Unofficialbmw.com

[Maxspeed]

Thinking of buying a '95 740. The market is very soft on luxo-cruisers! Anyone know if these have any inherent problems, or are they as great as they look? Any input is appreciated!

Todd

[mwong]

Hello,

1995 is a year that had some engine problems. If you are considering the 1995 E38 with the V8, find out if the engine block has been replaced. Please look here first:
Link: FAQ for Nikasil engines.

Below is my list of model year differences as the E38 progressed, as well as a link to someone's common problems list. Many would say to hold out for a 1999 or newer if possible, as there were some cosmetic changes made in 1999. Upgrading to the 99 or later look is possible, but not simple, nor is it inexpensive for the headlights/front fenders.

As far as prices, I don't have any insight there. Perhaps others do and can answer that for you.

A good service history is a must, and a warranty is even better.

Be sure to look at these places for more tips:

Seattle7s.com tip page

e38.org

This one is for the E39 (1997-2003 5er) but has plenty of applicable information:
bmwtips.com

Mark Wong

Link: Here is a list 'Scott' made of E38 common problems.

This is J.Carey’s list of things to check:
Has the radiator been replaced? If so, when?
Are the pixels working in the instrument cluster display and MID?
Does the front suspension making any noises? Any work done to it?
Have the water pump/thermostat been replaced yet? If so, when?
Have the catalytic converters been replaced?
Check the function of every electrical do-dad before you buy it. They can drive you nuts and cost plenty out of warranty to get right. Seat controls and memories (and steering wheel memory modules) fail from time to time so makes sure these work. CD changers, radio, NAV.
Check window shades for noise and/or function,
Radio AM/FM good reception or not? If the windows are tinted make sure about AM reception.
Plus all the normal used car stuff: brakes, engine oil leaks, power steering function and leaks, coolant leaks and running temp, AC/Heat function, tires, wheels, exhaust.

And here are some differences 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 moon roof instead. (No 740i, just the 740iL and 750iL.)

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

1998
DSC became available. 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, crystallized tail lamps, 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. After 9/00 production they changed to a wide navigation screen.