OEM-Plus Restoration Philosophy: Building a Better E38 740i

The Guiding Principle

My approach to this E38 comes down to one idea: if there's a better option, go with it.

That sounds simple, but it requires constant decision-making. Every worn part raises the same question. Do you replace it with the exact OEM component, knowing it might eventually fail the same way? Or do you find something better?

OEM-plus means respecting what BMW built while acknowledging where they fell short. Period-correct aesthetics are at the forefront here. So is not repeating BMW's engineering compromises. Finding that balance is what makes this interesting.

When OEM is the Right Call

Some parts should only be replaced with genuine BMW components. Interior trim is the obvious example. The color matching, texture, and fitment from aftermarket sources rarely matches factory quality. When I found NLA B pillars still in stock in black, I grabbed them immediately. That's the kind of thing that disappears and never comes back.

The belly pan replacement illustrates this perfectly. The car had some beat-up non-OEM piece underneath that didn't fit right and looked wrong. I swapped it for a genuine BMW part. Small detail, but it's the kind of thing you notice every time you're under the car. The fitment is correct. The mounting points line up. It looks like it belongs there.

OEM replacements that made sense:

• Belly pan, because aftermarket fitment is terrible

• B pillars in correct color, because these are NLA soon

• Center dash grille, because the original was cracked

• Leather shift knob, replacing a wood one that didn't suit the car

• Floor mats, fronts still available new, rears sourced as NOS

• Roundels front and rear, because the originals were faded and sad

The pattern here: cosmetic and interior pieces where BMW's original design was correct, but the 24-year-old parts were simply worn out.

When Aftermarket is Better

BMW designed some components with planned obsolescence or cost targets that compromised their longevity. For those parts, quality aftermarket options often outperform OEM.

Take the thrust arm bushings. BMW's rubber bushings are known failure points on the E38. They wear out, crack, and eventually leak their damping fluid. You can replace them with identical OEM parts and repeat the cycle. 

Or you go with something like the Turner Motorsport mono-ball control arm upgrade, which uses sealed spherical ball joints that eliminate all that unwanted deflection while allowing proper suspension travel.

Same logic applies to the tie rods. The Meyle E38 tie rod kit includes the center drag link and outer tie rod ends, and frankly it's as good or better than OEM at a more reasonable price. When your steering components are worn and creating play in the wheels, you want parts that will last.

Aftermarket upgrades that made sense:

• Turner Motorsport mono-ball control arms, eliminating the weak OEM bushings

• Meyle tie rod kit, OEM quality at better value

• Syncro Design Works thrust arms, same price as OEM but improved design

• Goodridge stainless brake lines, because rubber lines degrade

The pattern here: mechanical components where BMW's original engineering was adequate but not exceptional get aftermarket replacements. Same goes where aftermarket manufacturers have genuinely and respectfully improved on the design.

Period Correct Details

Some upgrades come down to what looks right on a car from 2001. Modern parts can function perfectly but look completely out-of-place.

The wiper blade situation is a good example. I had Bosch Icons on the car. They work great, arguably better than anything available in 2001. But they looked wrong. The modern blade design stuck out visually, and the passenger side wasn't getting full coverage during sweeps anyway.

Switched to Piaa Aero Vogue blades. More period-correct appearance, proper coverage, and they still perform well. Had to trim the blade slightly because it was hitting the window seal, but that's a minor adjustment. The car looks right now.

Same thinking applies to bulbs. Swapped the old orange bulbs for clear ones. Small detail but it makes a difference in how the car presents.

Restoration vs Replacement

Some original components are worth saving rather than replacing. The valve covers are a perfect example.

The E38's valve covers looked tired, which is typical for cars this age. I could have sourced replacements, but the originals were structurally fine. I sent them to Will at Proformance in New Rochelle. He blasted and prepped them, and the final outcome was great. They look factory fresh now.

That approach preserves the original parts while addressing any cosmetic issues. The car gets keeps its  parts where possible, without  looking neglected.

The steering wheel got the same treatment. OEM Sport wheel, refinished rather than replaced. Maintains the correct look and feel while eliminating the wear.

Fixing Known E38 Problems

Every E38 has the same failure points. Part of the OEM-plus philosophy is addressing these proactively rather than waiting for them to strand you.

Instrument cluster pixelation: The LCD displays in E38 clusters are notorious for failing pixels. It's a ribbon cable issue, not a display issue. Ordered the BavTek Inc ribbon cable DIY kit to fix it. It's a straightforward repair that addresses a problem every E38 owner deals with eventually.

Timing cover seals: The car developed oil leaks around the timing cover. Genuine BMW timing cover seal strips sorted that out. These seals wear over time on every M62, so you either fix them or live with oil spots in your garage.

Auto-dimming mirrors: The original mirrors failed, which is common. I sourced Euro spec BMW E38 auto-dim glass mirrors, they are heated and dimming with the aspheric design. I recently found a pre-owned set that looked good in photos. Fingers crossed they work as expected.

Power steering: The system was acting up so I did a power steering fluid flush and removed the filter. It's basic maintenance that owners often skip.

Maintenance Philosophy

At 98k miles, this E38 is just getting started if maintained properly. The M62 V8 can run well past 200k with correct care. But that care has to actually happen.

Oil changes with quality filters. Nextzett Krystal Klar for windshield wash because the cheap stuff leaves residue. Liqui Moly Jectron fuel injection cleaner because 24-year-old injectors benefit from it. These details add up.

The leaky lower gaskets need addressing. Tie rods and more suspension work are coming. The list keeps evolving as you drive the car and discover what it needs next. That's not a problem, that's just classic car ownership.

What This Approach Delivers

The OEM-plus philosophy creates a car that looks factory but works better than BMW delivered it. Period-correct aesthetics with improved reliability and performance.

Someone who doesn't know cars sees a clean, original-looking E38. Someone who knows the platform recognizes the thoughtful upgrades. That's exactly the goal.

Every part decision comes back to the same question: does this make the car better while respecting what it is? OEM when BMW got it right. Upgraded when they didn't. Restored when the original part is worth saving. That framework makes the constant decision-making manageable.

The small details matter. A correct belly pan. Period-appropriate wiper blades. Restored valve covers instead of replacements. None of these make headlines, but they're the difference between a parts-bin restoration and something done properly.