Discussion
0a said:
There is some good information on the fuel tank issue on the 1-5k barge thread - scroll down to chorus's post here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Thanks! I've bookmarked that page now. Let's hope I don't need to do what he did...http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Very nice 
Regarding the fuel tanks, my 728i 's tank had been patched in the past (with fibreglass) it would leak (well not a drip leak more of a sweat/smell) when over half full, just tried to keep the tank under half unless going on a long run, has lasted like this for two years (and passed two MOT's)
My "new" 750iL looks like it has the same issue (seller reported) but looking at the tank it looks in better condition than the one on my 728i so if i can get a bit of time out of it before i need to do something i'll be happy.
Why BMW did'nt galvanise the tanks in these, especially considering what the cars cost when new (my 750iL was 84,000 in 97) crazy.
Regarding the fuel tanks, my 728i 's tank had been patched in the past (with fibreglass) it would leak (well not a drip leak more of a sweat/smell) when over half full, just tried to keep the tank under half unless going on a long run, has lasted like this for two years (and passed two MOT's)
My "new" 750iL looks like it has the same issue (seller reported) but looking at the tank it looks in better condition than the one on my 728i so if i can get a bit of time out of it before i need to do something i'll be happy.
Why BMW did'nt galvanise the tanks in these, especially considering what the cars cost when new (my 750iL was 84,000 in 97) crazy.
I've covered a fair few miles in the 740 since purchase. This is my only car and I use it to commute 50 miles a day. With a combination of town driving and a roads, the car is averaging about 22 mpg, pretty much what I expected.
It's had a few runs down from North Yorkshire to the South East and on a run sees something approaching 30 mpg if driven in a very sensible manor, but more like 25 typically ie. a few kickdowns and manual overides on the steptronic box.
I've only had one expense so far, which was the top radiator pipe split while driving and coolant went all over the place. A new pipe is now in place and the engine bay has been cleaned.
I know these old beasts use a lot of fuel but as a commuter car, they are brilliant. Supremely comfy, quiet, no need to raise the revs often, just so relaxing. My car is on 18 inch wheels and still has a lovely ride. I can only imagine how much better it would be on 16s.
Just a rough calculation with fuel. At 1.30 a litre over 12000 miles at 22 mpg, it costs approximately £3200 a year.
It's had a few runs down from North Yorkshire to the South East and on a run sees something approaching 30 mpg if driven in a very sensible manor, but more like 25 typically ie. a few kickdowns and manual overides on the steptronic box.
I've only had one expense so far, which was the top radiator pipe split while driving and coolant went all over the place. A new pipe is now in place and the engine bay has been cleaned.
I know these old beasts use a lot of fuel but as a commuter car, they are brilliant. Supremely comfy, quiet, no need to raise the revs often, just so relaxing. My car is on 18 inch wheels and still has a lovely ride. I can only imagine how much better it would be on 16s.
Just a rough calculation with fuel. At 1.30 a litre over 12000 miles at 22 mpg, it costs approximately £3200 a year.
Well, I've still got the 740 and it's performing its daily duties admirably. This is my only car and I have covered about 10000 miles since I bought it (November 2013) so I am on for 18000 miles in a year, which seems ridiculous in a car returning 21 mpg but it is just a perfect cruising machine.
I've had one issue with the car since purchase; the dreaded petrol tank started leaking, badly. I managed to source a second hand petrol tank after searching for ages on the net and managed to get one for £300, and it had been cleaned up nicely too. A local garage fitted it for £450, so £750 all in to sort the tank. This is a very common problem with E38 BMWs and something to think about if you are going to buy one.
Overall, I'm really happy with the car and the overtaking punch is great on A roads. If you are overtaking a car dawdling at 50, and use kickdown with full force, the car will drop to 2nd and change up to 3rd somewhere above 70.
I've had one issue with the car since purchase; the dreaded petrol tank started leaking, badly. I managed to source a second hand petrol tank after searching for ages on the net and managed to get one for £300, and it had been cleaned up nicely too. A local garage fitted it for £450, so £750 all in to sort the tank. This is a very common problem with E38 BMWs and something to think about if you are going to buy one.
Overall, I'm really happy with the car and the overtaking punch is great on A roads. If you are overtaking a car dawdling at 50, and use kickdown with full force, the car will drop to 2nd and change up to 3rd somewhere above 70.
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