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7 Series E38
E38 • 1994–2001 • Sedan
2
Engine Options
8
Known Issues
1
Critical Issues
55%
Reliability Score
Facelift (LCI) – 1998
- Facelift headlights (angel eyes)
- Updated interior controls
- New M62TU engines with VANOS
55% – Below Average
Engines
M62B44 – 4.4L V8 Petrol
740i, 740iL • 286 hp • 440 Nm
Displacement 4.4L
Layout V8
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 5-Speed Automatic (GM/ZF)
Known Issues3 issues
critical
Timing Chain Guide Failure Common (>35%)
The M62TU V8's timing chain guides crack and disintegrate, requiring major engine work. Plastic debris ends up in the oil pan. The 'valley pan' redesign helped but didn't eliminate the problem.
Typical Mileage
120,000–200,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€2,000–€4,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Rattling noiseCheck engine lightPlastic debris in oil pan
high
Valley Pan Gasket Leak Common (>30%)
The gasket under the intake manifold (valley pan) leaks coolant into the V of the engine. Requires significant disassembly to access.
Typical Mileage
100,000–180,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€600–€1,200
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Coolant lossCoolant smellOverheating riskSweet smell
medium
Alternator Bracket Gasket Leak Moderate (~25%)
Oil leaks from the alternator bracket area.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€500
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Oil leakBurning smellOil on alternator
M73B54 – 5.4L V12 Petrol
750i, 750iL • 326 hp • 490 Nm
Displacement 5.4L
Layout V12
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 5-Speed Automatic (GM/ZF)
Known Issues2 issues
high
Dual ECU Synchronization Issues Common (~30%)
The V12 uses two ECUs (one per bank). Synchronization issues and ECU failures cause running problems – the engine may run on only 6 cylinders.
Typical Mileage
100,000–200,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€500–€2,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Running on 6 cylindersMisfiresCheck engine light
medium
Ignition System Failures Common (>35%)
24 spark plugs and 12 coils – failures are inevitable and expensive to diagnose across 12 cylinders.
Typical Mileage
60,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€1,000
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
MisfiresRough runningPoor fuel economy
Common Issues (E38-specific)
Suspension 1
high
Self-Levelling Suspension Failure Common (>35%)
Rear self-levelling suspension spheres and lines fail, causing a saggy rear end.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€500–€1,500
Category
Suspension
Sagging rearHarsh rideFluid leaks
Electrical 1
low
Window Regulator Failure Very Common (>50%)
Window regulators and motor gears fail, especially on rear doors.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€200–€400
Category
Electrical
Window dropsGrinding noise
HVAC 1
medium
A/C System (Leaks & Compressor) Common (>30%)
Dual-zone climate system has frequent refrigerant leaks and compressor failures.
Typical Mileage
Age-related
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€1,000
Category
HVAC
Weak A/CNo cold airCompressor noise
Wear Items
M62B44 – Wear Items
740i, 740iL
Spark Plugs (16 total)
Every 50,000 km
Replacement Cost€150–€300
Wear Factor60%
Transmission Service
Every 80,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor55%
M73B54 – Wear Items
750i, 750iL
Spark Plugs (24 total)
Every 40,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor65%