E32 reliability poll.

I'm moving in with my fiance in a couple months, and we only have one car between us. We have radically different schedules right now, so we are going to need a second car. I want to spend under 9K. I'm considering an E32. I wanted to get some info from E32 owners on how their car's have been treating them in terms of reliability... hence the poll. I hear the M30 is bulletproof, but I actually was leaning towards the M70 because of the power, but I don't want to fall into the trap of a maintenance nightmare. I haven't really considered the M60, but if anyone thinks I should, tell me why. Thanks.

In addition to the poll, please all feel free to chip in with what ever comments. I especially want to hear from current or former E32 owners. Thanks!

i recently bought a 1994 E32 740i with 116k miles for $6400. its got plenty of 'get up and go' for me (i think the specs are 282bhp and 292tq) and after buying it, i did some routine maintenence and she runs like a champ. i would definently recommend the E32 to ya

Originally Posted by kamakaziem

i recently bought a 1994 E32 740i with 116k miles for $6400. its got plenty of 'get up and go' for me (i think the specs are 282bhp and 292tq) and after buying it, i did some routine maintenence and she runs like a champ. i would definently recommend the E32 to ya

Cool. Is it still on the nikasil block?

i believe so, though im not 100% sure. ill have to find out

With a budget of 9k you might actually consider the next newer generation of 7 series. The E38 is hugely popular among bimmer saloon enthusiasts. I own an E32 (my 2nd one) but only because the E38 was never offered w/ a factory equipped manual gearbox. If I wasn't such a raging freak about driving automatic trans equipped bimmers I'd be all over it. I just did a nationwide search on autotrader.com and it came back w/370 hits for 7 series between 1995 and 1998 priced from 1 to 9000 dollars. If you don't mind driving an automatic you'd be in a much nicer styled and appointed ride IMHO.

Here is an example of what I'm talking about.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0&cardist=1675


I should have my head examined for not buying something like this!

In total agreement with the above replys I own a 1994 740i, 235K miles and have never been happier. The smoothness, the power, the quick acceleration and the feeling of safety and comfort when driving the car. The other positve is the easy access to engine repairs and easy to work with. My yearly reparis include your basic oil change, brake pads, fluids and sometimes basic wear and tear items, spending from $10 to $300 dollars a year. If your budget is around 9k then you have the upper hand in finding a model that has all maintenace records, has been garaged, clean interior and low mileage which would be my recommendation. On the other hand a newer model ('95-'99), the next generation would also be the option and with upper hand control. Good luck Dude!

Just get e38 before 99, those engines last forever
Only chain issue could be a problem.