u/Marc30599

Yall got $20 million laying around?

So about 2 weeks ago my 740i suddenly dropped on the driver’s rear after hearing a loud bang while cruising over a small bump. The car still rolled fine, but the rear ride height was sitting super low now.

After diagnosing the issue, I ordered new KYB rear shocks/mounts and OEM rear springs. During installation with the help of my more mechanically inclined friend, we ran into a clearance issue. The rear guide link needed to move out of the way to install the shock/spring assembly, but the bolt was seized according to him and he didn’t have the equipment to cut it out. The repair was paused because it looked like the bolt might need to be cut out.

After calling around for about a week I found a euro Indy shop willing to inspect the car (and take customer provided parts) and give a second opinion instead of immediately assuming the worst.

They ended up getting both rear struts installed while reusing the existing guide links. The only additional parts needed were new bump stops and bellows. They also installed all of my supplied suspension parts.

Final cost: $963.55.

The E38 is back sitting at factory ride height and driving great again.

The biggest lesson: sometimes it’s not the car, it’s finding the right shop.

Too many euro shops seem so scared to touch our E38s when a lot of us are trying to get them sorted and run into repair jobs that are beyond the scope of our DIY/Mechanical ability.

TL;DR: E38 rear suspension failed, seized bolt complicated the repair, but the right shop got it sorted. $963.55 later, she’s back sitting factory again.

Just wanted to share my story and say don’t give up on your E38 when a shop declines to work on your car.

Traffic heading East on Capital Beltway are gonna experience a major slowdown as someone’s ford is currently on fire

Anyone preparing to travel that way within the next hour probably should detour

Just wanted to make an appreciation post for my E38! Also is there some sites I could get body garnish pieces for a reasonable price?

The lower black door trim pictured here needs replacing and I’m not looking to spend an arm and a leg on OEM replacement if I don’t have to.

Began doing some car shopping this summer and BMW M cars have been on my radar, particularly M8s and M5s.

However this Alpina B8 caught my eye and I was able to get a test drive in.

Its QUICK and looks like a “Swiss spec” M8 GC, sounds good too (not as good as the M8 imo though)

I love the wheels and all the Alpina fittings… my question is if it’s worth getting over an M8 GC?

Anyone who owns or has owned one, I would love to hear your experience with the B8

I Miss Mean Machine 🥹