Does 2001 750iL M73 have timing chain issues?

[BMW750V12]

Hi,

Looking to buy '01 750 V12, I heard that the V12 bmw engine doesn't have timing chain failures. is that true ? I love bmw cars but when I hear about the timing chain issue and the cost to fix(talking about more than 5k !!) it's really make no scene cuz you basically paying the same price when you bought the car just to fix that issue !! What about swap the engine with M52B28 engine ? Please any ideas ? Thanks in advance.

[tjpike]

Nope, no timing chain guides on the V12. IMO they're more reliable than the V8. But when things break, they can be equally just as expensive to fix because you have two of everything. 2 mafs, two engine management systems. But overall, I'd recommend getting one!

[XAlt]

M73 is far more reliable than the M62.

After the intake manifold gasket job, there's nothing really that big. Don't overheat, keep your cooling system in check, and you won't be having any major repairs. The engine is really just two M20 I6s mashed together and the electronic bits are quite a bit more reliable than their earlier M70 counterparts.


Unboosted M52 swap would leave you underpowered and cost more than 5 grand.

[BMW750V12]

Thank to both of you guys for your help. Much appreciated.

[Calli74]

Just curious - is there anything that one should specifically look out for when looking at the 750's? Common leaking areas? Sounds? Etc?

[XAlt]

Just curious - is there anything that one should specifically look out for when looking at the 750's? Common leaking areas? Sounds? Etc?

Valve covers leak, and occasionally the oil pan.
Expansion tank is same crappy design as the V8.
Intake Manifold = running like shit for days.
Don't overheat, ever.


Otherwise read up on the E38 as a whole. You have an E65, so really this will be a cakewalk.

[Calli74]

LOL - I HAD E65. When it was running 100%, I did enjoy driving it. But too many random things happened all to soon together - got expensive.....got fixed....got sold.