Help me choose an E38

[R0adrunner]

Hello there E38 gurus,


new to the forum and I am close to purchase an E38 and I have two options both at the same price.


1. 1996 735i with 225k km, full options with double glazing, leather, heat and electric seats, full BMW history, last service 8000km ago, gearbox rebuild, new ignition coils, spark plugs, wishbone, shocks.


2. 1997 728i with 139k km, first hand old lady that died, basic with not many options. Cloth seats. The owner says it's TOP and been maintained but definitely not at BMW.


Now, my current use for the car is weekend driving and long distance trips during the year, so around 6000km a year. Fuel Economy does't matter too much (though less is nice) and for me both 728 and 735 are adequate in power (Coming from an MB E200 with 136hp).


My question here, as an overall experience, with reliability as a factor, is low km with an uncertain history better than a high km car with full history. I am worried that I will buy a low KM car and everything will need changing .


I think I am in love with the 735, the maintenance, the options, the V8 sound. My only worry is that it might cost more than 728 in terms of maintenance and that it has more km.


Thanks

[Lamer321]

I would go with the 735. it has high mileage probably because its been so well maintained. Definitely get it inspected by a reputable mech. if all of the stuff was actually rebuilt on the car, no reason it shouldn't last.

[tismintan]

I second the 735i. Full service history, more options and 225kkm is really nothing + it's much more likely it already had some parts changed that can break down on 728i.

[XAlt]

735 wit da gucci interior dude. You've got a pre-TU M62 in that too, so timing guides will easily go past the 200K mile mark where the VANOS motors start to badly need a refresh. Well maintained and loaded = win

Pics?

[nike32]

I vote for 735 also


Old lady doesnt mean she drove nicely, probably short trips = which is far more bad for the engine than long trips on highway.

[zener]

Since you are from Germany... I would look for 740i.

The M62 timing job is cost worthy if you don't do it yourself. Engine wise the M52 is far more reliable.

[XAlt]

Since you are from Germany... I would look for 740i.

The M62 timing job is cost worthy if you don't do it yourself. Engine wise the M52 is far more reliable.

It's a non-TU, he wont see major problems until post-200K

[zener]

I've seen them go after 200k km, so I would not bet on it.

[nike32]

I've seen them go after 200k km, so I would not bet on it.

Any engine will fail with lack of maintenance)
That 735i have full history at BMW Center, well according to seller.

[zener]

Sure, but M62 has more troubles ahead compared to M52. That's what I'm saying.

Anyway... I would look more E38's. I think you can find them more in Germany.