Anyone into e38's?

[Leaf]

Beautiful car's, was looking at maybe getting one when it gets warmer out. Any buyer's tips on these car's? Are these car's reliable (from what i've heard they are)? I know i'm looking for a 1999 to 01. Anyone wanna share?

[Jean]

I like them, but obviously you are looking at a car that will cost more in maint / similar to e39.

m60/m62 engines aren't exactly cheap to maintain either, some problems are shared with e39 cars - http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

http://www.e38.org/

[Mike325]

I know that some of the engines are know to have excessive carbon buildup in the heads, requiring removal and cleaning. The CEL will come on and you can not pass inspection with the light on. If you can find one that has this problem and you know how to fix it, you could get one for a good price.

[rwh11385]

I have liked 7 series at some point in my life, but realistically they are way too big / long. No one really needs that much rear leg room, honestly. E39s are smaller and "sportier", and are easier to park, etc.

M62s are a whole different ball game than M20s or M50s, so be prepared to put aside money to repair them, like valley pan gaskets and radiators. Sure, they are a blast to drive (540), and incredibly nice, smooth cars... but it'll cost you.

Also, gas mileage sucks. If you want a cooler, newer car that is a little more classy - 98 or so 328 5spd 4dr. I can't stand E46s, and E36ers are cheap. Build quality might not be that of an E30, but oh well.

[Optimator]

Pardon me, are you a retiree? I would half expect Mr. blunt to ride in a E38, while screaming obscenities at schoolchildren as he drives 15 in a 20, hopped up on four double espressos.

[Leaf]

lol tight bro... no i'm 20.

[surfevo]

I love e38s. IMHO the best looking 7 they ever made. Sure it is big, but it is supposed to be big. Great road trip car for covering long distances on the highway or cruising around town. But it has the same problem as any flagship lux car, cost to run. These cars were packed with tech as they are the showcase car for new tech that will flow into the lower cars. More tech means more to break. The upside to these high end cars is the values drop like a rock so you can pick them up cheap, but it will cost you in the long run.

[e34john]

I like them. I want an 2001 sport, short wheelbase in Alpine White. They are beautiful cars. If you get one I would suggest the least amount of electronics you can find. All I really want is AC and a nice stereo.

[Dave McLaren]

I like them, but obviously you are looking at a car that will cost more in maint / similar to e39.

m60/m62 engines aren't exactly cheap to maintain either, some problems are shared with e39 cars - http://www.540i6.com/probsfixes.html

http://www.e38.org/

Yep. They're basically just a bigger E39 540 in terms of repairs and maintenance cost. The V8s have their leaks, plus the usual crappy radiators as do the modern 6-cylinders, but the hard parts can last for loads of miles. Autoboxes are another thing, though.

I had a '95 740iL that ran well north of 200k miles. Trans wore out and we did a 6-speed manual conversion. Seemed like a good idea at the time, anyway. I still have my '98 540i sport 6-speed at 164k and it's such a nice car I just keep on commuting in it.

Here is my old E38

Dave

[BigD]

They're getting so cheap that I may have to pave over some of my grass to buy one. I feel that good BMW styling died with the E38, and what a way to go. This was the car that made me really fall in love with BMWs (although I could never justify buying one):

[Holland]

My dad has a 99 il, It's a great car although it hasn't been problem free. He has gotten great gas mileage in it although he drives like an old man, lol.

[Wh33lhop]

I love E38s. With a 6 speed it would be a great cruiser/road trip car. The styling also happens to be completely timeless if you ask me.

[N2MYE30]

Yes, the best looking 7 ever made. Ive heard of them having so many problems and thats takes it is off the family cruizer list. If I go 4drs, an e28 is prolly my direction.

[expressfish]

great cars, I just sold my wifes 1997 740I...drove it for about 6 years. Look out for leaking cylinder heads, they leak oil when the gaskets get old and fill up the spark plug valleys---then the coils ground out. Radiators are plastic, upper neck breaks. Window motors are a pain in the ass to replace and cheapest aftermarket is right at $200 bucks. Overall I loved the car, maint free except oil changes. will get up and go if you want it to. I have to agree, the value has gone way down, I was only able to get 5500 for ours and it was clean 2nd owner car........miss it.

[franco90]

I have an E38 love it 100%