Greydog

Hi Steve

£3500 is a low price for a low miles 4.6 so don't view it through rose tinted glasses.

When you arrive start by asking the guy to open the bonnet and make sure the engine is cold, if its been run be suspicious  check all the fluids are good and no obvious leaks BMW V8s have a habit of leaking oil from the rocker covers (I take a set of trow away overalls and rubber gloves) next get under and again check for leaks you wont see much under the engine but check the gearbox. 

If all seems good time to start it up the reason you want it cold is so you can here any cold start rattles from the timing chain area. now while the engine is running and warming up make sure everything works and I do mean everything (there are no cheap fixes with a BMW) if the seller says you can get the part off ebay for a fiver ask yourself why he hasn't done it? Every switch should do what it was intended to do especially the sun roof if it has one. While you have the suit on check the tyres for wear (inside edges) odd wear will indicate bushes on their way. 

Suit off and time for a drive, again check everything works as it should the car should accelerate cleanly with almost unfelt changes from the box, make sure the box is good in sport and manual modes. When its fully warmed up from about 60/70 check the rear view and brake quite hard (not and emergency stop) your looking for it to slow down quickly with no vibration or pulling to one side you also will find out if the gearbox has the lurch when coming to a stop. If the mileage is genuine the gearbox is due a service ZF recommend fluid and filter changes between 80 and 100000 km 60 to 80000 miles.

Outside they can get paint fading and peel (well they are getting on) remember a full engine rebuild on a 4.6 will set you back between 3 and 6k (parts alone will be around 2k) a gearbox rebuild between 1500 and 2500k if its good get it as they are  getting rarer and will appreciate if they are not messed with.

Get a warranty with for your protection with low miles they should take it on it will give you protection if big bits drop off. Mine is with Warranty direct they pay all labour (up to £60 p hr) plus 50% of parts. 

Early this year I had the engine rebuilt on mine (the Warranty was great) and in March on the rolling road it showed 287 horse power at the wheels. I am in my 70's but still love having a 2 ton car that is happy carting me and the dogs off road when I am shooting, pulls a horse box like it isn't there and can seriously embarrass all but really serious sports cars out of roundabouts and overtaking. Ride is quite harsh on the factory 20's much better on my 18" winter wheels but that is a personal thing.

I hope this helps anymore questions give me a shout

Hi Dave. 

First thing is thank you for the brilliant reply and secondly can you get to FortWilliam before Wednesday 😂

But seriously I'm hoping to get up to see it in next day or two as long as I can get time off work. I'll take all your great advice with me and hopefully all will be well. 

I called warranty direct today and they will call me back tomorrow morning to discuss what they can offer, one of the stipulations was the car not being over 12 years old but as a 2003 plate they may be willing,due to the mileage being low to offer me something. Fingers crossed on that. 

Ive had quite a few e39,s in my car history and they have always been solid and reliable varying from 525 to 530 but I've always hankered for that growl only a V8 can make. The added bonus of 4wheel drive means if the snow comes then I can still leave the house ! Those e39 are great but a dusting of the white stuff and your stranded.  Lol 

Once again thanks for your reply and I'll hopefully get a deal done soon. Cheers

Your welcome Steve

Fort William hells teeth that's a mission in it's self.

The BMW V8 has some weaknesses (as do Audi Jaguar and even a couple of the Yanks they all use to much plastic these days !!) but is a great power producer. It is also reasonably economic when in cruise (well I think so) giving a solid 350+ between fill ups, on the Motorway I set cruise at around the 80 mark.

Having owned AMG's I know what you mean about not needing much slippy stuff to make brown trousers a required accessory. On the 4.4 I ran 19" Grabber UHP all year round and they were terrific, the tyre sizes for the 4.6 being 20's restrict the range quite a bit so I brought a set of 18" wheels fitted with Wintrac extreme for the white stuff got them off ebay for £200 complete. 

Good luck