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In Reply to: Buying a 97 E38 740iL...Anything to look out for? posted by E30iCA on August 25, 2001 at 23:43:03:
Catalytic convertor problems, rattles especially when cold, no doubt have already been replaced at least once.
Information display missing elements from the LED display. This is really a problem with the display drivers however, it will manifest itself as missing elements, some may refer to as missing "pixels". This will be true of console and drivers display.
Improper evaporator drainage- there was a fix for this but if owner did not reference "gurgling sound" than it was not fixed. Many dealers would have passed this off as "normal operation". When in a fresh air input mode, i.e. not recirc., a vacuum can be created that does not allow proper drainage, and as a result will hear a gurgling noise. Systems are also notorious for developing bacteria growth on evaporator, very difficult to cure, depending on climate.
Top radiator neck - A chronic problem, ignored by BMW and Behr. This will happen between 50K and 100K miles. About a $400 hit if you do the work, double for the dealer. This is not an "if" it is a "when".
Stepper motors - Poorly designed vents that warp and distort over time, putting a bind on the stepper motors that operate them. Frequently results in non-operating stepper motor. May or may not be recognized.
No major problems with drive train, can eat up brakes/rotors depending on driving style. It is a heavy car!
Auxilary electric condensor fan/shaft/blade assembly is a weak point, as is water pump bearing/seal.
There was a recall to replace front springs and perches on some cars.
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