stablemate for the 4.6is - E39 or E38?

[Weasel]

That is an awesome looking car, looks like it's new! Now you have another classic looking Euro car with the classy look with a touch of muscle... just like the E39, E46 and E53. That was a great looking era of BMW.

[Naz24]

very nice 7-series. let the modding begin!

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by toshiba

BMW 7 should look expensive,it's in same class as Mercedes S,and not in the BMW 3 or 5 range.BTW nice looking car.

I know. I probably wasn't doing a good job of what I was trying to say. I was referring to the things that are not visually obvious. The little, subtle things that make the car feel more substantial and solid is what I was referring to. Not the easily noticed items/features.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by Weasel

That is an awesome looking car, looks like it's new! Now you have another classic looking Euro car with the classy look with a touch of muscle... just like the E39, E46 and E53. That was a great looking era of BMW.

I just couldn't get excited about the E65. They are nice and all, but don't have the classic lines of the cars from the late 90's and early 2000's, IMHO. Not to mention even buying one today at $30K it will be losing a ton of value in depreciation over the next few years which I just don't relish the thought of. I guess I'm an old school guy - I still like the E34 M5 a lot for example... Anyway this is my 6th pre-bangle era BMW!!

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I guess I'm an old school guy - I still like the E34 M5 a lot for example... Anyway this is my 6th pre-bangle era BMW!!

You aren't counting the e53 in there are you? That one was Bangle.

[amacman]

car looks great .

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by FSETH

You aren't counting the e53 in there are you? That one was Bangle.

oh - I didn't realize that. Well - he got that one right!!

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by amacman

car looks great .

Thanks! I picked up the car and drove it home today. The car is really in such good shape I still can't get over it. And wow - drives like a dream on the highway. I much prefer the way this car feels than the E65 750i that I was considering. Seems BMW lost a bit of their magic in terms of building cars that connect with the driver. Remember the old adds - The Ultimate Driving Machine? The E38 really embodies that slogan. Perfectly weighted steering with gobs of feel, feedback and precision - not quite E36 M3 level, but perfectly suited to a large sedan. The short wheelbase is just the perfect size for a sporty yet refined autobahn cruiser. This will be the go-to choice for most of our long distance travel for sure. I'm really happy I chose this over a 5 touring or S6.

[amacman]

I have heard it said about the post E 38 7 series that they are not as good so may as well keep the E38 .
the new 7 series F is supposed to be better .
I have fitted Pirelli summer tyres whilst I refurb my winter wheels which have been on the car for 6 years and the car drives great on summer rubber , I almost forgot how good it is after 6 years on wallowy squidgy winters .

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by amacman

I have heard it said about the post E 38 7 series that they are not as good so may as well keep the E38 .
the new 7 series F is supposed to be better .
I have fitted Pirelli summer tyres whilst I refurb my winter wheels which have been on the car for 6 years and the car drives great on summer rubber , I almost forgot how good it is after 6 years on wallowy squidgy winters .

The E65 is still a good car. But for me, they went too far on the luxury end of things and left out the driver involvement. I also do not like the ergonomics in the new one and the seats leave something to be desired for me as well. Not to mention a $30K 3-4 year old car has plenty left to fall in depreciation and will be worth $20K before you can blink and then $15K not much later than that.... Where the E38 is at the bottom of the depreciation curve and from here on out values are mainly driven by condition and miles. In many ways the E53 is there too. My 4.6is books right now for the same value it did last summer...

One thing for sure - people sure do drive these E38's. Most of the ones listed for sale have 100K, 130K, 150K miles on them. Very hard to find them with under 90K. I even saw one with 192K miles an they were still asking $8K for it, although I doubt they would get anywhere near that. But the cars can pile on the miles as long as you take care of them and refresh some things when needed.