want to buy an E38

[58rabbit 0]

Hi people, I am thinking of buying an E38 7 series and was wanting to get info from the knowlegable folk here on which is the best engine for power versus reliability versus economy, although I'm not too concerned about fuel consumption. Also I have read on US sites that the V8 motor has a problem with sulpher in the petrol. Is this an issue in NZ? Is the 6 cylinder engine up to hauling around 2 tonnes of motorcar? Also is there any other mechanical or electrical faults with this model that need to be checked? Any comments are most welcome, cheers.

[Mark 178]

Google search is your friend:

E38 Buying Guide

[1rotty 40]

Hi people, I am thinking of buying an E38 7 series and was wanting to get info from the knowlegable folk here on which is the best engine for power versus reliability versus economy, although I'm not too concerned about fuel consumption. Also I have read on US sites that the V8 motor has a problem with sulpher in the petrol. Is this an issue in NZ? Is the 6 cylinder engine up to hauling around 2 tonnes of motorcar? Also is there any other mechanical or electrical faults with this model that need to be checked? Any comments are most welcome, cheers.

IMO the 6's are underpowered,the 4.0 is ok but the 4.4 is excellent-stacks of power & torque & surprisingly good on fuel if you're not too lead footed( & its easy to make them sound awesome)

Like the e39, cooling systems dont last well but not hugely expensive to replace.pixel failures another.

A well maintained example will keep a smile on your face for years.

The sulpher problem was primarily a US specific issue not surprisingly due to the high sulphur content of thier fuel iirc.Not an issue here.

As always,when you find one you like,get a pre purchase inspection from a BMW specialist!!

Do it-you'll love it.

[kiwi535 538]

the uk had nikasil problems too

[58rabbit 0]

Like the e39, cooling systems dont last well but not hugely expensive to replace

Rotty, do you mean the water pump as in the E36 or are you refering to something else, like the radiator??

Edited June 16, 2009 by 58rabbit

[greenday-rulz21 4]

Like the e39, cooling systems dont last well but not hugely expensive to replace

do you mean the water pump as in the E36 or are you refering to something else, like the radiator??

E39's are notorious for cooling system problems around 100k's. Radiators, waterpump, cracked hoses etc. As mentioned, not a deal breaker but can add up.

[58rabbit 0]

Thanks for the link Mark, I hadn't seen that one

[1rotty 40]

Nick has pretty much summed up.

The radiator header tanks (& I think the pump impellor)are made of sh*t plastic & fail.

Dont be put off tho'-get that pre purchase & you'll be good. NOT AA:D

[Cheyne 17]

You'll need to replace the radiator, thermostat, headertank and associated cooling hoses. You might as well replace the waterpump while you are going. It's a pretty simple job and will cost you around $1000 to get it done properly.

Otherwise, your cupholders won't work (but who needs those anyway?), you'll have to replace your window regulators at some point, but they are easily a DIY job and chances are the suspension bushing will need doing (it's a heavy car afterall) but they are pretty cheap too.

If you don't mind DIYing then the E38s aren't that bad to run cost wise and they will put a smile on your face.

The whole point of a 7 is to waft along in comfort and dismiss less powerful cars with distain so avoid the 728i or 730i as they are underpowered. 740i/740il (either 4.0 or 4.4) are a good mix of power and fuel economy (relatively, it's never going to be a smart car). The 750il will rob you blind!