The 2001 BMW 740i, part of the revered E38 series, has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its blend of luxury and performance. I was fortunate to acquire this iconic model during the pandemic, unaware of the journey it would take me on—or just how much I'd come to love it. As I spent more time behind the wheel, I encountered the expected maintenance challenges typical of a car of this vintage. This led me to embark on a restoration project, aiming to upgrade and preserve the car in OEM-plus condition, with a focus on period-correct modifications. Among the enhancements, I upgraded the stereo system, addressing the outdated technology and replacing the blown speakers, ensuring the sound quality matched the car's timeless appeal.
After acquiring the car from a fellow enthusiast, I started to source parts from dismantlers, BMW dealers, fellow owners, as well as aftermarket sources.
My thoughts about maintenance is if there is an better than option go with it. Trying to go as OEM plus and period correct as I could go...
Problems to sort out
- blown speakers
- worn suspension
- worn front leather seats
- droopy headliner
- M Parallels rashed and tired
- brakes worn out / need more braking power
- cosmetic issues, dulled out trim, roundel emblems worn, dents
- paint imperfections
- front bumper scratched up and paint damage
- rear bumper scratched up and paint damaged
- mirrors fade and don't match the car's paint
- valve covers typical wear
- cluster needs to be fixed (pixalation)
- needs front windshield and rear window replaced (waiting for potential full body repaint)
Upgrades
Stereo
- 5 inch rear deck woofers removed and replaced with Bavauto
- Focal Flax Evo PS165ES (front and rear)
- Focal FDP 6.900 V2 - 6 Channel Amp
- AVIN Avant 4
- Design Rendition Cup Holders with 2 Charger Ports
Suspension
KW Variant 3
Syncro Design Works Thrust Arms
Brakes
Brembo GT Front Brake Kit
Goodridge SS Lines Front and Rear
Brembo Cross Drilled Rear Brake Rotors
Brembo Rear Brake Pads
Interior
Restored Headliner, A, B, C Pillars, Mirrors in Alcantara
Restored Rear Deck in Alcantara
Front Seats reupholstered
Restored Steering Wheel
New OEM Leather Shift knob
Replaced phone carrier in arm rest with coin holder (OEM)
Center dash grill replaced with new OEM
Exterior
Roundel Front and Rear replaced
Front Bumper Black Trim replaced
Front Bumper repainted
Rear Bumper repainted
Mirror repainted
Dents removed
Wetsanded and Corrected
OEM Pre LCI Center Grills
UPDATE: 10/16/24
Ordered
BavTek Inc BMW Instrument Cluster LCD Display Silver Ribbon Cable DIY
Unfortunately I'm not sure where my original photos of the car prior to the mods and maintenance.
When I find them I'll post them.
Dent removal
Bumpers, Mirrors and Trim removed for repaint
Years of build up dirt and debris
Painted pieces back from Final Touch Collision
OEM pieces about to go back on the car
Rear cleaned up for bumper install
Old Orange bulbs out for newer clear bulbs
Before
After
M Parallels were pretty beat up, had Will from Proformance in New Rochelle completely refinish them.
Back on the car with restored wheels
