Intro
This 2000 BMW 740i short wheelbase has the $2600 factory M Sport package. It provides the Steptronic sequential shift system for the five-speed automatic, shorter final-drive ratio (3.15:1 versus 2.81:1), higher-stall-speed torque converter, and BMW M sport suspension. That means a 0.8-inch-lower front ride height, higher spring rates (10 percent front, 25 percent rear), substantially firmer shock absorbers, and larger front anti-roll bar with M Parallel wheels. This BMW was previously a 3-year lease return with 21k miles when the current owner purchased it certified pre-owned in 2003 from South Bay BMW in Hermosa Beach, CA, along with a 3-year BMW extended warranty.
Exterior
This 2 owner BMW 740i in Cosmos black metallic paint spent all of its life in Southern California where the weather is conducive to automobile preservation. The Sport package adds Black Matte trim and "M Parallel Spokes," they measure 18x8.0 inches up front, with meaty 18x9.5-inch units out back wrapped in new Michelin Pilot Sport all season tires. It has dual sport mirrors and a sunroof. It has a clean Carfax with no issues reported. Minor cosmetic items to note is front bumper plastic insert is cracked, and some of the clips on the kidney grill are partially broken but still holding securely.
Interior
This 740i Sport features comfortable-and-supportive black leather power 18-way Contour sport seats and burled wood interior trim. It is a nonsmoker car, with BMW premium sound with DSP, and a 6-CD changer located in the trunk. It has the Steptronic automatic with sport shifting mode. The parking brake plastic handle insert fell off and needs to be glued back on, though is still fully functional without it. It needs a new OBD cover and the wood shifter knob has some hairline cracks.
Mechanicals
This 740i M Sport package has the 282-hp 4.4-liter DOHC 32v V8. The M Sport option adds the lower rear gear and modified torque converter for seriously aggressive acceleration (0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds!), and the Steptronic adds an extra measure of driver control. The current owner has spent $14k in extensive repairs in the last year. All service was completed by BMW Santa Monica until 2008 and then by Koko of Hi Tech Automotive in Silverlake, CA using only BMW parts. A new transmission with two-year warranty, new Michelin tires, new brake rotors calipers and pads, new control arms, water pump, thermostat, new hoses and clamps, belts, filters, headlight bulbs and more. Complete maintenance records printed receipts are included.
Issues Noted in Photos
· bumper plastic insert is cracked
· some clips on the kidney grill are broken
· The dash OBD cover needs to be replaced
· wood shifter knob has some hairline cracks
· Some dead pixels on trip odometer and temperature
Summary
The current owner of this (build date January) 2000 BMW 740i M Sport package has carefully maintained this vehicle as his daily driver. This 740i has spent all of its life in Southern California weather and was only serviced with BMW OEM parts. The condition of this 740i is excellent and the e38 short wheelbase versions are becoming collector items, especially the well-maintained Sport models. BMW purists say the e38 was one of BMW’s best body designs. The current owner now has a lengthy work commute and is considering a hybrid.
