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Thread: E32 Vs. E38

  1. #1
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    E32 Vs. E38

    What is the difference between the E32 750iL and the E38 750iL (Australian/Euro Editions, i think they are the same). Things like ride quality, noise levels, performance, feel of the drive, quality of the interior, comfort of the interior ect. anything else you can think of would be greatly appreciated.

    Looking at buying an E38 750iL and i thought this would be an interesting question, also, which one do you think would be better.

    Many Thanks.

  2. #2
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    e32 cant compare to a e38..

  3. #3
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    It's not as dramatic of a step up like between the E23 and E32 but the gap sure is there. Cabin quietness is a major improvement as is fittings and comfort. As far as the engines go I dunno, they are the same are they not?

  4. #4
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    E38 interiors fall apart sooner.

    1995 540i/6 // Dylan Leff - www.originalplate.com


  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by mojocoggo View Post
    E38 interiors fall apart sooner.
    Bull! You must be rough as hell with your car. Honestly it is hard to come by a car with matching yet alone better interior quality and sturdyness. Apart from the cupholders, there isn't much that can break.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aindriu View Post
    Bull! You must be rough as hell with your car. Honestly it is hard to come by a car with matching yet alone better interior quality and sturdyness. Apart from the cupholders, there isn't much that can break.
    No, truth.

    I go to the junkyard weekly and I see stragiht THRASHED E32...and the interior ain't bad.

    Then I see E38 on craigslist for 8,000 dollars with shot leather, sagging headliner, etc.

    You're wrong.

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aindriu View Post
    Bull! You must be rough as hell with your car. Honestly it is hard to come by a car with matching yet alone better interior quality and sturdyness. Apart from the cupholders, there isn't much that can break.
    Haha I can't tell if you are serious or not. It is widely known that once the BMW started making cars out of plastic (E36), they realized how much money they were saving and decided to make all their cars that way. I've only had the 7 for two years and I've done nothing to the interior but replace things that were broken or missing when I bought it. Have you ever taken apart an E32 interior? The answer is you haven't because they are impossibly overbuilt.

    1995 540i/6 // Dylan Leff - www.originalplate.com


  8. #8
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    with real leather wrapping the entire interior ... yeah what you know about that ... E32 baby!

  9. #9
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    e32 FTW ... sorry e38'ers lol



    my car is super quiet down the road, except for my exhaust and it handles amazing for the type of car it is. as for the interior, its really well built. i have almost 330,000km on my car and the interior is pretty much perfect. driver's armrest is a little cracked, but that's all. under the carpet on the floor, there much be 2" of foam insulation. i can leave my car out in a cold windy parking lot in the middle of winter (-20 C) and get back into the car after an hour and it'll still be warm inside. even the motor is still warm. even my steering wheel has like almost no wear on it. i had a 97 pontiac bonneville with 185,000km and it had a leather wrapped steering wheel and every time i drove the car, the steering wheel was like deteriorating.





    although my ash tray hing broke... and i can't find another one for it
    Last edited by ProStreetDriver; 12-21-2009 at 08:27 PM.
    1994 BMW 740I E32: SOLD
    1984 BMW 733i E23: Hartge engine, Hartge strut brace, Centra type 7 staggered 16" rims
    1997 BMW 540i/6 sport: polished/ported throttle body & traction control unit, E60 short shifter, ss braided flex lines, 2000 M5 tail lights, genuine Alpina bumper lip, genuine M5 auto fold mirrors, facelifted color matched trim


  10. #10
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    ProStreet, I can nab one for you next time I'm at the junkyard if you want

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  11. #11
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    Too much crap
    Holt crap that is a clean E32.
    Originally posted by pup "yeah. stick to pedophilia, racism, misogyny, homosexuality, the disabled and the poor"
    Originally posted by
    Aindriu "It is made to be a crusing machine. Top down, cruise control on at Autobahn speeds, bit of classy music and an attractive woman in the passenger seat with the IQ of a peanut."

  12. #12
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    Not including the build quality though, the e38 is the better car. It looks better and is over all much more modern. It has many more features and is quicker then the old e32.
    I think the e32 is a good looking car but the e38 completely out classes it.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by pizzaman09 View Post
    Not including the build quality though, the e38 is the better car. It looks better and is over all much more modern. It has many more features and is quicker then the old e32.
    I think the e32 is a good looking car but the e38 completely out classes it.
    More features? Such as?

    Quicker? Right. Have you driven them both? I doubt it, as the E32 is lighter and has virtually the same power (except in E38 750 - M73 made a good amount more power than M70)

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  14. #14
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    this might be a little off topic here but a question just popped into my mind.

    for every car ive owned (including the e32) once it gets old, the side windows develop small vertical scratches from rolling the window up and down many times. plus the most used windows (and most scratched), once it gets colder outside they have a problem rolling up and down while the more unused back windows have no problem at all

    Quote Originally Posted by pizzaman09 View Post
    Not including the build quality though, the e38 is the better car. It looks better and is over all much more modern. It has many more features and is quicker then the old e32.
    I think the e32 is a good looking car but the e38 completely out classes it.
    btw did they ever make a highline version for the e38?
    Last edited by kief; 12-21-2009 at 09:23 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by kieferstr View Post
    btw did they ever make a highline version for the e38?
    Yes, google it

    Did someone say something about clean mode?


    Last edited by paulmer; 12-21-2009 at 09:33 PM.

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by paulmer View Post
    More features? Such as?

    Quicker? Right. Have you driven them both? I doubt it, as the E32 is lighter and has virtually the same power (except in E38 750 - M73 made a good amount more power than M70)
    I have to admit I have never driven an e32 but I was basing my information off of acceleration results listed on Wikipedia. The e38 740iL accelerates quicker from 0-60 then the e32 750.

    The e38 most certainly has more features. To start I have a CD player and navigation. I have heated steering wheel and the ski pass through hatch as part of the cold weather package. Later model e38s like mine also had optional tire pressure sensors and power folding mirrors. The 2001 model e38s had lit door handles. The e38 also has a 5 speed transmission which probably accounts for most of its performance gains over the e32.

    In the end all of the features that the e38 has that the e32 does not have can be attributed to the fact that the e38 is the newer vehicle. Whether or not that makes it better than the e32, I am not sure but since we are both partial to the cars we own I am sure neither of use are going to be able to change each others minds.

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by pizzaman09 View Post
    I have to admit I have never driven an e32 but I was basing my information off of acceleration results listed on Wikipedia. The e38 740iL accelerates quicker from 0-60 then the e32 750.

    The e38 most certainly has more features. To start I have a CD player and navigation. I have heated steering wheel and the ski pass through hatch as part of the cold weather package. Later model e38s like mine also had optional tire pressure sensors and power folding mirrors. The 2001 model e38s had lit door handles. The e38 also has a 5 speed transmission which probably accounts for most of its performance gains over the e32.

    In the end all of the features that the e38 has that the e32 does not have can be attributed to the fact that the e38 is the newer vehicle. Whether or not that makes it better than the e32, I am not sure but since we are both partial to the cars we own I am sure neither of use are going to be able to change each others minds.
    All E32 have six disc changers. The ski bag was always an option. All E32 740i(L) had 5spd (5HP30, same gearbox as you ). Additionally, all manual 730i i6 and v8 and manual 735i had 5 speed gearboxes.

    And who cares what wikipedia says, I'm sure a 750iL with a 3.15 LSD and 300hp and 330ft-lb of torque would slaughter a M60 powered E38 740 with a 2.83 or 2.93 open.
    Last edited by paulmer; 12-21-2009 at 10:02 PM.

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by pizzaman09 View Post
    To start I have a CD player and navigation. I have heated steering wheel and the ski pass through hatch as part of the cold weather package. Later model e38s like mine also had optional tire pressure sensors and power folding mirrors. The 2001 model e38s had lit door handles. The e38 also has a 5 speed transmission which probably accounts for most of its performance gains over the e32.
    I have an OEM 6 disc changer and ski pass through. Perhaps you need to update your information or stop relying on wikipedia. But you are missing the point. Features do not necessarily make it better. Most later options can be retro-fit, although that still does not make one better. Build quality makes one better over the other. The E32 interior is 'stout' to say the least. As for mechanicals - they both are just aching to spend your money on repairs.

    I business associate was looking over mine the other day and asked about it and said he was thinking about getting one. (This was the same day, but still before I holed the radiator, so I was still in a good mood) I asked him if he likes to work on cars, and is capable of things beyond minor fixes. He said he was not, to which I told him to go buy something else. These are not for the faint of heart or those lacking confidence in their abilities.

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by Avec View Post
    I have an OEM 6 disc changer and ski pass through. Perhaps you need to update your information or stop relying on wikipedia. But you are missing the point. Features do not necessarily make it better. Most later options can be retro-fit, although that still does not make one better. Build quality makes one better over the other. The E32 interior is 'stout' to say the least. As for mechanicals - they both are just aching to spend your money on repairs.

    I business associate was looking over mine the other day and asked about it and said he was thinking about getting one. (This was the same day, but still before I holed the radiator, so I was still in a good mood) I asked him if he likes to work on cars, and is capable of things beyond minor fixes. He said he was not, to which I told him to go buy something else. These are not for the faint of heart or those lacking confidence in their abilities.
    That's great and all but the E38 still looks MUCH better, by far. No, really, BY FAR. Ask any non enthusiast (or many enthusiasts).

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by 740fizza View Post
    That's great and all but the E38 still looks MUCH better, by far. No, really, BY FAR. Ask any non enthusiast (or many enthusiasts).
    Asthetic values are all a matter of taste, so overbearing statements (like yours) are silly.

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  21. #21
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    I'm sorry but, all e38 interiors are not a mess, yea the cup holder my night work right but it all falls down to how the car was treated. My interior has no cuts in the seats nor a sagging headliner. Both the e32 and the e38 are nice but the e38 is better. And I have driven a e32 that was in very good shape. But it all comes down to how the car was treated by the previous owner. There are some not so taken care of e32's and e38's, so why look at them?

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by 740fizza View Post
    That's great and all but the E38 still looks MUCH better, by far. No, really, BY FAR. Ask any non enthusiast (or many enthusiasts).
    Ehh...

    I like the E38 a lot, but the I love the E32 and it is a part of me. I grew up with two, my father's 735iL and my uncle's 750iL, they are truly gorgeous. They were the car that shut down the Mercedes S-class. The interior was amazing for its time. When BMW released the 750il, it was the smoothest vehicle powerplant at its time! Performance was top notch and handling was incredible for a vehicle its size!

    The E38 had a hard task, because the E32 was so good. The E38 will be more powerful and have more options because it is almost a decade newer, but that doesnt make it better. The E32 also has much better build quality. My other uncle's E38 has a interior that I constantly change bits and pieces in and my dad's E32, other than the little light corners on the doors, the interior is a gem.

    Each E32 had something special about it. The 735 is incredibly reliable and handled great due to a I-6 up front, the 750 was BMW's benchmark, and the 740 was a combination of the two. Plus the E32 is far less common than the E38.

    Like I said, I love the E38 and I think it was BMW's last good 7 but when I have to pick between the two, the E32 it will be.

    Sadly, my uncle's E32 750iL burned to the ground last week That car will be missed forever!!

    A few quick pics of my father's baby E32, im sure some of you have seen it, never seen snow, and babied since new



    And yes it is getting dropped this summer



    2012 BMW M3 Coupe, 6MT (summer fun)|2017 Toyota Tundra 1794 MGM (DAILY)
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  23. #23
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    Burned down?

    Should have replaced his alternator charge cable!

    1989 BMW 750iL (prod 08/88) (vin: 2768675)
    Gone but not forgotten: 1994 BMW 740iL (prod 10/11/1993) (vin: *DE89667) 6spd swap, 2001 BMW 740i Sport

  24. #24
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    i do love e32 leather interior, door pulls ect... but they are know for seat twist and failing seat motors...
    Me E30 87/ 325i + F25 12/ M-Sport + E32 94/ 740i

    G/F’s E34 92/ 525iT + F48 18/ X1

  25. #25
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    i don't have any feelings for an e32. it simply doesn't do anything for me. the e38 and e23 are where it's at.

    the e32 just looks like an e34 that someone distorted in photoshop by accident. and the e34 never did anything for me either.

    idc about the fit-and-finish of my interior, at least my e38 cockpit electronic interfaces don't remind me of sputnick

    i call it the way i see it, no brand loyalty here

    Quote Originally Posted by e30luv318i View Post
    i do love e32 leather interior, door pulls ect... but they are know for seat twist and failing seat motors...
    my friend with an e32 (also a bfc member) had his front seat break, so that it would only lay flat, completely reclined! lol, never seen that on an e38
    Last edited by dophineh; 12-21-2009 at 11:56 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost


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