What to do first on my 750iL with 66k miles

[Ssg510]

Just picked up a super clean 97 750il. I have known about the car and owner for ten years. Has all records, no major problems, serviced regularly. I have been reading as many posts as possible trying to figure what I should do to make the car as reliable as one can make these cars. What should I do and in what order. Cosmetically the car is really perfect. I know the radiator is a concern. Should I replace it now. Radiator and ps hoses have been replaced. Some pixels are bad. Please tell me what to do first. Thanks

[rdorman]

Enjoy it! That is first. Seriously with those records you are probably just fine.

[Ssg510]

Thanks. Actually the wife will be driving it most. We had been looking to buy a new car for months. Never could pull the trigger on anything new. The car came up for sale sat night and I purchased it Sunday within hours. Never driven in the snow and he said it was only driven in the rain ten times in the last ten years. I know it will take money to keep it going and I am prepared for it. Really love the ride.

[purplecty]

Great pickup! Ide be driving that bad boy!!! Too much engine for a lady...

[Actros617]

Me, who is seriously paranoid about ZF 5hp30 transmission, would do a trans fluid change, now been amlost 15 years old and at 66k miles it at its ripe age to get changed out. Just make sure you get the right fluid and FILTRAN transmission filter. BTW Nice find!

[Ssg510]

Me, who is seriously paranoid about ZF 5hp30 transmission, would do a trans fluid change, now been amlost 15 years old and at 66k miles it at its ripe age to get changed out. Just make sure you get the right fluid and FILTRAN transmission filter. BTW Nice find!

Thanks. This is the kind of advice I'm looking for. Was shocked to see what these cars sell for now but after doing my research can understand the low prices. I would be more hesitant had I not know the owner and car. Records show drive belts, both radiator hoses, p.s. line coolant hose replaced at 57k. Front and back pad wear sensors replaced and brake fluid and anti freeze changed. Plugs and ign checked, not replaced. New pads at 47k. Air bag light on but is the passenger sensor. Nothing much more than that. Will be taking a 1500 mile trip next month and want to be safe. I usually put some money into a car like this when I get it to be sure what I have. Should I do all fluids inc diff etc? What about the radiator, plugs, ignition. Should I drop the oil pan and check the bolts for the oil pump. The po used mobil 1 syn oil. What do you guys reccomend for oil, filter, trans fluid and filter. I guess nothing special to change the oil in this beast or is there? I've got the bug and have been looking at some sweet 2001 740i sport cars which I think look better than the li. Thanks so much for the help.

[S.Hafsmo]

Make sure you don't have a coolant leakage before your road trip. I've had 2 leaks so far. One in the trans cooler termostat, and one on the exp. tank deaeration nipple.
I'd also check the alternator voltage and battery condition before the trip, as these cars need a steady, proper voltage (my M73 gives approx. 13.7V on a new alt.).

[VegasA6]

So how much does a 750il with 66k sell for these days might I ask? Get some coilovers and you can adjust your suspension to the stance that you want and that will give you the look of the Sports if not better.

[Ssg510]

Well before I knew what they go for I thought I had a great deal. I paid $10000 for it and think I stole it. Seems to be at the top end for these cars if not more but I have my eyes wide open and accept the maintence costs. This car is truly exceptional. Engine bay regularly cleaned. Just scared it was not driven enough but I'm taking care of that. I'll get some photo. What do you guys think about the price? Doesn't matter if I paid twice what it is worth, I still think I got a deal!

[rdorman]

Thanks. This is the kind of advice I'm looking for. Was shocked to see what these cars sell for now but after doing my research can understand the low prices. I would be more hesitant had I not know the owner and car. Records show drive belts, both radiator hoses, p.s. line coolant hose replaced at 57k. Front and back pad wear sensors replaced and brake fluid and anti freeze changed. Plugs and ign checked, not replaced. New pads at 47k. Air bag light on but is the passenger sensor. Nothing much more than that. Will be taking a 1500 mile trip next month and want to be safe. I usually put some money into a car like this when I get it to be sure what I have. Should I do all fluids inc diff etc? What about the radiator, plugs, ignition. Should I drop the oil pan and check the bolts for the oil pump. The po used mobil 1 syn oil. What do you guys reccomend for oil, filter, trans fluid and filter. I guess nothing special to change the oil in this beast or is there? I've got the bug and have been looking at some sweet 2001 740i sport cars which I think look better than the li. Thanks so much for the help.

Go through the records and record the findings here: http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/e38mc.pdf

Fill in any gaps. Have and inspection done on the car. Use only LT71141 approved trans fluid and Filtran filter. Oil if you are going Mobil 1 use the 0W-40 as it is the only one that is LL-01. Mann/Mahle oil filters. When you change the oil, send in a sample for analysis to alert you to any possible severe internal issues. You can do the same with trans and diff fluid as well. Blackstone Labs is one that offers the service. If you are going to be preemptive about the radiator and expansion tank, also replace the cap and bleeder screw and keep the old one as a spare (many carry a spare exspansion with them as they are prone to failure). Use BMW coolant. It is 100% so you will have to mix it with distilled water to get the 50/50 ratio you want. I don't recommend throwing a bunch of money at it until you have an inspection done. You will find that with a good code reader and a bentley manual the cars are not difficult to work on.

[mikeysentra]

Trans flush, all fluids, check for coolant leaks. I had a leaking hose and expansion tank when i bought mine at 99k miles and replaced the radiator, expansion tank, hoses. Still keeping an eye on the waterpump but so far so good at 110,000. I did a trans flush (filtran filter, valvoline max life atf) ALL other fluids, sparkplugs, both batteries and all front suspension components other than the edc shocks when i bought it. The car has been flawless but the initial investment was steep.

Sent from my DROIDX using BF.com

[dumpedE38]

Even though the belts and some hoses were replaced at 57k, do a visual and check to see if there are no cracks or anything unusual since 57k could of been a few years ago. Good luck on finding that gem. I would pay $10k was fair for the condition you stated. Its even better that you actually know the person. I would get get a 750 if the right P-model popped up.

[serious7series]

Go through the records and record the findings here: http://www.bavauto.com/Assets/inst_pages/e38mc.pdf

Fill in any gaps. Have and inspection done on the car. Use only LT71141 approved trans fluid and Filtran filter. Oil if you are going Mobil 1 use the 0W-40 as it is the only one that is LL-01. Mann/Mahle oil filters. When you change the oil, send in a sample for analysis to alert you to any possible severe internal issues. You can do the same with trans and diff fluid as well. Blackstone Labs is one that offers the service. If you are going to be preemptive about the radiator and expansion tank, also replace the cap and bleeder screw and keep the old one as a spare (many carry a spare exspansion with them as they are prone to failure). Use BMW coolant. It is 100% so you will have to mix it with distilled water to get the 50/50 ratio you want. I don't recommend throwing a bunch of money at it until you have an inspection done. You will find that with a good code reader and a bentley manual the cars are not difficult to work on.

Does all this advice (like the part numbers) apply to 2000 or 2001 750iL's? I'm in the market for one and this all sounds like great tips.

[rdorman]

Does all this advice (like the part numbers) apply to 2000 or 2001 750iL's? I'm in the market for one and this all sounds like great tips.

Applies to all E38's in general. Don't but one without a PPI. You will know what you are getting into and it works as a bargaining chip. If the owner will not let you get a PPI, walk away. If there is no service history then you should assume that it is time for all that to be done so keep that in mind.

[serious7series]

Applies to all E38's in general. Don't but one without a PPI. You will know what you are getting into and it works as a bargaining chip. If the owner will not let you get a PPI, walk away. If there is no service history then you should assume that it is time for all that to be done so keep that in mind.

good to know. thanks!

[shled]

Drive it.
Windows down, stereo off, lock to lock, idle to WOT. It'll talk to you.
But with 6x,xxx miles you have time...

[Ssg510]

After taking all the advice I have been working on base lining the car. Thanks to the great information found here I dropped the oil pan to check the oil pump. Guess what? sure enough it was starting to get loose. So glad I found this forum. Tightend it up. Going to try to take it on the 1400 mile round trip this weekend. We will see how she does. Thanks for all the help.

[79howard]

1400 miles is a long trip, but not in a 750. You will love every single mile. Enjoy, but we still need pics.:buttrock

[COOPERDB]

The first thing you should do is ---


Post Some Pictures ---


Sounds like a great find ---