E38 B12s - how many?

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Drew
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E38 B12s - how many?

Post by Drew » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:17 pm

Hi All,
Having previously owned a very nice B10 V8S, and having sold it a few years back, I am looking to get back into the club, but this time with a 7er.

I really like the E38, so that's the way I'm looking to go.

Some questions:
how many E38 B12s were built in RHD, and how many in 5.7 and 6.0 forms?
Other than displacement, is there any difference between the 5.7 and the 6.0?
Do they tend to be short or long wheel-base?
How often do these cars come up for sale? (I imagine they're a good bet for long term ownership and so may not come for sale that often?)
What price range should I be looking at?

On the last Q, cooking E38s sell for anything from £500 upwards. £4-5k seems to buy a average-low mileage 740i/750i. Is £10k realistic for a E38 B12? (I know E31 B12s are a different price proposition!)

cheers
Drew
1998 B12 5.7 ekat
1972 3.0 CSL
2002 B10 V8S Touring (sold)
1981 635CSi (sold)

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Mike Pitt
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B12s

Post by Mike Pitt » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:59 pm

You've set yourself a tough task.

According to the Alpina Register in RHD there were 8 5.7l (all SWB), and 7 6.0l ( including 1 LWB, but this list doesn't include Kevin's 5.7l LWB, so may not be complete. According to Kevin only 2 or 3 are on the road (including his and mine), so finding a good running example is not going to be easy.

The LWBs are the rare ones, but even the SWBs do not come up for sale very often - it took me 4 years to find the one I wanted (13+ years ago).

Gee can give you an update on purchase prices, having bought the most recent example, I think, but he's famed for his negotiating skills and probably bought it well under it's true value. :wink:

10k would be a real bargain, in my opinion - probably at that price would need work. Mine cost it's original owner £112k back in 1998, so it's a lot of car!:shock:

My B12 has been really cheap to own and run, low tax, cheap insurance, and few major maintenance bills.

I've heard that the 6.0l have had engine issues due to the overboring to increase the capacity, but that may be just a rumour. The 5.7l has more than enough power, the 6.0l even more.

The pleasure and satisfaction of owning and running one of these extremely rare beasts makes your search well worth it.

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Post by PhillV8S » Wed Oct 11, 2017 7:34 pm

As a quick aside, I saw a VW golf last week in Malvern with the reg B12 WOW
And thought it would be appropriate for you B12 guys.
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Post by E24man » Wed Oct 11, 2017 9:08 pm

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Last edited by E24man on Tue Dec 22, 2020 1:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

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Post by E24man » Wed Oct 11, 2017 9:46 pm

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Drew
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Post by Drew » Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:15 am

thanks guys

one for Mike and Kevin, with 16 UK cars, and perhaps some overseas RHD cars arriving since, how come it took 4 years to find the right car? Assuming an average ownership stint of 8 years (say) then two E38 B12s should come up for sale per year. Does that imply that over your 4 year search cars came up but were not right for you?

Thanks for all the detail on the cars Kevin. It was you who got me into Alpina ownership in the first place when you put me in contact with my V8S Touring back in 2010. At the time I was looking for an E38 740, so the hunt is back on, although this time with an additional Alpina requirement. Sorry to hear of your recent B10 woes (I assume you still have the stable of 12 E24 cars, 34 B10s, etc :wink: )

On the topic of coupes I've recently purchased an E9 CSL, which is lovely but too delicate for daily duties, hence the search for a B12
1998 B12 5.7 ekat
1972 3.0 CSL
2002 B10 V8S Touring (sold)
1981 635CSi (sold)

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Post by E24man » Thu Oct 12, 2017 11:31 am

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Last edited by E24man on Tue Dec 22, 2020 1:45 am, edited 1 time in total.

Drew
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Post by Drew » Thu Oct 12, 2017 10:51 pm

E24man wrote:
I think your maths might be a little out Drew.
Oh dear, not good for someone who tries to be an accountant :roll:

But yes, point taken, patience required. Overall I am happy to wait, 4 years if need be, but if one comes up sooner....

I want the Alpina take on the 750 though, I'm not sure a standard 750 cuts it. Perhaps a 740 whilst I'm waiting though, with heated contours and nav
1998 B12 5.7 ekat
1972 3.0 CSL
2002 B10 V8S Touring (sold)
1981 635CSi (sold)

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Post by E24man » Thu Oct 12, 2017 11:20 pm

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Last edited by E24man on Tue Dec 22, 2020 1:44 am, edited 1 time in total.

simon13
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Post by simon13 » Fri Oct 13, 2017 6:41 pm

ive driven an e38 750i and its great, that V12 makes light work of its mass. Lots of torque, i can only imagine what a nice B12 6.0 is like they're supposed to be epic!
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Post by hap » Fri Oct 13, 2017 8:40 pm

Wasnt a guy on here but the Oxford green one thAt was laid up? Don't think he posted back up after initially questions ?

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Post by ali » Sat Oct 14, 2017 11:42 am

My friend in Hamilton is a serial E38 aholic and has 4 for sale
One of each non Alpina though
728, 735, 740 and a 750
He also has a set of heated contour seats for sale for £750

Kevin if you are reading this he has a load of spare goodies from an iL model inc rear doors etc


https://www.gumtree.com/sellerads/1269872236?page=1
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Post by hap » Mon Oct 30, 2017 12:59 pm


Drew
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Post by Drew » Mon Oct 30, 2017 1:35 pm

LOL, for that money you have a lot of choices, all of them good!

(Looks nice though)
1998 B12 5.7 ekat
1972 3.0 CSL
2002 B10 V8S Touring (sold)
1981 635CSi (sold)

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Mike Pitt
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B12

Post by Mike Pitt » Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:19 pm

It's a lot of money, but small change to some collectors, and reflects to some extent the growing interest in this rare and great model.

The best E30 M3s, 190SLs and UR Quattros are heading for 3 figures. Dinos were £50/60k ten years ago, now the best are over £200k. DB6s, air cooled 911s, NSXs - the list goes on. I sold my Z3M for £9k a couple of years ago, now probably worth twice that.

I've believed for some time that the B12 should be valued in a similar bracket to any of these - I think it's unmatched in the category of fast, comfortable limousines that handle really well - not that I'm at all biased in my opinion. :wink:

This is almost certainly the best SWB RHD, so if someone wants the best.....

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