Owning The BMW E38 (The Best 7 Series) - 1 Year Ownership Report of a 2001 BMW 740i MSport

[@HighPeakAutos]

The best looking 7 series ever made

[@Besttestch2nnn]

i dont know about others but need your review on this model

[@jacobnel1880]

Me too please.

[@johnlemon543]

Absolutely agree! The best looking 7 series!

[@bankscoleman2473]

Without a doubt!

[@garyredmond1890]

Absolutely! Have always wanted an E38 but nice examples getting rare here in the UK. Will have to keep an eye on High Peaks stock list for good one.

[@foxbat212]

In December of 2015 I bought a 1995 740i e38 with the intention of using it for a road trip in March of 2016 from England to Hungary and back, and then sell it on after the trip, needless to say it impressed me so much I still own it now (January 2020) and have done two more continental road trips with it, I have also spent two weeks in the Scottish highlands and wales. It has been one of the cheapest cars to maintain that I have owned, probably helps that I do all the work on it myself, and is also a very comfortable and capable car, I have had a few very impressed passengers and personally I think the e38 has stood the test of time very well.

[@rxivild]

My dad owned ours for 3 years now but every year we took it from England to poland and back, but March this year he bought a Ford Galaxy and uses it as his daily. I'm in Poland now with the Galaxy. The e38 is rarely used now, but it's a blast.

[@nathanielallen865]

Had a 2000 740i Sport for 13 years and 265k miles. Best car I ever owned.

[@adrian506]

may i ask why you sold it?

[@nathanielallen865]

@@adrian506 got tboned by an idiot.

[@adrian506]

@@nathanielallen865 :( .... but was it somewhat reliable and cheap to maintain when u still had it...?

[@nathanielallen865]

@@adrian506 Good? Yes best car I ever owned. Cheap? Not at all. Reliable. Matter of perspective. If you want a car where you just have to put gas , oil and go by a Toyota or Lexus. BMW ownership is different.

[@roberthernandez6948]

I bought the identical car 2 years ago in mint condition . My cousin who spent 90k on a new one instantly fell in love with mine. E38's are timeless gorgeous machines.

[@jeremyclarkson-69]

Holy moly 90k !!!thats a steal i saw one going for 156k!!!!!

[@joebutlersnr7017]

One of the best cars I've ever owned , I had an aspen silver 735 .v8 fast comfortable and it handled brilliantly , outstanding car.

[@50zoomie]

I bought a 2000 Sport in Arizona from an elderly owner with all service records since 40K miles. 103K miles when I bought it and drove it home to Michigan without any problems. Very quiet, very smooth ride-better at 90 than at 35 mph in town as one would expect with the sport suspension. Buy a well maintained one and you won't regret it.

[@gangstatrading]

I would recommend switching your motor oil from motul to Liqui Moly :) I have a 740 I as well and saw a significant difference

[@cbell9190]

I daily drive one of these. Great daily driver!

[@d3m0niccity16]

How often does it break thinking about it in the future

[@pierrelito998]

@@d3m0niccity16 brakes on these cars are great it’s a heavy car

[@d3m0niccity16]

@@pierrelito998 i mean like how often do things break

[@ElPerron510]

how many gallons it takes to fill up?

[@Ready72000]

@@ElPerron510 A fill-up for me is usually a little over 22 gallons of premium fuel, as I tend to run it down to almost empty before I refuel.

[@neletg]

Is the best car I drive until today. Congrats for the video.

[@derekstocker6661]

Very good review, thanks, a super looking car STILL! These, if well looked after will last for decades to come, the older BMWs are the best, the newer ones can be a liability, I had an M6, hand in pocket almost constantly and got rid of after 5 years, I still run a 1994 E36 325SE (163k miles) and have owned since it was 4 years old, fabulous car and NOT cost me in 20 years what the M6 cost in five years!

[@miljororforsprakpartiet290]

That's an M car, and a top-end though. Just a single caliper for the E36 M3 is more expensive than replacing all discs + pads at the mech on a 328.

[@reinaldonavarro3800]

I saw that car today and that thing looks gorgeous, long wide and the tires make it look even better . Now I want one .

[@HarMageddo]

I have a 1997 740il with 136,000 miles on it. Love the car

[@marchewitson6191]

One thing it has in bucket loads is style, a real classy looking car.

[@jjaa9735]

A god among cars!

[@cupofjotv8195]

Best movie made with this car is Russian movie “Bumer” (meaning bimmer) I fell in love with this car watching the movie as a kid in early 2000 (it’s based on a 750il) and bough my first won from insurance auction and repaired in 2010 back when I was 16 (1997 bmw 740i black on black) I later owned many e38s the 740i 2001 being my favorite. Even with the issues I have never owned a better car that brought out so many positive emotions.

[@p0sitiv467]

Keep the car. I own e31, e38, and g31. e38 gives me the best joy. Have you polished the rims? I have the same on me as a part of m sport package, but they are not as shiny. Regards from Poland.

[@Krezo200]

p0sitiv how do you like the e31

[@Phoenix_1991]

You have an 8 series but still prefer the 7? Ease tell me more!

[@BCBe4tS]

@@Phoenix_1991 they are different cars xD the 8 series of that era is more a sport car and the 7 series is a luxury sedan 😅 I love both but I prefer the e38 too 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Had my E38 for 18 years. Its been fantastic. I has eaten many suspension components, mainly due to me buying second rate parts. The best fix of all was the idler arm in the steering.. Very hard to spot as a problem because you need the car on a 4 post ramp with someone turning the steering. Mine was moving up and down by about 7 mm. After that the steering far more precise.

[@anonimkullanc5052]

İ am 18 years old and i owned an 740i e38 And i will stay with him all of my life 😄 im never gonna sell him but i need another daily car

[@joellowery7369]

"I TOOK IT INTO MY MECHANIC".... Not the most ideal way to own a classic BMW... :) great videos! Thanks.

[@samdenisse2705]

One of the most handsome cars ever made.

[@m7machines738]

That car has such a timeless design

[@tomallen6073]

Own a ‘01 740i msport, black. I daily drive it, awesome car. Bought it from the original owner.

[@agrameroldoctane_66]

Super car ... ideal combination of classic and contemporary.

[@patrickmason6971]

I plan on buying one soon, although I want a LWB model.

[@LordLauderdale]

Nice relaxed style review.

[@mjrami]

I get all those looks and my is a 740il 1995 baby!!

[@Gorazd1974]

Most lovely limousine ever made in the world for me. 💜😍

[@jjthesavage]

I daily a 2001 740iSport in Anthricite (blue/gray). Love it.

[@chrishughes1537]

Timing chain timing chain timing chain

[@alexv8150]

Where is the M sport steering wheel?

[@WestVanGarage]

Original owner wanted heated steering, and heating steering didn't come on the M-Sport wheel.

[@diablocls55]

90s was the best era of Benz and BMW. W140 and 7 series are both the baddest meanest looking full size sedans ever made

[@billgates.got.ripped6965]

you guys are the best. kudos

[@MrTaff22]

it was quite a surprise seeing this video, you are almost a 1:1 copy of my friend=)

[@lloydi]

Bought mine and it took £1000 to get it on the road needed new brake lines new rear suspension , new window regulator new lights new pads and discs. Then the starter motor went that was another 300 to fix. And now the fan belt is loose and the hydraulic fluid is pouring out of it..... Its a money pit but totally worth it

[@Krezo200]

Great video, i enjoyed it and got even more desire to drive mine

[@Krezo200]

I lost my first on my 13th day of owning it 😭 but bought my second two days ago

[@habzrahman8315]

Totally agree best 7 series of them all..

[@ZanesVlog]

keep doing videos on this car

[@ronaldgunthrop7449]

😂😂"idk idk if im ready to give it up just yet" thats the reason why im watching this video had mines a over a year and not sure what ima do to her next

[@barsa95]

Gonna buy it next week!

[@blkcortex6545]

My fav 🔥👑

[@aramos811]

I bought a 2001 E38 and thought it was a very nice looking car. When I bought it there was a few issues that needed repair. The gaskets, vacuum hoses, engine mounts, alternator, transmission oil change and differential drain and fill, and of course the timing chain tensioner. I managed to perform some of the repairs and some for my European mechanic. I planned on selling it after two years but now that it's my daily driver and I want to keep it for a while longer. It is a reliable car if you maintain it regularly.

[@simonsmith8018]

looks like the car Tupac got shot in

[@leonkleber5009]

I wonder why...

[@chanellenicole7588]

Simon Smith it was but if it was the 750il it would came bullet resistant.

[@elijahmorris4619]

Because it is! haha

[@jesuschrist2287]

Tupac was shot in 750li (limousine version)

[@simonsmith8018]

@@jesuschrist2287 I believe you Jesus

[@1313qazqaz]

God car. Idk though, the 750il or even the goldfish might be a better option. A good old v16 in the boot, what more can you ask more. Oh and bags ain't for groceries this time.

[@lexburen5932]

a 750i is a v12

[@wholeNwon]

Think about keeping it for another year or so then taking it to a BMW dealer for a list of everything "wrong" with it.

[@josephphelps6913]

I agree with you that the E38 is one of the best looking 7 series ever made (although, I am a huge fan of any shark nose Bmw). And is hailed by many as the best 7 series made. But I hate how you keep referring specifically to the shorty sporty. It's all about a matter of taste. Some people like the long wheel base better (🙋me lol). Some don't. I have a 2001 740il Highline Sport (it's got the Highline package and the m sport package). If that's not rare enough, 2001 was the only year you could option any long wheel base with the sport package lol. The point to my rambling being🤣, anytime I take my friends and family anywhere in it, they all want to ride in back lol. Cause there's almost 3 ft of floor space. And it still has a 0-60 of 6.1 seconds. It also weighs almost 4600 pounds lol

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

BWW's best looking car

[@Agent77X]

It still pretty modern for a BMW!

[@AlanTrades]

How about the timing chain

[@hopisanka4430]

E38 in the Netherlands : Insurance : ~80$ monthly Tax : ~90$ monthly Gasoline : ~1.60$ per quart Diesel would be same insurance but like 120$ per month on tax and 1.50$ per quart of diesel *OOF*

[@namechangesallowedeveryd-hm7ix]

Are you reffering to the 740i or? Because it has a 4.4 v8 otherwise 90 $ tax monthly is way to much

[@cbell9190]

E38 in the USA: Insurance: $100USD per month for full coverage. License plate, registration, and personal property tax: $15 USD per month Gasoline: $30USD per week. (One full tank lasts two weeks). Gasoline is 65 cents per quart at Costco.

[@hopisanka4430]

@@namechangesallowedeveryd-hm7ix nahh its the Netherlands, you get taxed for weight and pollution. Like a Peugeot 106 1.3i 20 insurance pm 20 tax per 3m Honda Civic 1.5i 25 insurance pm 90 tax per 3m VW passat vr6 2.9 wagon 70 insurance pm 200 tax per 3m BMW e39 520i 60 insurance pm 180 tax per 3m So a 7.3 diesel quadcab without tax write off .... Not a chance lol

[@jonathanaldridge1012]

Nice Impala dude!

[@rollotomassi8251]

When BMW looked good!

[@ilovepsi]

what color is this ?

[@gabequezada2066]

I love this car so much but the worst investment I ever made.... It lasted 6 months.....Im still sad about it

[@littlebitofeverything2381]

how much petrol eats on 100 miles ?

[@user-ub5rg6fn6e]

Put 5-30w oil or you'LL ruin the car, There are tiny pin holes the oil has to go into (valve lifters, vanos valves, etc...), if it's too thick it will clog up the holes and the engine will have oil starvation, and cause major daamage.

[@ajhieb]

Agree with almost everything you said... But my Imola Red '01 740i is a little more sought after than black ;-)

[@jjaa9735]

Black is the only color for the e38!

[@danielwatts9803]

no pic = you're lying

[@suspectboi2473]

I have the 2001 740il.... any maintenance/ issues I should worry about?

[@danielwatts9803]

THIS IS YOUR MAIN MAINTENANCE CONCERN FOR YOUR 2001 740!!! yes, you will absolutely have to replace the engines plastic timing chain guides NOT the timing chain itself, just the brown plastic chain guides. You may want to get this done BEFORE the 100,000 mile mark. Drive at your own risk after that. If you don't want plastic chips breaking off into bits into your oil pan then crunching their way through your engine you will have to get the chain guides replaced as soon as possible. It's a very expensive and frustrating procedure, as in thousands of dollars. It's not an easy job. There is no cheap way around it either. Do not, I repeat, do not allow anyone else to tell you anything different when it comes to e38 maintenance, especially engine maintenance. The e39 V8 main culprit is the excessive under hood temperatures it produces. The V8 operates at a higher running temp. than an e39 M5. The extreme engine temps will also accelerate the deterioration of all rubber seals, gaskets and yes, plastics under the hood. I had an '01 slate green 740 sport but now I daily drive an '03 e39 530 sport. I sold my 740 at 88,000 miles. Even though it was in excellent condition, I didn't want to shell out the money for the upcoming timing chain guide bomb. I wish BMW would've sent the 6 cylinder e39's to North America like they had in Europe.

[@ehsan83]

the car looks amazing, specially the black interior. does anybody know a good web site to find this car in Europe?

[@Atombender]

mobile.de or autoscout24.de

[@jakehz7910]

Are you selling it?

[@wan4891]

Do you have to be "afraid" of the Vanos system in this car?

[@WestVanGarage]

Maybe, depends if the car was neglected.

[@cbell9190]

I would say no. I bought a 2001 740i Sport with 82,250 miles about 5 years ago. Using it as a daily driver, I have almost 130,000 miles on it now with no Vanos problems so far. I also own a 2001 740iL which I have put about 40,000 miles on, which I sometimes take on long trips. No Vanos problems with that one either.

[@lexburen5932]

The 4.4 v8 in the E38 740i is a single vanos system wich isn't that complicated, and is less likely to fail due to its simplicity, then the double vanos systems wich are much more complicated in the m3 and m5's

[@Ready72000]

@@cbell9190 Update: 137,500 miles now on the 740i, and 130,000 miles on the 740iL. Still no VANOS problems on either car. Just did a fresh oil change on the 740iL, and plan to change the oil in the 740i soon.

[@Frang14998]

Sell it to me pls

[@callmeishmael7452]

Lexus and Bmw should merge. If only the engines were made by Lexus then these cars could survive outside of enthusiast and diy circles. My e39 was fantastic but gobbled parts like a Lada. I have no idea why bmw creates cooling systems can’t last longer than 3-4 years ( my Lexus , 2003 has same still), stupid amount of rubber suspension components that fail regularly and the leakiest (oil) V8 in the industry. New Lexi are ugly as hell, lucky for Bmw and Mercedes, the handling now equals bmw easily. But the exterior design of the e38 and e39 was fantastically understated and the Japanese could never design a beautiful looking car (nsx aside).

[@ogsnufso9122]

Also Tupac died in a 7 series e38

[@PGF5000]

I was enjoying the video until his face came on the screen and he started talking.

[@gregorytrane7828]

These generations of BMW's were probably the best. E-46, e-53 sav's, e-39 and the e-38 and so forth. This was a time when the classic good looks, performance, engineering and handling were the best in the business and the envy of the auto world. Good review.

[@VanessaMaeFan18]

100% agree with you. The second the new 7 series (the shark) came out, everything tanked seriously. Highly disappointed for a while because I felt BMW lost its way. When the F10 came out, that was a good time for BMW . You knew it was a 7 series, 3,5 etc.... CURRENTLY, it is not as exclusive anymore. The front facia for the new 4 series and 3 series I believe ; it looks like BMW and Alfa Romeo had a baby... Toooo many models, which stinks.. As a BMW lover, there is NO WAY I would get any BMW past 2001 - with the exception of the F10. But, other than that, the pure BMWs from the 90s to 01~ were the best years for them. You knew it was a BMW during those years.. And nowadays, people just look at the symbol... Did you know there is a 1M now? Lol.. The avg person would prolly say they have a M1 when there is a STAUNCH difference between the actual M1 and a 1M 🤣.

[@阿強-y6b]

Nice to see your 740i M-Sport again！It's so cheap for repairing Bimmers in BC, Canada. SO AMAZING !!!

[@TheAbrunqaj]

I have a 2001 BMW 740i for sale. Only 75k miles. Oxford Green

[@anthonygarcia495]

Argjent Brunçaj where can I find it?

[@TheAbrunqaj]

@@anthonygarcia495 New Jersey

[@Driven-me5tl]

Argjent Brunçaj is it still available? I’m interested

[@TheAbrunqaj]

@@Driven-me5tl yes it is.

[@AdidasSk8er408]

@@TheAbrunqaj is It sold? I’m 4 hours from Jersey

[@MrTaff22]

one of my friends has a e39 3L diesel. he has owned it for about 10yrs and he always jokes with a sad look on hes face that fixing the car is neverending. he has done 3 full rounds of fixing possibly everything. hes a very respectful driver, loves that bmw. ive also heard that bmw is a sports car, meaning it quite often needs some rough treatment or it will, in lamens terms get bored and starts acting up. my boss had a 2018 X5 M package, he said he had to return it because hes a chill driver but if you dont floor it time to time it will start lagging. Ive never liked or owned a bmw but im curious to try a e38 4L v8. I dont drive that often but I do enjoy a good ride without spending too much time at the dealership spending mounds of cash on parts just because, if its cars well being then of course but from all ive heard, is it really that expensive to own a BMW?

[@uuulaalaa]

I had a few and my only problem was the suspencion always clunky and the transmission module went bad on my last still drove fine but it would start on 3rd gear or so

[@telman5221]

get rid of it, as the miles add up your wallet will get thinner and disappear

[@mufflejoy]

The last BMW7 worth looking at before some British designer messed up and made all their cars look like Lexus or something :-)

[@jimmymichael7901]

Chris Bangle is American

[@bojankos8455]

Great video even greater guy, keep up the good work

[@Ivan_2201]

I want one even though I have a e39 540i

[@need4spe3dBeast]

Same here I drive 540 rn but i had 2 e38 before

[@johnjohnson6032]

Dirt cheap compared to a Lexus.

[@4syth]

What’s the deal with no M Sport steering wheel?

[@ArapBayraminOglu]

I want to upgrade from my 2001 3.16 (e46) to a 7 series. I don’t drive crazy distances and not daily. Was wondering how much more impact the fuel usage will have?

[@ghettomist1575]

Can Oz On the highway, that v8 is very good on gas. Opposite in the cities.

[@subrem3268]

Very Nice E38! Local in yvr aswell

[@mihailhidler5400]

You had me at Motul

[@royvisser90]

good video, enjoyed it. Had alot of maintaince costs on mine too but now she runs like a diamond. Be sure to check my channel u can see my E38.

[@dignitas1980]

740i, Msport? Really? What model is that? :) It is a E38, 740i with sport package(ZSP) .... M sport is about suspensions, not the model.

[@joecatetal3889]

i own a 2000 740il and have had it since 2005. it has 230,xxx, my advise get the premium version of AAA w/unlimited towing. the entire power steering system leaks and the radiators and overflow tanks are the archilles heels. i sprung for an aftermarket all aluminium rad. all that said i cannot bring myself to part with it

[@indiangiver1120]

Most people would be shocked how many modern cars this car will smoke on the freeway... Wrx’s, v6 mustangs and pretty much any normal modern car, my 740 absolutely embarrasses 60mph-120+

[@haaseuros9789]

All for great e38 videos which this was but your pointer for the vanos solenoid was on the cam position sensor not the solenoid and it uses an O-ring not a gasket.

[@edwardkenway8183]

I want buy this too I saw one, dude said it have 222km xd so idk if it worths to buy from his bazar xd

[@Transportador33]

Nice example. I have a 2001 alpine on black msport. Love it

[@funguy246]

I own this car. It’s the best car ever. I’ve had less issues than his.

[@Life_in_Americaa]

Where did you find the black head liner? Is it custom?

[@StuartOliver83]

Wish I still had mine,I love my E34 though and will never sell it 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@ronaldcollins3634]

Looking at One Now. Thanks for the Vid!

[@automotivelegends9831]

Truly beautiful car. What is the mileage?

[@I_hunt_lolis]

Fug, now I want one. Recently bought the E53 whitch I love too

[@RAREANGEL]

Have the timinh chain guides been done ever ?

[@hilbm]

Beautiful E38 Short Sport! How many Km's on it? Love the black headliner! I have an 01 short sport as well and I absolutely love it. So far no issues...but then again it is low km's and no winter or rain. I did replace the rad actually....plastic cracked. Love your videos, keep it up!

[@WestVanGarage]

Thanks! its got 155km currently.

[@pierrelito998]

I always get love in my 95 740

[@superbseverin4169]

Just got one as a fixer upper, so far getting the alternator redone, what should be next to prolong my cars street life

[@WestVanGarage]

Awesome! If its got higher km's, see what state the timing chain guides are in, or at least if they haven't failed. Also make sure the cooling system is ok.

[@satrialiar69]

Ohhh E38

[@b.d.2770]

when you decide to sell it let me know....id be a serious buyer also, did you change out the shifter to the leather one or did it come like that?

[@WestVanGarage]

It came like that - I believe its from the chrome line package

[@b.d.2770]

@@WestVanGarage seriously Im in the market for a mid to low mile black/black. put me on your list if you decide to sell thanks and keep the videos coming :)

[@JHGriffin]

Why do you keep calling this an MSport when it doesn't have the sport wheel? Don't smoke us that you replaced the sport wheel with the *old mans* steering wheel?

[@ronniewilson6597]

Best way to keep costs down is having a go a servicing your car your self. Changing the oil can be done with a fluid extractor, available from Amazon or eBay. Simply put the extractor tube down the Dipstick tube and suck out the oil. Filter simply unscrews from the top of the Engine bay. Start with this and you get more confident to have a go at other jobs.

[@LHRSBN]

Ronnie Wilson - never do that, you will ruin the engine because you won’t extract all the dirt.

[@oskars_l]

audi a6 is faster and better