New to the forum, just got my first e38...couple questions!

Hi, Everyone. I just picked up my first e38, she is a 2001 740iL. Wonderful looking car with very few problems and it's meticulously maintained. I just had a couple questions about one or two of the issues I saw when picking it up. I paid less than $4800 for it so it's not like it's the end of the world if it needs some fixing. Carfax report shows it was a trade-in at a Cadillac dealership and the guy I got it from was pretttyyyyy pissed how cheap I got it.


1. The dashboard pixels seems to be starting to go, I have read up and seen that this is a common problem for these. I was told by a friend who specializes in BMW repair that this MIGHT possibly be a quality program/dealership cost-free fix as a known issue? Does anyone know where I could find articles on open tickets for these, if possible.


2. The car has high mileage, over 100k obviously. Any particular things I should have checked IMMEDIATELY to be safe? I was also told about cooling system issues, etc and sensor replacement?


Here are a couple pics of my new girl. Thanks for reading. This is my first Bimmer and I'm excited, to say the least.

Welcome to the forum... Contrary to what you probably read, the E38 can be a very dependable vehicle if properly maintained. Usually folks neglect small issues until they become BIG problems. Here are just a few things to get you started. You can search the forum for steps to help you with the stuff I've listed below.

1. Condition of front suspension bushings (check sway bar links, thrust arms, and lower control arms)
2. Condition of steering components (check tie rod ends and steering link)
3. Fuel Filter and pressure regulator
4. Coolant leaks (radiator, over flow bottle, valley pan gasket, radiator hoses)
5. Excessive exhaust smoke (possible OSV failure)
6. Engine Misfires (leaky valve cover gaskets or faulty coils)
7. Poor transmission shift quality (possible filter and fluid change, valve body/software upgrade, or full rebuild required)
8. Metallic engine sounds (VANOS units failing {common problem} or failing timing chain guides)
9. Fluid leaks (check/change/ top up Brake, power steering and differential fluids)
10. Rear suspension looseness (check lower bushing, control arm, integral link, and camber struts)
11. Get a Bentley Manual, good Indy mechanic, and a Bavauto code reader)

*** Tint??? Treat leather seats, dash, and door cards with a PH balanced leather cleaner and preserver/softener.

I too will be in a 2000 E38 by the end of the week, Good heads up on the possible issue. The technician will be doing a thorough inspection tomorrow.

Bigboy740il you sound like you know your stuff. Can I pick your brain?

Congrats on your purchase! Beautiful beast. to keep you informed here are some useful websites :www.e38.org, http://meeknet.co.uk/E38/Index.htm, http://realoem.com/bmw/select.do.

@FIRST740i.... Good ahead. What seems to be the issue?

I've had my '97 E38 for about 5yrs. Only problems now showing are front suspension bushes; passenger seat air-bag mat and petrol (gas) tank vent/pressure valve. Nothing that stops the car but jobs to work through. The other items mentioned I am also monitoring as I want this beauty to last and last. Cheap treatment for plastics is baby oil. Does not last as long as Armour All but only a fraction of the price. There are excelent DIY repair sites on the net - search E38 problems - they are very informative..

Congrats on your Good Deal purchase! Here is a link for pixel repair. It seems to be a reasonable price and quick turn around.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E38-E39-...rvices&vxp=mtr

Originally Posted by cliffrun2

Here is a link for pixel repair

This is from the E39 bestlinks ... but since the models are similar, I post it in the hopes that it helps:
- What are 'all' options when your instrument cluster or MID pixels slowly die due to a press-fit pink electrical-connection tape lifting off its contacts over time (1) & how to remove the E39 instrument cluster (1) (2) & a summary of the BMW NA cluster-repair goodwill policy (1) & how to fix the MID pixels yourself (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) & how to remove the MID (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) and how to test the MID (1).