The BMW E38 is the third generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1994 until 2001. The E38 replaced the E32 7 Series and was produced with petrol and turbo-diesel straight-six and V8 engines, along with a petrol V12 flagship model.

Feb 12, 2019 · The e38 excels at long distance driving, while the e39 is more fun around town. The e39 is smaller, but with the same V8 as the e38, so the e39 is easier to maneuver doing errands. The e38 is nicer for long distance drives, and yes, the e38 is more luxurious.

Dec 19, 2006 · The 540i and 740i or iL do have similar maintenance issues. A true E38 i with the Sport Package will have Shadowline trim, 18" M-Pars, and Vavona red wood interior trim, plus a lower rear gear ratio. They were available in the US from 1999 to 2001.

Jan 4, 2007 · The engine and transmission are the same so with those lighter and shorter (smaller) specs the 540i feels lighter on its feet. A 740i Sport will handle very similar to a 540i Sport however. If you're looking for a more spirited drive (with an automatic tranny) I would suggest the 540i.

Dec 28, 2008 · The E38 has multiple configurations of wheel base lengths, engines, rear end (final drive) gearing, and transmissions etc. ...and we have no clue as to which one the OP modified:

Apr 28, 2015 · Recently my 2001 e38 with 116,000 miles has started dropping the 'engine failsafe prog' message. Usually it seems to pop on under harder acceleration (but not always). Car will seem to operate just fine, unless I kick it down again. Then it will drop into limp mode.

Apr 24, 2012 · This tip certainly saved my 540. It seems that the bolts holding the oil pump isn't sufficiently secured, and needs to be reattached and secured with for example loctite. There are three bolts, and within 95-125k miles one or two of these will usually fall out ending up in …

Aug 21, 2022 · The BMW M62 engine is one of BMW's most well known V8s, powering the E39 540i and E38 740i. Learn about BMW M62 4.4L V8 specs and info.

Mar 31, 2022 · I installed the E38 Contour seats in my 2001 540i touring! Bought them as dark green seats and had them painted black, and the guy that did it did an excellent job! By the way, these are the older contour seats with the black connector, so I had to source a black plug and splice the wires to both plugs. Wires with the same colour go together.

May 29, 2021 · Timing chain problems are by far the biggest concern. Issues are mostly caused by neglected oil changes and/or improper oil usage. Otherwise it's standard BMW stuff. Cooling system, suspension bushings. Pixels on the computer screens go bad. The 540 also got a conventional steering box where the 528 got a ring and pinion.