[aah78]

Originally Posted by Sem80-88

Everything I have replaced is with original BMW parts or OE supplier part.

You should stick to original BMW only for the tiny rivets, clamps, screws, covers, etc that will be a pain to get hold of outside.
You'll definitely save a bunch if you buy aftermarket or from OE equivalent. All you won't get is the BMW logo - quality will be OE.


Some of my recommendations, if you haven't purchased already or if you need to replace in future:
BMW branded shocks are much expensive compared to Sachs / Bilstein, which are OE manufacturers for certain BMW models.
Springs by Eibach, instead of BMW OEM. Don't recommend H&R as they're too stiff for a smooth ride.

Brake pads by Textar / Jurid.
Brake pad wear sensors by Uro.
Brake disks by Meyle / Zimmermann.
Also, tie-rods wishbones & control arms by Meyle / Lemfoerder (Meyle HD - if they're available for the 730).
Exhaust by ANSA.

There's another for the radiator but I can't remember the name. I think Behr or SMC???

Most of these parts you should have already found on AutohausAZ. I'd also recommend Bavarian Autosport but their prices are much higher.
Also, if you have a contact within the US, then you can get a discount on BMW parts if you buy from getBMWparts but due to BMW USA restrictions, they can only ship to a US address.


All the best with your build!

[Turbanator]

parts have been sourced from BMW UK, BMW munich

Do they actually sell these parts directly & not through some dealers ? Can you forward relevant links please.

[Sem80-88]

They can be bought directly from any BMW dealer. I normally use Synter BMW & Mini , Chigwell . For Munich a friend flies there as a part of the job every week and gets the parts I need. I get a 10% discount as being a member of BMW car Club uk from dealers in UK.

[V-16]

Congrats buddy and welcome to the E38 club!! I have had my 728i from 2001 when i imported it and they are absolutely a delight to drive. The straight six's silken smoothness is something else to experience.

Originally Posted by nandishpal

What should i say? We have similar tastes. I was looking for a 129 too but now it seems a good car to be found in India is a Myth. Even if you do it costs as much as a 2004 /05 Sl. Anyways i was looking for an E38 too but my good friend Nikhil says stay away from them unless you have the time, money & head to break.

I dont agree with Nikhil Nandish. I have had an E38 for almost 13 yesrs now without anything that Nikhil mentions. Maybe he knew someone who had the misfortune of owning a lemon

If these are maintained well and driven regularly then theres nothing that goes wrobg with them, they are almost bullet proof! Id suggest if you get a good example (if you can find an untampered one from the few which are left) go for it!! he best luxury car one can buy for the money, besides the S Class of course!!

[nandishpal]

Gogi opinions do change from person to person.I agree you have had no problems with your car in the last 13 years but what is the kms you have on your car?? & God forbidden if you start driving the car now with the low miles I am sure you might have multiple challenges with the car.
Also please refer Sem 80-80's feed back on the car on the previous page,If you dont know what you are getting into its better to stay away from such cars.

Originally Posted by V-16

Congrats buddy and welcome to the E38 club!! I have had my 728i from 2001 when i imported it and they are absolutely a delight to drive. The straight six's silken smoothness is something else to experience.



I dont agree with Nikhil Nandish. I have had an E38 for almost 13 yesrs now without anything that Nikhil mentions. Maybe he knew someone who had the misfortune of owning a lemon

If these are maintained well and driven regularly then theres nothing that goes wrobg with them, they are almost bullet proof! Id suggest if you get a good example (if you can find an untampered one from the few which are left) go for it!! he best luxury car one can buy for the money, besides the S Class of course!!

[Sem80-88]

The seats were treated and sprayed with the original colour dye from GLIPTONE leathercare

[Sem80-88]

well after almost after 4 months the work is finished and the car is back on the road a lot of work was done , nothing major but a lot of bits as you can see from the earlier post.
The vehicle was running and would have carried on but I was not happy driving a car which was not as it should be.
All the work was done by me except the respray, which I am not happy with so if anyone knows a good bodyshop in NCR, Chandigarh or Ludhiana please do let me know.
Expense is something you are going to incur and a lot of it if you plan to do something similar . If you think you will be able to run it on the cheap you are mistaken and are throwing away your good money.
One thing important is you must know a bit about mechanics and take an interest in it and be ready to work on the car yourself. I am lucky that I do not have any problems with space and time so I was able to do it .
Tools are very important and if you do not have them then forget it. I mean more then just screw driver and a spanner set.
Software is important and really helps. I use carsoft and it has helped me a lot in diagnosing problems.

The car runs perfectly now, the ride is sublime . New rear shocks have made a difference. the engine purrs on idle and the V8 sings on throttle application.The replacement of the 4 x ping ( knock ) sensors has made a difference. so in the end I am happy with the results. time to look for another project


( a lot of pictures of work in progress where lost when due to not backing up my phone . Always back up )

[rosh_aveo1.4]

Originally Posted by Sem80-88

well after almost after 4 months the work is finished and the car is back on the road a lot of work was done , nothing major but a lot of bits as you can see from the earlier post.

Dude...the car looks amazing and you have every reason in the world to feel ultra proud that it was your very own DIY that got the car from what it was to what it is now. You ever planning to sell the car...do let me know!

[Mpower]

What year if your car? Some of the first V8s made by BMW had the alusil block that would wear out quickly and lost compression and leak oil. BMW replaced them FOC in the US

Magnificent beast, from the pics it looks like the LWB (il)

[Joe M]

I've been eagerly awaiting for updates on this thread, and when it finally came, I'm sort of disappointed. Needed more pictures! Of work in progress, showing details of each work done. The final outcome is fantastic, one which you can trust in every aspect, and a product made by a combined effort of BMW and YOU. What we see in each DIY is utter satisfaction. I don't remember seeing any 7 series DIY at this detail here in TBhp. Good job!

Please remember to back-up your phone twice a day during next project

[DDD82]

I too bought a BMW 735 iLA (E38, 2001) last year. Its a dream car. And I must say the ride comfort is better than the new Bimmers. The steptronic gears are awesome.
I had to buy several parts from various suppliers e.g. Schmiedmann (Odense); FCP (USA); BavAuto (USA); Bimmian.com (USA); ECS Tuning etc...
The overall cost of parts was circa 5 Lakhs...the outcome was...owning a sexy BMW 7 series.
So many ppl rediculed me seeing me spend time, energy and money on the car. Today they all want to be driven in the car. Guys this one is worth the effort.
Best part about my car - till date its only run 33432 Kms!!!
Worst thing about the car (so to speak) - registration hassels. The rules are so bloody bend on making the corrupt richer.

[Sem80-88]

well have been using the car for travelling between Farm (puranpur) and Delhi and a few niggles cropped up.
a slight hesitation on full acceleration
oil from the right cylinder bank
front brake discs vibration
once all the parts were here the work was done. what surprised me was that the front brake discs had been faced well below the minimum thickness mark

[Sem80-88]

Due to come back to India next week so it was time to go shopping for the car the old lady
oil,air,pollen, and fuel filters. A few sensors , track rod ends and a suspension arm.
It's so easy to get parts without the hassle of going from shop to shop in India. Why can't someone open a good shop . There are enough German cars in India now.

[stanjohn123]

Great Job , regarding the seats , did you change the leathers to new ones or did you just repair the old ones. If it's a repair job , I'm totally impressed by the looks.

[Sem80-88]

There were a few things left to do such as the hooks for the rear blinds ,rubber grommet for the air cleaner , driver side door lock sensor which were changed and now the old girl is for sale as I have a new project