7 Series. Which Engine?

[Chainguy]

Right, as some of you may have read, my hunt for a decent 5 series which isn't priced with comedy isn't really getting very far.

So, I've decided to take the advice and look at the 7 series. A beast I know sod all about.

First concern is the engine, I've seen loads of 3.5's for sale, and the question is, does this engine feel underpowered in the 7, especially through an auto box?

I was looking for a 4 litre and above 5 series, so this should give you an indication of what I think is decent power.

All and any thoughts are welcome

[B19GRR]

The 3.5 is OK in the 7, but it's pretty irrelevant when you can get the 4.0/4 which offers better performance for very little loss of economy. An alternative take on this is that I think my E39 528i is quicker than my old E38 735i. The 2.8 is rated around the 192bhp compared to the 3.5 at 215bhp so not a huge difference when taking the extra weight in to account.

Cheers,
Rob

[madou]

From a friends E38 740i 4.4l and my own E39 540i I think you need the later 4.4l engine. Have a look at e38.org for background information

[MitchT]

In a car like this I'd be more interested in torque than bhp. Also, look out for Nikasil on the 4.0. While I haven't heard about it causing the widespread problems that it did on the 2.8 block it's still worth doing due diligence before parting with any cash. The E38 7 Series is one awesome car for the money if you get a good one - They're such a bargain I almost feel a fool for not buying one!

[Chainguy]

Cheers you three

Looks like my gut was right - go big or just don't bother.

That linky is excellent as well. Search goes on

[madou]

It is well worth paying for an inspection by a good independent BMW specialist. My RAC inspection missed a lot of things At the least you need an OBD-II reader to use after the test drive, in the case the seller is crafty, and has already cleared error codes using the cheapest software they can get their hands on. This is in addition to the usual other checks on good title, physical condition etc

[B'stard Child]

For all things 7 series releated (E38 and E32)

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/

guy who wrote that site is one of the guru's on

http://the7seriesregister.co.uk

Usefull forum once you have got thro the door (registration required)

Edited by B'stard Child on Monday 2nd March 20:49

[69.9mph]

I took the plunge last year.

Bought a '99 740i with 55k miles on it. Lovely car but watch out for the "dreaded shimmy". Still haven't managed to get rid of it on mine although it has been tamed slightly - the local BMW indy will have another crack at it when it goes in for MOT.

Re power - it's faster than a big old barge has a right to be. Pootles around quite happily at 2 - 3000rpm in "normal" driving without feeling in the least sluggish, but give it some welly and it moves very impressively from 3500 plus. My previous car was an E90 330i (also auto) and subjectively the 740 feels comparable other than at 10 10ths. Goes round bends amusingly too.

[Slurms]

Yeah the 735i isn't worth it when the MPG difference to the 740i is virtually nothing.

Less power same economy.. why bother..