1999 528i vs 2001 740il

[Dankmane]

Hi guys brand new here need some helpful advice looking to buy my first bimmer tomrrow got into a car accident a few weeks ago and insurance is taking forever to settle so in the mean time I'm lookin at a 528i its a 99 with 133k miles talked him down to 1,500 he said the car runs great only problem is all the windows don't work I've replaced window regulators before that's not a problem I got him down really cheap cuz of it but there's also this 740il with 160k miles he wants 1,900 but he's willing to negotiate has m5 front bumper looks great and he said drives like new I could really use some insight help here what do you guys think I should do any feedback would be greatly appriciate I'm so exited to own a bmw!!!
top one is 740il bottom is 528i

[XAlt]

Need pics and listing if possible.

Regardless, a high mileage 740i runs the risk of M62 timing chain issues, and the 528i has it's own typical E39 problems. A cared for 740i will go a lot farther than a neglected 528i. You can't really drive a broken M62 car, but you can neglect an I6 for years. For a high mileage E38, no joke it'd be a good idea to find a 750i just because prices are so similar and a 2k timing chain job on the 40 could help maintain the 50 for a bit.

Regardless, these cars are rock bottom prices. They'll need work.

[pizzaman09]

At that mileage, most M62tu e38s are looking for a timing chain guide it would appear. Otherwise, they are really great cars, far more reliable then most people make them out to be but still aren't perfect. Cooling systems are typical 90s BMW with frequent exploding expansion tanks. In 15 years of e38 ownership my parents have been through 3 expansion tanks.

As stated, a V12 e38 750iL is typically more reliable, there is extremely little that ever goes wrong with those engines, they are astoundingly simple, aside from being a 12 cylinder engine. Single over head cam with full electronic ignition.

[beshannon]

I know someone who owned a 1999 740iL and it was a giant money pit. Stay far, FAR away

[XAlt]

I know someone who owned a 1999 740iL and it was a giant money pit. Stay far, FAR away

Or you know, the W220 or any 100k car for the matter lol.

When you get into an E38 740, you're responsible for the M62 that can be summarized as powerful but leaky engine with timing chain problems later in life. Plus anything else the E38 throws at you.

When you get an E38 750, you're responsible for 12 spark plugs and anything else the E38 throws at you.

[montaillou]

Hi guys brand new here need some helpful advice...

Use the occasional period.