I've had a number of E38s over the years and love em'. Recent timing chain guide failure has me ready to fork over around $3k to have it remedied (it has 203k miles). All in all I think it's worth it. Car is great otherwise, although the interior could be nicer. But, going down the road, it's great.
But I found the above car today and am considering holding off on the TCG repair, (may actually attempt it myself this summer), and picking up this car. Curious if others can weigh in on how well they hold up, or are there any 'well known issues' I should run away from.
Thanks in advance,
Jay
'01 325Ci Convertible, 5-speed
'01 740iL, Stahlblau with beige interior & 18" M-Pars, GROM bluetooth
'03 X5 3.0 six cyl, Gray on gray
You must be a glutton for punishment if you're considering an E65/66 with 180k miles. I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole unless it just had valve stem seals replaced, a new transmission, and every other seal and gasket on the engine. And even then I would be hesitant.
You think $3k to keep your E38 on the road is a lot? Just wait.
ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician
Why
I went from E38 short sport with 172k (timing chain job was imminent) to a clean 116k running but not moving E66 for $2,300. Fixed everything, DD'ed for a couple years and it now has 135k, but At this point wish I'd have kept the E38. The E66 corners flatter, is far more powerful, and has far more toys. But there's a weird throttle delay off idle (worse when the a/c is off), and the electronics seem a far bigger headache to diagnose (have a weird sudden trifecta issue I'll be posting a separate thread on).
The DIY community is like night and day as well, with the E38 everyone has done everything. But it seems nearly no one DIYs E65/66 so much less help on the forums sadly. Seems this car didn't attract enthusiasts, shame because it is a nice car when everything's working.
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