Buying a E38 740iL - advise pls!

[jagmalhi]

Hi Sifus,I'm planning to buy a E38 740iL m62 engine mfg July 1996. 200,000km clocked, interior and exterior is immaculate. engine sounds good, idling is steady. owner is asking for RM55,000. 1) Is RM55,000 a fair price?2) Is there a trusted E38 specialist I can take it to around PJ/Damansara area to check before buying?3) What problems should I look out for?Appreciate any speedy replies as I'm asking the owner to take it for a check tomorrow, but not sure where to go!

 

[suraeisan @ BimmerE38]

Dear Jag,
As for the price it is difficult to say, I have come across one being sold for RM120k coz it is immaculate. The most trusted BMW specialise for me is Optimum Motorworks (Ah Foo aka Jason). Take it to him and he will tell you the problems.
Cheers & good luck mate!
Suresh (BimmerE38)

 

[bimmerholic]

For that year & capacity, it should be circa $35-50K (if it's all factory standard)...imo

 

[jagmalhi]

what is the maintenance cost like? i assume very much higher than a 728?

 

[kadir_rashid]

Bro, just sent you a Private message. Do call me

 

[YaZmEeN]

The 1996 model is not the M62 engine..it should M60

 

[andrewk]

IMHO, RM55k is a bit on the higher side for a 96 model with normal wear and tear of a car of that vintage. However, it really depends on the condition of the car la. I would push for low 40ks at most, unless it is full spec with all the bells and whistle, and in very very good condition with full service history. Most ppl won't buy the car due to its prohibitively expensive road tax.

Maintenance cost is generally more expensive la.... 2.8cc straight 6 in a 728i vs 4.0cc v8 (or 4.4cc v8 if M62 engine), petrol oso more, engine oil oso more, piston and valve also more. But, I suppose the V8 sound is priceless

 

[andrewk]

The 1996 model is not the M62 engine..it should M60

The later 96 model are M62 4.4 v8.

 

[kaniz]

Jag,
Is this is the car u are planning to buy? If yes, cosmetically it looks superb.
http://www.mudah.my/Bmw+e38-9142826.htm

Meen,
I might be wrong, but from WiKi, from 1996 onwards, the e38 740's V8 engines was upgraded from the M60 4.0 L to the M62 4.4 L V8 engine.
In 1999, 735 and 740 models receive an improved M62TU V8 engine with single VANOS variable valve timing. The 4.4 engine gets a marked increase in torque from 310 to 324 lb·ft (439 N·m) Horsepower remains at 282 hp (210 kW).
So this car mentioned by Jag might carry the M62 engines. Below is the link where i sourced the info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E38

 

[YaZmEeN]

Thanks bro but i thought the M62 should have less wires at the engine bay as it using the electronic throttle body...?dunno la, but the best way is to get the chasis number and key in to the realoem.com

 

[jagmalhi]

hi guys, kaniz yes initially i thought of getting that car. however, after hoisting it up, changed my mind. called my old buddy and he told me a friend is selling a pristine condition 728 double vanos e38 2001 model (final production year), 200,000km on the clock but single owner until today. now 3rd car barely used so owner dont mind selling for right price. full service records and well maintained. i need to spend about 8k on wear and tear items, but besides that beautiful drive. dark grey color and comes with all the bells and whistles. imported direct by AB. so i'm settling for that car instead - looking forward to it! will kau time by end of the week then masuk workshop so can't wait for next week woohoo

 

[Eggie86]

Congrats bro.

Can't wait to see you and your ride during the 7s TT. :top:

 

[kadir_rashid]

congrats bro.....
Wise decision

 

[jagmalhi]

thanks guys! any advise on where to get lights,accessories etc for a good price? kadir i'll call you later, maybe can TT in bangsar after work if you're free. i'm working nearby

 

[YaZmEeN]

Hi bro,

What do u mean by lights? If headlights it should be the original facelifted type, and don't change it to the aftermarket type..

For the accessories, u may specifically mention here what do u need as there'll be someone will advise u with the correct fitment. Congrates anyway

 

[badrul880]

Yazmeen is the King of Headlights.. and car headlights too haha

 

[Eggie86]

Yazmeen is the King of Headlights.. and car headlights too haha

What other headlights? :vroam:

Yeah, his headlights polishing skills is simply amazing! :top:

 

[andrewk]

Congrats Jag! Wise choice you won't regret and welcome to the tigalapan geng and 7sili group

I agree with Yazmeen. Keep the stock light assembly. If it has turned yellow or blur, it can be polished out to look like new. Also, upgrade with a set of aftermarket angeleye will make it look current - ask Yazmeen on both of this. He's da man!

 

[jagmalhi]

hi yazmeen! yeah i don't mind polishing it to make it look brand new do you know where i can get a high quality job done at a fair price? also, am looking for:

1) xenon bulbs, or however to change the current yellow bulbs to xenon
2) polish the headlights, rear lights and foglamps
3) new angle eye
4) radio on/off button - it's missing from the car, must've fell off somewhere lol
5) prob gonna change rims. it's currently 17", i'll keep it that way. this one i will go to klang etc to find so no issues

any other simple exterior mods? oh yeah...quad exhaust how to bikin? got any good after market exhaust tips like sebring,hamman,ac etc?whr can i find ori ones and how much do i expect to pay? also prefer something less noisy..just a deep growl will be niccceeeeeeee

 

[Eggie86]

Awesome list of work to be carried out to your new ride bro. :love: