No Affiliation: 2000 BMW 740i Sport Sahara Beige one owner, 106K miles for sale in AZ

[Chamberlin]

Hi guys, just posting another local E38 Sport Shorty for sale to help out any interested parties. I sold my two Sahara Beige 740i's a few months ago, and can't believe there's another one here in Tucson now! If I still had mine, I'd have to buy this one just to say I owned 3 Sahara Beige Sports at once LOL. But for now, I'm all fulled up on BMW projects, so I am going to have to pass on it.

The car below appears to have been purchased in Tucson and remained here its whole life. Original owner recently passed away, and the car is now for sale by a local paint and body shop. I went to inspect the car today and was pleasantly surprised at its originality and unmolested condition. Lots of photos below. I did not have the key as the current owner was not available, but there are some additional photos of the cluster on the Craigslist ad here: https://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/d/2000-bmw-740i/6620413525.html

Here's what I know from the current owner, and from my visit today:

October 1999 build, chassis DN79201

VIN WBAGG8348YDN79201
Type Code GG83
E Series E38 ()
Series 7
Type LIM
Model 740I FACELIFT (USA)
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M62/TU
Displacement 4.40
Power 210
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour SAHARABEIGE METALLIC (443)
Upholstery STANDARDLEDER/BEIGE E36 SANDBEIGE E (N6SN)
Prod. Date 1999-10-27


P337A M Sports package
S202A Steptronic
S204A Shorter final drive ratio
S210A Dynamic stability control
S216A Hydro steering-servotronic
S245A Steering wheel column adjustment,electr.
S302A Alarm system
S319A Integrated universal remote control
S339A Shadow-Line
S358A Climate comfort windscreen
S403A Glass roof, electrical
S416A Roller sun vizor, rear lateral
S431A Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441A Smoker package
S457A Contour seat, front, electr. with memory
S459A Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S473A Armrest front
S502A Headlight cleaning system
S521A Rain sensor
S522A Xenon Light
S609A Navigation system Professional
S640A Preparation f tel.installation universal
S672A CD changer for 6 CDs
S677A HiFi System Professional DSP
S694A Provisions for BMW 6 CD changer
S704A M Sports suspension
S710A M sports steering wheel, multifunction
S780A BMW LA wheel, M parallel spoke
S818A Battery master switch
S845A Acoustic belt warning
S850A Dummy-SALAPA
S853A Language version English
S876A Radio frequency 315 MHz
S925A Dummy-SALAPA
S992A Control of number-plate attachment

I'm going to start off with all of the things of concern:

• original infrared windshield has been replaced with clear glass, but it is BMW OEM glass (this was the worst bummer for me, as I think that's a really cool option - pun intended)
• both rear quarter window slider shades are broken
• typical rear 'Hofmeister' trim piece coming loose on the driver's side rear door frame (what's with that? all 3 of my 740i's had at least one of these broken loose)
• clean crack on front bumper, lower passenger side, likely fixable
• both cabin intake flaps broken as usual
• mild curbing/flaking on all wheels (but not bad overall)
• one back pocket hinge broken as usual
• upper windshield trim piece rotting as usual
• trunk struts shot as usual
• hood struts shot as usual (completely shot!)
• cooling system needs overhaul, minor evidence of coolant spray, possibly expansion tank blew up years ago
• owner states fan clutch needs replacement (felt fine to me)
• owner states needs timing chain tensioner (I did not hear engine running to confirm this)
• engine bay needs a serious cleaning and detail
• assuming engine, steering hoses, and transmission need full refreshing with regard to all the usual stuff
• minor white rub on passenger door (should buff out)
• missing (+) battery cover in engine bay (typical)
• some pitting in Magnesium valve covers (typical)
• cracked fan shroud
• at least one cable inop on both front seats causing twisting in various directions
• brakes seem to be getting down on pad wear from what I could see
• 3 of 4 broken headlight cleaner jets
• needs new roundels front and rear
• glove box latch is probably broken (as usual, seemed stiff, didn't open)

OK, on to the good stuff:

• appears to be a true one-owner car, purchased here in Tucson, very likely garaged kept, going by the condition
• tons of service records from local dealerships
• appears completely original and unmolested - no modifications or outwardly obvious hack-job repairs that I can see
• rare Sahara Beige Metallic (only 224 GG83 740i facelift Sports in this color for N. America)
• interior is in excellent condition
  
  • headliner is perfect
  • cup holder works!
  • OBDII port cover in place
  • leather is excellent
  • driver seat wear commensurate with the mileage
  • med kit intact
  • tool kit complete
  • minimal to no wood cracking or crazing
  • very clean overall
  
  
• Paint is naked, but appears all original (from my short 15 minute inspection)
  
  • definitely will shine up nice with a proper paint correction and sealing
  • couldn't find a single dent (from my short 15 minute inspection)
  
  
• Trim shows some sun weathering, but is not too bad overall
• headlights are not hazed, and appear original
• fog-lights, taillights and turn signals are in good condition
• spare wheel/tire is original, maybe used once
• battery seems new
• soft close trunk works
• dash pixels seem 100%

Unknowns

• don't know how many keys with car
• don't know any accident history
• haven't looked over the service records
• haven't heard engine run
• don't know condition of timing chain guides
• haven't seen undercarriage
• don't know what books are with car
• don't know if windows/sunroof work all ok
• don't know if radio/speakers/GPS head unit are ok
• don't know if suspension is shot

Overall, I think this is a fantastic restoration/refresher car project with nice low miles, one owner with service records. I think the original AZ license plate is on this car from 2000. I like original BMWs like this a lot, and would love to restore it myself, but I've already done three of them, and I'm holding out to only do it once more on an Oxford Green 2001 Sport (if I ever find one suitable). Out of the three I've owned, this is the nicest one, or at least the most original and restoration worthy. A rare, desirable find if you are ready for full M62TU refreshing. I recommend flushing the 5HP24 ASAP too.

The seller's name is Johnny, and his number for texting is in the Craigslist ad. Let me know if you have any questions about my report above. Here are the cell phone pics I took today (sorry for some of the bad photos, in the 106°F heat, my phone was having problems overheating and eventually shutdown).

[clarkitect]

Looks pretty nice! I assume “needs tensioner” means “needs guides” though. Worth saving!

[Chamberlin]

Looks pretty nice! I assume “needs tensioner” means “needs guides” though. Worth saving!

Indeed, that's my thought too. I've got friends in Phoenix that will do the job for reasonable money (forum member & forum moderator here actually), but the car would have to be trailered 130 miles each way.

[rgao007]

I'm nowhere near AZ, but love seeing these posts.

[Chamberlin]

Price is now down to $2800.... Never seen such a nice E38 sport for that cheap.

[Chamberlin]

Somebody buy this before the sun destroys it into oblivion... I don't think the current seller has bothered to cover the car on his lot. It's frustrating to see an Arizona car be garaged all its life (just look at those nice headlights!), and then be left out uncovered to rot.