BMW Repair: 1995 740i...Coolant smell?, gasket leaks, heater core replacement

Question
Hello and thank you for your time, John. I'm not quite sure what e24, e36 or e38 is, but I hope that this vehicle applies. :o) Like in my subject line it is a 1995 740i with 80,000 miles on it. My father-in-law bought it and when he accelerates quickly, which he likes to do, we can smell coolant. I haven't had a chance to look/smell the oil to maybe see if it is an intake or not, and we can't visibly see leaking or seeping. My other thought is maybe a heater core, this is my first venture with a BMW and I told him just to take it to a certified mechanic, I don't want to work on it and break it. :o) Thanks again for your time.

Answer
e38 is the 740 and 750 model line that ran from '95 to ~'01

Your coolant smell is most likely one of the following:

1.  Coolant leak.  If he's not leaving a mark on the garage floor, it's not too much.  MAKE SURE THE COOLANT LEVEL STAYS FULL!  These engines are high performance, and if the coolant gets too low, they can overheat and run the headgasket, which is about a $4000 job!

2.  Heater core.  Does it only smell when the heater is on/fan is on?  Heater core replacement on these is tough.

3.  Valley pan gasket.  Leaks out of the valley between the cylinder banks, then runs down the back of the engine and off the transmission.  Usually won't puddle. Often the cause when car is losing coolant and can't find where.

4.  Heater hoses or heater switch.  On firewall in engine bay ahead of driver.

Keep looking, and good luck!