2001 740 iL (Heads Up.)

I'm going to be purchasing a 2001 740 iL and I would like to know from anyone what/if anything I should look out for or expect by way of known problems, etc. How have you liked yours?

I'm going to be purchasing a 2001 740 iL and I would like to know from anyone what/if anything I should look out for or expect by way of known problems, etc. How have you liked yours?
Hi
We have a couple of E32 740i's and find thema superb model. Th eonly main things we found to watch for, are the Crankase ventilation valve, which is a diaphragm on th ebulkhead side of the inlet manifold. This controls the running charachtereistics of the engine by stabilising the pressure in the crankase. They can deteorite, and cause rough idles and smoking, which can often be mistaken for the Nikasil (Black Death!!) issue on th eearlier 4.0 models (not 4.4). BMW will quote a lot of money to change th evalve, due them often removing either the inlet manifold or th eentire engine to do the swap due to limited space at the back of the engine. We found that a small pair of hands and a few modified tool will enable you to swap this yourselves in appprox 30-60 minutes. The valve cost approx £20 from BMW.
We also have a 735iL which was a lovely car, the self levelling suspension can be a problem, so get it checked out befoere purchasing, as often when it goes, it is cheaper an easier to replace with standard setup.
We run a small BMW E34 5 series and E32 7 series specialist dismantling / parts company out of Blackburn, North West Lancashire in the UK. We have a simple website at www.jsbmwspares.co.uk feel free to browse or drop us an email for more information.
Cheers
Scott

I'm going to be purchasing a 2001 740 iL and I would like to know from anyone what/if anything I should look out for or expect by way of known problems, etc. How have you liked yours?

Hi
We run a small E34 5 series and E32 7 series BMW parts / dismantling serivice out of Blackburn North West Lancashire in the UK. We own a couple of 740i 's an find them a remarkable car. We have solved a few common problems with them, and can share some info regarding the crankcase ventilation valve and Nikasil issues etc.
Our website is www.jsbmwspares.co.uk and has our contact details.
Cheers
JSBMW

I have owned my 2001 740il since new. I have about 50,000 miles on the car. It really has not given me any major poblems. I really love the car alot I will have a hard time parting with it when the time comes. I think a purchase of that car for you would be a good choice. Good luck. Elaine