2000-2001 740

[bkassing]

I'm looking at buying a 740 with the Sport Package. Anybody have any thoughts on the reliabiliy of these for 2000-2001? Also, any suggestions on what to check/look for/ on the used 740?

Thanks!

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

Make sure you drive it on a bumpy road... My experience with a '99 740i Sport suggests that they're fairly prone to squeaks, creaks and rattles.

Other than that, GREAT (automatic) car. Just too bad it was never offered here with three pedals.

[M.Wong]

There are several things for which to watch. I would avoid anything without a full history and excellent service records. I would also lean towards a CPO or aftermarket warranty.

Some things to check or consider in the E38 line:

Loosing pixel display in temperature, mileage display
Catalytic converters failing
Power steering hoses leaking
Cup holders failing (Buy an aftermarket one... even the best, most expensive ones are cheaper than one repair out of warranrty!)
Oil pump bolts backing out
Radiator failures, plastic neck breaking
A/C stepper motors failing
Original water pumps with plastic impellers failing
Coolant thermostat failing
Poor quality jack
Electric cooling fan failing in year 1998 and newer
Sunroof wind noise
CD player skipping in models older than 1997
Older A/C temperature displays failing
Phones not being upgradeable without major cost or modifications
A/C drain lines need re-routing to stop gurgling sound
Windshields pit, and they cost a bunch to replace
Nikasil engine block problems in the 1995 V8 FAQ for the 1995 V8 Nikasil problems. (http://www.530i.org./530i-Test.htm#)

So far the 2000 and 2001s have been pretty reliable, from what I have seen.



Here are some differeneces in model years as the E38 evolved:

1996
New 4.4 liter engine. Horsepower remained the same but torque went up from 295@4500 rpm to 310@3900 rpm. Standard steel sunroof changed, glass moonroof instead.

1997
Side impact airbags standard for front seat passengers. Navigation system became available but fitted into few cars.

1998
DSC became standard. HPS head airbags also standard and rear-seat side airbags optional. Navigation system more available. New AC control panel as well (although this was retrofitted to many pre-98 cars).

1999
Mild face-lift with scalloped headlights, crystalized taillamps, door scoop illumination, and chrome strip on the trunk. The 4.4 liter engine receives VANOS variable valve timing and torque rises from 310 to 324. Updated side skirts without the round hole plugs for the jack. Sport package consisting of 18-inch rims, blackout trim, lower gear ratio, and vavona redwood interior trim became available on the 740i.

2000
Features as standard that were options before. Xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, headlight washer nozzles, Navigation, DSP stereo with cassette in the dash and 6 disk changer in the trunk. Sport package became available on 740iL/750iL models, sans the lower gearing.

2001
For the last year, they added body colored side skirts, and front and rear air dams (all were black until 2001) and crystal clear turn signals. Features as standard that were options before, Star tac phone with mayday system, 16 way comfort seats, side airbags with head protection skirts. Mid year they changed to a wide navigation screen.

[Mathew]

We used to have a 95 740iL, and the big issue with it was the catalytic converter failure. That happened at around 100K miles. There was of course the A/C failure as well, and it was replaced with a new unit. You wont have to worry about that because the later models have the better unit. If there are any of those sun screens, play with them a little. Both the manual rear sides and the power rear window screens would all break, and for about a year we/the dealers couldnt figure out the diagnosis. It turned out that the parts were plastic/rubber, so they were expanding in the heat. They were replaced with metal parts. This may be something you could look into. But, like what these guys said, i think you wouldnt have any reliability problems with a late model, especially a 2001. Good luck

great info M. Wong :thumbup:

[bkassing]

Thanks for the tips. One I am looking at is a 2000 740 with 39K miles. Under warranty until 2003 (December) or 50K. It is not CPO and is on another dealer's lot.

Blue/Tan although I'd prefer the grey/black.

Just love the 740 Sport.

[LIL RAJA]

Originally posted by M.Wong
There are several things for which to watch. I would avoid anything without a full history and excellent service records. I would also lean towards a CPO or aftermarket warranty.

Some things to check or consider in the E38 line:

Loosing pixel display in temperature, mileage display
Catalytic converters failing
Power steering hoses leaking
Cup holders failing (Buy an aftermarket one... even the best, most expensive ones are cheaper than one repair out of warranrty!)
Oil pump bolts backing out
Radiator failures, plastic neck breaking
A/C stepper motors failing
Original water pumps with plastic impellers failing
Coolant thermostat failing
Poor quality jack
Electric cooling fan failing in year 1998 and newer
Sunroof wind noise
CD player skipping in models older than 1997
Older A/C temperature displays failing
Phones not being upgradeable without major cost or modifications
A/C drain lines need re-routing to stop gurgling sound
Windshields pit, and they cost a bunch to replace
Nikasil engine block problems in the 1995 V8 FAQ for the 1995 V8 Nikasil problems. (http://www.530i.org./530i-Test.htm#)

So far the 2000 and 2001s have been pretty reliable, from what I have seen.



Here are some differeneces in model years as the E38 evolved:

1996
New 4.4 liter engine. Horsepower remained the same but torque went up from 295@4500 rpm to 310@3900 rpm. Standard steel sunroof changed, glass moonroof instead.

1997
Side impact airbags standard for front seat passengers. Navigation system became available but fitted into few cars.

1998
DSC became standard. HPS head airbags also standard and rear-seat side airbags optional. Navigation system more available. New AC control panel as well (although this was retrofitted to many pre-98 cars).

1999
Mild face-lift with scalloped headlights, crystalized taillamps, door scoop illumination, and chrome strip on the trunk. The 4.4 liter engine receives VANOS variable valve timing and torque rises from 310 to 324. Updated side skirts without the round hole plugs for the jack. Sport package consisting of 18-inch rims, blackout trim, lower gear ratio, and vavona redwood interior trim became available on the 740i.

2000
Features as standard that were options before. Xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, headlight washer nozzles, Navigation, DSP stereo with cassette in the dash and 6 disk changer in the trunk. Sport package became available on 740iL/750iL models, sans the lower gearing.

2001
For the last year, they added body colored side skirts, and front and rear air dams (all were black until 2001) and crystal clear turn signals. Features as standard that were options before, Star tac phone with mayday system, 16 way comfort seats, side airbags with head protection skirts. Mid year they changed to a wide navigation screen.

i love ur 540i, nice color choice plus excellent wheel choice.

Raja

[bkassing]

Amen to that on the 540. Rockin' color. Great rims.

:thumbup:

[M.Wong]

The M-Parallels are standard on the 2003 540i/6... I couldn't be happier. However, this model only comes in seven colors this year. (Orient Blue and Oxford Green were our top choices.)

[LowTech]

FWIW - Check your Nav disks on the car you're considering. Used cars are sometimes from out of the area. You may have to order the disk from your area from NavTech.

My understanding (not confirmed, but heard from 1999 7 owner) is that the latest NavTech releases do not work in 2000 models. But they do have plenty of earlier relases still available.

Minor item, but an oversight when buying used can cause inconvenience. Plus if your live on a border of an area, you may need two disks.

The fact that the car you're considering is under warranty until 12/2003 is a plus. Push it hard to see what gives and then get it fixed under warranty. My 1999 7 (replaced w/ and '01) seemed to eat 02 sensors.

Enjoy!

[bkassing]

Never really understood the appeal of the NAV system unless you are using your and traveling to different cities all the time.

I'm winning the auction for the car right now. 6 minutes to go. Unfortunately the reserve has not been met. The dealer is near by (sort of), so will go try to work a deal out.

[LIL RAJA]

Originally posted by bkassing
Never really understood the appeal of the NAV system unless you are using your and traveling to different cities all the time.

I'm winning the auction for the car right now. 6 minutes to go. Unfortunately the reserve has not been met. The dealer is near by (sort of), so will go try to work a deal out.

what car are you winning.
let us see it too.
thanks.

LIL Raja

[bkassing]

Ebay BMW 740 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6009&item=2402481326&rd=1)

Item # 2402481326

Auction closed.

740 Sport.

[DrBimmer]

Originally posted by bkassing
Ebay BMW 740 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6009&item=2402481326&rd=1)

Item # 2402481326

Auction closed.

740 Sport.

CAUTION: That car is not a 740 Sport.


It is either a 740 with the 18 wheel option, or the wheels were put on after. It is missing the blacked out trim (instead of chrome), and much more importantly, the sport seats, Steptronic and performance rear axle ratio.

It doesn't even have the comfort seats... (the stock seats are ok, but not the great)

Beware...

[M.Wong]

I have a 2000 and just bought the newest NavTech CDs a couple weeks ago (version 2002.1) and they work fine. I'm curious why some people have had problems.

[bkassing]

Wow. Good to know. I haven't seen it yet and was looking around for what exactly made up the sport package outside of what I know (the wheels) and can see easily.

Many thanks.

[DrBimmer]

Originally posted by bkassing
Wow. Good to know. I haven't seen it yet and was looking around for what exactly made up the sport package outside of what I know (the wheels) and can see easily.

Many thanks.

You have to be very, very careful on Ebay. Sellers there will try to pass off anything. I still don't think I could trust a car on Ebay unless I personally inspected if before making a bid.

I would suggest you start by looking at local dealer inventory and see if there are any "high-end" used car retailers that specialize in BMWs or German cars. Once you sit in a few of them, you will have a better understanding of what to look for if you decide to start looking elsewhere.

In my eyes, its better to spend a bit more and get a clean example from someone that is reputable than to save a few bucks by getting a bad example off of Ebay. (Not meant to bash Ebay, just a warning to be careful what you bid on)

[LowTech]

Originally posted by M.Wong
I'm curious why some people have had problems [w/ the later NAV CD].

Don't know myself, but this was reported by an acquaintance who has a 1999 model. he said he had to return the CD for an earlier version. Not sure if it applies to the 2000's, though.

[LowTech]

Originally posted by bkassing
Never really understood the appeal of the NAV system unless you are using your and traveling to different cities all the time.

I use mine all the time, even locally. Example, if I am running the kids around a local neighborhood, I don't need to ask some soccer mom for directions.

They usually say "Look for a large tree, and go a bit further. There is some gas station on the corner...hmmm...or is it a Starbucks...Anyway make a right - I don't know the name of the street - but you will see a house with a porch...."

At that point I usually cut them off and say, Just gimme your address!" :D

[bkassing]

This wasn't just an e-bay random seller. This was through a dealer in st.pete, FL. They primary sell Mercedes and Jag. I talked to the salesman while bidding.

So basically what you are saying is that this auction was crap?

If I could find a decent 740 w/sport in the Orlando area, I would do a deal. There just aren't any around. Rare car down here. Heck, any used BMW around here is rare. Local paper is empty.

[DrBimmer]

Originally posted by bkassing
So basically what you are saying is that this auction was crap?


No... what I am saying is these guys have no idea what comes in the car or the packages, so you need to be careful. The can get a base model that has some nice wheels on it and say it has the "super ultra mega premium sport package"... Do you think the average Joe knows the difference?

What I am saying is its probably wise to look at the car before you spend $30k, $35k, $40k, etc on it...

[bkassing]

o... what I am saying is these guys have no idea what comes in the car or the packages, so you need to be careful. The can get a base model that has some nice wheels on it and say it has the "super ultra mega premium sport package"... Do you think the average Joe knows the difference?

What I am saying is its probably wise to look at the car before you spend $30k, $35k, $40k, etc on it...

Yep. Makes sense.

[JT///M3]

my 01 740i Sport 6/01 build is missing the chrome strip on the trunk. Is that right?