BMW E38 728i that only goes in reverse!

CrazyMark

HI,

I have been given a BMW e38 728i which has a problem with its gearbox. The only gear that works is reverse, none of the forward gears work.

Does anyone know any good inexpensive places that could do a job on the gearbox, the place nearest me quoted me €1500 + VAT to overhaul the box which I think is nearly as much as the car is worth!

Thanks.

no1beemerfan

Could you ask a bmw garage if there is somthing like a linkage etc that would cause it? If you do need a new box try breakers yards. €1,500 is crazy alright.Traynors up north would be worth a shot. Also google BMW online clubs....you'll get one that specialises on the E38 and you might get better advice there.

dharn

must be very hard on your neck driving it !!:D

Caddyvanman

"I have been given a BMW e38 728i which has a problem with its gearbox"

"€1500 + VAT to overhaul the box which I think is nearly as much as the car is worth!"

Hense why you were given the car !

Sounds like the A clutch is gone in the box, a rebuild i am afraid is the only answer. For a rebuild and a recon torque converter you'll not have much change from €1500 no matter where you go.

1500 would be about right for a recon, a 2nd hand auto box fitted could well be the guts of that too, a late 90s 728i with a box problem is worth very close to sfa, which it seems is what it cost you.

mike65

Has no one thought to ask if its an auto or manual cos the OP doesn't state.

DM-BM

mike65 wrote: »

Has no one thought to ask if its an auto or manual cos the OP doesn't state.

The E38 7 series is only available with an automatic gearbox.

mike65

Cheers

Sounds like a fault-check to a good idea first.

CrazyMark

It is indeed an automatic.

Thanks everyone for the replies, I suppose I'll check out how much a scrapyard will give me for it!

Lucifer

CrazyMark wrote: »

It is indeed an automatic.

Thanks everyone for the replies, I suppose I'll check out how much a scrapyard will give me for it!

What year is it? What condition is it in other than the gearbox problem?

CrazyMark

Its a 97, and the condition is not good I'm afraid.

Paintwork on the right front wheel arch is all bubbly, paintwork on the roof is damaged, the cream leather seats have been switched for plain black fabric seats... despite the fact that all the seatbelts and fittings are in cream!

Also one tyre is flat and there is no spare.

Oh and I think the General Module needs replacing too, as the back electric windows don't work, central locking doesn't work, nor the window wipers.

Leonard Hofstadter

DM-BM wrote: »

The E38 7 series is only available with an automatic gearbox.

They were available with manuals, just nobody ever bothered to buy one with a manual box. I'm pretty sure the manuals were a LHD only thing for the continent too:)!

Alanstrainor

CrazyMark wrote: »

Its a 97, and the condition is not good I'm afraid.

Paintwork on the right front wheel arch is all bubbly, paintwork on the roof is damaged, the cream leather seats have been switched for plain black fabric seats... despite the fact that all the seatbelts and fittings are in cream!

Also one tyre is flat and there is no spare.

Oh and I think the General Module needs replacing too, as the back electric windows don't work, central locking doesn't work, nor the window wipers.

Scrap it is so!

mike65

Don't scrap it whole, there must be lights, ECU, climate control units etc worth selling on the used market.

mackinfella

mike65 wrote: »

Don't scrap it whole, there must be lights, ECU, climate control units etc worth selling on the used market.

I agree.. maybe break the car if you have the space.. alot of eastern europeans looking for 7 series parts.. i used to own a 98 audi S8 and the last job i worked in i was asked often if i knew anyone breaking 7series... breakers prob wont give you anything for it.. unless a bmw breaker buying bmws cheap for parts..