1998 750il with 125k stll worth a crap or is it about to bust

[chinaman]

Hey there, I am thinking of trying to get a 98 750. I am concerned abou the reliability of the engine. What do you guys think? it has 125k miles. I think it has been well cared for, for the most part, dirty at times, and a few things broken, but normally always fixed. would I be better off with a 740?

[Auraraptor]

Steady idle and power deliverly? Major leaks? More info..

[Dave McLaren]

right... more info, asking price...

Dave

Hey there, I am thinking of trying to get a 98 750. I am concerned abou the reliability of the engine. What do you guys think? it has 125k miles. I think it has been well cared for, for the most part, dirty at times, and a few things broken, but normally always fixed. would I be better off with a 740?

[chinaman]

I think the asking price will be somewhere around 13k. Runs good now, just concerned about future problems, I don't think it has any leaks, but am not positive. Sorry I don't have any more info. Just basically wondering if you guys would pay 13 for a good shape 750, or should I look at something else. thanks, and again, sorry for the lack of info

[shogun]

To maintain a V12 is always more expensive than a V8, that you have to consider. You will pay a premium amount for maintaining the car. If you cannot do anything on your own on that engine, it will eat up a lot of money.
I have an E32 750iL from 1988, maintenance I do mostly by DIY. But I know many people which have given up on that. On the other hand it will reward you with incredible smooth engine running. I have 3 more 750iL E32, 2 of them Highline version with the rear picnic tables and the additional aircon and cooler in the rear.
http://shrubbery.student.utwente.nl/...1_000291-3.jpg

[Rob Levinson]

M73 V12 engines in the E38 reverse the poor reliability record of the early M70 V12 in the E32. E32 maintenance histories have no bearing on the E38.

Due to the relatively understressed motor, the over-built transmission, and the fact that most 750s have lead an easier life than 740s, it's a safe bet that pre-owned E38 750iL ongoing costs will be less than the equivalent 740.

The M73 is very well put-together and the electronic modules are much more reliable than earlier versions - almost bulletproof. No more oil leaks, EML faults, all that stuff is gone. Even the radiator mounting makes it almost immune from the problem that the 740 models experience.

If the 750 you're looking at is clean, no accident history, seems to be well-maintained and drives well, then "around $13K" is a steal at this point. Show me one other car at that price that can offer the luxury, driving experience, and outright power for that much money.

- Rob
1998 750iL/6

[chinaman]

Hey, thanks for the help Rob, (I like your car by the way)
I sort of thought 13 was a good price too. Like you said, what other car can compete for that price. I assume that a 1998 is the m73 engine in an e38?

[DaveClement]

I'm with Rob! He made some really good points. Most people are scared off by the V12, but it is really more reliable than the V8. 750s also have countless features that were either optional or unavailable on 740s.

You'll still have to deal with normal maintenance and repair issues, as you would with any car. They will be more expensive than with most other cars. But look at what you are getting and how little you are paying! Someone paid nearly $100K for that car not that many years ago.

Do whatever you can to make sure that the car is in good shape when you buy it. (ie: get an inspection). If there is anything major that needs to be repaired right off the bat or in the near future, your purchase price just got bigger.

[silver50]

I totally agree with Rob and Dave-The 750 unit appears to be preetty bulletproof all round,but the V8 in the 740 is as sweet as a nut too.

A friend of mine who was the workshop manager at my local dealer tried to dis-suede me from a 750 and reckoned the 740,a nice "sport model" for example would be a better bet-reasoning was more unnecessary complexicity of the 750.

My own expierience backs this up,I previously had a V8 730i E38(a euro model-very simelar engine to the 740) which was totally trouble free-my 750 on the other hand has been plaueged with niggly faults,but at the end of the day its fair to say that it is the luck of the draw with any used car.

If I were to buy another E38 7 series I'd go for a 2000 740i sport-I like the engines and I dislike the EDC suspension on the 750 for the lack of overall "sportiness" it offers-not to mention the cost of new dampers!!!

[chinaman]

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I just need to see what this guy wants to do on price, ya never know, maybe I will be a proud new owner

[Md750]

Thank you Dave and Rob! I have NO idea why people say that the 750 is a bear to maintain. i have yet (knocking on wood) ran into anything i ABSOLUTELY had to get done. I've done a lot of things for my own sanity, but other than nothing at all

[Rob Levinson]

I assume that a 1998 is the m73 engine in an e38?

Correct. All E38 750 models have the M73 5.4l V12, and the E38 750 runs from the 1996 model year through 2001.

If you're cross-shopping 740s, realize that only 1996 and later have the updated M62 4.4l V8... 1995 models use the pre-update M60 4.0l V8 that is noticeably down on power from the 4.4l. The 4.0l cars are still good cars, and the price should be sufficiently lower than a '96+ to make it worth your while if the power difference is not a concern.

- Rob

[chinaman]

once again rob thanks. what you are saying is that since power is def. a concern I should be looking at 96+ models of the 740's when comparing to the 750 correct? I think that if I did end up with a 750 it will hopefully hold a value of 10k+ for at least another year or so, hopefully it won't keep depreciating at the rate it has.