I like how they look, and there seem to be lots of cheap ones around, but is buying one a good idea? I have heard that they need regular transmission rebuilds, but I don't know how long they normally last. Also, are the seats the same in all of them? Most of the ones I have seen have very slippery leather, and I haven't driven one but that seems like it would get annoying.
They dont' need regular trans rebuilds. Mine was still on it's original fluid at 185k and in great shape.
What they need is cooling system attention. The radiators are good for about 70k miles, but cost $150 and take about 15 minutes to swap out. The expansion tank costs about $50 and takes 5 minutes to swap out. The water pumps might make 120-140k miles, cost about $150-200 and take about a half hour to swap out. All with regular hand tools.
The front suspensions tend to start wearing at about 100k miles, and need tie rod ends and upper control arm bushings (aka thrust arm bushings).
There are two differnt seats available for them, the Comfort seats (like mine had) and the Sport seats. Both of them are comfortable for long distances and both hold you in during cornering, thogu the Sport seats are better for that. you only find the Sport seats in the '99-01 740I Sport (not in the 740iL or 750iL Sport, BTW). But the 740i Sport gets you a 3 spoke fat steering wheel, steptronic trans with better programming, 3:15 rear end ratio, shorter springs, and the shadowline trim.
I owned mine for 5 years and it was one of the best cars I've ever had. Fast, comfortable, and agile, getting more agile and feeling smaller around you the faster you went. Check out my website for more info:
Decent ones seem really cheap actually.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/3566935691.html
140k. Runs smooth. Everything works. A/C blows ice cold. I have maintained this car compulsively. Here's the list: ALL parts used were Genuine BMW or OEM. No aftermarket cheap stuff. -Rebuilt Transmission -New ABS/DSC control unit -New Brake booster -New brake fluid, flushed. -New Bosch MAF -New Front and rear Bilstien HD Shocks -New front and rear shock mounts -New front traction struts with bushings -New rear control arms -New Sway bar end links -New center drag link and new tie rod ends. -New Radiator -New cooling hoses and BMW coolant -New Power steering hoses -New Power steering reservoir -New Fuel Filter -New rear window regulator -New front door handle bowden cable -K&N Air filter -New Oil filter and new Mobil 1 5w30 Synthetic -NEW TIRES Michelin Sport A/S Plus on factory staggered M-Parallel rims, 18". -New lower engine covers
Options and Features: -Steptronic transmission -16:9 Widescreen navigation system -1:3.15 sport differential -Climate Comfort windscreen -Heated leather 18-way power sport seats -Shadowline trim -Sport springs -4.4L V8 -324lb/ft torque, 282 HP. -Glass tilt sunroof. -Anti-theft system -Rans-sensing wipers -Automatic dual zone climate control -Power everything -Cold weather package: heated seats and headlamp washers -Self-leveling Xenon headlamps
the bad: -CD changer does not work. -Some pixels on the digital dash readout are not illuminated. -Airbag light is on, but all airbags are fine and will deploy when needed. -water pump seems to be going out.
I have also just recently replaced the radiator, thermostat, spark plugs, aux fan, and brand new intake system! i have receipts for all work done to vehicle. this car is ready to sell! please call or text 408 806 7123 or email if interested.
That one has most of the work already done. It's about the same mileage that mine was when I got it, but mine had no reciepts so I replaced all those things on spec.
Don't know about the airbag light, though, that might be an issue.
Dead pixels is normal, I'd leave them be. Looks like it has teh updated nav system which means easy ipod integration. Water pump for that one is $119 and easy to swap out:
water pump from oembimmerparts
it looks to be a true sport, with the right parts. Fun cars.
I'm guessing all BMW's of that era were subject to similar electronic gremlins. Our '97 M3 was constantly throwing a SRS (Supplemental Restrain System/Airbag) code. It was a wonky passenger seat belt sensor. After having the dealer replace it twice (@ over $300 a pop), my g/f bought a Peake reset tool and just got used to resetting it every month or so. The car was sold in late '04, so I don't know if any new fixes have come along.
i want to build one like in the first Transporter movie v12 5spd 
Ian F wrote: I'm guessing all BMW's of that era were subject to similar electronic gremlins. Our '97 M3 was constantly throwing a SRS (Supplemental Restrain System/Airbag) code. It was a wonky passenger seat belt sensor. After having the dealer replace it twice (@ over $300 a pop), my g/f bought a Peake reset tool and just got used to resetting it every month or so. The car was sold in late '04, so I don't know if any new fixes have come along.
A $0.12 cent resistor permanently fixes that.
The info here is good so far, but don't believe the BMW 'lifetime fill' trans fluid bullcrap. Plan on doing a filter change and drain/fill if it hasn't been done in the last 50k. They seem to burn out around 180-200k if it hasn't been done. My dad's E39 went 202k on the original 'lifetime' fluid and you could feel a HUGE difference after I changed the fluid and filter.
SlickDizzy wrote: The info here is good so far, but don't believe the BMW 'lifetime fill' trans fluid bullcrap. Plan on doing a filter change and drain/fill if it hasn't been done in the last 50k. They seem to burn out around 180-200k if it hasn't been done. My dad's E39 went 202k on the original 'lifetime' fluid and you could feel a HUGE difference after I changed the fluid and filter.
Most of the guys on the E38 board recommend the BG service at around the 100k mark. You get to mileages like mine had and you run the risk of dislodging gunk and actually making the trans worse, though it's a small risk. But yeah, if you find one around 90-120k miles, it's a good idea to have it done.
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