NzDan

Yes probably, I was thinking fuel economy, and engine reliability with the 728, the 740's seem to be in abundance but I cant believe a v8 can be as economical as a 2.8 six as some people have told me, am I right or should I be looking at 740's ?

Heres just a couple of sources:http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/auto/car-guide-2005/Unreliable1.asphttp://www.lemonlawclaims.com/Consumer%20R...liable_cars.htm

Thats what I wanna hear! Ive driven plenty a few years ago and like you say there isnt anything you can compare a 7 too except maybe a rolls or bentley (sort of) which is out of the question!Keen as! Cheers

Im feeling alot more optimistic now, (I need a E38) Are the v8's thirsty? How much have you had to spend on repairs? what were the problems? How much does a service cost at an approved shop?Most importantly how has the experience of driving a e38 been? I cant think of any other car right now I would rather have for a similar price.

Thanks Penry i,ll feel alot less jaded now! I guess im worried that the trans will fail, the electrics will go Ka-put, the air -con and a host of other expensive things, ive read horror stories of people spending $50k in repairs in 2 years. I can fix the odd problem myself, (E38.org) has some good info on fixing things. How much to services cost on average? I hear it has to be done with the correct fluids or problems can occur, what would you spend a year keeping it up and running?

HI All! Im looking at buying a 98-2001 E38, need the size for the baby and just cause im over fast little cars. There are a number of e38's about for good prices, one ive looked at is a 2000 728, with only 40,000km on the clock and mint for $22,000. The thing that gives me the zhits is the fact that the E38 is on the top 10 least reliable cars in the world, are they really that bad? Has anyone here owned one for some time and what were your experiences? ive read about what can go wrong etc, what are the service bills cost and how frequent? Do you have to be a rich guy to keep one of these on the road? I dont wanna spend more than a grand a year! and having to take it 70km to invercargill all the time to get fixed! Dont want a 3 series, could do a 5 but would prefer a 7, might be smart to stay jappa though, what do you think? Cheers Dan

Hi All, nice forum, Im in southland, 29, dont actually have a bimmer yet but will most likely be getting an E38 or E39 really soon. Have driven all models of modern bmws when working at a panel shop in auckland, love the E38's and the M5 and M3 never imagined newish bmw's would be affordable, until now!