Some thoughts on an E38

[Dipak7]

Hi all,Been a bit quiet lately, but I'm looking for some advice on E38s. A change circumstances mean I now have to trim down from 3 cars to 2. Gone is the GTi (too old for all that now), and I've put my E23 up for sale too (http://www.oto.my/car-for-sale/7270/used-1982-bmw-7-series-735i-kuala-lumpur. Once that's gone, I was considering either a Range Rover (Classic or 4.6HSE), Jag XJ40/X300 or another 7, an E38. All 3 suck at mileage and cost a bomb to repair, but as long as I live in a land of relatively cheap fuel, I felt I must experience a 4.0l or bigger engine at least once in my life. I quite like the E38, and can't get Vincent's orange monster out of my mind since seeing it at the photoshoot 2 years ago. If at all, it probably must be a V8, and hopefully a 740 (lets keep the roadtax issue aside for now). The car will not travel more than 100 to 150kms a week, probably less. What I would like to know is:1. What's the key spec differences between the 728, 730, 740 and the CKD and CBU models (apart from the obvious engine size)2. What are the key faults / issues I need to look for? I've seen some posts on the EDC, electrics and the nikasil liners. When looking at a car, any hints on how to check things?3. There was a facelift somewhere along the way. Apart from the lights, anything else worthy of mention? I actually prefer the pre-facelift look.4. What are the usual running/servicing costs like? Anything that wears and tears more than usual?All help much appreciated, and if any e38 members are having a TT soon, please keep me posted,Thanks

 

[ssmann]

Hey bro..think we met once at BG some years ago. I drive the blue 38. Short responses to your questions.

1. You'll regret the cost of running a 740 or any other V8/12 on the 38. Plus it will be an IL version. Whatever you do, do not go for the 735 as parts are so hard to come bye, thus the relative low pricing and hard sell
2. Facelift i think is 1998/9. These are available at some potong kereta, but now hard to comebye. Our 38 kaki's always sapu whatever they find! Cost around RM3k +/- for lights, fender upgrade. some have got it even cheaper....
3. Running costs not much bro, service etc also simple
4. Wear and tear items need to be looked at. Someone who recently acquired a 38 has given a comprehensive report, check the threads.
5. Prepare about 5k for the 1st round of addressing wear and tear work and slowly work from there to restore interior and paintwork plus esthetics
6. 38 sifu is Albert...buy and send to him to get it sorted

All the best to you. go for a 728i, u wont regret it. good balance of car, power and comfort. Plus parts are easily available and interchangeable with other E39's etc. Prices are so damn cheap these days, and worth every penny of driving pleasure. Whatever you choose, ie the route of a stock standard 728 @ 40k or a done up 728 in immaculate condition @ 75k......I can tell you from experience, if you want a pristine ride no matter which option you choose....your ball park is around the 70k mark to get it to look awesome and drive as well. I think all 38 kaki's here wont deny that fact.....except if you speak to Datuk Badrul880......he different league la!! And our Macha Kaniz...not too far in his footsteps!!!

 

[Dipak7]

Thanks bro!

Yeah I remember now. Your blue 38 looked pretty good bro.

Damn I was hoping for a V8. So I guess 728 only is the way to go right? I saw one in Sunway at a dealer, freshly resprayed, RM38k, but up close condition is pretty nasty. I'd probably buy stock first and slowly do it up. Keeping my eyes open. Bro, which workshop is Albert? Might drop by and have a chat soon.

Thanks again for your help bro!

 

[seech]

Financially, this will probably be the worst ever advice that I can give but.....

Get the iL!!!!

735, 740, 750.... whichever. I love the added length of the "L". Looks so damn nice! You also get these nice twin exhaust....

:wink:

$$$? ssmann has a point but the iL's are so damn cool! :top:

 

[E28driver]

Dipak

1, I don't believe the E38s were ever CKD in Malaysia, so all CBU. There's no "standard" or "typical" spec. If you look at the options list for the E38 there is a huge range of options. The items fitted from factory would really depend on the option boxes ticked by the original owner.

2. Key E38 issues: This is the best site: http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/

3. ssmann makes sensible points about running an il6 vs a V8. To begin with road tax is a bitch and while fuel is cheap now, it may not always be. Used parts prob harder to come by, but this is mainly luck.
Go with the head: 728i
With the heart: V8 / V12 735/740/750

I guess depends on how deep your pockets are.

Personally I decided to look for a 728, for all the reasons given by ssmann. His 70k estimate looks spot on.
If you decide to go with a V8, pls PM me for a contact. There is a 735iL that I short-listed, but decided against as I am opting for the 728.

Good luck.

p/s I believe andrewk's 728i may still be for sale.

 

[Dipak7]

Thanks E28driver. I've seen a few advertised as CKDs though. Probably just dealer talk. Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.

seech, whats the difference the 'L' brings? Apart from the added legroom, does it have any extra equipment? Any other downsides, apart from being heavier?

 

[gendong]

Nice racun fm seech.........niceeeeee.....

 

[seech]

Thanks E28driver. I've seen a few advertised as CKDs though. Probably just dealer talk. Thanks for the link, I'll have a look.

seech, whats the difference the 'L' brings? Apart from the added legroom, does it have any extra equipment? Any other downsides, apart from being heavier?

The legroom is simply enormous in the L. If I'm not mistaken, the rear seats are also able to recline on the L.

Downsides? The main problem with the L is the self leveling rear suspension which is rather $$$ to fix if there's an issue. Other than that the other problem is at the L's are a lot rarer so any external or internal parts which relate to the longer rear doors may be harder to come by.

But that said, sitting in the back seat if an L is an experience.... And there's always those twin exhaust.....

Common sense would have you buy the 728i...... If you're senseless like me, you'd get the iL..... ;-)

 

[Vincent Hor]

And there's always those twin exhaust.....

Common sense would have you buy the 728i...... If you're senseless like me, you'd get the iL..... ;-)

The entire E38 range has twin exhaust. If senseless like you said will get the iL plus something else under the hood. he! he!

 

[seech]

The entire E38 range has twin exhaust. If senseless like you said will get the iL plus something else under the hood. he! he!

What appears to be senseless maybe more sensible...... ;-)

Anything with ori twin exhaust is cool.....

 

[Vincent Hor]

seech, whats the difference the 'L' brings? Apart from the added legroom, does it have any extra equipment? Any other downsides, apart from being heavier?

Dipak, you should try both the i and the iL. Throw them into corners and see how they respond. Plus you should try going into some condo, office or shopping complex parking that are not too generous with space. Not to forget make some quick U turns. After all these you will be a better judge if i or iL is what you want.

 

[ssmann]

Dipak, you should have try both the i and the iL. Throw them into corners and see how they response. Plus you should try going into some condo, office or shopping complex parking that are not too generous with space. Not to forget make fast some U turns. After all these you will be a better judge if i or iL is what you want.

With age comes great wisdom.....well said Unker!

 

[Vincent Hor]

Ok! Ok! If you have a driver then just sit back and enjoy the drive. IL will be just fine. Let the driver have the fun!

 

[seech]

Dipak, you should try both the i and the iL. Throw them into corners and see how they response. Plus you should try going into some condo, office or shopping complex parking that are not too generous with space. Not to forget make some quick U turns. After all these you will be a better judge if i or iL is what you want.

Ok whaaaaattttt....

What's a quick u-turn?

But as usual, Unker is right. The iL isn't exactly a small sports car.... Handling and parking? (and quick u-turns)? Definitely the i. Enough space to fully stretch your legs even with the front passenger with the seat fully back and reclined? Need I say more....

 

[YaZmEeN]

Shorter wheelbase will give better handling...given any car tho

 

[Dipak7]

Ok! Ok! If you have a driver then just sit back and enjoy the drive. IL will be just fine. Let the driver have the fun!

Haha. I'm the driver Kids will enjoy the back. Come to think of it, I've never ever sat in the back of my current ride! Good point on the driveability though, must test a few.

 

[fender63lp68]

Something I just learn. I thought my e60 and the e38 728i have the same back passenger leg room. I measured and the e38 is actually by about 1.5" and I am please. My daughter is as tall as I am and she benefits. The e60 is slightly cramp for the children...now the e38 I think is just perfect.

 

[YaZmEeN]

Do remember that the seats are bigger as well bro...hehe

 

[kaniz]

I have driven a 735iL & I own a 728i... Handling, nimbleness & quick maneuvering, the 728i anytime...the extra 6 inch is good if u r sitting at the back to enjoy that extra leg room... As for driver not so enjoyable...my 2cents... & I have 3 kids which the rear space is more than enough for the next 5 years......

 

[Vincent Hor]

I have driven a 735iL & I own a 728i... Handling, nimbleness & quick maneuvering, the 728i anytime...the extra 6 inch is good if u r sitting at the back to enjoy that extra leg room... As for driver not so enjoyable...my 2cents... & I have 3 kids which the rear space is more than enough for the next 5 years......

Kaniz, BMWs good for 4 persons only doesn't matter if i or iL. For long distance better drive your MPV. Rear seat middle passenger will have to 'kang-kang' all the way.