Starting a V12 BMW E38 7 Series That's Been Sitting Outside For 5 Years

I rescue a 1999 BMW E38 750iL that's been forgotten and neglected by its previous owner for more than 5 years. Also, a new project reveal at the end of the video!
Instagram: / m539_restorations

[@matthewbell1968]

That feeling when you find an m539 video you've never seen before 👍👍🙂🙂

[@mohamedsahaoui3782]

Same feeling❤

[@neosfantasy]

found it today

[@mdj641]

Not rehearsed or scripted like tv car programmes. Absolutely love his videos. Keep up the great work.

[@mhervan]

Said it before and I’ll say it again. You absolutely have the best channel on KZbin!

[@AVC-Works]

5:55 Even i was swearing!!!

[@NoName-md5zb]

Engine is well lubricated now 😀😀😀

[@derekstocker6661]

So did I when the spout came off the oil can! Still at least it was not too bad, great car as well!

[@angel4duck]

😂😂

[@jjaa9735]

Yeah ne too man...that really sucked!

[@that90sbenz]

I feel that. We've all been there

[@Soontobeusbp]

My first BMW was a 1989 BMW E32 750il, and I drove it daily for five years until upgrading to a 99 E38 750il, both Alpinweiss III with Sandbeige interior. At 270K km, the headbolts failed in the E38. Rather than selling it for scrap or parts, I had it towed nearly 600km to a shop I trusted, where they pulled the heads, rebuilt them, and reinstalled them. The bill for parts and labor for that job was several pages long and cost many thousands of USD, but it was such an epic car, it was worth it. That M73 is absolutely incredible! I drove it for another 48K kms, until I switched jobs and have now a 250km daily commute. I couldn’t imagine beating up the E38 with that commute, so I bought an E90 335d. Also a great car, but I miss the smooth, responsive silence of the 7er. It was the best combination of size, comfort, and feeling like a private jet and bullet train in one. The only thing which might have made it better was a 6spd manual out of an 850csi or an M5. Greetings from Seattle, Washington! Keep up the awesome content. Subscribed!

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks for the story! You'll always have that memory. :)

[@csabaszucs9327]

How can Americans drive hundreds of miles every day? Isn't that wasting too much time? And those big-block American petrol cars. It sounds very expensive for me... I have to drive only 110 miles 3 times a week, but I already feel too much. I will never understand how this can be normal for Americans. :) Greetings from Glasgow, Scotland.

[@Soontobeusbp]

Perhaps the next one will be a 760 MSport or an Alpina B7!

[@Soontobeusbp]

Csaba Szűcs, that is a fair and wise question! For me, it boils down to the geographical distance between where my job is located and where my wife’s job is located. While drivIng a great car in a gorgeous location is a pleasure, the time it takes does wear rather thin! It equates to nearly three hours per day in the car, and when one multiplies that time commitment by the number of working days in a year, it is a rather off-putting figure. I was born and raised in Central America, where priorities are quite different than they are in the states. I look forward to getting back to that lifestyle as soon as possible!

[@rocknrolla7288]

SCHECKHEFTGEPFLEGT!!! That is an awesome find, man. Completely maintained all its life, mega equipped with shadowline, rear climate and more? Sick.

[@M539Restorations]

Genau! The car was loved up until that point. Not mega spec as my silver 750iL, but pretty good spec nonetheless - shadowline, rear climate, EDC, rear electric seats, hydraulic trunk lid...

[@rocknrolla7288]

@@M539Restorations The black one is missing the picnic tables. Oh man i remember a couple of years ago you could get those for cheap on the used market in germany because barely anybody liked the e38. Now? ehhh no

[@bigpat_4295]

Die wichtigste Frage: hat er einen Kühlschrank?

[@adamtriebl6427]

In my opinion Its the best BMW in the 7 series. I hope it will shine one day.

[@fredriksvard2603]

Its ready to be scrapped. You could use the same money to keep a (non-rusty) 00s 6 series running.

[@PRNTestDrive]

The fact that the quarter window shades work is incredible on its own!

[@M539Restorations]

Exactly! One of the decisive reasons for buying this E38. Both of them are missing on my 750.

[@rudkacka]

right, on my E39 they are all broken and dont go back inside on their own, at least the big ones and the elecrtic rear one works

[@volvoripr9980]

I thought my 750 was the most rusted one of all

[@Holakovskykarel97]

These are the type of cars which: Were bought in germany and made 350 000km there. Then the same car was bought in Czech republic but with 167 000km and went again to 550 000km. And in 2019 the same car is for sale with 223 000km. And still it goes! 👍

[@marcosmoreno4049]

Absolutely true

[@Erik-ko3kw]

Yes even those 30year old BMW cars are truely amazing they run and run. BMW Is my favourite Car brand

[@lucadreier22]

@shaun king if you americans actually serviced em right....

[@DegeneratePlays]

shaun king why do you buy so many then if they are such shit reliability

[@sebbi8906]

@shaun king my family is driving our 190e since its release

[@carlosdevos1]

Man, I loved this video. To see a E38 running smoothly after sitting there for 5 years tells me these cars are made to run forever. Since 6 years I own a 728iA from 1998 with 450.000km on it. Runs perfectly amd drives superb. I maintain it well which it deserves being loyal on a daily basis. Keep it up with you vids! Best regards from Amsterdam.

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you, Carlos!

[@mpatterson90]

Battery change seems like a pain.

[@shishkabmw]

Согласен,нормальный АКБ и она и так бы завелась

[@TBasianeyes]

same shit on the E39 (unless you have an M5)

[@Fernando5455Jr]

TBasianeyes It’s not hard on a 540i. I have a 1999 BMW 540i and it takes just 1 group size 49 battery. It’s actually easier to replace then some more modern cars.

[@neesminis]

Try on porsche cayenne mk1 :D

[@kyranoboyle3378]

@@neesminis Same with mk1 touareg, it’s under passenger seat. nightmare

[@neletg]

The E38 7 series are the coolest BMW ever built.

[@Speedgear]

i own a e39 324k 30d, its a machine, daily drive it like a dream

[@adamcromwell]

I have to disagree- it's BMW E31, but E38 is just behind it!

[@denisminigarage2030]

the e46 m3 is better

[@PerpetualTiredness]

@@adamcromwell The E31 is my favourite car of all time.

[@unixnerd23]

Having driven E32 and E38 what amazes me is how well the E38 handles in twisty roads.

[@2blackice]

THATS WHAT WE CALL MADE IN GERMANY I WORK WITH BMW AND EVERY DAY I WAKE UP READY TO KEEP THE BMW SPIRIT ALIVE AM AN AFRICAN WAS NEVER THERE WHEN BMW STARTED BUT I CAN SAY THANKS TO ALL THE GERMANS OUT THERE YOU ARE A WONDERFULLY SMART AND INTELLIGENT PEOPLE AND THANKS FOR CREATING EMPLOYMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TO AFRICA AND THE WORLD.

[@edim108]

This is possibly the single best car BMW has ever made. It's good to see people bringing them back on the road! :)

[@fatkeno1339]

Thank you for sharing your great work with us 80's 90's BMW enthusiasts and KZbin audiences. Well done Sir.

[@tlustejmicin]

I love e38! So much space in it. So lovely design - timeless. I myself got e39 530D and I love it. I have a well maintained engine so I am pretty happy about it. I ll do some rust removals in spring and continue cruising throughout my country :)

[@TEX360]

You're a natural presenter! Enjoying the series

[@mikecarmona_bakulaw]

You surely know how to bring back the dead. Amazing! 👏

[@Wolfdings]

I do have my dream baby sitting in a garage for more than 12 years. 540i E34 Touring - waiting for its restoration. Had to relocate it and I can tell: Exchanged the oil, plugged in the battery, and off it went, smoothly like it had been waiting for a short stop at a supermarket. Just love these engines!

[@nikolabozinovski2041]

I love these 7 sieries in praticular . I love the elegance

[@cytrynowy_melon6604]

It has more of a gangster vibe than elegance

[@AdamJDM1]

That's a crazy amount of rust! Here in California, I've NEVER seen an E38 with even a hint of rust. Just shows how vastly different the same car will look in different environments.

[@dillanmistry]

This was actually the first video I saw of this channel

[@motheolebelo]

what a beautiful even though its rusty. Interior looks intact which makes for a good donor car. Impressed that a new batteries, fresh juice and oil it just started up with no complains at all.

[@milovanraul9263]

Very cool car, take care of it, it's like a jewelry of BMW, my favorite limo that BMW produced.

[@ozmodiar88]

Good thing it's being rescued. :) These are soon-to-be (or already) classics, especially with the V12.

[@signummotors]

Great video, respect for giving her a new lease of life! If someone never tried it - it's massively satisfying moment, when you manage to start a car that has been pronounced dead many moons ago. Love to see them come back to life after a period of slow decay - best if there was no decay, as in - if it was stored in a barn or garage, etc. But always great - that first moment when they come back to life. Awesome video! Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeBMW]

Nice! As a long time owner of an e32 750, you appear to know your stuff! Well done! :)

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! E32 750 is on my wishlist. :)

[@e19dyy42]

E39 M5 in the background 👌🏽

[@steliofrasco3455]

Loved this short video on an ultimate classic. Keep sharing

[@Robertvorhies]

Dude you’re English is amazing!!

[@Jademyheart]

Wow, man good good find , She sounds absolutely beautiful 💯 Well done, good work, Diamond find. 👌

[@TheKasperlkopf]

absolutely GORGEOUS series uve put up there! thank you very much for the great editing and all the work you put in. i freaking love all your videos! especially that you take the camera with you abroad and show us the history of the car + inspecting it! :D

[@johnanthony5931]

Nice work. I love the bmw v12. Sounded great for sitting 5 years. Only get better with driving it. Good tune up.

[@tollefreyerson6710]

I own a 2000 Ecru 750iL. Love the e38. You do a great job of commenting and filming. Keep it up please!!

[@PowerslideSWE]

Makes me glad to hear that you will not part it out. Facelift 750's are really rare. The shadowline trim will look awesome on your silver one.

[@M539Restorations]

My thoughts exactly, too many of these cars got parted out over the years. They bottomed out in the price a long time ago, they are rare cars now and will be even rarer in the future. Here's the kicker about the Shadowline trim - on the silver E38 I actually have glossy black trim on the doors which I realized yesterday, so Shadowline trim which is matte black won't look good against glossy black. So I'd probably need to transfer all of it to the silver one, glossy trim is also nice but I always hated chrome.

[@supra1722]

glossy shadowline is so sleek.

[@mfnd502]

You know you have a firm grasp of other languages when you execute perfect swearing in that language. I Really enjoy seeing the vehicles come back to life.

[@marktolner2922]

Haha. In my case though I have lived in Kyiv for a number of years and the only local words I know are swear words ...

[@KiwiGraggle]

Engine actually sounds agreeable after 5 years sitting. They made better BMWs back then, I swear they did.

[@ukkomies100]

Their engines were the engine of the year type back in the 90s. M52 won in 96

[@SIrAiLoEtX]

9:32 with cars like the 7 you always get nice conversations going :) that guy saw the car parked for years and now he sees it leaving for a second life. very nice

[@M539Restorations]

Exactly! Very nice old guy, his daughter was rushing him to go but he wanted to stay and listen to the engine start and run.

[@SIrAiLoEtX]

@@M539Restorations that's lovely, can you give some info about why it parked there for so long?

[@TomCaldwell]

A marvellous sight indeed.. nice work, I enjoyed that.

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@Verndroid]

I love the editing of your videos. So nice to see how things a really done. Including the swearing. It add a nice flavor :)

[@JohnSchmitt3rd]

Beautiful piece of machinery!

[@ciaranburke3243]

Beautiful thing, deserves a new lease of life, that induction sound when revved is sublime 👌

[@Landshark928]

Awesome how a v12 is cranking.. wonderful high tech pitch

[@johnconley4955]

Okay, I don't praise often, as I'm a very informed human being human(my other channel)...so to you ; wearing gloves started me watching you, then yourself NOT starting an engine until the blood removed and replenished with new and then filters changed, water etc...You're diligent in your work, I also like that you show the odd misshape that happens in mechanical work on cars [that are old] as these. I worked for a man 30 yrs ago, an electrical mechanical engineer, who with a stethoscope would listen to an engine and tell you the problem, and guess what ? No-one has believed me in all these years..... you my man, I adore. SUBSCRIBED

[@da_SpiffR]

You had me literally laughing out loud after thinking to myself "3, 2, 1"? I really enjoy your videos; thanks for the great info too.

[@K1DW1THGUN]

Some of the best videos out there I love the detail

[@MrSevnie]

M73b54 IS a bulletproof engine really. Had one with over 350thousand kilometers and ran and drove like dream. Never major repairs.

[@user-fn5en9ez6k]

Your amazing bro ..big shout out to you man..i watched every single video in one day . Big props

[@brian330xi]

GUYS! I Just LOVE what You doin! Great Work! Please Continue Everytime! Love Ya Guys!

[@mariosantanna550]

Always amazing, I love your work my friend...

[@bandvitromaniaios1307]

Wow awesome car! My family had an a older version of this one.

[@catalinIntimidatorul]

I love this car. I want one!

[@MrRantanplanchecker]

I have on sitting in the garage haha you want it?

[@mitepainera69]

@@MrRantanplanchecker i want it

[@Vulcanier65]

E38 = best car and best looking BMW ever made

[@Holakovskykarel97]

Go and buy one :)

[@rosethorz812]

@@MrRantanplanchecker how much?

[@SuperAspari]

That’s genuinely inspiring! Love my e38 740i.. now just replace the thermostat with an 88 degree unit and you’ll have a car which will last you another 20 years

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@jgripen969]

SuperAspari I’ve always wondered how that would affect emissions? I’d like to do that mod, but not sure if MOT would accept it.

[@Faboking2]

Why would an 88degree thermostat make the engine last longer?

[@jgripen969]

Faboking2 The M62 is really strong, and the high temp isn’t bad for the engine; however, the high op temp literally ”bakes” the plastic timing chain guides. Changing the guides is quite a big job. Actually, lowering the temp could possibly do bad things too. I'm not sure how that affects carbon buildup in the engine.

[@Faboking2]

Ah, didn't think about the plastic chain guides. True they would get baked and crispy and it would be a pain in the ass to change them. Agree on the carbon buildup thing though.

[@abdulahosmanbegovic2479]

I have 1989 e34 525 Li. When I bought it was sitting on open for 7 years. Now it’s sitting 3 years. So for the last 10 years it’s been driven just few thousands km. And believe it or not, 0% rust. Thats why I’m not gonna sell it and make full overhaul and keep it till I die.

[@Paul-fb1em]

Yeah its the attachment bro! Ever heard of a funnel? Cut the end off a two liter bottle of pop. Works great.

[@georgipentschev5984]

Aaahh, God bless you ! I love these cars ❤

[@1MrLuar]

KZbin as suggested your channel and what a suggestion. Looks super, I'm subscribing. Keep the good work m8 🙂

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@pschroeterps]

You got another sub man! OFFENBACH! Endlich normale Leute :). I love that you're doing this with passion, dedication, attention to detail and in english while you're filming in Germany - way to go! That left rear door takes E38/39 standard door corrosion to a new level! I stumbled across your channel with the E38 750 susp rebuild, anyone who takes that on and manages to film it deserves all the love he can get. I'm about to rebuild my E46 M52 rear axle and that is peanuts compared to the multilink axles of the E38. Makes me miss my E30. Rock on man and thanks for sharing. By the way top notch editing and thanks for wearing a quality mic so many youtubers don't.

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks you very much! I was very close to not uploading any videos as every time I try to film myself I'd get uncomfortable and forget how to talk, hell I still do, but I'm glad I persevered and now hearing good feedback. That makes me happy! Good mic was a must from day one, since this video I upgraded to a better one.

[@Leo-DaGreek]

Mine took a oil change,Liquid Molly oil and additive,fuel pump,Rad,two new batteries,it came back alive,Titanium Silver/Black leather,very clean interior,this car has sat more years then driven,I put new tires,strait pipe,because the Cads had been stolen,same Wheels as yours,paint has some fade,but really clean body,not many 750 came to US🇨🇱👍

[@ak101farhan]

Makes me smile. I wish I owned one of those

[@theamerican7080]

I just got started restoring an almost impeccably maintained '97 E-39 540 with 224,000 miles on the clock here in the states.

[@patrikbuzasi2096]

New life for best BMW ever

[@rhiantaylor3446]

Thanks for another great video. Your neighbours must be very understanding with all those cars of yours blocking the garage area :)

[@deepspiritmedia9485]

Really nice videos! I've been looking at some of those

[@thetruth7633]

6:00 LOL that is why I use a professional can with integrated attachment and pour the oil over from the standard cans, or get oil cans with the “slurf” already in it , nice job btw!

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! That's why I love Liqui Moly bottles.

[@TheFresh1979]

We want more.Good work 👍😉

[@fw1421]

Amazing that it would turn over so easy after being parked for so long. 👍🏻

[@lukasvanek1278]

amazing job i absolutelly love that car :)

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks!

[@keyboarddancers7751]

Fantastic series.

[@MrDarkwar989]

Cool video man! I love how E38 looks like, but imo the pre-facelift looks even better. Good luck with all those cars.

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@dariusdudi]

of course its working after 5 years because it is a B M W . Nice job

[@TheDaf95xf]

Morning Mr cool guy 😎 Always top entertainment watching you find a fix theses super machines 🤣

[@aleksuks]

amazing video i loved watching this. Seeing it being driven away on the truck made me imagine doing this as well someday with another e38

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! Def do it one day.

[@enricomariafozzi3339]

Fantastic Job! 😃

[@ManMak6]

The best 7 series model year ever made!

[@alfamaniacs]

One of the most elegant cars ever made

[@LeftLaneHog.308]

Laughs in S 600

[@ricramirez6509]

Good work.

[@IHATEYANKS41]

Great video! Nice to see that engine going strong, I’ve got a 728i here in the UK.

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@mihai-danut6955]

Me too own 728i!Hi

[@davidprobst1974]

Very nice 🤙 love the 90‘s Car‘s from BMW save the classics

[@athollmcnicoll256]

See does not matter how long a car has been sat dormant give it some love and it works like a dream - good old BMW's.....

[@lexpro2239]

Nice work

[@levhrvth]

Really nice video! I really enjoyed it! Looking forward for new videos. Subscribed!

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@facundoferreyra6326]

Your channel is incredible, the quality of the filming, your work is also spectacular, congratulations. I really like what you do traveling to buying cars and touring. I subscribed and expected to see more videos. Greetings from NY

[@derkenntdanix8023]

So ein schönes Fahrzeug. Der E38 sowie auch der E39 sind einfach die schönsten von BMW. Schade,dass die alten Fahrzeuge so sehr rosten. Tolles Ding

[@Cheezwizzz]

Sounds sweet!!!

[@terrymosley3190]

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, I like all your videos, I learn a lot about 750 bmw, I have been wanting one Since I was 18, I am 50 now and the 2000 750li bmw year here in the USA are nearly impossible to fine n decent shape

[@bilalahmed2123]

Nice job ! I absolutely hate rust and it has taken a toll on this car otherwise it would be a perfect daily driver !

[@remasterus]

I hate to see such fine craftsmanship end up the junkyard due to some rust. Hopefully someone with a full shop and a lift can get a good deal on it from you and restore it! Would love to see that beast on the road again.

[@skippymon]

5:54 I like the subtle oil leak countdown from 3!

[@baselhs]

Back in 2006, I was offered a fully loaded (with the picnic tables) 1995 E38 with the V12 for $13k and it had only 30k miles at the time. I still regret it to this day

[@colinward1007]

Yeah bad move mate but it happens. What did you end up with out of interest?

[@NorceCodine]

If you thought that 13K was too much, then it would have bankrupted you a long time ago. BMW made these cars for corporations, not private owners to pay the service and maintenance.

[@johnw4067]

You probably dodged a bullet.....$13k for the car and then $3k when something breaks every year.

[@supra1722]

Wonderful. Very interesting to see, I've fully refreshed my own E38 750 stateside. Jealous of all the options on the cars outside north America. I've only retrofitted fondklima into mine so far.

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks! Yeah, Euro-spec cars always come with goodies. :)

[@smittybk09]

The BMW Doctor To The Rescue 👍🏽

[@alecxpro2071]

Awesome video man 😁

[@korzbro35]

Happy E32 owner here. Glad you've saved this one, there will be less and less of good old 7ers and they truly are awesome. I mean come on, V12 in a normal passenger car, for not really much money? And even more of them with V8? Look what you can buy today, shitty twin or triple turbo 2-liter diesels? This one sounds really healthy for the 1st run in 5 years. Nice plate, no coincidence probably :) The rust is almost exact copy of what is developing on my ride now. Why does it have two batteries though?

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks! Agreed, only 5.237 Euro Facelift 750iL's have been produced, god knows how many of them are already crushed. I believe all Facelift 750's have dual batteries, one is for the starter and E-kats and the other one for the electronics.

[@korzbro35]

​@@M539Restorations If I'm not mistaken, you wanted to sell this but later decided to keep and switch parts with other 7. I suggest keeping this car, not only because it's fun to ride but it should only gain value now. I am already having people asking regularly about my 7 (only it's one generation older) and believe me, it's far from perfect :) so it should be a solid investment if kept in good condition.

[@M539Restorations]

The silver 750 is staying with me so I don't need another one, I'll just swap out some minor stuff I want on mine but the black 750 will continue to live on. I won't let it get crushed.

[@Fedor_Murzov]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXOrZJSOo62smc0

[@porscha901]

Wonder how many E 23 are left

[@WindshieldTime]

the 30sec starting at 5:30 is so good... not to laugh at you, but with you because that is something i would do ✅✌️👍🤣

[@wan4891]

The E38 V12 is nr.1 on my wishlist but it must be a VERY good one because repairs are costly.

[@bigpat_4295]

I love this car especially the pre facelift

[@gerryreggea]

This looks like a fun channel...with all those projects!! Myself I have two all non runners E24 and 34 E38730i is running though... subscribed!! Greetings from France

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you! NIce cars you have.

[@MrMarkusmulder]

Bonjour Hope you are doing well and having a great time in the new ALPINA

[@franciscopaci7807]

i own myself a 750IL 1996, what an awesome car... I also need quarter window shades

[@M539Restorations]

Awesome indeed. They are pricey and a bit hard to find.

[@franciscopaci7807]

M539 Restorations damn it... ill keep searching