Hi,
I'm new to this forum. I'm looking forward to buy a 1998 740il's with around 100k miles. I have read about some of the problematic areas to look for, but I'm unaware of average maintenance costs for this model and specific things I need to look for. please advise me. thanks.

www.e38.org :D

Make sure you can afford to maintain it. It may cost upwards of $3k or as low as $700 a year.The highest I have heard was over $6k.
Scary isn't it?

Make sure you can afford to maintain it. It may cost upwards of $3k or as low as $700 a year.The highest I have heard was over $6k.
Scary isn't it?

Yes, Yes it is Scary!

:D

thnks for the replies. I'm kinda looking at 5 series now, so that the maintenance will run little less. give u'r suggestions please. I really like the room in a 7 though.

1997-2003 E39, right? (Not the new E60?)

M5, a V8 540, or a 6cyl?

2001+ had the Angel Eyes, and I think the CELIS tail lights. (Not sure if all varieties of the 5er had them as standard?) It's an upgrade many try to do, and if you are so inclined, I'd look seriously for an 01 or newer. Same thing with NAV, if you want it, get a car with it or plan to buy aftermarket. Retrofitting is not cheap.

If maintenance and costs concern you, I'd look into a 6 cylinder E39, as new as you can afford. A 540i has the same engine and radiator as the E38 740i/iL, so you would be looking at similar repair costs with the V8.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/5/web/257000-257999/257557_67_full.jpg

Thanks Wong. Looking at 1997 - 98, 540i, 6speed. If the maintenance costs are going to be the same for a 740iL and 540i, I'm confused now since I like the space in the 740IL. I don't understand whether the maintenance will be around $2000 a year even if it is a good car and taken care of. I don't want to go for any other car since I like the ride in a BMW. I test drove a s420 and it was very nice but I felt it like a bigger lexus. I have to admit that I like the looks of a S420. I'm very much inclined towards a 740iL and things that scare me are the horrible stories of their maintenance.
I have another question. The maintenance costs posted here are at the dealer or with a independent BMW mechanic? I think I'll do some easy stuff myself, like brakes and other small stuff that will need attention. please advice.

If you're gonna fret over the potential maintenence costs, do yourself a favor and get an Accord or Camry; otherwise, you'll never truly enjoy your Bimmer.

Parts costs are much higher than on a Civic or Corolla... These examples are the lowest prices from a dealer who offers discounts. Regular retail is higher.

O2 sensors $110 each

E38 Left muffler $260
E38 Right muffler $260
E38 Center silencer $225

Brake parts (rotors, pads, sensors)
OEM $450
Aftermarket $350

Radiator and expansion tank
$275

Spark plugs
$12 each

E39 fog light lenses
$90

E38 fog light lenses
$115

Tires
Probably minimum $175 each
$300 each for 18" staggared/performance tires


A full tune up at 60K or 120K miles can be as high as $1000. $600-$750 for it is not unreasonable. The one suggested at 30K and 90K is less, but still $400 or more. Sure, you can do plenty of things yourself, but the parts alone add up.

At 100K you will likely want to do the transmission fluid (auto) and the only approved fluid is like liquid gold in cost...

One year maybe you do brakes, another you get the full tune up, throw in a radiator, and I have not even added any suspension work. Don't forget tires every 25-40K miles. That's how you get to $2000 per year. My car is under CPO warranty and runs great, and the tires and tune up alone pushed me to $2000 this year. (Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires, $1300 for all four.) Fortunately, my failed radiator, water pump, and water valve were all covered under CPO.

Both the E38 and E39 are wonderful cars and I would hate to not have them. But if you are thinking a 540i/6 would cost less in maintenance, it's built with many of the same components as the 740i/iL. I don't mean to sound snobby or discouraging, but you have to do plenty of homework on any pre-owned BMW and you have to be ready for the additional costs to keep it running. Your budget will be shot if you're not careful.

Mark

Yes, Yes it is Scary!

:D

Did you get your 7 back? If so, how is it now that the conversion is done?

Bread- Thanks for asking.

Conversion went Great!

THe replacement engine is running good and the 6spd is loads of fun.

The car is definalty quicker 0-60. :buttrock

I have got some pictures but just have not had time to post, etc.

Brett did a fantastic job!

Are these repair and maintanance costs for a e38 similar to that of the e32??