Ok guys, I have an E28 an decided to stop using it as a daily and got my hands on this 740il with the usual and dreaded timing chain guides noise (I think it also has the vanos rattle). So after reading up and the procedure and checking parts list I made a parts order last night and also ordered the besian vanos seal kit (with their picks and the pressing tool). That should take care of the engine as I have all service records back to 2005 (when the guy that I bought it from got it). I have a question regarding the radio/navigation unit. It has the small screen unit but currently shows a white screen that you can see some diagonal lines. Is this a head unit issue or does it have to do with the trunk unit? The radio works and you can hear music (badly, sounds like blown subwoofers) but you can't see a thing. I've read about the wide screen unit and there is one locally that I can get but need to know if this problem is something bigger.
20180915_103104 by Jimmy Moreno, on Flickr
Looks like there is an ABS sensor or two that might need replacing (ABS and DSC lights on)
Also, the display under the speedometer can barely be read so I'm guessing this is the ribbon cable the needs to be replaced.
20180915_113807 by Jimmy Moreno, on Flickr
My glove box latch seems to be detached (had to get my hand under and pull the cable to open it but I'm not sure if a part is missing. I did also notice that the owners manual fells like it was soaked at one time so not sure if this area is prone to leaks.
20180915_103732 by Jimmy Moreno, on Flickr
Body looks good, need to put new shoes (I have some Mille Miglia wheels that I might put on it, staggered) and polish or replace the headlight lenses.
Need your knowledge and advice!
Last edited by jimoreno; 09-15-2018 at 11:49 AM.
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
So after 90+ views with no replies I did some more searching and found out the following:
1. White NAV screen usually means a dead navigation computer so got my hands on an MKIV and it's on the way along with a wide screen
2. Ordered the screen with the silver cable from PixelFix and cleared the engine code which was P2011 (advanced intake cam, bank 1) which could be timing guide related so will wait until do all of the TCG/Vanos seals work.
3. Got my hands on a used glove box latch and ordered the small gas cylinders to fix it
4. Ordered some small replacement parts for the center console, center tray where phone would go, the storage cube under the door right under the armrest and also ordered the coin storage replacement for the ash tray and I don't smoke (and no one will ever smoke in my cars!)
5. Also ordered the clean air channel as one flap was broken and the other one is not to far behind (also found the write up for changing which seems easy enough)
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
the cones on the rear deck speakers are likely degraded
wetness in glovebox and passenger footwell area in general points to a clogged sunroof drain or disconnected drain line. get to that ASAP before it ruins all the fuses and splices beneath the passenger footwell carpet
I have threads with almost 600 views and no comments so don’t worry! Keep updating your thread and people will chime in, even if just to bust your balls about something.
As above definitely check the sunroof drains and even pull up the passenger side carpet to see if there’s any water under there. It can be a real mess. And for the rear deck speakers that are probably blown, search for Monsoon upgrade to replace them with some VW speakers.
Enjoy the car and the guides job. I did it on my car right after purchase. Was an adventure but not difficult, just time consuming doing it for the first time.
Add this site to your favorites/bookmarks: http://www.e38.org/ ...and learn how to do a page search (if you don't already...which is Ctrl+F).
The e38.org page has lots of DIYs for the e38/e39 that has been accumulated over the decades. Many common issues have been discussed/covered and have solutions etc. Just do a page search and type in a key word or phrase to quickly find links that may cover the topic you're looking for information about. A google search using the same method (add BMW e38 7 series if nothing comes up) is also usually quicker than using the forum's search feature.
And if you need parts or part nbrs...use the online part databases to look up the correct part you need...then use the 11 digit BMW part nbr to shop/search for that part. That helps rule out incorrect parts that may have changed during the production run...but may be sold using the same model nomenclature.
Good luck.
Three of my favorite online part databases for looking up diagrams, parts, part nbrs, deconstruction/reconstruction, etc:
Last edited by Qsilver7; 09-18-2018 at 11:01 AM.
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2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)
Thanks guys! I have been searching and reading everywhere to get a solid understanding of the work with the guides. I've even watched a couple of Youtube videos. I did the vanos seals in my son's E46 so I've done something similar bit not both sides at the time! Preparation and making sure I have everything is key!
I'll check on the sunroof drain to see if it's plugged. It did surprise me to find the manuals dry but looked like they were soaked at some point. My other toy (and current daily driver) is a 1986 535i that has been great to me since I got it 12 years ago from the original owner. Here is a pic:received_10207895612122778.jpeg
And of course, here are a couple from the E38 (I haven't even washed it yet!)
Black 2000 BMW 740il.jpgBlack 2000 BMW 740il_rear.jpg
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Love your e28! I know people go crazy over euro bumpers, but I love the beefy "chin" of us-spec IS valance. I can't decide if I want e28 or e30 as my next project car... when my kids get a little older.
And your e38 looks clean too
Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)
I am curious to hear how your glove box latch repair goes. I picked up my first E38 this summer and the latch wasn't working properly. After reading a few forum posts and a DIY, I determined I could get my latch working better by fixing the the position of the bowden cable sleeve where it meets the glove box latch mechanism. Still doesn't work perfectly, but at least I can open/close the glove box now. I am proceeding with other repairs before I go back and revisit the glove box.
BTW, my car came with the MKII and 4:3 display. Swapping out the MKII for a MKIV was relatively easy; I have the widescreen display sitting in my garage waiting for me to tackle the installation of it this weekend. Coding of the NAV unit was necessary (I used NavCoder + Resler interface + custom Y-cable for IBUS access from the CD changer).
Good luck with your projects!
Congrats on the new car. You are well on your way to fixing it up. Your follow up post was on the money with the fixes.
You are right near me! I'm in Riverview. I've done the chain guides on my car. I have a crank holding tool if you need it, a 3/4" breaker bar, and the 27mm socket ( you will need a long pipe for the breaker bar). I can also help you out if you get stuck, although I don't have vanos. PM me if you need help.
'98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
'04 330i ZHP sedan | Mystic blue | Alcantara | 6MT | 120k
'00 540i sport | Titanium silver | Black | 5AT | 152k
'85 Mustang GT convertible | Medium charcoal metallic | Gray | 5MT | 216k | one owner, all original
mods: m-pars | Bilsteins & B&G springs | ValentineOne | StealthOne
retrofits: full nav | MKIV | bluetooth TCU | BM53 w/ AUX input | video module w/ AV input & backup cam | oem sirius xm | xenon | shades | PDC | rain sensor | BMW DWS TPMS | lighted door handles | front seat heaters | heated steering wheel | euro rear fog lights | ski pass | folding mirrors
UPDATE!!!
So I've done the following things on the car:
1. Replaced driver door window regulator and found cracked/blown speakers (order replacements from Parts Express)
2. Replaced navigation unit with MKIV and my screen greeted me with a BMW logo and a working screen! Radio doesn't shut off every minute or so now.
3. Replaced all timing chain guides and found out that the drivers side guide was broken in 3 pieces along with no plastic left on the V part.
4. Replaced VANOS seals while I was in there.
5. Radiator was 10 years old and although it wasn't leaking it had a mysterious white powder (oxidation) along the left side so decided to order a new one.
6. Received new screen with silver ribbon cable for dash display (hopefully will work on this one of these evenings)
7. Sent the ABS module to get re-manufactured as it has the trifecta of yellow lights (ABS,DSC,Brake)
Engine is almost buttoned up (I forgot to order some gaskets that arrive tomorrow) so hopefully the engine should be running next weekend!
Next on the list is registering the car and getting some new shoes, then hit the pick-a-parts for a modern TCU to have Bluetooth phone in the car (already have the antenna and cable)
Last edited by jimoreno; 10-02-2018 at 08:53 AM.
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Wow, that's an incredible progress! Great job.
Current: 2007 Z4 M Coupe (blue/black)
Previous: 2001 740iL Sport (black/black), 2000 528i Sport (black/tan), 1995 318is (black/black), 1991 318is (white/black)
So engine is buttoned up and complete when you look at it from the top but unfortunately yesterday around noon I snapped the connector from the transmission cooler to the return pipe that goes to the water pump inlet so I couldn't put coolant in it to crank it. But it has oil and everything is on an ready. Still pending on the "to-do" list is replace all door speakers (which I already have), confirm dimensions on rear woofers to order replacements, adjust the glove box after installing the two gas springs and get to a pick-a-part to grab a TCU to make the phone Bluetooth enabled (almost forgot, install the antenna and the SES Voice module)
So far the engine looks like this:
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
Where did you send the ABS mOdule off to? And what part number did you order for the glove box. Thanks in advance. There is a ribbon with a small plastic piece that is attach to it that snap in half.
I bought a repair auction on Ebay from ModuleRepair for $99. They did send me a complete report with the errors they found and apparently they "test drive" it. The glove box struts are two:
They are number 11 and 14, the strap you mention is number 21. Parts number are here:
[url=https://flic.kr/p/2c5pnrB]
And Frankie has a great write-up on fixing the glove box here.
Jimmy Moreno
BMW CCA 115551
1986 535i, Arctic Blue
2012 X5 XDrive 501, Sparkling Bronze Metallic
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