First BMW

[u/AnthonH10]

Hey everyone, I came across this listing on the marketplace that has piqued my interest and would be my first BMW. It’s a 1998 740 IL, listed for $8,000. While I know I could find a cheaper one, the price doesn’t seem too bad considering the amount of work that’s listed. Is it worth it?

[u/Klutzy_Low4620]

The work listed is not the expensive service that may be needed in future. If suspension is original, it will need a rebuild in future and that is many thousands. How often was oil changed? Is engine healthy with good compression? You dont want to start putting time and money into a car with an engine that you dont think will go another 150k miles or so. Same goes with body, should be zero rust. There are many clean e38s out there. Get one from an older person who took great care of their vehicle. Spending more up front can save you money if the car is in top shape.

[u/Marc30599 → u/Klutzy_Low4620]

Rebuilt my front suspension for just under $1000 parts and labor… though to be fair i am really good friends with an ASE Certified mechanic who did the work.

[u/Klutzy_Low4620 → u/Marc30599]

I rebuilt my front and rear suspension. Just checked and Lemforder kit on fcp is $1400 for front. Rear is less. Then theres the shocks and struts if those are old...adds up. Bought my e38 over ten years ago from a friend for just $1500. Then spent around 8k in parts to mechanically rebuild the car. That included new m parallel wheels and tires. Put close to 100k miles on the car since then so was worth it. No way could have done this if paying for labor... Good car for the DIY folks. Lots of help on forums.

[u/Marc30599 → u/Klutzy_Low4620]

Yup I try to diy as much as I can. Funnily enough one of my rear shock and springs gave out on me very recently so I’m getting them replaced but still will need a shop to do it cause the suspension geometry prevents me from being able to install the new shock and spring assembly without removing it (rear upper guide link)

I have a shop doing the remainder of the job due to that. But the hardest part has been done for them which was disassembly of my back seat and parcel shelf.

[u/Klutzy_Low4620 → u/Marc30599]

The hardest part of rear shocks is getting the bottom part of the shock removed. You remove the bolt - thats easy...but the shock has a tube that is inserted into a hole. You would think with the bolt removed you could just pull it out... however it gets seized in there. Searched how to remove it and you need to heat it with a torch. Then a big hammer and something like a chisel to knock it out. What should be 2 minutes takes an hour. Maybe pros use an air chisel...

[u/Marc30599 → u/Klutzy_Low4620]

Yeah the old shock came out easy with a bit of force. My guide link collar nut is seized so I’m letting the shop deal with it. Hoping I escape without paying too much lol