New e38 owner

Gerk · 03-12-2010, 02:23 PM

Hi Folks

Just wanted to say hi to everyone ... recently picked up a 99 740i w/ sports package and I have fallen in love. All-in-all in very good shape, have had a bit of work done already (seals, push fan) and have a bit more to do (it's in to see Jon @ bimmersports early next week).

The rubber that was on it when I bought it was pretty much toast so for now I've picked up winter rubber only. Will be picking up summer tires soon as well .. any suggestions on the tires front and where to get them would be most appreciated.

It's nothing super special, but what a wonderful drive

Just under 200k mileage. If I keep on top of the maintenance what kind of lifetime do you think I can squeeze out of it? Now that I'm hooked I don't think I can go back to anything less ...

740-iLL · 03-12-2010, 10:44 PM

Welcome to the board Gerk!

www.E38.org is a great resource for our cars. Also, another great start is going to Bimmersport, they do excellent work.

You are not too far from me, we should definitely get together once the weather gets better!

Gerk · 03-13-2010, 12:00 AM

Thanks for the welcome. I've found that site too, tons of good info. I'm game once th weather gets nicer.

ProStreetDriver · 03-14-2010, 05:19 PM

congrats on the buy and welcome to the forum!

Gerk · 03-14-2010, 10:49 PM

So does anyone have suggestions on the tires front? Just looking for a brand/model of them more than anything else. I'm not looking for super high end racing tires, but I'd like something that has good performance, is reliable, and is affordable. Not looking for the cheapest option by any means, but also don't want to have to knock off a bank for them either

Too vague of a question? I know that rubber can be a very personal choice, but some pointers in the right direction would be appreciated.

slemmer · 03-15-2010, 09:15 AM

I know I'll have to change my Summers this year or next year and have been impressed with the OEM Dunlop 2000 that came with them. Definitely a better buy over the Michelins given the prices. I only drive them in the Summer and kept a set of Winters if I should ever put this spoiled ride in snow.

Are you considering purchasing them here or in the US? You might want to check out the tirerack dot com website for tire comparisons and tests.

Gerk · 03-15-2010, 12:28 PM

Thanks slemmer, I'll do some research on that site to find out my options. I have continentals on it right now (winter) as I got a good price on them buying late in the season (in a winter that had little snow!) They were taking up valuable rack space

I'd prefer to buy the tires here, don't really want to deal with shipping, border crossing, brokerage, duties, etc for tires (I do enough of that for electronics LOL).

Gerk · 03-15-2010, 03:22 PM

Took a couple of pics today ... just crappy shots on my iPhone. Next time I wash and polish I will pull out the real camera and take some proper pics

740-iLL · 03-16-2010, 01:39 PM

Looking good Gerk!

InspClave · 03-16-2010, 09:16 PM

Nice car Gerk!

From one E38 owner to another, welcome to the club!

Gerk · 03-17-2010, 11:50 AM

Thanks guys ... and thanks to the guys at bimmersport it's suspension is also now much happier too

740-iLL · 03-17-2010, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerk

Thanks guys ... and thanks to the guys at bimmersport it's suspension is also now much happier too

What did you get done?

Gerk · 03-17-2010, 01:47 PM

Nothing "fun"

just fixing up problems ... rear ball joints, one trailing arm, front center link.

740-iLL · 03-17-2010, 05:57 PM

That's alright. They helped bringing the "fun" back to the E38!

I did my entire suspension, front and back, this January. She feels SO tight

Gerk · 03-17-2010, 06:27 PM

LOL .. yep, having ball joints is fun for sure