First (technically second - I moved this from another thread) post here. I recently discovered just how inexpensive the 750iL E32s are going for on eBay and CraigsList. I've been a fan of these cars for a while from a distance because I didn't think I could afford one. However, with a buy-in of $4-6K for what looks like a decent condition early nineties car with 120-150K miles, I know I could swing that. Research on maintenance costs for these cars cooled my desire a bit to jump on one. The supply and demand theory above for the low car prices on E32s and E38s certainly makes sense to me, but how much of a contributing factor do you believe the maintenance costs are?

I own a 94 Caprice (former cop car) , and I'm fairly mechanically inclined. I replaced the transimssion without assitance, replaced the heater core, radiator, 90% of the front end suspension, all springs and shocks. I've done disc brake conversions on other cars, as well as swapped enginges, wired headlamp relays and coverted an older car to factory cruise controls. I realize the complexity of an E32 will be beyond the cars I'm used to working on, but I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. I guess I'm asking whether buying an older 7 is going to be a money pit. I'd be okay with buying in at $5K and spending another $2K in the next two years in maintenance and repairs, but I'm not comfortable beyond that. Also, I'd want this to be my daily driver and I can't afford a lot of down time.

TIA

That age for a daily driver, no! That price, ok! Forecasted maintenance cost of 2k for next two years might be super stretch. Look around for a 96- 97 model.

Good thing you are mechanically inclined. you will need it. As for more complex, dont' sell yourself short. It is still just a big bucket of nuts and bolts. There is NO mystery to a BMW. As I found out for myself.
My 2001 F150 is FAR superior mechanically to my 2000 750iL.
The F150 has had ONE coil on plug changed to date. 60k miles. I have a list a mile long of things broken or replaced on my BMW of same miles.
The Lexus LS430 is looking REAL good for a trade in.

How are the E38's as far as reliability? I'm getting mixed messages as far as their reliability. Some say they last for a really long time, but I hear other people saying they are a PITA and a money pit. Is it just a gamble?

Do you like Vegas? I do... I own an E38 and I LOVE it!