E38 with 175,000 miles

Is it ludicrous to buy an E38 with 175k on the clock? Everything works and the cooling system seems to be new. It also has a recently installed rebuilt transmission. It looks really good too. The seller is asking $3800. Is this just a bad idea? I have had E39s with that many miles and never really had any issues. Any input would be appreciated!

What year is it.....Does the current owner have repair / service records......

Some things to check:
Valve Cover gasket leaking
Valley Pan Leaking...if so, did they replace the manifold gaskets when it was replaced
Loosing pixel display in temperature, mileage display.
Catalytic converters failing
Power steering hoses leaking
Oil pump bolts backing out, generally pre 99 years
Radiator failures. Plastic neck breaking, all years
A/C stepper motors failing.
Original Water pumps with plastic impellers failing
Coolant thermostat failing
Sunroof wind noise
A/C drain lines need re-routing to stop gurgling sound

I have seen them for sale with 292k miles.... Obviously they are going to be prone to mechanical/cosmetic failures at higher mileage, but the cars in general seem to be cabable of high miles without the need for total rebuilds.

The car I was looking at is a 1997 740il. It is a southern California car. It has a few service records up to 110k but nothing after that. It has only had 2 provious owners and the second had it as a CPO. The radiator, thermostat, hoses, and expansion tank were replaced. It also has a rebuilt transmission installed by an independant BMW repair shop a year ago witht he records for it. I have been a BMW saleperson for the past 10 years and have heard horror stories about the expense of the V8 cars especially 7-series, but I am also fairly handy and can do many things myself. So my real question is are the repairs that I may encounter things that a dealer would have to do, or can a a DIYer attack these issues? I can do many things short of rebuilding a tranny. Thanks again for everyone's advice.

If the car appears to be in good shape and mechanically sound, Go for it! I have a 97 740i with 161,000 miles and it runs just fine. I am a DIY'er and I dont have a problem doing work on my car. And if I was to sell my car today, I would be asking for more than $3800.

If you sold BMW's for 10 years I would be pretty confident that you are well aware of the basic costs, common failures ect...

Sounds like you should go for it...

175,000 miles? - It is barely broken in...

You might have to put some parts in it but I think for that price it is worth it. Most of the parts for this car are fairly cheap and it's somewhat easy to work on when you do need something replaced. I'd say look it over thoughly before you decide on it. I've had mine for about year and it's been easy to maintain.

Well today I bought a 1995 with 131k on it. The radiator had been replaced at 60k mi intervals (receipts present on this one) and currently has a Behr rad. mfd on 12/06 and the transmission shifted really well. In 12/2000 it had a leakdown test with results at 9% so I think I found a good one. It's gonna need a few things but nothing major. I want to thank everyone who replied to my question! I really appreciate it!

Congrats...and welcome....

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Payback

If the car appears to be in good shape and mechanically sound, Go for it! I have a 97 740i with 161,000 miles and it runs just fine. I am a DIY'er and I dont have a problem doing work on my car. And if I was to sell my car today, I would be asking for more than $3800.

me too. more like 10,000.

lets see some pictures!

Originally Posted by CodyItaliano

lets see some pictures!

dat would be nice