8 is much gruntier, and is great for spirited driving etc, the 728 is silky smooth, quiet and wafts along with aplomb. however this fact makes me happiest with the 728:
Miles per tankful on 740 = 300 miles.
Miles per tankful on 728 = 400 miles.
If like me you do some serious miles...that makes a helluva difference. Also on late cars 99 on, you should find some nice 728i sports with the nice 18" rims and sport interior, whilst most 735/740 are armchair spec.
Either way - love em. Cant bring myself to look at E65. Bloated bullfrog.
I have had 740i and currently own the 728i sport. Whilst I cant disagree the 740 v8 is much gruntier, and is great for spirited driving etc, the 728 is silky smooth, quiet and wafts along with aplomb. however this fact makes me happiest with the 728:
Miles per tankful on 740 = 300 miles.
Miles per tankful on 728 = 400 miles.
If like me you do some serious miles...that makes a helluva difference. Also on late cars 99 on, you should find some nice 728i sports with the nice 18" rims and sport interior, whilst most 735/740 are armchair spec.
Either way - love em. Cant bring myself to look at E65. Bloated bullfrog.
Alistair H. said:
Miles per tankful on 740 = 300 miles.
Miles per tankful on 728 = 400 miles.
90 Litre tank = 19.8 gallons.Miles per tankful on 728 = 400 miles.
300 miles on 19.8 gallons of fuel is an average of 15mpg - either there was something wrong with your car, or you have an exremely heavy right foot (for the duration of long journeys). This is an average remember, therefore it would be reasonable to assume you were dipping into single figures at some point during the journey
Egbert Nobacon said:
Get the V8, don't think that the 728 will save you much fuel - it's unlikely, and why buy a large Exec car with an underpowered engine
I should point out that I'm not against the 2.8i engine in any way (I had a 328i, which I loved) but the e38 7 is not the right home for it.
Edited by monthefish on Wednesday 11th November 20:31
They're superb wafters, totally smitten with my E38 740i.
Watch out for the tell tale steering wheel wobble, it's normally at its most prolific between 50mph and 60mph. The front axle carries a lot of weight.
Only real problems I've had with mine since I got it earlier this year have been my rear tyres seem to have a problem where they'll go from having lush, deep treads, to being through to the cords in no time at all, a split radiator (common problem with them, cheap enough fix), and a few dead pixels on the dash (really common problem).
Get a 740i sport, get a nice exhaust on it, and enjoy!
As for the MPG, it's a little jekyll and hyde, more than most cars. You can baby it with conservative driving on the motorway and wring a decent tank range out of it, but I find for most daily driving 25mpg is the stuff dreams of made of.
I've yet to see 400 miles out of a tank in 20k miles.
Watch out for the tell tale steering wheel wobble, it's normally at its most prolific between 50mph and 60mph. The front axle carries a lot of weight.
Only real problems I've had with mine since I got it earlier this year have been my rear tyres seem to have a problem where they'll go from having lush, deep treads, to being through to the cords in no time at all, a split radiator (common problem with them, cheap enough fix), and a few dead pixels on the dash (really common problem).
Get a 740i sport, get a nice exhaust on it, and enjoy!
As for the MPG, it's a little jekyll and hyde, more than most cars. You can baby it with conservative driving on the motorway and wring a decent tank range out of it, but I find for most daily driving 25mpg is the stuff dreams of made of.
I've yet to see 400 miles out of a tank in 20k miles.
Stu R said:
monthefish said:
Stu R said:
I've yet to see 400 miles out of a tank in 20k miles.
My record was 550!
Sod all chance of me getting that, I like the engine and exhaust note too much. That and I can't wait to put a supercharger on
miniman said:
If they are anything like the E39 5 series then the 735i will be the runt of the litter - same economy as the 740i and same performance as the 730i. Personally I would love a 7 but it would absolutely have to be a big V8; I just don't see the point in having a waftmobile that needs to be a little faster and quieter. I don't think you will see your money back on a gas conversion either unless you are doing big miles - plus I would imagine the tank is boot mounted rather than underslung so intrudes on golf club space.
Its not quite that simple on the E38. The 730i was a V8 which was binned in the mid 90's. At the age the OP is looking there was no 730i - the M54B30 never made it into the E38 - so the 735i V8 does offer a useful performance increase over a 728i which is tediously slow (A diesel Mondeo will hit 60 before a 728i does ). However the other side of the story remains the case and this is that a 735i has identical running costs, inc economy, to a 740i.monthefish said:
Fox- said:
However the other side of the story remains the case and this is that a 735i has identical running costs, inc economy, to a 740i.
The only technical difference between the two cars is the engine displacement. They are both M62 V8's, there is just 1mpg difference in fuel economy on the combined cycle, they have the same servicing costs, the same repair costs, the same tyre costs, etc etc.
Buy purchasing a 735i you are paying 740i running costs but not benefiting from 740i performance.
It's a bit of a BMW theme - for any given engine configuration you are almost always better off buying the largest engine as the running costs are very much the same per cylinder configuration.
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