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Cacciatore08 · 04-29-2008, 11:56 PM

Hey Guys looking into buying a E32.

How many people own them or have owned them? Any complaints? Comments? things to look for or avoid?

I also might be searching out a parts car, anyone interested?

Cheers

rottenal · 04-30-2008, 12:10 AM

Here's a couple of sites to get you started.
http://www.e38.org/e32/
http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/e32/
Here's a few pics of mine,it's still new to me and as such I'm still working out some of the kinks and haven't come to a conclusion about the car.
http://www.bimmerclassics.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4292

Al Canuck · 04-30-2008, 12:34 AM

I love the E32. My 735iL was a fantastic car, and Trevor is having great luck with it, too. Its got 410k km on it, uses no oil, still has great power, super comfy, handles well for a tank. Tough to beat.

If you're paying to have it serviced, and you want to daily drive it, stick to a 6 cylinder. If you're doing the work yourself, or have it for an occasional car, go for a V12. Try and avoid the 88-89's, as they were prone to electrical problems, but the 90 and newer are great.

Overall, watch out for the typical BMW stuff. Subframe mounts, control arms, etc.

E32 is a GREAT bargain on the used car market.

Al

Bob Balbirnie · 04-30-2008, 09:21 AM

First of all, I loved my E32, greatest car to take on an extended trip I have ever driven, comfortable, fast and smooth. I drove from Surrey to Edmonton with the family, only stopping for food or gas, and got out of the car feeling I could drive right back again.

Next, unless you are going to do most of the work on the car yourself, don't bother. It is a relatively high maintenance car, and the rule of thumb in Seven circles is that you need to budget 7-10% of the cars original purchase cost in annual maintenance to keep it in pristine condition if you get the work done by others. My experience is that is about right.

When the cars are well sorted, nothing beats them but, when they are not working correctly they make you want to tear your hair out. Problem areas: Cooling systems (don't overheat them or you are in for $, change coolant annually), HVAC (many electrical components and flappers that are plastic), regular front suspension component replacement needs (heavy car and rubber parts), transmission (change fluid every 50k or every 2 years whichever is less), etc...

And... the "good deals" are seldom good, if I was to do it over again I would find a pristine example and pay more for the idea of not having to rebuild the neglected. My thought is that the E38's are more refined and right now you can find some pretty nice ones with full maintenance history and low mileage for decent prices.

If you decide to buy one, I have quite a number of parts left from owning one for 7 years which need to find a good home.

Cheers, Bob

puppypilgrim · 04-30-2008, 09:59 AM

yeah the plastic parts in the HVAC was really a stupid design decision as the flappers, motors and O-rings in the hoses are prone to fail.

But its really a bargain of a large sedan to drive. Very safe, comfortable. Shares many suspension parts in common with the E34 parts bin and as such enjoys a large parts community to source from. It still looks good till today.

twest · 04-30-2008, 12:58 PM

I really enjoy driving mine - especially with the stereo upgrades I had done.

The fuel economy isn't great but I don't drive much...

I sent you a PM...

bad_azz_bmr · 05-16-2008, 05:05 PM

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/683575296.html

nice e32

carter · 05-16-2008, 10:04 PM

It's an old man's car... buck up and drop in a s14 in a 2002... who needs AC?!!

04-29-2008, 11:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cacciatore08 Senior Member Joined: May 2007 From: Vancouver Posts: 855 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 5 8 Times in 7 Posts	E32 Owners? Hey Guys looking into buying a E32. How many people own them or have owned them? Any complaints? Comments? things to look for or avoid? I also might be searching out a parts car, anyone interested? Cheers

04-30-2008, 09:59 AM	#5 (permalink)
puppypilgrim Member Joined: Jun 2006 From: Vancouver, BC Posts: 94 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts '90 BMW Alpina B10 BiTurbo	yeah the plastic parts in the HVAC was really a stupid design decision as the flappers, motors and O-rings in the hoses are prone to fail. But its really a bargain of a large sedan to drive. Very safe, comfortable. Shares many suspension parts in common with the E34 parts bin and as such enjoys a large parts community to source from. It still looks good till today. __________________ 1990 BMW Alpina B10 BiTurbo

04-30-2008, 12:58 PM	#6 (permalink)
twest Senior Member Joined: Aug 2007 From: Hamilton Posts: 198 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	I really enjoy driving mine - especially with the stereo upgrades I had done. The fuel economy isn't great but I don't drive much... I sent you a PM... __________________ ------- Trevor '90 BMW 735iL

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04-30-2008, 12:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
rottenal Senior Member Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 239 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 1 Time in 1 Post rottenal's pictures	Here's a couple of sites to get you started. http://www.e38.org/e32/ http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/e32/ Here's a few pics of mine,it's still new to me and as such I'm still working out some of the kinks and haven't come to a conclusion about the car. http://www.bimmerclassics.net/forum/...ead.php?t=4292

04-30-2008, 12:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Al Canuck Banned Name: Al Joined: Jul 2005 From: Surrey, BC Posts: 1,850 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 4 3 Times in 3 Posts	I love the E32. My 735iL was a fantastic car, and Trevor is having great luck with it, too. Its got 410k km on it, uses no oil, still has great power, super comfy, handles well for a tank. Tough to beat. If you're paying to have it serviced, and you want to daily drive it, stick to a 6 cylinder. If you're doing the work yourself, or have it for an occasional car, go for a V12. Try and avoid the 88-89's, as they were prone to electrical problems, but the 90 and newer are great. Overall, watch out for the typical BMW stuff. Subframe mounts, control arms, etc. E32 is a GREAT bargain on the used car market. Al

04-30-2008, 09:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bob Balbirnie Senior Member Supporting Member Joined: Dec 2007 From: Surrey Posts: 126 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 0 Times in 0 Posts	First of all, I loved my E32, greatest car to take on an extended trip I have ever driven, comfortable, fast and smooth. I drove from Surrey to Edmonton with the family, only stopping for food or gas, and got out of the car feeling I could drive right back again. Next, unless you are going to do most of the work on the car yourself, don't bother. It is a relatively high maintenance car, and the rule of thumb in Seven circles is that you need to budget 7-10% of the cars original purchase cost in annual maintenance to keep it in pristine condition if you get the work done by others. My experience is that is about right. When the cars are well sorted, nothing beats them but, when they are not working correctly they make you want to tear your hair out. Problem areas: Cooling systems (don't overheat them or you are in for $, change coolant annually), HVAC (many electrical components and flappers that are plastic), regular front suspension component replacement needs (heavy car and rubber parts), transmission (change fluid every 50k or every 2 years whichever is less), etc... And... the "good deals" are seldom good, if I was to do it over again I would find a pristine example and pay more for the idea of not having to rebuild the neglected. My thought is that the E38's are more refined and right now you can find some pretty nice ones with full maintenance history and low mileage for decent prices. If you decide to buy one, I have quite a number of parts left from owning one for 7 years which need to find a good home. Cheers, Bob

05-16-2008, 05:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
bad_azz_bmr Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008 From: coquitlam Posts: 107 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 0 2 Times in 2 Posts	http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/car/683575296.html nice e32

05-16-2008, 10:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
carter Banned Supporting Member Name: Carter Joined: Sep 2007 From: Toronto Posts: 427 iTrader: 0 Thanks: 1 4 Times in 1 Post carter's pictures	It's an old man's car... buck up and drop in a s14 in a 2002... who needs AC?!!

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