Buying this 4.8is or better leave it?

[hbanko]

Hi Guys,

I sold my 2005 4.4 e53 about two years ago and moved on to 2014 740d. The car developed gearbox issues around the 220.000 KM mark and when this 730d crossed my path thought its time to part with it.

Not sure how many door handles I have replaced in these 4 years I drove my e53, but I kind of miss it. Also the "new" 730d is on a finance and with insurance etc it costs me about a $1000 every month. Financially not an issue, but given the limited amount of kilometers I drive just makes me wonder if its worth it.

The object of desire is a 2005 4.8is that is from the outside in great condition. The owner spent $6000 last year on new fuel take / pumps, air tanks for suspension. Just recently some work was done on it and a new battery + 4 new tyres were installed which was another $1500 investment. But I always take this with a grain of salt - as its coming from the seller. The seller is just asking for $3500 for the car.

The bad part is that the car has already 325.000 KM (200.000 miles) on the clock. The airbag light is on, the sunroof not working and the worst bit is the air suspension is inactive. According to seller the solenoid for the front left is the cause of this.

I am not a mechanic, but have been working on my cars in the past. Missing a bit the tinkering which I don't have with the 730d anymore. I also do know the e53 quite well, having owned it for so long. So investing a few 1000 thousands and some time doesn't bother me. Better than paying 12K anyway for the 730d every year.

But with that mileage is it worth it? According to the buyer it drives well besides the suspension issue. What are your thoughts?

[guntherrex]

if it's close you could take it for a spin. the price would put me off more than the mileage, seems very low for my area, but don't know the market there. If you have a bmw scanner or a local (good) bmw mehanic you could get it checked out and get a quote for all that needs immediate attention. Add that to the sale price and make a choice

[hbanko]

I went there today and took it for a spin.

To my amazement, the gearbox is perfect and according to the owner still the first one. Does the 4.8is use a different one that the 4.4??

But the car has quite some issues and thats why I said no. Was a bit sad and the fate of the car might be that it gets parted out.

Here are the issues:

* Moonroof is not working at all and slightly open. According to the mechanic its the wiring in the body thats damaged and wants to replace the whole moonroff (quote $4k)
* The headunit's screen got the usual marks but the radio is completely silent.
* Also, the MKIV seems dead in the trunk hence weird menu on the screen as well.
* The engine seems fine, but I heard a bit of ticking (reminded me of a diesel).
* Looking under the hood the whole engine top cover is missing.
* The passenger door can't be opened from the inside or outside.
* Paint is chipping around the trunk area and some re-spraying would be necessary.
* The auto level system is not working. (Self level suspended) and its the front solenoid according to his mechanic
* The driver side mirror glas was cracked and the 4.8is got the self dimming ones (which I like) and replacement isn't cheap.

Because of the slightly open roof, some humidity got into the car. But leather seats etc were in "good" condition without any rips.

What actually gave me the rest was the missing engine top cover. That just smelled too much like people worked on that engine who did not really care about that car and I can't be sure about what I am buying there.

[Overboost]

The bumpers, flares with running boards and headlights would easily bring the $3K you could get that car for. Wish that was sitting over here.

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by Overboost

The bumpers, flares with running boards and headlights would easily bring the $3K you could get that car for. Wish that was sitting over here.

Maybe we should send a nudge to CW so he can start another aero kit.

He does seem to have too much free time and a happy wife.....

PS.. Apparently a sewing machine is NOT an appropriate anniversary gift

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[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by EODguy

He does seem to have too much free time and a happy wife.....

You have to get while the gettin's good right?

And yes, if I could score a 4.8is for <$4000 I'd probably jump on it if it started and ran in any reasonable capacity. As OB mentioned, part out value alone (especially with good motor and trans) would allay any fears of losing real money on the project.

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by crystalworks

You have to get while the gettin's good right?



And yes, if I could score a 4.8is for <$4000 I'd probably jump on it if it started and ran in any reasonable capacity. As OB mentioned, part out value alone (especially with good motor and trans) would allay any fears of losing real money on the project.

I dare you to get the wife a sewing machine and then try it.

NOT that I did that.....

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[guntherrex]

I got the wife two sewing machines already, she's very happy with them

sounds like the car needs some work for sure, the ticking would worry me the most. if the chain guides are toast that would be an expensive repair. 4k for a roof seems excessive....

plopping in a new head unit seems like a no-brainer. From what I understand the radio antenna is in the rear window and tends to break.. mine did.

[EODguy]

Originally Posted by guntherrex

I got the wife two sewing machines already, she's very happy with them



sounds like the car needs some work for sure, the ticking would worry me the most. if the chain guides are toast that would be an expensive repair. 4k for a roof seems excessive....



plopping in a new head unit seems like a no-brainer. From what I understand the radio antenna is in the rear window and tends to break.. mine did.

If I got the wife 2 sewing machines, she'd either make me buy another BMW in worse condition to complain about or else I'd only get to ride a bicycle instead of fun things....

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