1998 BMW 740i

Sedan

4.4L 4398CC V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

wbagf8328wdl53061

Clear

GAS

1998 BMW 740i E38 Arctic Silver - 2nd Owner - Garaged - Dealer Maintained - Recent Engine and Transmission We bought this car in 2000 with 37k miles, as our first "really nice" car. Every time I get in it, I still think "you know, this is a nice car". Plus I think it looks better than most new cars. It has done a great job as the family car over the past 12 years, taking us around town, to work, as well as doing long distance travel for soccer tournaments and various trips. It's retirement time, so we're moving on to a different car situation. We're the 2nd owner, and it's been in Texas its entire life. It has always been parked in the best spot in the garage, and it has never been smoked in. The car has not been in any accidents during our entire ownership. We've done all maintenance at the dealer (except for the transmission and headliner), and we have all records. The car is super-clean, inside and out. The car currently has 160k miles, with only 42k miles on this engine. During a service stop, the dealer dropped a washer into the cylinder and started the car, so we got a shiny new engine! The transmission was replaced at 144k miles, so it's only 15k miles old. We've also done suspension component replacements as needed (joints, arms, bushings, etc...), to keep the ride and handling up to spec. Oil changes and brake maintenance have been done on the recommended schedule. I would venture to guess that you will not find an E38 7-series in better condition than this one. It's been driven, but there is below-average wear on the car. We always performed regular maintenance, and we dealt with any problems immediately. However, it's a BMW, so you should expect to continue to maintain it while you own. DESCRIPTION It's a 1998 BMW 740i regular wheelbase (model code E38). Exterior is Arctic Silver, and the interior is grey leather with tinted windows (low tint, high heat reflectivity). It has the 4.4L V8 with 282 horsepower and 310 ft-lbs of torque, with the 5 speed automatic transmission. It came standard with the 16" wheels, but we upgraded to the 18" wheels off the M-sport model ($2600 new). These are the type 37 wheels, and we bought them brand new from the dealer in 2006. The tires are Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sports (in my opinion the best road tire you can buy) with ~70% left. Sizes are 255/45/18s in the rear and 235/50/18s in the front.  The car has driver and passenger front airbags, and side airbags on all 4 doors. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes. CONDITION Overall, the car is in great shape. It's been kept in the garage out of the sun and elements. Even at work I've been lucky enough to have covered parking, which is great here in Texas.  The car runs and drives great, just as good as new. It starts right up every time. Everything on the car works as it should. The interior is in very good condition, especially for a 15 year old car. The engine bay is incredibly tidy and clean (the dealer cleaned it during a repair looking for a leak). First, here's the list of items that are not in top shape: -cupholders (front dash and rear seat) are not working -a few of the pixels in the radio/info display are out (stereo system works great though) -light scratch on the hood (just through clearcoat) that has been there since we bought the car -normal amount of nicks and chips on leading edge of hood (actually fewer than you would imagine) -very small ding rear passenger corner - side of car, above tail light, through pinstripe (barely noticeable in the pictures) -scuff on lower rear passenger bumper -rear door locks are slow Here is a general overview of all the different components. Mechanical The car starts easily. The engine runs smoothly, accelerates well, burns no oil, and does not leak and oil or coolant. The transmission shifts normally, and it does not leak either. All auxiliary mechanical systems are functional and do not leak (power steering, brake system, air conditioning, coolant, etc...) Exterior No wrecks during our ownership. The doors close solidly. The weatherstripping around the windows is hardened and cracked, but there are no water leaks or anything like that. Paint is in good shape. No dings besides the one listed above. Wheels are in excellent shape. The only wheel that shows any wear is the rear driver's wheel, with a bit of light curb rash 2-3" long. See the pictures for closeups. Passenger side mirror tilts downwards when you put the car in reverse. Interior No tears in any surfaces. There is some normal wear on the seats. No drink spills or food stains. The headliner was recently replaced, so it is in very good shape. The sun visors were recovered to match the headliner. The dash is clean and not cracked or damaged. The steering wheel has no cracks or damage. MAJOR REPAIRS -Engine Replacement - 06/2005 - 118k - "washer fell into cylinder #5, causing cylinder wall damage" (as per BMW invoice) -Transmission Replacement - 11/2008 - 144k -Transmission Safety Switch - 04/2012 - 160k -Window Tint - 03/2008 -Rear Window Regulator - 05/2012 - 160k -Valve Cover Gaskets - 10/2011 - 160k -Timing Chain, Timing Guide Rails, Timing Tensioner, Water Pump, Coolant Pipes, Seals - 03/2011 - 157k -Headliner - 06/2009  -Heater Blower Unit & Controller - 05/09 - 147k -Fuel Injector O-Rings - 01/09 - 145k -MAP Thermostat - 09/2008 - 143k -Right Rear Ball Joint - 09/2008 - 143k -Water Pump & Heater Control Valve - 11/2006 - 133k -Water Pump - 01/2006 - 126k -Oxygen Sensors - 12/2005 - 125k -Starter Motor - 08/2005 - 120k -Mass Airflow Sensor - 04/2005 - 116k -Rear Ball Joints (both) - 04/2005 - 116k -Front Thrust Rods & Bushings - 06/2004 - 101k -Air Conditioning Compressor & Valve - 06/2003 - 84k -Instrument Cluster Display - 02/2002 - 60k -Crankshaft Sensor - 12/2001 - 58k Videos are at the bottom.