E38 750iL V12 — the ultimate classic BMW luxury sedan, maintenance guide

V Vilius

@vilius_v12

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4 months ago

I have owned a 1998 E38 750iL with the M73 V12 engine for 4 years. It is the most special car I have ever owned and also the most demanding.

The M73 5.4L V12 makes 326hp and 490Nm. It is not fast by modern standards but the power delivery is incredibly smooth — like a turbine. The V12 idles so quietly you cannot tell if it is running.

Maintenance reality:

The M73 has two complete ignition systems (one per bank) — 24 spark plugs, 24 ignition coils
Cooling system is complex with multiple thermostats and water pumps
The self-leveling rear suspension uses hydraulic spheres that need periodic replacement
Electrical systems are complex and age-related failures are common
Fuel consumption: 16-20L per 100km

Essential maintenance items:

Cooling system overhaul: 1500 EUR (radiator, water pumps, thermostats, all hoses)
Ignition system refresh: 800 EUR (all plugs and coils)
Transmission service (ZF 5HP30): 400 EUR
Rear suspension spheres: 600 EUR
Brake system overhaul: 800 EUR

The E38 is a car you buy with your heart, not your head. But if you appreciate classic BMW luxury and the smoothness of a V12, nothing else comes close at this price point. Clean examples are still available for 8-15k EUR.

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3 months ago
#1
V Vytautas
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The E38 750iL is peak BMW luxury. The M73 V12 is silky smooth but maintenance is not for the faint-hearted. Common issues: ignition coil packs fail regularly (24 of them on a V12), the Nikasil cylinder liners can score if the car ran on high-sulphur fuel, and the self-leveling rear suspension pumps fail around 150k km. Budget at least 2000 EUR per year for maintenance on a V12 E38. That said, nothing else in this price range gives you a V12 with that level of refinement. I paid 8000 EUR for mine with 120k km and it has been worth every cent.
3 months ago
#2
E Euro Mechanic
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As a mechanic who has worked on dozens of E38s — the 740i with the M62TU V8 is the smarter buy. Still has the presence and luxury of the 7 Series but maintenance costs are roughly half of the V12. The M62TU does have the infamous timing chain guide issue though — the plastic guides disintegrate around 150-200k km and if you ignore it, the chain can skip and destroy the engine. Budget 1500-2000 EUR for a preventive timing chain guide replacement. Also check for coolant leaks from the valley pan gasket — very common on the M62TU and a pain to access.

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