Jayson's E38 740i: Project Freeway

[jaysonx]

Lightning struck at the opportune time for me and I am now in possession of a 2001 740i with 135k on the clock. A friend at work was getting ready to trade this car in for a brand new 7 series, and he was a bit miffed at the trade-in price that the BMW dealership was offering. I swooped in on the opportunity and picked up this e38 for an amazing price, especially considering the condition. This is a two owner car, with the previous owner purchasing it CPO in 2004. He was very meticulous about this vehicle, and always kept it in very good shape (as the massive stack of records he provide me at time of sale has shown). Some of the services just in the past 2 years includes new tires, new radiator and expansion tank, 8 new BMW coils, new valve cover gasket set, brake flush, pads, thermostat, water pump, fan clutch, starter, the list goes on and on.

The goals for my e38 are to turn it into the ultimate highway cruiser. My work is requiring me to take a 45 mile commute one day a week (each way). I have also been in need of a vehicle that I can take on a 1,400 round-trip to South Carolina a few times a year to visit family. Since my other car is a lease, this vehicle will be perfect for stacking up some highway miles.

I have had a few weeks now to get situated with the car, and here is a cut of what will likely be an ever-evolving list of to-do's.

• Replace Spark Plugs (NGK Iridium IX)
• Replace hoses (in particular the rear / burst hose)
• New Intake Manifold Gaskets
• Upper Windshield Weatherstrip
• Update Navigation Software (I think I have the Mark IV)
• Flush Transmission System
• Replace Diff Oil
• Address lower gaskets (Oil Pan, Transmission, Diff)
• Entire Suspension Refresh (F&R Control Arms, Ball Joints, Bushings, Struts, Springs)
• Brake Upgrade (750il Calipers and Rotors)
• Refresh speakers (rear deck is blown)
• Complete paint correction (cut & polish)
• Powdercoat Wheels - Anthracite or similar
• Repair (minor) lower door and wheel arch rust

Anyhow, enough of all of that and on with the pics! The car drives great, and is already a blast to own.

[ColtonBH]

The paint looks great on it

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[sealbeach740]

My guess is you have a MKIII. Those came with the 16x9 monitor up front.
But, if your Nav says "DVD" on it (in the trunk), then it is a MKIV.

Congrats on the pickup. Looks like a great 7.

[jaysonx]

The paint looks great on it

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It has a bunch of small scratches from going through the automated car wash too many times, but I am going to polish those right out once I get around to it.

- - - Updated - - -

My guess is you have a MKIII. Those came with the 16x9 monitor up front.
But, if your Nav says "DVD" on it (in the trunk), then it is a MKIV.

Congrats on the pickup. Looks like a great 7.

It does say DVD on the drive, but yet on the screen the software version is 3-1/63 and it wouldn't take the 4-1/100 update for Mark IV. Pretty weird.

EDIT: DUH, it does not say DVD, it is a MKIII computer. That would have saved me so much grief the other day - LOL.

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[jaysonx]

Let's replace that old & busted windshield trim!

This trim has def. seen better days, and is making cabin noise when at highway speed.


Start by simply pulling up on the side moldings to remove them (they pop right off, don't worry if a clip comes with it).


Grab the old molding with pliers and pull like crazy until it comes undone.


A sharp razor blade makes quick work of removing any left over rubber or windshield sealant.


Spray the channel with your favorite cleaner (glass cleaner in my case) and clean it out thoroughly.


Apply the new trim - with the help of some grease if needed.


I used a few light taps with a rubber mallet to get some of the more stubborn parts to sit flush. Job well done!

[daniels635turbo]

Nice color combo and a great find. My timing chain guides went at 127k. You will see a STRONG family connection to this problem.
I say take off the pan replace the gaskets and check for guide shrapnel and the oil pump bolts backing out. Bite the bullet and do the timing chain guides and you'll be set for another 150-200k miles.

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[masbury]

Jaysonx;
I was always under the impression that you had to pull the glass to change those window seals. It's really that easy? Say it isn't so...
I have 2 528's that both have crap window seals like yours. I haven't changed them because of the glass removal issue. How hard is it to get the new ones in and will they seal okay?

By the way, good deal on your car. Looking at it, it's hard to believe it's got 213k+ miles on it. I'm keeping my eyes out for an '01 750iL, haven't found the one I want yet, but I keep looking.

Thanks

[jaysonx]

Jaysonx;
I was always under the impression that you had to pull the glass to change those window seals. It's really that easy? Say it isn't so...
I have 2 528's that both have crap window seals like yours. I haven't changed them because of the glass removal issue. How hard is it to get the new ones in and will they seal okay?

By the way, good deal on your car. Looking at it, it's hard to believe it's got 213k+ miles on it. I'm keeping my eyes out for an '01 750iL, haven't found the one I want yet, but I keep looking.

Thanks

Only 135k on the clock - but the car is def in amazing shape! And yes, the upper window seal is super easy, literally did it in 10min. Key is to use vasoline and put it in at a bit of an angle at first, and the rubber mallet helped 'tap' it in. The windshield itself is glued onto the car separately, there is no glue or adhesive that holds the weather stripping in place. Here is the part number: 51-31-8-125-887-M9. And link to where I got it: Pelican Parts

- - - Updated - - -

Nice color combo and a great find. My timing chain guides went at 127k. You will see a STRONG family connection to this problem.
I say take off the pan replace the gaskets and check for guide shrapnel and the oil pump bolts backing out. Bite the bullet and do the timing chain guides and you'll be set for another 150-200k miles.

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I would tackle this job myself if I actually had a garage of decent size. Any idea of what a shop would charge with labor for this? I looked at the how-to and it seems pretty extensive (plus, I don't like dealing with anything timing related).

[Sabreslight]

I would tackle this job myself if I actually had a garage of decent size. Any idea of what a shop would charge with labor for this? I looked at the how-to and it seems pretty extensive (plus, I don't like dealing with anything timing related).

Waaay to much, I think that's the reason alot of people get rid of these cars.

[daniels635turbo]

Read this thread !
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=537015

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[purplecty]

Nice pickup! Looks like it was taken care of...

[jaysonx]

Some long term updates. Did spark plugs!









First of many tries to fix this thing (ended up having to take it off and throw it away due to cracks and warping.

[jaysonx]

Updated NAV software to newer version.



The cabin filters were awful! Also did the charcoal ones under the hood.

[jaysonx]

Got'er up on the lift to do some very light suspension refresh work. Oil leaks have kept the engine rust proof.

[jaysonx]

Time for new intake gaskets, along with PCV valve, associated tubing, coolant hose refresh,
timing chain sensor, injector O rings, and other stuff.





Oh and a Bavsound kit! Now I just need to replace the rear deck speakers...



Replacing the alternator, didn't take pics due to messiness of the job. Also hit 140k!

[jaysonx]

Made the trek from NJ to South Carolina w/ my doggie riding shotgun.




Rear guide links were toast and causing the dreaded 50mph shimmy. Fixed that up with new ones from FCP EURO.

[jaysonx]

Replaced secondary air pump. No more vacuum sounds!

[jaysonx]

Had my M-Pars professionally refinished. They powder coated the insides and did a machine finish on the outer portion, with a fresh coat of clear. Looks amazing!

[Cosmic E38]

Where did you get the wheels done and how much?

[Jimmy E34]

Very nice thread!

[RVAE34]

Fantastic work on this one! Great photo documentation as well. Keep up the great work.

[jaysonx]

Fixing the alignment after the control arm swap. Simple toe adjustment to get it back in spec.

Fantastic work on this one! Great photo documentation as well. Keep up the great work.

Thank you!

[ColtonBH]

Waaay to much, I think that's the reason alot of people get rid of these cars.

If you're willing to head to AZ for the weekend, message dannyzabolotny (hangs out in the e39 section). He's done a dozen or so TCG replacements, and he does them for very reasonable labor compared to shops, I think I know what he usually charges, but I'm not gonna quote prices for him in case I quote wrong.

[jaysonx]

Back at it - this time Valley Pan and Timing Chain Cover Gaskets!



This looks like a mix of oil, coolant, and puke!


All cleaned up


Getting down to the timing chain cover gaskets. What a PITA.



Covers off - my timing chain guides look great for 140k! Must be those regular oil changes & tensioner maintenance.





All cleaned up, ready for valley pan cover and to go back together.

[jaysonx]

Another 750mi trip from NYC area to South Carolina. Scenic Blue Ridge Mountains in Va.



Anddd my rear strut took a crap while driving back. Looks like 17 years, 147k, and northeast winters finally did in the stock struts. Stay tuned!