Subject: +1.....I spent a year driving a POS Grand Am before getting my e38 Author: steveKC : member since December, 2006 : 2274 posts Posted on: 2010-03-10 23:38:40

it really sucked having to part with the e39, at the time I thought I'd never be able to get another BMW.


1995 740iL Aspen Silver/Lavender Gray (3/95) - 221K miles. new Bosch MAF and O2 sensors.... MODS: Racing Dynamics 7000K CCFL Angel Eyes & 750iL chrome grilles courtesy of RedComet M3, ALine Electronics 8000K Xenons, LED tails, front Euro plate bracket from Tischer BMW, Deutschland Zoll plate from Germanplates.com, chrome trunk strip.


2002 530i Sterling Gray/Black

"Sail quietly but carry a big air wing."

The terrorists have won the toss and have elected to receive.

• The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( (pic) - Steve R 2010-03-08 23:58:37 (667 views)
  • I think..... - kapone 2010-03-10 17:58:09 (110 views)
  • No offence Steve, Moderator, can we please move this to OT or Lounge? (nt) - Mario 2010-03-10 14:09:05 (104 views)
    • We will, but this is evidently a popular topic, so I'm going to let it sit for - DavidC 2010-03-10 14:39:36 (109 views)
      • One of the best threads of all time. Good life lessons here. (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-10 23:25:06 (86 views)
        • +1.....I spent a year driving a POS Grand Am before getting my e38 - steveKC 2010-03-10 23:38:40 (100 views)
      • I just found it annoying having to scroll a LOT to see other post. - Mario 2010-03-10 16:34:04 (120 views)
        • Aw, just relax.........its all good. - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:47:12 (95 views)
          • You just wanna drive his 911... (nt) - Mario 2010-03-10 16:50:49 (84 views)
            • How could you ever suggest such a thing... (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 17:19:24 (86 views)
  • As Ian says look at a straight 6 BMW - cliffwilliams 2010-03-10 03:01:55 (112 views)
  • here's what I did... one of the best car decisions I have ever made (pic) - ian 2010-03-09 23:55:52 (253 views)
    • Those are phenomenal cars. I had a clone of yours. Sorry I ever sold it. - chuckc 2010-03-10 00:29:41 (95 views)
    • That's a really nice one, too. Love the wheels. I'll think that over, for sure (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:18:59 (90 views)
  • My prior offer to 'lease' your 911 from you still stands! - Lawguy 2010-03-09 22:05:47 (93 views)
    • And, you're going to pay for all the maintenance when it f's up? :o) (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:19:44 (85 views)
      • Absolutely. (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 13:42:47 (81 views)
        • WOW.... We have a Win-Win situation here! (nt) - _wolf 2010-03-10 16:36:48 (83 views)
        • That sounds like a super deal to me. (nt) - DavidC 2010-03-10 14:34:52 (92 views)
          • +1 (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-10 23:26:38 (78 views)
          • I'm serious. I'd love to have a 911 for a few months or til things turn around! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:46:14 (84 views)
            • And for SteveR he will have turned his liability into an asset (something that - chuckc 2010-03-10 21:58:51 (84 views)
    • I think Steve's holding out for lease the wife and keep the 911 (nt) - wcsnyder 2010-03-09 23:33:12 (78 views)
      • I am game, but my wife would probalby kyibosh that idea! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-10 16:44:37 (78 views)
  • Re: The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( - nxtkjv 2010-03-09 21:58:46 (103 views)
    • You are too, too kind, in more ways than one. Peace be with you. - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:21:12 (81 views)
  • Clark Howard always says “the cheapest car out there is the one you already own” - Brian 2010-03-09 21:34:54 (112 views)
    • Well, I'm not selling it anytime soon I don't think. Long though tells me it's - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:25:26 (84 views)
  • Focus on how to surive on 1/3 salary and not a new car. Sell the other car, keep (nt) - the BMW and find a condo. Don't buy a new car-Ed 2010-03-09 21:19:28 (86 views)
  • That is a tough pill to swallow man, IMHO sell both cars.... - e38ag01 2010-03-09 21:10:02 (96 views)
    • I might do that in time, but I decided to keep it, at least for this month. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:26:29 (83 views)
  • Steve man.......you know what you've got to do. Stop putting it off. (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:38:07 (87 views)
  • OK, here is the voice of non-reason.... - Peter 2010-03-09 18:50:54 (133 views)
    • Yes - Keep the E38. Got it. It's safe, today. As long as the trans & eng don't - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:28:15 (118 views)
    • (a) you are definitley the voice of non-reason, Peter.... - Lawguy 2010-03-09 18:58:29 (85 views)
      • Great minds think alike?? Ha! Fools seldom differ............ (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:36:44 (86 views)
        • Yikes. Great advice and reply.. - tanger 2010-03-09 22:28:47 (120 views)
          • Awesome idea to try medical sales. I do apply for every job on the search engine - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:37:50 (86 views)
            • Of course! I had three jobs in my life so far. Two of them were not posted - _wolf 2010-03-10 16:33:27 (90 views)
        • Ahhh yes Beechy....and in your case, ''There is no fool like an old fool'' (nt) - Peter 2010-03-09 21:59:53 (79 views)
          • The old uns are the best my friend......nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more. (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 22:25:23 (83 views)
  • Have to finally reply (long)! - 740isport 2010-03-09 18:50:00 (299 views)
    • I just shared the story with my family. We are so touched by what you - kingdom7 2010-03-10 11:19:54 (103 views)
      • I know what you mean and I had it too! - 740isport 2010-03-10 13:56:36 (117 views)
        • Very powerful story. Thanks for being so open and sharing.... - bghark 2010-03-10 15:16:58 (89 views)
    • Thanks for sharing your personal travesty. A real wake up call for me. - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:34:33 (107 views)
    • Good things are coming your way man........... (nt) - beechy 2010-03-09 20:56:31 (90 views)
    • Very humbling story - BJames38 2010-03-09 20:40:33 (106 views)
    • Wow, I am speechless... Washington politicians need to read this when they (url) - JL 2010-03-09 19:58:06 (105 views)
    • YGM (nt) - aaron00740il 2010-03-09 19:50:00 (82 views)
      • YGM 2! (nt) - 740isport 2010-03-09 21:45:52 (78 views)
    • That is an amazing story of your fortitude and wisdom. As Zig Ziglar says, - chuckc 2010-03-09 19:08:27 (88 views)
    • That's an incredible story about your journey. You have my profound respect. (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 19:06:09 (84 views)
      • Re: That's an incredible story about your journey. You have my profound respect. - tx740il 2010-03-09 19:15:24 (85 views)
      • + 1000 (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-09 19:08:58 (85 views)
    • By the way - 740isport 2010-03-09 18:52:22 (97 views)
  • Toyota is offering great incentives! - notenufgarage 2010-03-09 17:34:55 (98 views)
    • I'll consider your suggestions. Thanks. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:39:15 (80 views)
    • LMAO! Volvo is giving Toyota owners $1,000 discounts now too! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 20:15:50 (86 views)
  • A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do: save your house, your lovely wife, - eismark 2010-03-09 16:21:46 (112 views)
    • +1. Steve you came back to E38 once before, can always do it again :-) (nt) - JL 2010-03-09 16:57:09 (82 views)
    • Forgot to mention: - eismark 2010-03-09 16:38:40 (107 views)
  • Sell the Porsche, keep the E38... What are the guys on the Porsche board telling - Wiggi 2010-03-09 16:07:18 (90 views)
  • sorry to hear - pt 2010-03-09 15:40:35 (82 views)
  • Japanese cars have their own problems as well.... - oliverr871 2010-03-09 14:41:52 (102 views)
  • How about if you present it to her like this. - AL 2010-03-09 13:33:21 (105 views)
    • I think that's where this thing is going at this point. Selling the E38 now - Steve R 2010-03-09 13:39:21 (94 views)
  • Selling two paid for cars and then financing a newer one, maybe not cheaper - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:19:27 (113 views)
    • We werent going to finance a car but sell both of mine, use that $'s for a - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:31:05 (91 views)
      • Okay, but you still need to do what is actually cheaper - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:39:19 (101 views)
        • Well, the RL is paid for and worth $24k or so. She will never sell it. We have a - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:49:47 (120 views)
          • That's harsh. Why is the RL off limits for a sale? (url) - DavidC 2010-03-10 04:54:38 (117 views)
          • My friend... - kapone 2010-03-09 13:09:51 (90 views)
            • thats 3-3500 a year you can drive the E38 for that! (nt) - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 13:10:54 (98 views)
              • Yeah, BUT..... - kapone 2010-03-09 13:12:04 (81 views)
                • I will think about this. I think a new Honda is $280 mo w/$1500 down or somethin - Steve R 2010-03-09 13:40:38 (84 views)
                  • Need to stop thinking 'new' (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 14:39:58 (80 views)
                    • Yip, any used Porsche, Ferrai, Lambo, Aston , Bugatti is fine. (nt) - bmw635 2010-03-09 23:18:08 (74 views)
  • Steve you seem to be the single provider - any chance your wife can step up and - _wolf 2010-03-09 11:27:20 (84 views)
    • She works for her parents. Pays for all groceries, most clothes and shoes for us - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:31:49 (92 views)
  • Sorry to hear that Steve, Wish I lived closer I would help with repairs - jbkds 2010-03-09 11:08:28 (88 views)
    • I did find a new indie. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:32:36 (79 views)
  • very sorry to hear that steve unfortunately hear it too often - mmawolverine 2010-03-09 11:02:01 (87 views)
    • Thx. I wasn't going to finance NE thing though, just sell my cars and buy Japane - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:45:20 (93 views)
  • Steve, I hear your frustrations. - mermar 2010-03-09 10:59:59 (101 views)
    • I agree. Good points. Not quite ready to make any move but we're talking, not - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:50:59 (82 views)
  • You need to listen to Dave Ramsey more often. Why would you sell both cars to - R7 2010-03-09 10:41:20 (123 views)
    • Well said. Crazy is spending $24k-$41k on a new(er) car when the 7 is already (url) - DavidC 2010-03-10 04:29:58 (103 views)
    • You are so right.... - Lawguy 2010-03-09 19:05:33 (90 views)
    • Argh! Makes sense. I may take get my real estate license next month as a 2nd job - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:56:27 (92 views)
      • Can you make money part time brokering? You need to get a gig at Foot Locker! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 20:17:36 (79 views)
  • Re: The **** has hit the fan. I've been tasked to sell both my E38 & 911 :o( - Tony K 2010-03-09 09:23:17 (124 views)
    • Nice idea but my wife needs to be able to drive it & an M5 is stick. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 09:57:12 (86 views)
      • Well then, you should look at '94 MB E500! (nt) - Tony K 2010-03-09 09:59:43 (87 views)
        • Yeah, she keeps saying NO to anything other than reliable Japanese w/no maintena - Steve R 2010-03-09 10:00:58 (98 views)
          • She wants you to drive a toyota/lexus? Sounds like she benefits from your - Tony K 2010-03-09 10:30:59 (88 views)
            • :-0 (nt) - R7 2010-03-09 11:31:28 (82 views)
  • Steve ... you know what I have been through ... In the end you must preserve - aaron00740il 2010-03-09 07:01:42 (124 views)
    • Thanks, good advice. My brain is overloaded w/options. Don't know which way to g - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:41:29 (85 views)
  • 03 530i Sport (nt) - jeffw 2010-03-09 05:47:42 (81 views)
  • you will get 8-9 for the E38 and buy back a 25-35k car? that will also need - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 04:49:11 (113 views)
    • With all the cash from the Porsche & BMW sale,we just figured this is the time t - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:43:20 (94 views)
    • I agree with Edwin. - farnarkler 2010-03-09 07:41:54 (103 views)
      • +2 with Edwin & Farnarkler - camberley 2010-03-09 10:01:21 (90 views)
      • +2... - inconsistent 2010-03-09 09:14:51 (97 views)
        • Interesting ideas all around. The thought of renting our house out isn't appeali - Steve R 2010-03-09 09:59:52 (90 views)
          • Re: Interesting ideas all around. The thought of renting our house out isn't appeali - inconsistent 2010-03-09 10:21:09 (98 views)
            • I hear ya, but if we're only paying $1333 mo w/our renter, we shouldn't move - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:54:05 (84 views)
              • Re: I hear ya, but if we're only paying $1333 mo w/our renter, we shouldn't move - inconsistent 2010-03-09 17:25:32 (94 views)
                • Yeah, the $1333 a mo includes the taxes! So cheap to live in super nice house. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-10 00:41:58 (83 views)
                  • Dayum! I'd hold onto that house like grimm death. (nt) - inconsistent 2010-03-10 00:58:54 (84 views)
      • So I don't pull the money from the 2 sales & buy the Lexus? :o) - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:46:10 (93 views)
  • What if you sold the 911, kept the e38, and bought a cheap honda. - //M7 2010-03-09 00:48:43 (100 views)
    • Or just sell 911, keep all the cash and drive e38 full time. - Lawguy 2010-03-09 06:11:54 (97 views)
      • This idea is rising to the top of good ones. I'll just have missed out on the - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:47:57 (101 views)
        • I look at the recent repairs as an 'investment'. - Lawguy 2010-03-09 08:48:16 (100 views)
          • Yes, I'm sure it will pass too, like a kidney stone :o) (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 10:02:05 (87 views)
            • True...but a kidney stone beats a torn sphincter any day! (nt) - Lawguy 2010-03-09 10:11:02 (91 views)
              • Beechy can vouch for that. (nt) - R7 2010-03-09 10:54:34 (86 views)
    • That's actually one hell of a great idea. I thought of it too. She approved it - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:00:44 (113 views)
      • she'll like this better - //M7 2010-03-09 01:14:20 (96 views)
        • But, a $10k car would need maintenance PLUS my E38 + xtra insurance. - Steve R 2010-03-09 07:51:23 (94 views)
          • Att his point - shjould you really be concerned about 'liking' a new car? - Lurcher 2010-03-09 15:42:06 (83 views)
      • Dude...let's face it. We are driving 10 year old cars at this point. - kapone 2010-03-09 01:06:31 (109 views)
        • Food for thought... Thanks. Still have no idea what to do so I'm doing nothing - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:08:53 (77 views)
          • well, if you end up living in your car... - //M7 2010-03-09 01:20:29 (94 views)
  • May be keep the E38 and learn some DIY. You got plenty of folks around that - bmw635 2010-03-09 00:40:14 (101 views)
    • I don't see the logic either in selling my $10k and getting a newish Honda Accor - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:45:15 (88 views)
      • With my 2 BMW (Break My Wallet 2x), I avrg about $1000/ yr on repairs & - bmw635 2010-03-09 00:49:01 (94 views)
  • I'm with both of the prior posters. Time to retrench and liquidate some assets - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:22:12 (99 views)
    • +100 on what sdmike says. There is always better future oppurtunities for E38 - JL 2010-03-09 00:58:17 (95 views)
    • Arghhh, you're making too much sense. I know you're right but it hurts. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:28:36 (92 views)
      • I've been there twice in the last 4 years. I didn't have to sell a car, but... - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:47:07 (116 views)
        • Re: I've been there twice in the last 4 years. I didn't have to sell a car, but. - tx740il 2010-03-09 23:30:27 (96 views)
        • You are a wise man sdmike. Nicely put. (nt) - chuckc 2010-03-09 18:31:43 (88 views)
        • The hard truth sucks. I'll show everything you wrote to my wife, though. - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:04:12 (84 views)
          • well, you can buy that back later too. lol! (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 01:56:54 (81 views)
  • I'm with Kapone Steve. You'll never leave us, but you have to make home happy (nt) - bpddaddy 2010-03-09 00:11:09 (90 views)
    • Yep - home isn't happy right now, that's for sure. Wife happy, life happy. (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:27:57 (83 views)
  • My friend....life is tough (as you very well know) - kapone 2010-03-09 00:04:35 (94 views)
    • That makes all the sense in the world but I want an 06 MB E55 or at least - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:27:20 (102 views)
      • And if my situation was different, I'd be offering to take the 911 off you... - Lurcher 2010-03-09 15:45:47 (85 views)
      • I know bud, the tough decisions are always painful. - kapone 2010-03-09 00:35:31 (86 views)
        • Sorry to hear, I know you loved that Lotus. Oh well, it was a good run of luck (pic) (url) - Steve R 2010-03-09 00:43:32 (159 views)
          • At least the Accord will park in a Garage that's above its station!!! (nt) - dj37027 2010-03-10 00:03:50 (84 views)
          • Stop thinking $20k car and think $8k car (nt) - sdmike 2010-03-09 00:51:53 (86 views)
            • But what will a 8k car cost you in a year to keep it driving? (nt) - Edwin™ 2010-03-09 04:52:27 (91 views)
              • Less than depreciation on a $20,000-$30,000 car (nt) - JohnG 2010-03-09 12:22:37 (87 views)
                • Ding ding ding...folks, we have a winner. That is a great pt for keeping the E38 (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 12:51:46 (103 views)
            • I'd rather not... but I will. :o( (nt) - Steve R 2010-03-09 01:01:17 (101 views)