Shed Of The Week: BMW 728i
High miles, temptingly low price - big Beemer possibly the definition of Shed temptation...
Shame he wasted his money on that unappreciated gift, because for about the same amount he could have helped bring Mrs Shed's fantasy to life with this remarkably cheap, leather-lined BMW 728i, a fair contender for the title (if there was one) of Perfect Shed.
The E38's claim to fame is that it was first European car to offer an integrated sat nav. Well, that and the fact that it put in a better performance than Stubbly Statham in The Transporter. If you're a plutocratic fantasist, don't make the mistake of sneering at the 728i's perceived lack of cubic inchery. This is a fine and indeed refined engine that will more than deliver on your wafting requirements.
Some things to be aware of, or to be wary of if that's the way you roll. These are complicated cars that can complicate your finances. The vendor mentions a new wheel bearing is needed. If it is just that, no worries. But this model is known for 'E38 shimmy', a maddening wobble whose source can be so difficult to trace, many actually believe it to be an inherent trait of the used Seven.
728is built before March 1998 had the dreaded Nikasil linerless bores. This 1998 car will either have been sorted with steel liners, or will be post-change. Either way, we can cross this off our worry sheet.
For once, regassing an air-con actually (sometimes) works on BMW 7s, but PCV (positive crankshaft ventilation) valves sometimes don't valve, causing oil leaks or sludging. Failing door actuators are repairable, but watch for rocker cover oil leaks that can fill up the spark plug holes. That will generate a misfire.
Bosch ABS systems cut out when the control units get hot. You have to sit and wait for things to cool down if you want the warning lights to go out. Boot supports lose interest after a while, as do the seat motors. Front suspension and brakes take a pounding - but perhaps now it's time to look to our specific SOTW
Two numbers spring to attention. One, the mileage: 234,000. And two, the asking price: £425. Sprinkle a light dusting of 'full service history' into that mix and the mileage issue simply melts away in what passes for the Shedman's brain, to reveal a very presentable example of executive motoring for the price of a dirty weekend in a Midlands town.
BMW is relaunching the 7 Series this year in its never-ending (and, so far at least, never successful) battle of the titans with the Mercedes S-Class. Click on this ad and you may well be invited to consider the idea of buying a new one. That will cost you between £64K and £80K, before options. The price gap between that and our Shed is so mentally vast that even Evel Knievel at the height of his rhinestone-spangled powers wouldn't try to bridge it.
If you fancy a spot of German executive action but only have four hundred quid at hand, your choice is between a fortnight's worth of leasing time on a new poverty-spec Seven. Or full ownership of this Shed. You might want to invest a few bob in some leather cleaner, unless your other half is as unsavoury as Mrs Shed, in which case don't bother. After that, it's all gravy. Especially if Mrs Shed is around.
Very reliable and comfy car, starts and drives like a much lower mileage car,present owner for 4 years and have done mainly motorway miles.
Usual extras for this type of car. MOT until November. This car is used everyday and now needs a wheel bearing replacing hence price reduction. I am open to offers without the registration Number. Full service history.
But my man-maths says that at £450 it simply can't throw you a bill for more than £250.
If it does you simply live with the fault or if terminal you weigh it in and move onto the next one.
Even if this thing did 6months service, in most peoples book that would be considered £450 well spent. If it borked a year later you'd be quids in and send it off to the crusher with a cheery wave and a 'thank you' note.
Or am I missing something?
Plus the 2.8 litre engine is ridiculously good on fuel.
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