Looking for an 8, but I have a few questions

[Aeko]

I'm finally at a point where I think I can get into an E31 and owning a BMW V12 has been a dream of mine for a while. I'm no stranger to wrenching as I've kept up several e36s and e46s, but I am concerned about potential known issues. Is it true the M73 is generally more reliable? What about the 5 speed auto vs. 4 speed? I'd like to use this car as a weekend road-tripper so a little peace of mind would help, despite it being an old BMW. :P

[rjjablo]

M73 is the better of the two, OBDII helps a lot, 5 Speed is better transmission of the 2.

E31 has a deserved reputation for 1 Being a nice car, 2 Being a potential money pit.

[dukegrad98]

Are you looking for a ready-to-go driver or a fixer-upper project? I bought a project two years or so ago and still haven't gotten to doing anything with it, which is a sign that I probably ought to send it on down the line -- especially since I'm days away from tearing down the garage where it is stored and building a new larger one on the same site. Mine was mechanically sound last time I drove it, but it's a cosmetic mess. It does have the six-speed manual, if rowing gears is your thing. I've never really floated it, and apologies if this gets me cross-ways with a forum rule or something. I see that you're just down the road in Houston and the thought crossed my mind to put it out there.

For what it's worth, and more on point with the thread, it has been my experience that the engine is one of the least likely problem areas in the car. It's all the ancillary bits on the E31 (combined with the occasionally NLA parts) that have the potential to make you crazy! I actually transplanted an M70 into another chassis and twin-turbocharged it just for kicks, and I've got a complete spare M70 sitting in a crate in my shop for an as-yet-unidentified project. You just never know when you'll need a spare twelve-banger -- you can tell that I'm a big fan of the old Bimmer V12s.

Cheers, John

[petejk]

Parts are increasing in cost rapidly over time, if you can still find them. If you aren’t prepared to put some hours (and cash) in finding what you need to undertake a mechanical or cosmetic restoration, pay a premium for a car that has had the work done.

Simply being low mileage isn’t enough when cars are this old - rubber and plastic deteriorate regardless of time spent on the road.

If was going to embark on E31 ownership again, I would pay double what I did for my car, for one that had been enthusiast owned and maintained.


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[TxGR8White]

Having owned an M70 and M73 at the same time, I can tell you the M70 is easier to wrench on and repair. The M73 is a smoother running engine (although the M70 is no slouch). Pick your poison.

[cartoonz]

Having owned an Zm70 and M74 at the same time, I can tell you the Zm70 is easier to wrench on and repair. The Zm7:is a smoother running engine (although the M70 is no slouch). Pick your poison.

Either I lost my secret decoder ring or Happy Hour comes early on a Friday in Texas...

[TxGR8White]

Damn stupid auto fill and auto correct.

[TTTXGreg]

Either I lost my secret decoder ring or Happy Hour comes early on a Friday in Texas...

Noon!

[PabloRock]

Noon!

Just keep in mind, if you don't start drinking first thing in the morning, you can't drink all day!

[PabloRock]

Having been a happy M70 e31 auto owner for over 20 years, I would say these make great weekend cars. Mine has been fairly trouble free (but new things are popping up), and with the help of this fantastic e31 community, I have been able to fix almost every issue. NLA parts may be the bigger issue, but there are some work arounds for things. And being the M70 is the most widely produced, that may be a reason to go that way (but good luck finding a manual). I would love a 5 speed, but since it is a Grand Tourer, the auto is nice for a lounging drive.

[Rickwalk]

I initially joined in 2007 with a 1991 black e31. Lost it to Hurr. Ike. I now have a 1991 white e31, but realize i cant handle the Houston heat at my age while working on it. Its bitter sweat, but if someone is interested in it, message me, otherwise, I’ll put it in the cars for sale forum.

[olinjohnston]

If you require the V12, I would recommend the M73 simply because I like the later E31s better (in terms of the interior) and the 5-speed Steptronic is much more refined and modern than the old 4-speed. The M73 cars are also much much rarer and you can feel the power difference.