View Full Version : fix my 740il 1998 or buy a 2001 audi manual 1.8

04-23-2011, 06:05 PM
Should i invest 3 to 4g in my bmw 740il black.

Or do what my friends are saying buy a a4 1.8, manual ofcourse.

I want the 7 obviously. im planning on getting new control arms all around, maybe alternator, new belts, replace seals where leakage is found. and balls joints and bushings.

Radiator aswell, and some sensors....

needs opinions...
I work everyday and i want a 7 over a a4 anyday.
opinions please...

740il in the summer on the highway, persuade me bmw fans.


04-24-2011, 04:41 PM
Autohaus is your best friend!

A4 is too small especially coming from a 7

04-25-2011, 03:06 AM
True and a 7 rides so nice on those long rides on the highway.

04-25-2011, 07:45 AM
Get the a4 if you like spending money on repairs......
7 all the way!

04-25-2011, 08:31 AM
If you're looking to replace a neglected car with something that won't cause you headaches, a 1.8t VW is close to the worst choice you can make.

04-25-2011, 08:38 AM
I'm actually considering a vw diesel as a second car, are they really that much maintenance ? Anyone have pointer to the mailing list ?

04-25-2011, 11:56 AM

The diesel ones are no better. I've known a half dozen people with the early 2000 cars, they were all crapcans. The mexico made cars seem to be especially bad but it's not as clear cut as people seem to want to make it sound (ie if car made in mexico it's crap, fine otherwise). One guy had his during the warranty period still, and it ate a maf every 3-6 months. He just kept having it towed to the nearest dealer where they'd swap in a new one. He got to the point of wanting them to buy the car back but they wouldn't.

The 1.8t motors are just a disaster. I don't know if my friends with these cars got lemons but it's ridiculous. It's like they get a new problem every month, like the car gets its period. If it's not a vacuum leak, it's this sensor or that sensor, or the TB needing alignment or replacement... I wouldn't piss on one to put out a fire. One guy is a coworker and I pass him on the highway once every few months since his car goes into limp mode from a new issue and has a hard time doing highway speed, so he pulls over to try to bandaid it.

04-25-2011, 12:15 PM


04-26-2011, 02:48 PM
Thanks for the great and wise words.


SFX Group
06-16-2011, 11:05 PM
I seem to be hearing alot of the E38 needing work, the 1998 i had in the UK with full service History i didnt think was bad, granted i spent about 1.5-2k in 3 years.

Controls arms went (once every 8 years), few bushes, in know the seals on the vacuum things in the back of the V12 where on the way out (no problem, just about going). That was it.

Other than some really minor pipes and clips.... I think it has to do with how it was maintained, however the one i had (pic below) had a service all the time, and didnt show any problems.

I would be looking to run the E38 for 5-8 years till i got the new 2009+ F01 (i think it is) second hand.

That said i prefer the 750iL design, but i wont move on the engine as i like the V12 for power and running, (doesnt drink much once at speed with the cruise on).

If you want to keep the E38 then pay it, if your not sure then sell it and move on. However i do miss mine as enjoyed it alot, but i couldnt import it with me so had to be sold (even though i want a 99+ now due to toys installed i would have still liked the 98 i had as it almost everything and was VERY nice to drive).

06-16-2011, 11:36 PM
^^ Why couldn't you import your car from the UK?

SFX Group
06-16-2011, 11:45 PM
^^ Why couldn't you import your car from the UK?

RIV says, any cars under 15 years old MUST be either sold in Canada or USA, no exceptions.

This means if its under 15 years old, THAT CAR (that actual car, with that actual VIN) must have been an original USA or Canada car.

Mine was Uk, end of story, no import fcplm

I have a Honda Goldwing 1999, was originally sold in USA, however before it it the road was exported to the UK (this happened ALOT back in late 90's) then i imported to Canada, as the VIN said "yep, USA bike" it was allowed it, so i didnt bend any rules, just knew them VERY well and used to my gain. *rockout*

The dealer (private who only dealt with large 5 and 7 series) wanted to keep it, it was so nice, he had a newer 2002 750 as well, but preferred the one in the picture, hence why i had to hound him to agree to continue the sale.

Its driven by a German Barron and Baroness chauffeur now (they bought it from me, well there chauffer did, had there name on the check)