BMW E38 740I - What is costs to own one!

[zaleonardz]

Good on you, only thing is gearbox oil every 10k, is that not a bit hectic ?

 

[BimmerMan]

I was shocked to see what you have spent on your 740i. BUT I think you gave it away when you stated that you picked it up cheap - this means that you bought a supercar (the 740i is a supercar) with problems. I drive a '98 750iL, I've had it for three years now and what an absolutely fantastic vehicle! A far better supercar than any 740i. I bought it with 128 500km on the clock, and its now done 145 000km. Here's what I have spent on it (I'm not including normal W&T items like oil changes, spark plugs, etc.):

Replaced leaking heater pipe 480-00
Replaced small suspension parts at back 749-00

That's it!

I need to replace a hydrolic pipe now and give the starter an overhaul, which I estimate will cost me around R3 500. Not bad for three years of travelling in the greatest luxury, not to mention the performance of this car!

The problem with most owners of the E38's is that they simply fail to maintain them. Any car has to be maintained, and if you cut corners, in the end it will get to you! I always let the AA check out any car that I want to buy beforehand, it costs about R1 000 but its worth it. If you had it done before you bought this dud of a 740i, it would have saved you thousands. I change the oil filter, engine oil and spark plugs on my car every 5 000km (air filters, gearbox and diff oil every 10 000km) and although it costs me a bit extra, in the long term I score a lot. My Beemer is one of the cheapest cars to maintain that I've ever had; in fact its costing me basically the same as a 525i I had a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I have to sell my 750 now, but I'll state it without reservation: its the greatest car I ever drove!

Hmmm...a 1998 750IL? I assume that comes with EDC, Self Levelling, auto boot etc? Just be patient, your problems will be coming along shortly...probably at around 170 000KM

A late 90s 4 door sedan is not a supercar...its just called a car. A Ferarri 458 or a Lamborghini Murciélago is a supercar :thumbsup:

 

[740I]

Hi everyone

I'm new here. Don't own a BMW, yet, but absolutely love the E38 740 and thinking of getting one. Does anyone have experience with buying warranties/motorplans through motorrite for these cars? Will they cover say a 2000 740i?

Thanks.

 

[Cazzman]

HI All

What a shock to read this thread... I did some home work on the 7 series (always wanted to won one) and finally when the oppertunity came about I bought a '03 730d. The car is great get 8,5l/100km combined consumption.
If I read al the forums on the internet I'm very stressed to se that the repair costs are so high on the vehicles. I saw the other day a 730d with 330k on the clock without missing a beat. So it seems 1 out of 10k is actually a great car... hmmm wonder what mine will do?

:flyfun:

 

[P1000]

HI All

What a shock to read this thread... I did some home work on the 7 series (always wanted to won one) and finally when the oppertunity came about I bought a '03 730d. The car is great get 8,5l/100km combined consumption.
If I read al the forums on the internet I'm very stressed to se that the repair costs are so high on the vehicles. I saw the other day a 730d with 330k on the clock without missing a beat. So it seems 1 out of 10k is actually a great car... hmmm wonder what mine will do?

:flyfun:

This thread is about the e38, yours is the e65, so it should be much more expensive to maintain :rollsmile:

 

[msm]

Hmmm...a 1998 750IL? I assume that comes with EDC, Self Levelling, auto boot etc? Just be patient, your problems will be coming along shortly...probably at around 170 000KM

Been reading up about issues regarding the air suspension. On the X5, apparently you can remove the entire system and replace with conventional springs and the ride is almost the same. You just need to have the computer recoded to disable the air suspension warning. I would assume it would be a similar procedure for the 7 series.

The more I read up about the DIY's on older BMs, the more confident I am that they are decent cars to own, provided you are prepared to do a bit of preventative maintenance and some DIY.

 

[whattingh]

The thing is the the e38 and think the E39 5er also. Repair cost sometimes is bit high but once done it will last for sometime again. I have had this love for the e38 for long so in a few years time I would like too have one next too my e39. They are just awesome cars.

 

[Cazzman]

Yeah I know it's the E38 forum, I just generalized on costs. I love the e38 but couldn't find one that I felt comfortable with. None of them were in good condition, hence i moved to e65 even though my heart is still with e38.