Buying a 1995 740il

edwars2 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 05:59 AM

Hoping some of you could help me in the purchasing of a 1995 740 il. First off it has about 100,000 miles on it. So I'm trying to get and idea of a fair price for it and things to watch out for. Any information would greatly be appreciated.

What has changed on the E38 since 95?

Duckydos · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 07:23 AM

The Kelly Blue Book puts the value anywhere from $11k to $13,200 (depending on condition, with that milage). Edmunds put the value closer to $15,000. The only suggestion I have is to get the engine checked by a trusted mechanic (compression, wear and tear on parts). It seems to be a well built cars, but buying a lemon (especially a 7-series) would really hurt your wallet. Hope I've helped at all..

-Ducky

edwars2 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 07:28 AM

Thanks for the info. Actually we are aware that the motor needs some work so we will rebuild it. Already priced out the parts for $600. Just wanted to get a heads up on any other problems people might be aware of with that car. Best to know the worries and concerns now!

Duckydos · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 07:29 AM

I was reading reviews just now, and I guess the "bells and whistles" don't have a very good life expectancy. Stuff like the power rear-shade and the power rear-view mirror fail over time. I don't know if it's just abd relays or more then that, might be something to look into.

Suneal · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 03:18 PM

Visit the E38 Roadfly boards:
http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e38/

I believe that the 95 4.0 Liter-engined BMWs had some problem (nikasil lined cylinders or something like that) that had to be replaced, talk to the guys on the E38 board for more info

320iAlpina · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2003, 07:31 PM

YES that V8 block has some problems.

beem_me · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 10:54 AM

Go to www.e38.org for more info on the engine and how to check it.

Kompressor · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2003, 12:45 PM

Occasional problems on this vehicle are failures of the Engine Block and the Valve Cover Gaskets.The cost to repair the Engine Block is estimated at $2,200.00 for parts and $1,430.00 for labor.The cost to repair the Valve Cover Gaskets is estimated at $40.00 for parts and $149.50 for labor.Note: The Engine Block replacement is covered by BMW under a 100,000 mile extended warranty.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

An occasional problem on this vehicle is failure of the Transmission Control Module (TCM) EPROM.The cost to repair the TCM EPROM is estimated at $20.00 for parts and $26.00 for labor.All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax.

My dad has a 1998 740iL with only minor problems.

Hope this helps.