OT: Opinions on E38 750il

[Jimbo]

I have the chance to purchase a 1998 750il with 98K miles on it for what I think is a great price. I was wondering if anyone has had any particular experience with these cars and can give me any advice on what to watch out for. The car appears to be very well maintained, and I already got a service history on it from the local dealer where it was serviced.

I know a car like this is going to be pricey to work on, and not quite as easy to DIY as on the E34, but I have been looking for a later model BMW for a few months, and if I don't get this I will probably end up with a late 90's E39.

Any opinions/comments/experiences are greatly appreciated.

[Macv]

My mother's 2000 740iL is probably the greatest driving car I've ever had the chance to drive.

IMO, the e38 is (probably) the best model BMW has came out with.

[Jimbo]

My mother's 2000 740iL is probably the greatest driving car I've ever had the chance to drive.

IMO, the e38 is (probably) the best model BMW has came out with.

I can vouch for that, this car drives like a dream and it feels much smaller and lighter than it is.

The main thing I am concerned about is whether this car will become a maintenance nightmare in the near future.

[Macv]

The main thing I am concerned about is whether this car will become a maintenance nightmare in the near future.

Unfortunately, my mothers e38 does have its fair share of problems. Nothing mechanically luckily, but many small (expensive) pieces begin to fall apart in the cabin and such. It's only got 42k on it, so if it's holding up on yours, great!

[Ross]

Fabulous engine, pre I-drive silliness, what's not to like. Get it inspected!

[J.DeFeo]

There aren't any manual e38s in the US, right? Not that I'd mind, if I were ever in the market for one. The automatic in those cars is excellent.

[TC535i]

For the love of god, don't get it. We have one, and it went to the dealership 42 times under warranty, and still remained unfixed when warranty expired.

Biggest electronic nightmares on the planet.

[Kobe Diesel]

In USA, no manual E38's in 740 or 750 versions, although UUC converted a 750 auto with a manual from an 850 (check there website - it's awesome). In Europe, I think the 728 was available with 5-speed.

Awesome car but the electrics are a nightmare. I also read somewhere that the auto tranny goes at around 120k miles.

I came close to getting one but i already have my hands full with my current BMW.

[Ferret]

Make sure you buy the added trailer option with it - the one that has fuel tanks in it.

I was looking at a 750 recently here, just the fuel consumption is scary when you're paying as much as we do...

[Macv]

My mothers gets better fuel economy than my 5.

And I must agree... they are wiring nightmares.