Ok, my parents bought a 2000 740i with 69k on the odometer. It was from a close friend / business contact that my Dad knows. Car has had all scheduled maintenance done and recorded at BMW dealerships. Recently, the radiator went out, along with the cooling fan, harness for the fan, the thermostat and the gas cap was broken??? Brakes were done 3500 miles ago as well. After the long and pricey bill my Dad noticed on the report that the mechanic said the ball joints were going out as well as the brakes were getting thin.

I don't know about you guys but brakes going thin after 3500 miles sounds like the dealership is trying to take my parents for a ride. I've never heard of a 5-year car with so many problems, especially one of this caliber. Is this normal for the e38 740? Is it a damn lemon? Now my parents are thinking of selling this amazing machine because they are getting fed up with 1500 dollar bills from the dealerships service department.

I told them to get a second opinion on the car because I do not believe the dealership is being honest. What do you guys think?

from what i have heard those are normal problems... and that doesnt seem like anything major... and one would expect ball joints to be wearing after 69K miles

brakes last me a little more than a yr, 3500 miles is a little soon, but if you think they are ripping you off just turn the wheel and look at them urself.

Recently, the radiator went out, along with the cooling fan, harness for the fan, the thermostat and the gas cap was broken

These are normal. Check the sticky post about buying used E38s and you will see the radiator and thermostat are common. When changing the radiator, it's not a bad idea to do the expansion tank, thermostat, and sometimes the fan. If the car is not under warranty, look for an independent shop that specializes in BMWs. A radiator and expansion tank can be a DIY project for under $225 in parts. I understand the hoses and thermostat are not much more difficult once you're in there for the radiator.

Brakes in 3500 sounds strange. Are you sure the previous brake job included all four corners, and new rotors/pads? Get a second opinion or check them yourself.

Give yourself some time, you'll eventually get numb to all the problems that normally make a Honda Accord owner cringe.

Thanks for the quick responses guys, hopefully I can talk my parents into keeping the car.

P.S. I'd check the brakes myself but I'm up at college and my parents are mechanical idiots when it comes to cars.

Figure out a shop that will check the brakes for low or no cost, call and confirm they will do it, then send your folks there before they spend any money on the brakes.

Wishing them luck! :)

Def. normal maintenance for this mileage. After this stuff is replaced, the car will be good to go for a long time. Assure you parents that this isn't something that happens every month or something.

Just dont fang it as hard, and u will have less problems for sure. but the m62? V8 @ 5000 rpm just sounds so damn good.

Did they turn the rotors or replace them? BMW rotors are already somewhat susceptible to warping as they come from the factory. If you turn them the will be thinner and almost guaranteed to warp. You’ll be doing the whole job over again. This is common knowledge and a BMW dealer certainly should know this. If the rotors were turned instead of replaced the dealer either gave your dad the wrong advice and/or your dad made the wrong decision.