1998 vs. 1999+ BMW 7 Series

[one2sho]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone can tell me the Pro's & Con's of the 7 Series?? What I mean is which is better the Non-Vanos or Vanos model?? Also what years did the non-Vanos models come in?? I'm trying to decide weather to buy another one when I get back to California in Feb 2015.. Also, what is the difference between the I & IL models, other than the length of the car.. Thanks.. Any info is Greatly appreciated..

[Mayorchuck]

Check out e38.org, DIY section of this forum and:

http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e38/bmw_e38_buying_guide.htm

[pizzaman09]

The long wheel base is 5.5 inches longer then the short wheel base model. All of the length is added to the rear seat area, so the rear doors are longer and the rear seat has more leg room. From the back of the front doors forward the cars are identical.

There is a lot of debate on the vanos vs non-vanos motors. The 99-01 740 had the M62TU engine which is the vanos version of the M62 that was found in the 96-98 740. The 95 740 has the older M60 engine The vanos motors seem to be much more prone to the timing chain guide failures, I personally feel this problem is quite blown out of proportion on this forum but it certainly is a real problem. It is one that can be fixed and if it is caught before the chain skips, is not a terrible job. The advantages of the M62TU are higher peak torque and possibly better fuel economy, though it would be 1mpg at most. The M62TU is torquier down low then the M62 but the M62 seems to be better at the top end. This is due to the more restricted intake manifold on the M62TU which can be easily swapped out for better flow for top end power/torque.

I have personally owned a 98 740iL and an 01 740iL, I have never once had a mechanical issue with either car's engine in the 14 or so years my family has had the cars. We have had cooling system issues galore but that is not engine specific and is also an issue on just about every 90s BMW.

There are plenty of pros and plenty of cons to the 7 series. The biggest issue is that once you drive one, you will be hooked, they are addicting cars that are hard to get away from.

[one2sho]

Thanks for the info guy's.. @Mayorchuck, thanks for that link, it has some useful info I can read up on.. I'm still undecided, but with more reading & research, hopefully I will have everything I need to make my decision.. Thanks again...

[shenofjo]

from what i get through the forums, m60 does not have the timing guide issue and as for power, get it chipped from dudmd on this forum and you will be very happy with the power delivery. I personally dont care for the luxury stuff so the nav, leather, interior combos etc dont matter. good luck with search

[barry8108]

I prefer the facelift cars, they just look more modern, and i like the radio screen, even though it can be a pain. But i am hooked on the short sport model, it just looks perfect with the black out chrome and the rake with the M-Pars.

[Jckol]

From what I've heard, the pre-facelift has a stronger transmission and doesn't suffer from the annoying timing chain guide issue. However, the facelift feels nicer inside and looks a little sleeker.

[sealbeach740]

I prefer the facelift cars, they just look more modern, and i like the radio screen, even though it can be a pain. But i am hooked on the short sport model, it just looks perfect with the black out chrome and the rake with the M-Pars.

This. With the Nav (if you're interested), you can add a backup camera, which helps with a larger car like the 7.
But, IMHO, the Sport is the best looking, with the raked stance, shadowline trim, plus the Steptronic tranny, the higher rear diff + stiffer sway bar.

Plus, you can also do the DUDMD tune on a facelift 7, if you wish.

[TheLadiesMan]

I'd go with the 98. The M62TU is an expensive unreliable chunk of aluminum with a horrible valve timing system that knocks like a diesel.

[kouks]

There are plenty of pros and plenty of cons to the 7 series. The biggest issue is that once you drive one, you will be hooked, they are addicting cars that are hard to get away from.

Pizzaman made a perfect comment.

I'd try to find a 2001 if you are in the market. Usually less miles and use. The 99+ also has the new electrical system that can accept more modern mods like iphone hookups, etc. and has NAV, which makes it look more like a modern car. I have a 95 525i with a VANOS in it and it has been bulletproof for over 240,000 miles. Timing chain issue is the same for both engines. The TU does sound a little rougher as it gets older, due to the VANOS, but nothing that would drive me away from the car. The M62 and M62TU are identical motors, except for the VANOS and some additional emission stuff, otherwise the real working parts are the same.

Transmissions are the same also. The 750 version has a better trans. The early 95-97s also have the stronger trans.

Find one with only one or two good owners and plenty of records on maintenance. Prices are all over the place, anywhere from $2-16K, but on average you'll pay around $6k for a nice one, the average ones are going for about $4k now (So Cal prices).

[TheLadiesMan]

Should also mention the non vanos has an air cooled alternator, and not a $500 water cooled one. I've been bitter towards my E38 recently. Every month something breaks.

[purplecty]

Should also mention the non vanos has an air cooled alternator, and not a $500 water cooled one. I've been bitter towards my E38 recently. Every month something breaks.

There are places that rebuild thee water cooled ones for $100-150... Always good to have a spare one laying around

[TheLadiesMan]

Not around here. It's at least $300 to rebuild one

[one2sho]

Thanks for more info guy's.. I have my '99 E38, & i really like it.. so, we'll see when i get back stateside..

[e30luv318i]

Get a v12 problem solved thread over hahahaha

[reckless7]

After having a 98 750, then buying a 2000, 1999, 2001 750s I will never buy a pre 99 again. For me the 99+ is much more responsive and fun to drive. The 1998 was very bland to drive. It also had more issues. For me the fit and finish is unmatched even to a Rolls Royce phantom.