New engine or repairable?

[jlouis25]

I'm currently looking at 2 740i both are of yr 2000, one has a timing chain damage, condition is fair, many bumps and scratches, sunroof doesn't work, and the radio seems to work but the full screen radio/gps display is dimmed and not showing anything, this car has the M staggered sports wheels which is the main reason I was interested in it, seller is asking $450 cash for the whole car. Second car is in good conditions, but have been sitting for over a year, apparently some harness got eaten by rodents when owner parked the car in a garage in a yard while on vacation, car doesn't start and condition is known to be electrical. This car also has the M sports rims with a nice black leather interior and a full screen gps unit. Asking price is $900. I'm interested in buying both cars, keep the wheels/rims and sell for parts. First car has 175K and the other around 110K, I was wondering if you guys think any of these cars is worth an investment or sell for parts. I'd appreciate any inputs you may all have. I currently own a nice 2001 740iL with 138K, and looking to keep it and upgrade a few things....

[Andrey 740IL]

I would buy both. Two sets of M-pars wheels will cost more. Why we don't have any good deals here in Oregon haha

[garycw]

I'd get both if had the room & time.
My concern is are all these 2000-2001 e38's going to have a timing chain guide issue?? As well as vanos problems? My 2000 is pretty much in perfect cond w/131k miles & always garaged. That's not by accident $$$ it's well maintained. Just worried about the timing chain that seems so common if not inevitable pushing over the limit on repair costs. This is not something I'd want to do myself either.

[jlouis25]

I feel very lucky to run into these 2 cars. The one with damaged harness is in very good conditions and I feel that it could be repaired. I'll post updated pictures and more details of the cars when I pick them up this weekend and just let me know if anyone needs anything. Would also appreciate any advice any of you may have on how to go about if in case I want to try and repair one.

[NordmanMg]

I would already had them on my driveway

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Get both, fix 110k miles car and keep it

[dannyzabolotny]

Get them both. That's crazy cheap for two cars. The timing chain guide process has been written about many times, it's really not difficult, just time consuming.

Even if you part both out you'll triple your investment easily.

[jlouis25]

I'll give it a shot. The black one for sure is in a much better physical conditions and has a much lower mileage. I'll update you all when I start troubleshooting the harness problems that's keeping the car not to start. I'll be switching the M sports wheels with mine and parting out the one with timing chain issues.

[roys740]

WIN WIN, buy both. Part one out for money to repair the other.

[clarkitect]

Lol. "Honey, the guys on the forum said I should totally get both cars. It only make sense"!

I'd get both...

[jlouis25]

I'm getting both.. but I don't have the time and the space to work on all these cars. so I'll be parting out quick to raise the funds for to repair the other...

[jlouis25]

Quick update. So I was able to pick up the 01 silver 740i with busted Timing Chain on Thursday evening. Honestly, besides the M-Sports wheel, the car's physical conditions and the mileage at 175K wasn't worth the repair hassle for me, since I didn't really have the space to work on the car, and I still have the black 01 740i sport to pick up next week. I decided to swap the rims with my current 740il that I'm driving, and part out the car. Put it on Craigslist this afternoon and already have a buyer for it next week. This is what my ride looks like now after the wheel upgrade. Next it to get the lowering kits..

562908


562907

[purplecty]

Quick update. So I was able to pick up the 01 silver 740i with busted Timing Chain on Thursday evening. Honestly, besides the M-Sports wheel, the car's physical conditions and the mileage at 175K wasn't worth the repair hassle for me, since I didn't really have the space to work on the car, and I still have the black 01 740i sport to pick up next week. I decided to swap the rims with my current 740il that I'm driving, and part out the car. Put it on Craigslist this afternoon and already have a buyer for it next week. This is what my ride looks like now after the wheel upgrade. Next it to get the lowering kits..

<img src="http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=562908"/>

<img src="http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=562907"/>

Nice upgrade! Get those tires swapped...

[jlouis25]

"Get the tires swapped"? could you give me a little more info? are they the wrong size, type?
Nice upgrade! Get those tires swapped...

[purplecty]

The fronts looks badly worn on the outer edge of the driver side at least in your pic...

[jlouis25]

Oh Yes, I know, that one tire on that front side is the worst one of the 4 set. I'm definitely getting new sets of tires.. #TaxRefund... lol.

The fronts looks badly worn on the outer edge of the driver side at least in your pic...

[purplecty]

Oh Yes, I know, that one tire on that front side is the worst one of the 4 set. I'm definitely getting new sets of tires.. #TaxRefund... lol.


Tire rack has great deals! Sometimes you can get better deals locally as they will include mount and balance with the purchase...

[jlouis25]

Great. I'll be looking at what kind of deals they might give me. I like Michelin, would you recommend anything else.

Tire rack has great deals! Sometimes you can get better deals locally as they will include mount and balance with the purchase...

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Could you guys please, give me a little options on what kind of coils and plugs I should get for my 01 740iL. Time for a tune, am currently in the process of replacing the CCV. :) Fun stuff..

[TxDarth]

I like Conti's and Toyo's never had good luck with Michelins lasting.........

[NordmanMg]

Great. I'll be looking at what kind of deals they might give me. I like Michelin, would you recommend anything else.


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Could you guys please, give me a little options on what kind of coils and plugs I should get for my 01 740iL. Time for a tune, am currently in the process of replacing the CCV. :) Fun stuff..

I don't think you going to like the coast of replacing the coils, see if you can swap workable ones from parts car

[kouks]

Unless you are getting a misfire, there is no reason to replace a coil, it's working. Just replace the coil boots if they look worn or burnt. There are all types of recommendations for plugs, but the basic copper ones the car came with OEM are perfect.

[jlouis25]

I had a reputable Bimmer mechanic checked my plugs and coils this weekend and he said the coils look good, but the plugs definitely needs replacing, so I'll just get the plugs.

I don't think you going to like the coast of replacing the coils, see if you can swap workable ones from parts car

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Car currently has Bosch plugs, so I'm looking at getting the same ones or something close to that hopefully
Unless you are getting a misfire, there is no reason to replace a coil, it's working. Just replace the coil boots if they look worn or burnt. There are all types of recommendations for plugs, but the basic copper ones the car came with OEM are perfect.

[TxDarth]

I would go to NGK which was the the original plugs .

[poley]

Lowering? seriously? I have a 138i E46 2002 model. I have a disabled car park permit just so I can open the door far enough to 'fall' into the gorgeous little bugger. And no, its not for sale. Im 68 two artificial knees and one artificial shoulder and wont drive anything else! LOL.