Potential purchase advise

[grayparatrooper]

Hello all. Looking a 2001 740il here is his description: BMW is in great condition with many extras- Dinan Stage 3 upgrades to Engine,Transmission and Suspension, dinan intake and maf, Recently rebuilt rear suspension, Zionville alloy high capacity radiator with 2 stage electric fan, BSW sound system with 200 watt sub-woofer, M5 style front bumper and folding mirrors. Magnaflow cat back free- flow exhaust. Mark IV navigation system with large screen. 750 added wood interior trim. 750 rear strut brace. Strong Strut titanium front shock tower brace. "Halo" headlights.Trunk lid spoiler and AC Schnitzer rocker panel covers.

It has 115k and he’s owned it for 10 years. Has newer struts with lowering springs and really clean over all. He’s asking 7500 is this a good price if not what’s a good price? He’s a older retired guy local known shop has done most of the svc. The timing chains haven’t been replaced same with tranny fluid etc as he said they work perfect.

[Grady in Texas]

There was a similar one in Houston last year at this time, seller was a frequent poster on here who was transferring overseas. At first I thought you were describing his car. At one point he was at $5,500 but IIRC, he got no nibbles and ultimately sold it for much less to a local indi.

It's a shame but these cars just don't have much value. Still, if you like the car, it is worth it at the right price to you. Also, the difference between the current asking and KBB is what, $2K maybe, plus all the goodies? (I bought mine in 2009 with a Dinan SC and other goodies for $6K drive away from a Audi dealer - wow, 8 years ago.)

[armiller1]

Hello all. Looking a 2001 740il here is his description: BMW is in great condition with many extras- Dinan Stage 3 upgrades to Engine,Transmission and Suspension, dinan intake and maf, Recently rebuilt rear suspension, Zionville alloy high capacity radiator with 2 stage electric fan, BSW sound system with 200 watt sub-woofer, M5 style front bumper and folding mirrors. Magnaflow cat back free- flow exhaust. Mark IV navigation system with large screen. 750 added wood interior trim. 750 rear strut brace. Strong Strut titanium front shock tower brace. "Halo" headlights.Trunk lid spoiler and AC Schnitzer rocker panel covers.

It has 115k and he’s owned it for 10 years. Has newer struts with lowering springs and really clean over all. He’s asking 7500 is this a good price if not what’s a good price? He’s a older retired guy local known shop has done most of the svc. The timing chains haven’t been replaced same with tranny fluid etc as he said they work perfect.

Yeah, unfortunately, our cars don’t sell. Anytime I see someone trying to sell one for more than 5k, I feel bad because they should be worth more. The one I want has less than 100k and didn’t get any offers above 2k. He gave it to his niece and now I’m trying to see if she will sell it to me. I will get it for less than 4K.

Keep this in mind as I am currently waiting to hear back what I will get since mine was totaled. If you get in an accident, it will probably get totaled if 2 or more panels need work. It won’t take much so how invested do you want to be in it? Because it’s really not worth more than 4-5k on paper. Some insurance companies will let you insure it for more, but I know State Farm won’t. That’s the risk you take if you think all the extras are worth it. I still wouldn’t go near 7,500 though.


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[Chamberlin]

Get the tranny fluid changed out, and replace the pressure regulator piston with the $40 kit on eBay....then you're good to go on the transmission side for a while. Drain and fill again after a couple tanks of gas if you really want to do the right thing... You can also add a trans fluid additive on that second fill too.

[grayparatrooper]

I was really thinking along the line of 5k or so is what’s its worth I know it’s kind of a niche car so I’m doubting his doors are getting beat down which is good for me lol. He’s in houston I’m in Dallas I’ve got a couple local with similar miles and condition for 4-4500 but not all the extras like his has. Kbb has excellent condition at about 4 and nada was about 5500 the highest values. If I make it to Houston next week I’ll check it out for sure.

[armiller1]

I was really thinking along the line of 5k or so is what’s its worth I know it’s kind of a niche car so I’m doubting his doors are getting beat down which is good for me lol. He’s in houston I’m in Dallas I’ve got a couple local with similar miles and condition for 4-4500 but not all the extras like his has. Kbb has excellent condition at about 4 and nada was about 5500 the highest values. If I make it to Houston next week I’ll check it out for sure.

I think you’re on the right track. Save some money for preventative maintenance including the tranny recommendation above. I simply swapped the fluid in the pan when the filter was changed. It made all the difference in the world.


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[cyclops2]

Timing chain guide job a must regardless of how it is doing today. I would think even more so since engine has performance items added and presumably they've been used. That is a big job and there are many other things you would address if getting into the TCGs.

I should add though: it is a beautiful car with many desirable add-ons; if you wanted to convert from luxury to sport. which many of us do to some extent here. anyway, it seems very nice.

Issues as you and others have pointed out are: price, trans and TCGs.

[Chamberlin]

Timing chain guide job a must regardless of how it is doing today.

Oh yea! I almost hope that by now everyone considers TCG's a given on the M62's! Glad to have met your buddy Danny at my house over the summer (via BimmerBreaker). I'm selling my two 740i Sports, but I'm bound to get another in the future, so I'm keeping Danny Z on speed dial! LOL

[cyclops2]

Oh yea! I almost hope that by now everyone considers TCG's a given on the M62's! Glad to have met your buddy Danny at my house over the summer (via BimmerBreaker). I'm selling my two 740i Sports, but I'm bound to get another in the future, so I'm keeping Danny Z on speed dial! LOL

Right, TCGs a given regardless of how maintained and how few miles. They are going to fail and it is simply a matter of borrowed time until they go. Best for anyone buying M62 to have this job/expense in mind and budget accordingly. Perhaps a major reason seller is selling because they have obviously invested a ton, but there is a $2k bill looming in the wings.


Danny has been great to work with. He really knows his stuff; a very solid mechanic. He has worked on many BMW doing a wide range of projects. I don't recall how many TCG jobs he has done, but I think 7 or something like that. But I tell you, and other board members, the thing about Danny is that not only is a good mechanic, but he is a very good guy; friendly, reliable, honest, flexible, patient. A very solid guy. It has been a pleasure for me to know him and he has brought my car back from the dead.

Thanks Danny. Anyone in AZ should look him up. For that matter he has even had people from out of state ship there car to him to repair.

[grayparatrooper]

What would a inepedant mechanic charge to the the chain guides on avg? Does it need a shop or can a mobile, mechanic type do it?

[grayparatrooper]

Get the tranny fluid changed out, and replace the pressure regulator piston with the $40 kit on eBay....then you're good to go on the transmission side for a while. Drain and fill again after a couple tanks of gas if you really want to do the right thing... You can also add a trans fluid additive on that second fill too.

Have a link? I can’t find it.

[Chamberlin]

Have a link? I can’t find it.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112317082443

[grayparatrooper]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F112317082443

A bit of a newb what is the purpose of replacing this part

[Chamberlin]

A bit of a newb what is the purpose of replacing this part

The 5HP24 original pressure regulator design is flawed, and over time, the bore that holds the regulator piston gets scored and pressure blow by can occur, potentially damaging the A drum from over-pressure. This aftermarket design fixes the issue, as long as there's no major scoring already. If that's the case, you can just buy a replacement lower front section of the valve body and transfer everything else over. Certainly there can be F clutch delamination, worn clutches, failed input or output speed sensors, failed solenoids, cracked A drum (if you're too late on the pressure regulator), bad torque converter, or problems with the transmission computer. But many times, if the transmission has just been neglected from not changing fluid and filter, and not abused from drag racing etc, the 5hp24 can be revitalized nicely by a new PR and a couple of fluid changes.

[racer2086]

You know, I talked to Erikkson Transmission about that a few months ago and they said that only affects early 5HP24s. The later cars had that resolved. I was thinking of doing it to my '98 and he said that shouldn't be a problem in mine. Dunno

[Chamberlin]

You know, I talked to Erikkson Transmission about that a few months ago and they said that only affects early 5HP24s. The later cars had that resolved. I was thinking of doing it to my '98 and he said that shouldn't be a problem in mine. Dunno

Hmmm, I don't think that's correct as even the guys with the '99-'01 jaguars are having the same problem (same 5hp24).

[racer2086]

That's what I thought. I was thinking that maybe that was my issue with my torque converter, rather than the TC itself, since that plunger can let pressure bleed down. I asked them and he told me I shouldn't have that problem and that ZF fixed that by my year. ??

[nmlss2006]

So wait a moment, you'd advise replacing the pressure regulator valve on *any* 5HP24 when doing a fluid change? I must have not been paying much attention but I haven't seen this mentioned here before...

[racer2086]

Again, I talked to Erikkson in CT, ZF experts, and they told me I was fine, so I haven't done anything.

[georgebest]

Right, TCGs a given regardless of how maintained and how few miles. They are going to fail and it is simply a matter of borrowed time until they go. Best for anyone buying M62 to have this job/expense in mind and budget accordingly. Perhaps a major reason seller is selling because they have obviously invested a ton, but there is a $2k bill looming in the wings.

When you guys replace the TCG do you just put in a new original or there are some better aftermarket out there? Is $2K only for labor? Parts probably around $800 minimum with all new guides, chain, gaskets etc.

[grayparatrooper]

Contacted a indi off cl. Asked about how much to do chain guide he said should probably to something with the vanos as well and quoted 4-6k. I said no way jose. I’m assuming this guy is on some crack ? eBay has a whole kit with various chains seals etc for $400

[Grady in Texas]

Labor! It is a bunch of hours at $xxx/hr. Way cheaper to do it yourself....

Back to the original question - Is this a DD or a weekend car? How many miles will you put on it. Do you really want at E-38 more that something else???

I mean: Knowing nothing, I bought mine as a DD but I bought mine knowing if it died big time, it would be a write off. It's a great car and while not exactly cheap to maintain, it's way less than 72 month car note. But I have a short commute (23K miles in 8 years). I don't have a mystical relationship with it. Probably, if I had to replace it, I'd move on.

Guess you can't over-think this too much. If you want high reliability, get a Asian car. If you want a BMW with huge bang for the buck, get the E-38 for $4K-$5K and cross your fingers the guides don't go (or get an M60). My 2 cents. Grady

PS - And there are wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful folks on here!

[grayparatrooper]

Labor! It is a bunch of hours at $xxx/hr. Way cheaper to do it yourself....

Back to the original question - Is this a DD or a weekend car? How many miles will you put on it. Do you really want at E-38 more that something else???

I mean: Knowing nothing, I bought mine as a DD but I bought mine knowing if it died big time, it would be a write off. It's a great car and while not exactly cheap to maintain, it's way less than 72 month car note. But I have a short commute (23K miles in 8 years). I don't have a mystical relationship with it. Probably, if I had to replace it, I'd move on.

Guess you can't over-think this too much. If you want high reliability, get a Asian car. If you want a BMW with huge bang for the buck, get the E-38 for $4K-$5K and cross your fingers the guides don't go (or get an M60). My 2 cents. Grady

PS - And there are wonderful, knowledgeable and helpful folks on here!

I have a lifted f350 im tired of driving everyday so this would be a dd/2nd car. I had a turbo IS300 for along time as my xtra car and i sold it earlier this year. I've always liked the e38 but always been afraid of the maintenance lol but this one has been taken care of and they seem in general pretty reliable. I dont mind doing preventive type stuff but i dont want something that will always need something or always having an issue i dont have time for that. I currently live close to work but in the next year or so will likely move a little farther away.

[nmlss2006]

racer2086, understood. Waiting for other opinions.

More to the point, given that the part is $35 on ebay, does it hurt anything to replace it when doing the fluid?

[georgebest]

Labor! It is a bunch of hours at $xxx/hr. Way cheaper to do it yourself.... !

I don't know, I think there are limits to shade tree mechanic guys like me. Replacing a timing chain and guides probably requires all kind of special tools what is not worth to buy for one job. Also, probably you can screw it up badly without some experience even if following all the DIYs. It's almost like there is a reason why indies exist