BMW 740d
Rare V8 twin-turbo diesel from the E38 7 Series. First production V8 diesel in a saloon. Complex to maintain, expensive parts, but culturally significant as a pioneer engine.
Pioneer V8 Diesel
First-ever production V8 diesel — a milestone, but maintenance-heavy and very rare.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The two turbochargers on the M67D39 fail from around 200,000–250,000 km, recognisable by rattling from the engine side and power loss. Reconditioning both turbos simultaneously is recommended.
Symptoms: Severe power loss under acceleration, rattling/clattering from the engine bay, black smoke
Water damage to the ECU following coolant loss has been documented on the M67D39. The affected ECU became unreadable, impairing turbo control and injection.
Symptoms: Rough running after a cooling emergency, blue-grey smoke after warm-up, boost pressure fault codes
The single turbocharger on the M67D39 (3.9L, 740d E38) is prone to bearing wear at high mileage. The engine is extremely rare and replacement turbos are hard to source.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, power loss especially in the upper rev range, blue smoke under load
The M67D39 injection pump can wear at very high mileage and deliver insufficient injection pressure. The most common cause cited in engine damage reports for this motor.
Symptoms: Power loss at higher revs, difficult cold start, engine stumbling under load
The M67D39 EGR valve becomes coked over time. If it sticks open, soot enters the VTG mechanism and can destroy the turbocharger.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, limp-home mode, black smoke, turbo no longer opens or closes
The M67D39 common-rail high-pressure pump shows wear at high mileage. Replacement is labour-intensive on the V8. Combining with injector overhaul makes sense.
Symptoms: Hard, rough running especially on cold start, power loss, difficult starting
The M67D39 EGR system becomes coked through soot deposits. EGR valve and intake paths become fouled and power drops gradually.
Symptoms: Gradual power loss, EGR fault code, hesitant acceleration, increased soot emissions
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially on older examples. Fuel tank tray and brake lines under the floor are also at risk.
The plastic upper coolant hose fitting on the radiator breaks due to material fatigue at high operating temperatures.
Early production vehicles (1994–1996) have a manufacturing defect: cables in the front right wing chafe against the body. BMW marked repaired vehicles with a red dot.
Rear trailing arm bushings wear out. BMW only sells the complete arm. Polybushings as an alternative.
The crankcase ventilation membrane becomes porous and leads to heavy oil consumption. V8 engines M60/M62 affected.
Electric auxiliary water pump for the heater fails — insufficient heat at low revs.
Handbrake fails MOT at above-average rates per TÜV report. Brake discs show heavy wear from 7 years.
Reports & Tests
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1994–2001). Most reported: Engine & Cooling (15), Electrical (10), Airbags (8).