Failures:-
Both Catalysts starting breaking up at 116k - replaced 1 under warranty.
Broke down one wet night due to failure with ECU. Recovered to local dealer who diagnosed and replaced ECU and dashboard clocks at 81k.
Rust formed round bottom of both front doors seams and middle of
rear doors. All repaired under BMW anti corrosion warranty at 125k.
Partially seized front brake caliper at 112k.
Started to leak oil from around sump/timing chain cover at 126k.
Radio reception faded to nothing. replaced ariel booster at 126k.
Washer bottle leaked from pump gasket from day one.
Wiper motor failed at 118k.
Other Things:-
Headlight lenses and windscreen replaced.
New satellite navigation disc.
New Traffic master key code.
Front spolier painted.
New park distance control sensors.
Replaced all front suspension bushes, shocks and springs.
Replaced rear springs and lower and upper arms.
This is my third E38 7 series, a good car that is on the whole built well. The car is quite economical on fuel, but is very expensive to maintain, much more so than my partners 1996 Mercedes S280.
Main dealers attitudes do vary, I travel 20 miles to a very helpful one even though there is one under a mile from my house.
Very easy to drive with an excellent chassis. A good specification which can me made endless with a few extra pounds.
Can be made to perform like a racer when the mood prevails, but also makes journeys pass unflustered for hours on end.
A Highly recommended Luxo-Barge.
Wow! Thanks for the list of problems! Now I know what to expect from my 740il that I bought secondhand! Still an awesome car, though!
I bought an early 1998 740 with 150K on the clock. It runs like a dream, and apart from oil and filter changes and new tyres - all expected running costs, the only problem I have had is a failed electronic thermostat.
For anyone looking for a giant of a car that will go on forever, then I can recommend it.
It can be heavy on juice around town, but the joy of touring is back! The miles slide by, un-flustered. What you spent on petrol you have already saved on the low resale value of these 8-10 year old models, which are surely under-valued.
Does anyone else think that they depreciate too fast for what they offer?
I have owned about 6 or 7 BMW's in my time, so I guess you could say I love the BMW. 320I (3), 325e, 325i, and now 740i.
I have not had many issues with my previous cars, but the 740i (1999) is another breed.
I believe it depreciates because it's:
a) Complex to repair
b) Certain things in the interior of the car are VERY cheaply made (my 7 year old broke the glove box with ease, and the rear air conditioning console - a 7 year old!!).
I've had it 4 years now and I've had to replace the radiator (and hoses) - 2500, along with the regular maintenance (Oil, brakes, etc.).
Luckily I do have a mechanic (certified BMW no less) I trust who has informed me of the 740's quirks.
Don't get me wrong, the car drives excellent.
And the looks I get while driving are priceless.
And I have no problem keeping it for the rest of my life.
I thought about getting an X5 (2002) with 67k miles on it (for only $14,500), but I just READ the X5 Threads...
OUCH is all I can say..
Very scary..
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