97 E38 comments

[Jaymzw 0]

Ok- first up, heres the link. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=265074136

Now, the good-

Its cheap

Lowish kms for my price range

New Wof and Reg

Is the colour i want

The average to bad-

Its German made but ex Singapore...

Is only 2.8L

So, some Q's I have.

I understand that ex Singapore cars can suffer from decaying plastics and rubbers aswell as the obvious hidden electrical problems. My question is that as this car was imported in 2004 and spent 106kms in Singapore, but has now done a further 90kms here could those problems be discounted?

Also as the 7 series weigh something like 2Tonnes, would the 2.8L engine be a) tired underpowered c) uneconomical

Before i even considered buying this car it would be subject to a pre purchase inspection where things like waterpump and thermostat would be looked at, aswell as a road test to check for wear in front suspension. Is there anything else i may have to look for in this particular model?

Any other comments about the car?

James

[Braeden320 0]

Looks to have seen a fair few dusty roads looking at that engine bay.

I would stay away from it on the basis that its from singapore.

[1rotty 40]

If your in Ak get Glen to do the pre purchase.

Even the 4L e38s are sluggish-I cant begin to imagine what a 2.8 is like,

As above-Singapore-dont go there.

EDIT; I'd be very cautious about any e38 thats $4k.If they havent been VERY well maintained they will cost you a fortune-trust me I've owned several.

Edited January 15, 2010 by 1rotty

[*Glenn* 854]

I would say thats possibly a hand grenade with the pin pulled waiting to go off at that price

X Singapore & 190,000 km

And this:

PLEASE NOTE: No warranty is either expressed or implied on these goods. Buyers should make their own assessment of this car as there is no negotiation after the auction closes.

Covering his arse because he knows its knackered

[Jaymzw 0]

Okay thanks for the comments.

From looking on TM it would seem that the majority of 7's are ex Singapore. Some have high km's some have low. So what is the chance of getting one with problems? I.E Do all Singapore Imports suffer?

Also can some one comment on whether these engines being smaller will struggle with the weight of the car?

I am still considering having a look at it as it will only be my car until I leave Auckland in about 12months time.

Thanks

[1rotty 40]

Yes imo 2.8 is way too small for this size car-it will be GUTLESS!!!

Most of the guys on this forum WOULD NOT buy a Singapore import.e38s are packed with electronics that suffer badly from Singapores humidity.

The chances of problems developing are pretty high-you could have a very expensive 12 mths.

For your budget you'd be better off looking at e34s or similar-much more reliable,less electronics to go wrong.

I would not touch this particular car.

[briancol 3]

Also can some one comment on whether these engines being smaller will struggle with the weight of the car?

I am still considering having a look at it as it will only be my car until I leave Auckland in about 12months time.

Thanks

Will a 2.8 litre engine pull a 7 series body?

Well you answered that question in your first post.

The 2.8 engine was designed basically for the 3 and 5 series models and yes it will struggle in a 7 series. Because the car is so damned heavy the poor engine will be working it's tits off to move all that weight. The car was designed to be powered by a V8 and it will cost you as much in fuel to run a 2.8 as it would a V8 model.

You mentioned getting a prepurchase inspection and I heartily agree with that decision, however do get the inspection done by a BMW specialist. Do not let the dealer arrange the inspection for you and don't even consider AA. This is a specialist car. Can I VERY STRONGLY recommend you contact Glenn at Botany Motor Worx, he is a forum sponsor so look him up on the home page.

Finally, listen to what Glenn tells you.

[Docile 64]

at that k's. the shocks are shot or about to be and will need replacing. it cost me a ton to replace mine @ 228ks. body rubber seals would be cracked or stiff by now. trans would need a service. diff as well if he has not done so. brake rotors will need replacing too assuming its still the stock ones and various other suspension parts to get it to tip top shape amongst other things.

i've got the 740i v8 and the engine suits the car. i can't imagine driving a e38 with a 2.8 engine non v8.. that's like driving a 518i probably lol.

e38 is a cruiser car and not meant for sporty feel.

Edited January 16, 2010 by Docile

[diablo23 1]

yeah dont bother gettin a 728, would be sluggish as hell better off looking at or 735 or 740

[kingkarl 136]

In terms of performance:

Top Speed: 140 mph (225 km/h)

Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 Km/h): 8.6 s

http://www.autoevolution.com/engine/bmw-7-...-1998-728i.html

Rather than speculate on how sluggish a 728 might be, try driving one and see if it's adequate for what you want. 0-100 in 8.6 seems pretty acceptable to me.

[*Glenn* 854]

In terms of performance:

http://www.autoevolution.com/engine/bmw-7-...-1998-728i.html

Rather than speculate on how sluggish a 728 might be, try driving one and see if it's adequate for what you want. 0-100 in 8.6 seems pretty acceptable to me.

+1

I totaly agree.. some performance comments are incorrect.... reliability due to age, mileage and origin is more of a put off in my opinion and should be more of a concern to the orignal OP

Edited January 16, 2010 by *Glenn*

[39KiwiTouring 2]

Reliable those 2.8 engines bomb proof even, i've heard the 3.0 6 cylinder that came out in the later E39 5 series were smoother but not quite as reliable.

2.8 would be adequate in a 2 tonne car, from my experience of driving that engine everyday.

Get the car checked over I think you now that by now and listen and preferably be there for the inspection.

[Docile 64]

get a 730i.. i think thats the smallest v8.

[antil33t 90]

I'd rather the trade off with a slightly slower car, but with extra reliability.

[kiwi535 538]

go and look at it,drive it and others try every function/switch you know about.The internet is full of horror stories .if you beleive everything you read on the internet about BMW none of us would actually have cars that are perfectly satisfactory.Dont listen to the naysayers,but definetly be careful.

[1rotty 40]

^^^^ While I agree with what you say,the op has sought advice from this forum presumably because he feels there is some expertise here.

Several of the posters have a ton of experience with e38s & Glenns advice is always spot on, so he ignores the advice given here at his peril.

[BM WORLD 1283]

my mate just got offered a nz new 1995 740i with 120k on the clock and fsh grey with black leather for $5k

if you wait around you can get some good buys .

[3series 0]

anyone able to suggest a plausable explanation for all the changes in rego?

"EPF548 2008, October 1st

EMK943 2008, June 20th

BZK349 2004, April 10th "

[Jaymzw 0]

^^^^ While I agree with what you say,the op has sought advice from this forum presumably because he feels there is some expertise here.

Several of the posters have a ton of experience with e38s & Glenns advice is always spot on, so he ignores the advice given here at his peril.

Yes that is why I came here, I understand that these are specialist cars and as such require specialist knowledge. I now know that ex Singapore BMW's are less than ideal. However Glenn will be used for Pre purchase as it seems he has a good rep around here, that is, if i choose to have a look at it.

James