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Subject: E38 Model Year Differences and Common Problems Author: mwong as M.Wong (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 4642 posts Posted on: 2004-06-04 23:35:48

This is my list of model year differences as the E38 progressed.

1995
First year of the E38 7 series. Important: if you are considering the 1995 E38 with the V8, please look here first:
Nikasil Engine FAQ
What's wrong with the 1995 V8's?

1996
New 4.4 liter engine. Horsepower remained the same but torque went up from 295@4500 rpm to 310@3900 rpm. Standard steel sunroof changed, glass moon roof instead. (No 740i, just the 740iL and 750iL.)

1997
Side impact airbags standard for front seat passengers. Navigation system became available but fitted into few cars.

1998
DSC became available. HPS head airbags also standard and rear-seat side airbags optional. Navigation system more available. New AC control panel as well (although this was retrofitted to many pre-98 cars).

1999
Mild face-lift with scalloped headlights, crystallized tail lamps, door scoop illumination, and chrome strip on the trunk. The 4.4 liter engine receives VANOS variable valve timing and torque rises from 310 to 324. Updated side skirts without the round hole plugs for the jack. Sport package consisting of 18-inch rims, blackout trim, lower gear ratio, and vavona redwood interior trim became available on the 740i.
Note, 1999 model year had a shorter production period, from 9/98 to 2/99.

2000
Build dates: 3/99 to 2/00.
Features as standard that were options before. Xenon lights, rain sensing wipers, headlight washer nozzles, Navigation, DSP stereo with cassette in the dash and 6 disk changer in the trunk. Sport package became available on 740iL/750iL models, sans the lower gearing.

2001
Build dates: 3/00-8/00 had regular screen NAV.
Build dates: 9/00-7/01 had wide screen NAV.
For the last year, they added body colored side skirts, and front and rear air dams (all were black until 2001) and crystal clear turn signals. Features as standard that were options before, StarTac phone with mayday system, 16 way comfort seats.





On used E38s.
Many would say to hold out for a 1999 or newer, as there were some cosmetic changes made in 1999. Upgrading to the 99 or later look is possible, but not simple, nor is it inexpensive for the headlights/front fenders. As far as prices, I don't have any insight there. Perhaps others do and can answer that for you. A good service history is a must, and a warranty is even better.

This is J.Carey’s list of things to check:
Has the radiator been replaced? If so, when?
Are the pixels working in the instrument cluster display and MID?
Does the front suspension making any noises? Any work done to it?
Have the water pump/thermostat been replaced yet? If so, when?
Have the catalytic converters been replaced?
Check the function of every electrical do-dad before you buy it. They can drive you nuts and cost plenty out of warranty to get right. Seat controls and memories (and steering wheel memory modules) fail from time to time so makes sure these work. CD changers, radio, NAV.
Check window shades for noise and/or function,
Radio AM/FM good reception or not? If the windows are tinted make sure about AM reception.
Plus all the normal used car stuff: brakes, engine oil leaks, power steering function and leaks, coolant leaks and running temp, AC/Heat function, tires, wheels, exhaust.

"Scott" posted this list:
1. Loosing pixel display in temperature, mileage display.
2. Catalytic converters failing
3. Power steering hoses leaking
4. Cup holders failing
5. Engine block problems in years 93-95.
6. Oil pump bolts backing out
7. Radiator failures. Plastic neck breaking.
8. A/C stepper motors failing.
9. Original Water pumps with plastic impellers failing
10. Coolant thermostat failing
11. Poor quality jack
12. Electric cooling fan failing in year 98 and newer
13. Sunroof wind noise
14. CD player skipping in models older than 97
15. A/C temperature displays failing in 93-95
16. Phones not being upgradeable without major cost or modifications
17. A/C drain lines need re-routing to stop gurgling sound


Be sure to check www.e38.org for FAQ links about the E38.

This E39 (1997-2003 5er) site has plenty of applicable information as well:
BMWTips.com

Mark Wong

M.Wong
E38 2000 740iL Orient Blue
E39 2003 540i/6 Sterling Gray (European Delivery)
E30 1987 325i Royal Blue (Passed on to a new family.)

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