New E38, Some Problems

[Scolirk]

Hey all,

I just picked up a new for me 2001 740iL last night. I knew it had some work that needed to be done, but was confident the safety was done and mechanics were in good working order. I drove it home last night for about 300km without issue. The CEL did come on after I filled the tank, but after keeping an eye on my gauges nothing critical appears to be wrong. Will look at getting an OBD2 scanner to diagnose the CEL.

However there are a few small issues that I'd like to try an tackle myself. The navigation screen powers up but doesn't display anything. It'll flicker every little while, and after about 5 minutes the audio stops. A quick off/on of the power switch will fix the audio for another 5 minutes. I imagine a complete Nav swap will solve the issue, but perhaps it's a loose cable?

Also PDC doesn't work, like every other BMW I saw before buying this one. I was told that if one sensor has failed, the entire system shuts off. Is there a way to diagnose myself which sensor(s) have failed and replace them myself?

I apologize if there's a directory or main post for E38 questions that I missed. I did search for some of my issues but nothing came up.

Thanks in advance!

[Bimmer Heaven]

Congrats on the E38, they are great cars!

For the Navi screen, the issues is most likely the DVD unit at the rear. The sound ON/OFF issues is the DSP amp, very common...The PDC sensor is a 5 min scan for any shop that know what they are doing, unless you want to buy a scanner that can do that (i highly suggest if you are going to DIY anything on that car!)

[Scolirk]

Thanks! It was the GPS computer in the trunk that was the problem. I had a local enthusiast help me replace it with some of his stock, fresh MKIII unit in the back now. It does give me a No CD error when starting the car when trying to use the navigation. Not sure if it's a CD problem, or the laser in the computer needs repair.

Either way the radio is working top notch! I'll admit I'm disappointed the bass is on maximum and isn't very noticeable.

Looking forward to being part of this community. Sure would be nice to find some local members and meet ups, compared to the previous communities I've been part of for my other car.

[740-iLL]

Welcome to the E38 family!

You can find a lot of information on E38.org with common problems and detailed fixes.

[Scolirk]

I've looked through that site, really great info. Already put some if it's info to good use. The next project I want to tackle is the drivers seat. The back cushion has a hole and looks bad. The bottom cushion is fine, so I bought a seat with a better back but rough bottom. Is there any way to replace the entire back, or should I just try to change over the leather cover?

I'll try to post some photos shortly, it's pouring with rain where I am right now.

[Scolirk]

This is what I've got in the car right now:




The 'new' seat doesn't include the rear cover/storage or a headrest. It's also got a set of black controls which aren't in great shape. Any suggestions as to what would be the best way to fix this up?

[xoth3rm1k]

Ditto on e38.org

I just used it today to help replace my trunk shocks

[Scolirk]

I've actually fixed most of the issues now. E38.org is a good resource, unfortunately a lot of links don't work anymore.

[xoth3rm1k]

I recall reading about this recently. Many of the links on e38.org point to bimmerboard forum. Apparently they had a big maintenance recently but are back up now, so the links to some of the stuff you wanted to look up should be back up now.



....am I allowed to name other forums here? I guess we'll find out

[SHERDIAN BOY]

I have a 2001 e38 and i have a problem trying to start the car everything works but the car won't make a sound. Battery and starter are good

[Bimmer Heaven]

Originally Posted by SHERDIAN BOY

I have a 2001 e38 and i have a problem trying to start the car everything works but the car won't make a sound. Battery and starter are good

Could be EWS related, very common problem, needs to be realigned...