E38 BMW. What's the best engine to go for?
Discussion
Morning all
As the title says, I'm looking for one of these at the moment. I'd love a V8 but I don't know if there's any weak points in these engines, and correct me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be two of them. I need reliability, so what engine will most likely give me no problems, in whatever guise (6,8 or 12cyl)? Fuel economy not an issue but I'm only looking to spend 2.5k on one (3k if it's the perfect car).
If I can't make up my mind on one, I'll have to resort to an E46!
Cheers
As the title says, I'm looking for one of these at the moment. I'd love a V8 but I don't know if there's any weak points in these engines, and correct me if I'm wrong, but there seems to be two of them. I need reliability, so what engine will most likely give me no problems, in whatever guise (6,8 or 12cyl)? Fuel economy not an issue but I'm only looking to spend 2.5k on one (3k if it's the perfect car).
If I can't make up my mind on one, I'll have to resort to an E46!
Cheers
Apart from the rusting fuel tank (which is plastic on the E39, and I *think* is plastic on the E46 too) they have pretty much the same issues as the E46 or E39 (with similar engines). Rust is the biggie. Cooling systems need regular refreshment on all of them, and any car that hasn't had a recent suspension rebuild should be treated and priced as needing one. The 7-series are all automatic and a lot of the auto boxes fail from around 120,000 miles on, due to the 'sealed for life' fallacy, so keep a wedge handy for a transmission rebuild.
I wouldn't bother with a V12, personally: I find the 4.4 V8 the pick of the bunch and the 728i is adequate if you don't mind a relaxed but smooth drive.
Any of these cars can hand you a big bill but they are lovely when they are working properly.
I wouldn't bother with a V12, personally: I find the 4.4 V8 the pick of the bunch and the 728i is adequate if you don't mind a relaxed but smooth drive.
Any of these cars can hand you a big bill but they are lovely when they are working properly.
Edited by Lowtimer on Wednesday 28th May 14:38
Gramrugby said:
I've had 2 728's and 2 740's all sport models. They have all have been extremely reliable with no issues other than routine servicing.
I would pick the 740 every time. My current car has less than 10k and mint. Used sparingly to keep it that way.
Get some pictures up of it!I would pick the 740 every time. My current car has less than 10k and mint. Used sparingly to keep it that way.
Should I be looking for a certain model, as in a facelift model, or certain upgraded parts etc?
Cheers for this by the way lads
I don't have any. I work in London and live in Scotland. I use the BMW whilst in London.
Look at www.gmscars.co.uk you'll see it there, it's obvious which one. I can highly recommend
GMS they only stock the best.
Look at www.gmscars.co.uk you'll see it there, it's obvious which one. I can highly recommend
GMS they only stock the best.
Sump said:
No, that's just forum rubbish.
The real reason they fail is due to a poor quality seal in the torque converter around the inner shaft.
So apart from that they can do 500,000 miles and 20 years on the original fluid and filter, can they?The real reason they fail is due to a poor quality seal in the torque converter around the inner shaft.
Anyway, from the OP's point of view you have to regard the autobox as a potential point of expensive failure, regardless of the cause. I had two go at the usual mileage on E39s.
Gramrugby said:
My current car has less than 10k and mint. Used sparingly to keep it that way.
Very nice! Must be one of the lowest mileage e38's out there.I have had 3 x e38's, 1 x 740il, 1 x 750il and my current SWB 750i.
The tank issue has been mentioned, the EDC shocks on the V12's should be checked. The usual suspension arms and bushes wear out and need refreshing in due course. Cooling systems on all engines. My 740i had a snapped ignition barrel or something not sure if that's a common fault though.
Many say the 4.4 V8 is the pick of the range and I will agree it is a fantastic engine. I would say the 286bhp claim by BMW is conservative and indeed owner's who have rolling road tested their cars have sometimes reported more power from stock engines. Whilst the V12 power is similar on paper the delivery and experience is very different in my opinion. The v12 is near silent unless provoked (the v12's are double glazed also so this helps keep noise out as well), I find the V12 smoother and almost turbine like, there is power all throughout the rev range whenever you want it. The cost, of course, is fuel, the v12 is thirsty, I get 14 mpg ish round town and mid 20's on a run, touched 27 mpg once.
There used to be quite a bit of e38 chat on the 1-5 barge thread but it's mostly Merc stuff over there now.
If you have any specific questions let me know and if I can help I will.
It was a little tongue in cheek of course; the 6.0 cars are quite particular about the oil they use with several documented Alpina factory re-builds because the wrong oil was initially specified.
There are 17 rhd cars in the UK at the moment; 8 x 5.7, 6 x 6.0, 1 x 5.7 langversion (lwb) and 1 x 6.0 lwb which was imported from Japan a few years ago. There are also two other rhd 6.0 lwb cars that have been spotted; one in the U.S. and one in Japan.
There are 17 rhd cars in the UK at the moment; 8 x 5.7, 6 x 6.0, 1 x 5.7 langversion (lwb) and 1 x 6.0 lwb which was imported from Japan a few years ago. There are also two other rhd 6.0 lwb cars that have been spotted; one in the U.S. and one in Japan.
Sorry for the thread revival, but I'm actively looking now. Infact, I could do with a car this weekend as I lose my courtesy car Tuesday.
Cars in my budget seem to all be between 100-150k miles. Should I discount cars with these sort of mileages?
Also, although the general consensus seems to be the 4.4 is the best of the bunch, are cars with the 3.5 V8 worth considering?
And are there any must have options?
Cheers again
Cars in my budget seem to all be between 100-150k miles. Should I discount cars with these sort of mileages?
Also, although the general consensus seems to be the 4.4 is the best of the bunch, are cars with the 3.5 V8 worth considering?
And are there any must have options?
Cheers again
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