Highest Mileage seen out of the E38

**Dboy7er** · 03-21-2016, 06:25 PM

I have got up to 202,XXX miles and I want to know how much more I can expect from it. What kind of maintenance had to be done on your 7's. Should I think about selling it by now? Its a 2000 740il very clean chrome m pars, black interior, Cosmos Schwartz

I've put new *timing chain guides *Oil sep. valve,*chain tensioners, *beysian systems vanos seals, *new gaskets from lower pan to intake gaskets,*crank case vent valve,*crank sensor,*cam sensors both banks,*transmission service fluid+filter*differential service and I'm sure a lot if other things

**clarkitect** · 03-22-2016, 05:56 AM

I'd keep driving it. If things break, fix them. It'll never just fall apart on you. If it looks good now and you take care of it, it ahould look good later too. Maybe at some point you'll have a major system failure, like the engine or transmission. Those are fixable.

In full disclosure I noticed my mileage was up to 191919 the other day, so at 202k, it'll be just another day in the life.

**likedatyalll** · 03-22-2016, 08:03 AM

I have 346k. History of fixes since new: Valley pan (2x), A/C compressor, Torque converter (still in the process), shocks & struts (installed coilovers), Radiator (2x), water pump, fan clutch, Cam position sensor, and drive shaft bearing. Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far).

You have got so much more to look forward to before anything catastrophic.

**Lamer321** · 03-22-2016, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

I have 346k. History of fixes since new: Valley pan (2x), A/C compressor, Torque converter (still in the process), shocks & struts (installed coilovers), Radiator (2x), water pump, fan clutch, Cam position sensor, and drive shaft bearing. Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far).

You have got so much more to look forward to before anything catastrophic.

346 with no Guides!!! I guess that's what honest and up-kept maintenance will do for you. well played.

**likedatyalll** · 03-22-2016, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Lamer321

346 with no Guides!!! I guess that's what honest and up-kept maintenance will do for you. well played.

Thanks.

**clivesay** · 03-22-2016, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

I have 346k. History of fixes since new: Valley pan (2x), A/C compressor, Torque converter (still in the process), shocks & struts (installed coilovers), Radiator (2x), water pump, fan clutch, Cam position sensor, and drive shaft bearing. Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far).

You have got so much more to look forward to before anything catastrophic.

Holy cow, man. That is awesome!! I guess the mystery of what actually causes guide failure continues. We might find bigfoot before we know for sure!

**roys740** · 03-22-2016, 08:37 AM

that's got to be a record. 346k and no guides done. congrats.

**Qsilver7** · 03-22-2016, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

I have 346k. ... Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far).

This is the thought running through my head:

{hmmm, ok...add index marker to mental rolodex....346k on odometer...M62 engine...original timing chain guides still intact}

**Bmindt** · 03-22-2016, 11:17 AM

It just depends on the motor from what I've heard. I'm not an expert, but from talking to multiple shops they have told me that if you have a non vanos m62 you are putting less strain on the guides and they are far less likely to go bad then an m62 with vanos. I have a 96 740il with 204,000 miles still on the original guides. And hoping not to touch them, but if it happens it happens and it'll just be another thing to fix.

**cbtech** · 03-22-2016, 11:39 AM

398 on my recently retired '97. Still runs, and drove fine, but. Not worth fixing. So stripping it

**oatmealwithwate** · 03-22-2016, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

I have 346k. History of fixes since new: Valley pan (2x), A/C compressor, Torque converter (still in the process), shocks & struts (installed coilovers), Radiator (2x), water pump, fan clutch, Cam position sensor, and drive shaft bearing. Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far).

You have got so much more to look forward to before anything catastrophic.

What are the intervals of your oil changes?

**mboor** · 03-22-2016, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by Bmindt

It just depends on the motor from what I've heard. I'm not an expert, but from talking to multiple shops they have told me that if you have a non vanos m62 you are putting less strain on the guides and they are far less likely to go bad then an m62 with vanos. I have a 96 740il with 204,000 miles still on the original guides. And hoping not to touch them, but if it happens it happens and it'll just be another thing to fix.

I can see the vanos theoretically causing more stress on the guides, but i think there's more to it than that. note** I recently took apart a well maintained M62 non vanos at 150K. The engine was spotless inside, but the guides were in pieces.

my 98 750 hit 210k on the way to work today. I plan on getting it to at least 300K

**xboss** · 03-22-2016, 02:56 PM

I'm @ about 180K on the 750 and it runs like new. Seems like 300 is not going to be a problem.

**NordmanMg** · 03-22-2016, 03:11 PM

Originally Posted by Lamer321

346 with no Guides!!! I guess that's what honest and up-kept maintenance will do for you. well played.

We can make it sounds more impressive by posting it converted to kilometers lol
550000km

**mboor** · 03-22-2016, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by xboss

I'm @ about 180K on the 750 and it runs like new. Seems like 300 is not going to be a problem.

Mine runs like new also. I work at a new car dealership, and the engine is quieter than most of our new cars.

**likedatyalll** · 03-22-2016, 08:19 PM

Originally Posted by oatmealwithwate

What are the intervals of your oil changes?

8-10k Castrol Edge (gold) full synthetic and I have stretched it to 15k a few times (laziness).

I have dropped the oil pan twice to check for plastic bits and nothing so far (fingers still crossed).

**victoriabmw27** · 03-22-2016, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

I have 346k. History of fixes since new: Valley pan (2x), A/C compressor, Torque converter (still in the process), shocks & struts (installed coilovers), Radiator (2x), water pump, fan clutch, Cam position sensor, and drive shaft bearing. Still have not done the timing chain guides (lucky so far). You have got so much more to look forward to before anything catastrophic.

Congrats on your car bucking the trend! 346 is impressive anyway, with or without the guides. Out of curiosity how long have you owned the vehicle?

My car is only a few miles from 275k, I have had the chains done while the top end was rebuild more as preventative measure.

**oatmealwithwate** · 03-23-2016, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by likedatyalll

8-10k Castrol Edge (gold) full synthetic and I have stretched it to 15k a few times (laziness).

I have dropped the oil pan twice to check for plastic bits and nothing so far (fingers still crossed).

I see that the location is in ATL. Was it always in ATL for its lifespan?

**conchiko** · 03-24-2016, 02:39 AM

my brothers 98 540i (same engine as these cars) has over 365k miles on it and no guides replaced. It can be done.

**GMCPaul** · 03-24-2016, 05:15 AM

257,000+ on the 95 and climbing. Of course when it finally gives up the ghost I have others to fill it shoes as a daily driver.

**daytonatrbo** · 03-24-2016, 11:10 AM

I think the "startup rattle" that seems to be more common on the VANOS engines due to the VANOS check valves allowing drainback is the real reason that the VANOS engines (seem to) eat guides more often. The stress on the guides with low oil pressure starts has to be causing them fatigue.

</speculation>

**Knums** · 03-24-2016, 01:04 PM

247k, give or take 500 miles, odo stopped counting for a week or two (wheel speed sensors)

**likedatyalll** · 03-24-2016, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by oatmealwithwate

I see that the location is in ATL. Was it always in ATL for its lifespan?

Yup but more so north GA than ATL. The car used to be driven from Cartersville, GA to Chattanooga, TN everyday for work. Now she is more of a local car.

Originally Posted by victoriabmw27

Congrats on your car bucking the trend! 346 is impressive anyway, with or without the guides. Out of curiosity how long have you owned the vehicle?

Owned since the end of '99.

Time to bring her back to her former glory (new shoes (19"), new paint (hood looks horrible) , new stereo, better front seats... maybe a "facelift").

**bmwphily** · 12-14-2016, 04:35 PM

Hello,

max E38 miles - 506,259 miles, not KM in case listing gone VIN=WBAGJ8329WDM10009

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49512
Stock #: B1376
VIN #: WBAGJ8329WDM10009
Mileage: 506259
Transmission: Auto
Condition: Excellent
Exterior: Alpine White
Interior: Tan

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds...l/1876552.html

**bmwphily** · 12-14-2016, 04:38 PM

owned a 2001 BMW E38 740iL since Nov 2014 @ 139xxx miles now 155xxx miles, White Sports Package, debating if I should sell or not, breaking up is hear to do, but I am getting older. mostly 50 mile round trip no traffic drive avg 25/26 MPG and engine/trans extremely smooth have to learn how to post PHOTOD