Thinking of jumping back into an E38 750il...insane or a master stroke?

[westaussie323i]

Hello All

I have owned an E38 735il but have long harboured a V12 fetish....am I entering a world of pain? I have an E83 X3 because I needed a bit of a load carrier plus have a couple of E21 Baurs. I am also considering a very nice E46 M3 SMG for the fun stuff. The V12 is 1999 with a pretty loaded spec inc double glazing, comfort seats, electric rears, EDC etc and is glacier green with black interior 190K km. Should I be extremely careful or just treat it as any other BMW I buy?
I assume things like castor bushes, cabin filters etc are the same issues for V12?

[peacoben]

I LOVE my 01 750il. Nothing else like it


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dannyzabolotny]

The 750il has mostly the same issues as any other E38... random electronic glitches, suspension components wearing out, etc. Think of it as a high-specced 740il with 4 extra cylinders. The engines themselves are a lot less troublesome due to their lack of Vanos and chain guide issues, but they have their own unique issues like intake manifold gaskets going bad ($$$) and are just generally more difficult to work on due to a lack of space. The 5HP30 transmission is pretty robust but you have to change the fluid and filter, just like on a 5HP24.

I owned a 1995 750il for a while and it really wasn't that bad. Just little issues here and there. I highly recommend the 1999+ facelift models, the earlier years (1995-1998) have not held together as well due to age and neglect, whereas most of the newer 750il's tend to be maintained a little better. One of my friends got a beautiful 2001 750il a little while back, and it's amazing how much better it was than my 1995 750il because it wasn't beat into the ground.

[XAlt]

Not really a world of pain.

The 12 is a lot easier to keep running than the V8 because no chain guides. If you don't have emissions testing, your ekat system and dual battery can be deleted without issue. The E38 tows very well if you need to move lots of stuff around.

Intake manifold gaskets are solved in 98% of cases by a tube of sensor safe RTV, in the rare case they truly bad, it should bring you shame (1 for buying a marked up OE BMW part, and two for the straya tax).

Layout is (kind of) like a double M20 without the need for valve adjustments. Ignition is similar but uses two V8 coils instead of the usual round ones you see, special plug wires as well. The cooling system borrows stuff from the V8 like the alternator (different pulley) radiator and expansion tank

[Aitch]

I owned a 1995 750il for a while and it really wasn't that bad. Just little issues here and there. I highly recommend the 1999+ facelift models, the earlier years (1995-1998) have not held together as well due to age and neglect, whereas most of the newer 750il's tend to be maintained a little better. One of my friends got a beautiful 2001 750il a little while back, and it's amazing how much better it was than my 1995 750il because it wasn't beat into the ground.

I'm going to partially disagree - if you find a decent pre-facelift 750iL they can be just as great. Mine was pretty well cared for through its previous owners and has been good so far *knocks on wood*. The pre-facelift don't have the heated cats, no dual-battery setup. I'm perfectly happy with mine.

[westaussie323i]

Thanks for the replies and it confirms that we all have a serious illness being BMW owners....I cant bring myself to own anything else. Peacoben I see that you have owned an E39 M5 and I am curious how you would compare it to your M3 in terms of overall driveability especially around town and I have to admit that the 320ci was a pretty comfortable drive albeit a little under powered and handled pretty well when pushed hard.

Did Europe spec cars have cats back in 1999?

[XAlt]

All regions equipped with electronic heated cats.

[peacoben]

Thanks for the replies and it confirms that we all have a serious illness being BMW owners....I cant bring myself to own anything else. Peacoben I see that you have owned an E39 M5 and I am curious how you would compare it to your M3 in terms of overall driveability especially around town and I have to admit that the 320ci was a pretty comfortable drive albeit a little under powered and handled pretty well when pushed hard.

Did Europe spec cars have cats back in 1999?

So compared to the E46 M3 the M5 is a whole different animal. Nowhere as right around corners but the V8 power is phenomenal. Two completely different cars. Overall I'd probably say I prefer the M5 simply because it's a blast to drive and you see less of them around.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[xboss]

Not really a world of pain.

The 12 is a lot easier to keep running than the V8 because no chain guides. If you don't have emissions testing, your ekat system and dual battery can be deleted without issue. The E38 tows very well if you need to move lots of stuff around.

Intake manifold gaskets are solved in 98% of cases by a tube of sensor safe RTV, in the rare case they truly bad, it should bring you shame (1 for buying a marked up OE BMW part, and two for the straya tax).

Layout is (kind of) like a double M20 without the need for valve adjustments. Ignition is similar but uses two V8 coils instead of the usual round ones you see, special plug wires as well. The cooling system borrows stuff from the V8 like the alternator (different pulley) radiator and expansion tank

A very simple and mild engine. Mine is back to running like new after the head gasket job and I was amazed at how simple the valve train was. Glad you were around to give advice. TY.

[M I C H A E L]

Get one you won't regret it. I keep mine as a weekend car.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[westaussie323i]

I have been swinging between an M3 E46 and the V12 but have to admit the E38 just yanks my chain and my back isn't too flash these days and the thought of those comfort seats is pretty appealing! I also think I am better to spend my money on the 2 E21 Baurs I have and have a V12 for cruising and the X3 as a daily. I have also seen a fully loaded E65 750il 2005 for similar money but I am a little wary of the complex electronics in the E65