My 2001 750il Chromeline that I bought at auction

[acspecialists]

Well I finally picked up my 750il last night. I had it delivered to Tacoma, Wa about 90 minutes from where I live to save $600 in shipping cost. I found the car at the Copart yard in Albuquerque, NM. I watched it for a couple of weeks with bidding at $200. The day before it rose to $1500 and the day of it was at $1950. There was a buy it now for $2400. I looked at the pictures and ran the VIN and that's about it. While looking into buy it I researched shipping and the cost to go pick it up and drive it home. I had decided that the best option with the least variables was to ship it. Bids for shipping were about $1200 to Tacoma. I discovered that you have to resister with and agency to bid on your behalf. The agency fee was $299 and they manage all of the transactions with Copart. In addtion to the shipping and agency fee's Copart has a fee that is a percentage of the sale. The higher the bid the higher the fee also you will be charged for storage after the first two days at an increasing rate.

So I clicked buy it now and I was in for $2400. Autobidmaster, and Copart fee's brought the total to $3516.00. You have two days to wire the money and your back will charge you $35 for that. After the wire is confirmed they will give you the information to release the car to the shipper. While I was waiting for you bid to be accepted and the wire received I was arranging shipping. All of the shippers that you speak with are brokers, once you agree on an amount you sign a contract and make a deposit. Then they post it on a nationwide shipping board for the shipper to accept the terms and amount. The car was listed as running and driving but it was loaded with a fork lift. So all in with four days of storage I spent about $5,000, a lot more that the $800 I was planning on spending on a 95' that didn't run.

So I picked up the car last night. It was supposed to arrive today but I got a call yesterday afternoon asking me to meet them at 10pm. Prior to this I had heard nothing from the shipping broker in spite of my efforts. The only thing I knew for sure was that the car was picked up Tuesday. Again I had planned to drive the car home, about 80 miles. As there was no one to go with me Friday I decided to rent a car dolly($48). My bother agreed to go with to help load it because it was going to be late and dark. The car was delivered fine and the first start was on the trailer. It took a bit but the car started and the shipper backed it off the trailer. You could not even here the engine run. I pulled it onto the dolly with no problem. One thing that I did not consider is that you should not dolly a RWD car with the engine off(thanks to my brother). So now I was in a weird situation, I would have to tow the car while it was running! We stopped by a petrol station and put some fuel in it and hit the road. I stopped a few times to check the car and make sure everything was fine. The first time I stopped I could not get in because the doors locked from the rear wheel speed. Luckily the passenger door did not lock and I was able to get in. I unlocked the doors and had no problem after that.

Here's a video of the car after I got it home but before I started cleaning it up,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ml9t9tpVqWk

My first impression was a little bit of disappointment. A lot of the interior wood trim is cracked. The more I look at these cars the more lucky I feel about my first one. The car is very dirty but otherwise straight and in good condition. The headliner is down which I expected coming from TX and NM. All of the leather on the dash, doors and seats looks good. A little cleaning and dye and it will be good as new. It looks like both window regulators in the rear need replacement. The MK4 nav is missing so I will pull mine and see what the 16x9 looks like. The SLS has a leaking hose but I expected suspension problems so that no big deal. The front bumper trim pieces are broken so that will be extra. The clear coat on the hood and roof are failing so that will be extra as well. I think the wheels suck and the tires are shot but that was in the plan. So here I go, lots of cleaning and then start picking away at the details.

The reason I bought the car is really just to have a V12. It is the same color as my 740, which is pretty tight. I guess I wanted a bit of a project too. All of the extra details like the chromeline, leather, laminated windows, active seats, SLS, EDC heated wheel and so on I guess was hard to resist. I'm going to start pecking away and may keep it or sell it. I love my 740 so we will see witch one gets the nod first?

[acspecialists]

Her first bath,
KIMG0022.jpg

[TheAngryBear]

Nice!
Sucks about the paint but overall not a bad acquisition.
Will be interested to see the project list, methods, and progress.
Full disclosure: I am curious to see as I am developing my own...


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[Grady in Texas]

But in the trunk was a body/gold ingot/spare parts??? How accurate was the copart description?

[clarkitect]

Sheesh everyone and their brother needs to make a buck off you. Hope the car works out for you. Cool project!

[acspecialists]

I would say the description from Copart was accurate. Besides the cracked front bumper trim everything is wear and tear. Of course the big disappointment is the interior trim. The window regulators were not in the plan but with double glass not surprising. If you buy a car this age sight unseen there will be surprises but overall I'm not complaining.

The bumper trim in the trunk is available as it is not PDC. I really need to put my MK3 Nav in and see how the car responds? It will not wake up unless you turn the key in the ignition. Normally if you pull a handle or touch the key the first thing that fires up is the Nav.

[acspecialists]

I need some votes on wheels, M-parallels or something after market. I like the chrome because it kind of goes with the chromeline trim?

[racer2086]

Didn't all 750ils come with PDC? maybe they just put non PDC trim on there

[TheAngryBear]

Didn't all 750ils come with PDC? maybe they just put non PDC trim on there

Pretty sure you are correct. Think if it isn’t an individual then all options are on the 750iL (unless special ordered). Build sheet would say for sure.

As for the wheels, I like the thought of highlighting the chrome. But think of the build you are going to do... I love the MPARS but if you are going for something other than sport... I find the MPars are best with the sport look (stance, raking, lips, etc). They look great in general but get the best bang...


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[acspecialists]

The MPARS are $450 and the Breyren are $800 both sets are staggered, I just don't like what is on there. The non-PDC trim is in the truck and available to anyone who wants it. The car itself has PDC but the front is broken. I have one side from my other car but I need the other. PDC trim is special as it includes the mounts for the sensors.

[TheAngryBear]

Well, the B looks like they are accented with chrome (aka polished lips) so would hold to the more subtle trim elements.
But the MPars have three things going: 1) chrome/polished 2) MPars and 3) price.
Assuming you don’t need to do anything with any of the sets, looks like MPars are winning in my book despite my earlier statement.

Are you going to open anything to check status or just deal as it arises? I am thinking about the power distribution center, sunroof drains, and Inner Hermetic Seals of Justice (aka vapor barriers).


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[acspecialists]

Well today I put my mk3 in and the display worked fine. I vacuumed all the dust out so I can wipe down the leather and get some love on it. Pulled the passenger rear door panel to get after the window regulator, the speaker box is missing. I think the guy gave it a shot but couldn't figure out how to get the top bolts.

It bugs me that the key was working but now nothing. As soon as you turn the key off the car quits working. It just dawned on me, that stupid second battery does all of the accessories the big one just does the cats and start. I'll be looking into that.

On these cars I just let the problems come to me. It never fails, there is always something to fix.

[nmlss2006]

It really doesn't look too bad, save for one thing: is the clear peeling on the roof? If that is the case, it could get expensive.

Oh and - if an SLS hose leaks, CHANGE THE NITROGEN ACCUMULATORS RIGHT AWAY. Then replace the hose(s) and only start her up after that. The hose is acting as a fuse, basically. Next step, with new hoses, is blowing the seals in the SLS shocks, which sets you back $600/side.

[Mless5]

I may have leftovers of the PDC system, PM me if you need anything.

[acspecialists]

I will do that, both cars have it and both need work

I may have leftovers of the PDC system, PM me if you need anything.

[acspecialists]

So the upper battery is dead and a KIA battery. I'm surprised it did not self destruct? Is there any reason not to ditch the second battery and the stupid voltage switch for charging?
KIMG0023.jpg
So I pulled the left rear door panel because that regulator is shot as well. The speaker foam is toast, anyone know why I don't want to drop these in the box? They fit nicely, I also have monsoons. And I need a speaker box for the right rear door, HINT!
KIMG0024.jpg

[TheAngryBear]

Officially the bottom battery is for the starter and E-cats. That draws a lot of power from the battery as the alternator spins up. The circuitry is by the upper battery. The switch just ensures proper charging and availability.
Can you go with a single battery? Yes but you might have some deep cycles and will shorten the battery life. Especially if you have short drives.
If I was going to do it, I would want the E-cats coded out to reduce the draw. And I would likely wait for the switch to die. Originally $600, I don’t think it is in production any more. You can get used ones for $275. https://prussianmotors.com/bmw-e38-7...95-2001-14751/

http://www.e38.org/battery.pdf pg26 on


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[acspecialists]

So those big fricken cables attached to the side of the upper battery go to the cats? I thought that was the voltage switch to charge the upper battery. The funny thing is that the upper battery is the dead one. They are both wet cell junk so if I'm serious they will be replaced with AGM. For anyone reading this DO NOT put a wet cell battery into your car get an AGM battery. I am not going to go into detail but AMG batteries are the best that you can buy and that's what you need for this monster.

[TheAngryBear]

The upper battery cable goes to the power distribution center and the alternator.
The lower cable goes to the starter and cats.
Makes sense about your symptoms (none of the cabin electronics worked without the vehicle being started) as that is the battery that controls them. At least your switch seems functional from that though. If the switch was dead, you likely wouldn’t have any charge going to the starter (lower battery).


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[CPHES]

My stopping point on the AGM is fit, price, and venting. I can’t find a upper that is agm, and vented. I have an Optima in the Yukon, and it’s great, but I want vented for batteries that live in my trunk.

[acspecialists]

So I remove the silly battery switch and just connected everything to the main battery. Does anyone know what the funky crap is on the end of the battery cable?
KIMG0027.jpg
Then I put in the right rear window regulator. The left rear comes tomorrow.
KIMG0026.jpg
I also removed the window tinting and cleaned the glass while it was out.
KIMG0025.jpg
I need to fix the SLS. I did some research and can't locate the accumlator?

[TheAngryBear]

Pics aren’t working but the forums are having issues... security patch maybe?

So not much help on the other stuff but your accumulators should be behind the left wheel well and above the right one.
Thread could help:

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...e-accumulators


2001 750iL DD74441
E65 fan & clutch, E65 headrests, Front First Aid Kit, Ultimate Cup holder

2005 X5 4.8is LE82680
Stock

RIP: 2003 540iA Sport GS56111
H&R front springs, Ultimate Cup Holder, Euro Dash & Armrest, Grom, BavSound Stage1

[hmmurdock]

Pics aren’t working but the forums are having issues... security patch maybe?

It would appear either somebody forgot to get the site's new SSL certificate, or they didn't get it installed on the web server.

[CPHES]

Yeah, says the CERT expired at 18:59 today.

- - - Updated - - -

Funky stuff on the terminals are the explosive disconnects that should disconnect the car from the battery in severe impacts.

[SwallownAmazon]

The lower cable goes to the starter and cats.

Cats?
Was ist das? Surely not the catalytic converters in the exhaust system?