Bmw E38 Buyer's Guide

[@EmmanuelDavid75]

Thanks a lot for spending time to explain what to look out for when buying my childhood dream car, I really appreciate.

[@The777Garage]

✌️

[@احمدالعراسي-د9ط]

You have the collection of the most beautiful generation of BMW. Watching your videos is a pleasure..

[@The777Garage]

Thanks

[@joellowery]

I am up to 9 e38s trying to replicate the 777 garage in the US! thanks for your awesome content.

[@The777Garage]

Haha..send some pics on insta

[@johnrockland18]

If you want a #10 I have one to sell

[@phild1995]

Thinking about getting a E38 …how has the reliability been in general.

[@aceace5457]

i have a bmw 728i and it drives like a dream it has no rust whatsoever but only the suspension is letting me down but got it sorted now.

[@emirhancelil2bozbiyik816]

How is the gas mileage ?

[@aceace5457]

@@emirhancelil2bozbiyik816 around 28mpg sometimes 32mpg depends were you are e.g motorway

[@emirhancelil2bozbiyik816]

@@aceace5457 thank youu 🤝

[@steliofrasco3455]

Great video thanks. Had a 2001 740i for many years and loved it from 127000km to 170,000km. Only issues was slight coolant leak and loose front grill engine was amazing

[@glennmartin2403]

Great content - love your mood around the 750i! Been driving an e38 for 15 years - love it as much as my e39 M5 - e38s are under-rated. Comfy, can hustle, design is resolved inside and out.

[@The777Garage]

Very true

[@jamesmackie6959]

Edd, you know these cars as good as anyone, You are a straight talking bloke , which i like, it is a pleasure to know your channel , its a must watch.

[@rezaq1]

Btw there are replacements for the DSP speakers, I chased for ages and found a set from the USA forums. They fit, sound superb, and went in almost with no mods. I changed the retaining screws with some stainless self tapping ones to hold them in! If anyone wants to know, comment and I’ll put a link for them. I’m sure they were Dayton Audio from the Netherlands.

[@mundockviews6007]

Great video, and an informative comparison. Really enjo0y. I had two E38 - 728i 1998 and 740i 1997. Had to scrap the 740i due irrepairable. Still holding on to the 728i drives like a dream even after 23 years.

[@imranqureshi3601]

Great video Ed, I mentioned to you recently that I replaced my four blown rear speakers. I purchased the BAVSound rear parcel speakers which came from USA. Plug and play They are rated at a lower frequency. Big improvement in overall sound.

[@The777Garage]

Can’t beat oem quality

[@GTaylor69]

Great video, love my 98 750IL. working on bringing it back to its former glory! The engine is so amazing.

[@hashim_iraq]

Thank you for this detailed video ! I always dream about owning one even though I know it's a nightmare to own ! but finally I bought a 2001 750iL black on black. amazing car.

[@The777Garage]

Congrats

[@phild1995]

How’s it’s been? A nightmare like you thought?

[@dodomortos7172]

Dream car,, always watch your videos here in phillipines,,

[@The777Garage]

Thanks

[@LittleCrazyBoy666]

I had 728 facelift manual, It was great car, maybe little underpowered. Now I got E39 530i with M54B30 engine, torque is great, engine is reliable. All in all, older BMW's are great cars if you look after them!

[@_Quis_Ut_Deus_]

Thanks for a great video m8, love your knowledge and content

[@kristianspencer1978]

Late model 740 msport, lovely car.

[@mohammadbenattia9102]

great useful video, would appreciate making a buyers guide on BMW E39, cheers

[@danfuller2707]

Best video on e38s hands down 😎

[@Stian2001]

change the fluid and filter in the transmission is my number one tip with these cars. also a coolant flush is also a good idea when buying these cars. if i bought e38 I would just change all the six fluids just to be safe in the long run

[@rickypatel5591]

Loving the new logo 🙌

[@stuartrose9456]

Great video, shame you didn't include the 1995 m60. I have one , 140 km.has most of the upgrades, folding mirrors , sedc, premium sound , double glaze digital TV, (converted from analogue). The great thing with this model is they run the v12 transmission , don't have timing chain guides issues , and don't have vanos. Had mine here in 🇦🇺 for about 16 years. Love the old girl , has ebach lowering springs , halos, and exenon headlights .

[@cduone]

Great Guide. I picked up a 99 740i Short Sport US Spec.

[@georgiosvavliaras1066]

You did a great service for this community with this vid mate, really really appreciate it

[@derrickorberg6552]

Hit All the points. Well Done.

[@r.markclayton4821]

I had a late 2000 735i from 2006 - 2018. Mostly standard spec' except for a comm's pack (so better navigation). It has been in Scotland and by the sea at time until I bought it, so some rust (rear wheel arch, and under boot where shown), however I ran fairly low mileage and kept it garaged and waxed. Faults were few - ABS sensor (own fault over-enthusiastic jet wash), alternator, fuel tank, two batteries, two Nav' CD drives, dead pixels in the odometer, boot lock, punctures and a 16yo lad ran into the back of it on a moped when watching a fire engine. I px'ed it to get a much newer and more economical 520d as my retirement car. There was an occasional slip between 4th and 5th (gearbox oil change due), lots of worn bushes at the front (still passed MoTs) and the known risk of time chain guides. I was sad to see it go, but in the long run no regrets about parting with it. Performance ride and handling were all good, but surprisingly the 520d is faster 0-60 (and is also faster than the E32 740i I had before that),

[@TheDIDSBIAK]

Thanks for sharing the amazing list of pros&cons. This will definitively help me before buying a 7-series.

[@paperandmedals8316]

I also appreciate the reliability of my M52TU and M62. I live in the desert US. Zero rust on any cars here.

[@erik149]

Thank you for the accurate information. If one can stand not to bother with boy racers at the traffic light, they are great cars, making one feel relaxed after a trip of 500 miles. Just like to add that replacing the chain and guides is quite expensive, even if you do it yourself. As far I know, a set of tools to lock camshafts and crank costs like 400-500. Could you recommend a specific set ?. As a preventive maintenance for the guides it could be recommended to change the chain tensioner if the chain in the morning rattles 1-2 seconds, they are like 40-50 from Febi.

[@rezaq1]

P.s. my guides still original at 181k, no issues....3k oil changes help stop guides from drying out

[@guy4469]

im watching again after a year but im guy max , crazy old man .i need little jobs doing on mine thanks .

[@raulfratila1162]

Edd the best in Europe with the bmw e38, that's for sure 😎 thanks to him I have nice upgraded my e38👍👍👍

[@TheMuzikall]

I saw you and your 740i on Hand Built Cars😂 I actually commented that I prefer the 728i Sport because you can use that as a Daily ✅

[@TidalSnow1]

USA didn’t get below 740i/L or 750iL. No diesels, no 750i. I would have loved 740d

[@envy2232]

I love to see this type of content! Could you do a video of the same type, but about e38's with diesel engins? I have an e38 1999 3.0d shadowline, but I am looking for 4.0d one day... so I would be really interested in your opinion about diesel engine e38's. Cheers from Latvia!

[@crispinoderossi6990]

Sono proprietario di una BMW 740i e38... Fantastica!!

[@scottstevenson8849]

Top video mate, picked up a 740 a while back, just putting right some bits from previous owner but it's solid. Does have the wobble at 50-60 though. About to replace all the arms.

[@lovediecastdetails2269]

never saw an MK motorsport 20" in real life those are awesome

[@The777Garage]

Personally not a fan

[@KhalidNassar]

Great and appreciated efforts. Great video. Thank you.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

That was a very informative video! I live in Germany and there's an amazing RHD 740i for sale near me. How difficult is it to change it to LHD, is it way too much hustle?

[@The777Garage]

To much hassle…the car should be super special to do it ..

[@Heyhowdoi]

great video really apprciate making this video❤️

[@ziaddaghfal5379]

Great job! A 7 freak! Have you ever faced the issue on the 740i M62TU that when driving uphill the automatic gearbox HP24 sticks to 2nd and won't shift to 3rd untill the throttle is floored, then its shifts back the 2nd once the rpm is lower than 3000? I heard its due to overheated ATF. Cause is either ATF cooler or atf thermostat. Any comments on this? Thanks in advance!

[@rezaq1]

Ok so I changed everything on mine. I’d recommend changing the auto box cooler, pipes and o rings, and then change the thermostat to the 740d one and tuck away your thermostat wiring loom. Made a massive shift difference to mine, and make sure you change the fluid/filter a few times using Mobil LT 71141 only fluid. Lifetime fluid is what damages the gearbox, but you can still service the box as normal! Remember the 740d thermostat opens at a normal temperature (88 deg C) whereas the factory M62 one ramps up to some insane 102 degrees plus!! It’s what they needed to do to get the emissions correct. The extra heat is what kills the cooling system, pipes, radiators etc. The gearbox oil is also cooled by the coolant, and gets super heated. The BEST thing I did was change to the 740d stat; engine bay cooler, hot gear changes perfect now, and it certainly has helped my hot reverse selection incredibly. Well worth doing. You’ll have a MAP activation error for the thermostat but it won’t mean a thing (just make sure you cover the wiring when you tuck it away)

[@The777Garage]

Well said

[@rezaq1]

@@The777Garage make me an offer Ed, you have my email

[@aramos811]

Very good content indeed. I bought a 2001 E38 (740il) and changed the timing chain tensioner at 184,000 miles. I have not noticed any issues. Is there a way to check if the timing chain guides got changed or is it possible these are still the original?

[@The777Garage]

Well..u might see through oil cap if there’s anything shiny inside..

[@fventura03]

great video, can you go over normal trans failsafe issues on these?

[@johnmc7ify]

Great video, anu of those cars for sale?

[@silver750iL]

Thanks for good guide. How's parts availability nowadays from BMW? It all went wrong for me when I bought E65's, after having two E38's. I quite fancy another E38 if I could find a decent one (and a set of Alpina 20's to go with it..). If you read this what would be the going rate for a set of 20" softlines, thanks?

[@dannyferguson9415]

Thanks

[@nikimickleburgh333]

I knew when I asked for your opinion 2 years ago there is no way you have time to deal with every distressed E38 my lunch..and dinner.. breakfast. It gets away with it. I still need it converting to 5 speed getrag short dif. Nothing less

[@ilovelimpfries]

I watched this video just after buying a basketcase e38.

[@georgelee3986]

***YOU MANIAC LOL*** I’ve had my ‘01 E38 from acquisition in ‘05. Restoring with Halo front and LED rear lighting. Interior wood all refinished in carbon fiber, along with carbon fiber badge kit. Re-dye all leather, replace headliner in ‘faux suede’, and powder-coat the wheels to new. Suspension refurbished, next is top-engine overhaul. ***I will be buried in this car*** Cheers mate 🍻

[@imrekr]

I have one question- On the most Bmw e38 that I have seen moldings shadowline are matt, but also I have seen couple Bmw e38 with shiny shadowline. So the question is was there in original shiny shadowline on this model?

[@The777Garage]

Pretty sure if its shadowline then u don’t have chrome..but in the same time when u bought car brand new u could do tick the boxes whichever u wanted as long as u pay the bill in the end lol

[@TheRazvy1990]

I have a 728i from 95 and a 740iL from 96.....😄😄😄😬😬

[@nokstabln]

nice clip!

[@adrigarz]

First of all, congratulations for a such great and guiding video! Below my question: I recently bought a 750iA which counts on DSP (I checked the VIN number directly on a BMW dealer). Unfortunately, the DSP option does not appear on the multimedia screen (4:3 in my case) so I cannot access such menu. However, radio, CD, tape and GPS works perfecty and all sound correctly. I checked some of the related fuses (dunno if all) and seemed to be ok. Do you have any idea about what could be failing or how to dig deeper into the investigation? Many thanks for your support in advance and congratulations for the video once again.

[@nikimickleburgh333]

The 6 speed manual isn't my first choice because with a 2.8 turn diff replacing the 3.1 turn it will be sprint spec. Obviously the foot park brake is an issue that means factory LHD only but if I can't have solenoid valves or sumin it's so horny no back boxes so off world setting when working it's quicker than standard. At moment cost prohibitive but it's had over ten spent. Coil overs Alpina wheels spoilt bastard thing. It's called the chosen one. I need someone not scared of working on it.

[@mrlover4310]

Hi 777 appreciate your video you made I'm looking to buy the poverty model😂 the 7 2.8 I'm not looking for Speed I'm just looking for cruising and driving it. I've looked on Auto Trader and there are some there but little nervous to buy as I don't know much about them ect if you're looking to sell the 7 2.8 i just may be interested. Cheers

[@Snorklaren0]

Im about to buy a 740iL 1999 with 58800km so very low milage. What do you think it could be worth if in very good condition? Full service history and so on ofc

[@rpowell222]

Ed, one thing you have missed on the 728i - it has reduced my 80 years to 40.

[@jamesmackie6959]

The rim style on the 740i T841 JDP is the style i really like , what size are those rims and tyres, great video.

[@The777Garage]

Style 32 18” use to have 20” on before but sold them..shouldn’t have done it 🤦‍♂️

[@jamesmackie6959]

@@The777Garage Edd, I have the standard stock 16 from factory, I would really prefer thr rim and tyre to be a little wider across the width, and as you say 20,s do the bigger tyre offer more comfortable ride in Car.? keep up the good work on the youtube, i do enjoy

[@Gazzalinco]

Hey mate, thanks a lot for your work on these video's. I test drove a 735i today. It has 150kms on it. When I drove it there was a whinning sound down on low revs. Any idea what it maybe? Thanks

[@rezaq1]

Ed you want to buy my 740 AC Schnitzer S7? 1999, I don’t want to tell you how much I’ve spent on it over 6.5 years. Now on 181k, serviced every 3k in my ownership, everything replaced, gearbox serviced 6 times with rebuild valve body, diff twice, all new arms, bushes, links, cooling system rebuilt, all hoses incl. heater one, all new brake calipers, braided lines, new rear metal brake lines, just rebuilt steering system this week with new low pressure hoses, reservoir etc 4 lever arch files of history, adds up to £42,000 in my ownership (crazy I know)

[@The777Garage]

Jesus..message me on insta would like to see it

[@rezaq1]

@@The777Garage no insta, have you got an email address mate?

[@The777Garage]

[e-mail]

[@rezaq1]

P.s I’ve done maybe 50k in it with 3k services using Shell Helix 5W40 Ultra, engine looks like BRAND NEW inside. Literally. No one has maintained their 740 like me; I live for this car, literally. It’s the longest I’ve ever kept a car, longer than my E30 M3. Everything is documented, everything. It’s Titan Silver with Schnitzer front and rear bumpers, side skirts, roof spoiler, twin exhausts, pin stripes, Type 2 alloys, pedals etc. I’ve never seen a car get some much admiration. In the last few years, I’ve been pulled up or it’s been commented on every time I take it out. Nobody used to car like 5 years ago, but it’s mad now. Very unique number plate aswell lol.... I’ve started replacing under floor plastic parts now from BMW lol. No oil leaks, both front timing covers done, sump gasket, every other gasket lol. Only M62 I’ve had with a totally dry undertray (NO oil leaks). I even hunted down a full black headlining kit in new condition and retro fitted the lot, no damage, no clips broken etc. I’m incredibly OCD with my cars. Car could do with paint now, I have a new boot/door/wing etc for it in silver which are perfect. I even had my local signwriters recut all the Schnitzer pinstripes and decals exactly as original lol. Waiting to go. Also got two brand new Vanos units with it, genuine.

[@rezaq1]

@@The777Garage private email just sent mate. I cannot even begin to tell you what I’ve changed. All shocks were new, but I wanted to rebuild again as the Schnitzer springs are looking a bit rusty so have brand new B4’s with Eibach springs and ALL hardware (spring rubbers, mounts, bump stops etc) ready to do. Btw, I asked Schnitzer if I could purchase the springs again, they said no longer produced but recommended eibach so I got them. I guess eibach probably made the original ones for AC.

[@Pratyut]

We know of an e38 750 with the V12 from 2001 here at Asia. Can we swap a new low km m52 or m54 and have it work with all the components? I love to fix the V12, and we will save it for in the future, but right now we can get a cheap parts car with low km and swap the entire thing for little money. Labor is cheap, the parts car is cheap, but to fix the V12 with BMW parts is too expensive. Can we pull it and swap everything from the low km m52 or m54 and have the accessories all function? Thanks

[@The777Garage]

Well 728i e38 from factory had m52b28tu and prefaclifts had non tu single vanos engine..if u can source the engine from e38 it will be easy swap

[@nikimickleburgh333]

One curve ball is the ignition switch. Only £80 but you must tell people same issue with plastic breaking leading to strange problems. Mine has had all of it done. Engine out twice everything new OEM 735i 2000 year built. £2639 gearbox rebuild after 7000 miles it's ok cold then warm goes into 4th display Transmission fail safe. Bob's automatics in Norfolk deny even doing the work. I have never let any car get away with this so please will it have to come out? If so it's simply gotta become Getrag 5 speed manual with a short diff . Help!

[@Sankara-Setu-Mutanda-75]

The thumbs downer barely had time to see the video through. Thanks for yet another nice Bimmer video, ah that Purple One.

[@The777Garage]

Definitely…no probs ✌️

[@matusb.7869]

What about the m67?

[@andrewstudebaker600]

I’d say best E38 is the 728i or 730d if you can grab either one…. For the US folks… they are screwed since 740i/il and 750i/il were the only options…. M62 and M73 engines aren’t ideal when it comes to reliability compared to M52 and M57 engines…

[@lucky224]

I have a question about m60b40 knocking in left head oil pump was loose i done it already but its still knocking and i could not find a answer for that

[@ukaszziglewski5986]

That's a helpful video. Thanks. Actually, are you looking to sell any reasonable e38 from your collection? 🙂

[@The777Garage]

Yes message me on Instagram or email

[@RivieraByBuick]

you forgot scuffed cylinder bores on m62 and cracked heads on m52 - thats very common.

[@pablowski6418]

Hi mate ! What do you think about instal 85 or 88 thermostat from 740d to M62 engine? Also can it cause engine malfunction or damage?

[@The777Garage]

Its better..105 degree one is only for emissions

[@GLaser137]

Hey man, i have 730d 193hp and i im not able to make my fuel gauge work, i have been in the cluster diagnostic mode on the cluster and it seems that the passenger side half of the tank is not transmitting info to the cluster, i swapped pump and the floating system and nothing, can it be problem with circuit?

[@TheMuston]

Discussing engine reliability in the 728 is really not the point, as it is bullet-proof. Much more relevant would be a discussion about gearboxes. Eg, for manual transmissions, invariably expect issues after 200000 km (the weakness is also very well known for the 528i). For cars equipped with automatic trannies, serious attention as well is required.

[@jacobhaussmann90]

No 730il? I'm looking at one in a few days are the 3.0 v8s a good engine?

[@The777Garage]

Avoid

[@ThePeca1988]

I was waiting for on the m60 4.0 😀

[@AzIz-bt8xo]

👍👍👍👍

[@sishabadab6570]

Looking at a 2001 735iL tomorrow to buy.. It's done 166k, the guy is the 2nd owner, bought it from his friend so knows the car from new. He says the chain guides have never been done. Should I walk away from it.? The rest of the car is nice.. Thanks.

[@The777Garage]

All depends on price tho,but being 2 owner car that means its not been messed about which is good sign already..I would buy do guides straight away and have nice example of e38 🙂

[@Jeff-sim-tube]

Hey any chance you can track me down a schrick alloy intake for my e36 m52b28 for an affordable price 🙏 so hard to find here in New Zealand, iv found one in Germany but 1900 euros, pretty random thing to ask but never know your luck :)

[@The777Garage]

Haven’t even seen it here tbh

[@benjaminmassey4416]

When can I bring mine to your place please take me seriously I beg you just for once I know you are a busy guy but please consider my request 🙏🙏

[@patricksmith926]

Do they sit on the grass all their life???

[@johnrockland18]

I wish I had the time and space to fix my 750il.... Probably gona sell it..

[@The777Garage]

Whats wrong with it ?

[@johnrockland18]

@@The777Garage mostly need maintenance (seal kit on transmission and ignition system rebuilt) but I moved and dont have a garage anymore to work on it.

[@The777Garage]

U based in uk?

[@johnrockland18]

@@The777Garage sadly no, but I would love to come see your shop someday. I am base in canada, alberta. I had been working on bmw's for years, and the plans for that one was moving to stick shift and altec ecu. But my now ex wife had a different plan hahahhaha

[@The777Garage]

Ohhh well.. maybe one day 😊

[@Dan_druft]

I think your valuations are way off. You can't find a good 728i for less than £3K and I've seen them for £7K. The 740i seems to go for more money but still around the £4 - £9K. I paid £3K for my 728i Sport that had done 120K miles with full BMWSH. The roof lining was done, it needs a bit of paintwork but no problem for me as I run my own bodywork and paint business. This is my 3rd one I had the 728i before then got the 740i but I couldn't justify using it as a daily driver with the cost of petrol so high so I sold it and bought the 728 with a higher spec. I love it and often get complimented on it usually by teenagers who think its cool.

[@The777Garage]

Realistically that’s what they actually sells..the advertising numbers doesn’t match the one u actually get paid..I currently got 62k miles 735i individual i want to sell at £8k no interest so far ..so I don’t know whats the actual value of them

[@Dan_druft]

@@The777Garage Yeah I think people expect more for them than they are actually worth so I'm nit sure they are actually selling them for the price they want. On the Facebook E38 page I saw a 2.8i Individual with the usual refinements on a 2001 model yet they wanted over £7K for it and it wasn't twice as good as mine. Don't know if it sold yet but its been on sale for a while.

[@crispinoderossi6990]

Se avete pezzi di ricambio usati è bene saperlo!

[@NazzyAli]

Heres me thinking the lawnmower was gonna have an upgrade with an m62 engine 😆🤣😂

[@the777mrs9]

😂😂😂

[@The777Garage]

Hmmm made me think

[@NazzyAli]

@@The777Garage you really would cut that grass in half the time 🤣

[@joellowery]

I see you're having a hard time finding a Imola red too. lol

[@The777Garage]

I need one in my life

[@rezaq1]

@@The777Garage my mate had an Imola red 735i Sport for years with 20” Alpina. He was a BMW dealer technician. Couldn’t sell it for anything, I wonder what he did with it

[@christoguichard4311]

They look great... But old beemers are money-pits 😩

[@The777Garage]

Only once per life lol

[@8290Wgu]

?????

[@The777Garage]

?

[@ArdaiThomasInvestments]

no wonder they end up huge rust buckets ... all of them sitting in grass lmao, good luck preserving old cars while keeping them in grass

[@The777Garage]

They were there just for hour or so …no drama

[@ShowingUStuff]

Bruh...u need a new lawnmower...

[@The777Garage]

This is the best on to be honest 🤪

[@ShowingUStuff]

@@The777Garage LOOOL! The struggle is real, keep fighting! :)

[@sipa2701]

Omfg.If u got nothing else to film then dont film it.

[@The777Garage]

Hello hater 🤣

[@joellowery]

is that a Barritz sitting on the trailer?