2001 BMW 740i (E38)

Highlights

Only 27,931 miles from new
Advisory-free MOT valid until 17th October 2024
Comprehensive Japanese and UK BMW service records
Superbly presented inside and out

The Appeal

The E38 was the third generation of BMW’s luxury 7 Series and was produced from 1994 to 2001. The E38 replaced the E32 7 Series and was renowned for its levels of comfort and advanced technology. Two models were initially available, the 730i and 740i, equipped with 3-litre and 4-litre engines respectively, carried over from the models’ predecessors.

In March 1996 BMW added the 735i to the range, dropped the 730i and revised the 740i to give it a 4.4-litre V8 engine. Then in 1998 came another facelift, with minor cosmetic changes and further revisions to the engine.

This example – one of the last to be made, as the model was discontinued in 2001 – was sold new to Japan and imported to the UK in 2016.

The E38 7-Series is widely regarded as one of the best BMW models of all time, and many enthusiasts consider it to be the high-point for the automaker’s luxury flagship model. With its low mileage, paperwork and condition both inside and out, this one has to be one of the very best around.

The History and Paperwork

Declared manufactured 2001
Imported to UK in 2016
Extensive Japanese paperwork
Original service record
Original leather folder
Past MOT certificates
MOT valid until 17th October 2024
Recent invoices
Mileage would slightly increase by the time the auction ends as its currently in use

The V5 records that the car was declared manufactured in June 2001, marking it out as one of the very last examples, with the last model leaving the production line on 27th July the same year. It was first UK-registered in 2016. It comes complete with detailed service records, in Japanese, not just in the service record book but also in detailed fold-out paperwork.

The Condition

Classic E38 profile
Bodywork in superb condition
Alloy wheels in excellent condition
New rear tyres, September 2023
Immaculate headlamps and rear lights
Superb badges and brightwork
New roof lining in Dec 2022, at a cost of more than £1000
Heated leather seats front and back
Electrically adjustable front seats with memory settings
Leather-trimmed door cards in superb condition
Smart grey carpets and mats
Walnut dash trim, centre-console and gearknob
Replacement walnut centre console supplied
Rear armrest with storage
Rear cupholders
Electric sunroof
On-board computer and TV option
6-CD autochanger in the boot
Cassette player
Clean and undamaged boot lining
Spare wheel
Toolbox mounted on bootlid, complete with all original tools

The E38 7-series’ design was the work of Boyke Boyer, and is widely considered one of the marque’s most handsome models. Its sleek, understated lines are clearly part of the car’s enduring appeal and modern-classic status.

This example presents in excellent condition, with no blemishes or evidence of corrosion. The alloy wheels have no damage or corrosion, while the two rear tyres were replaced in September this year and the fronts have plenty of tread. The lights, badges and brightwork are all exceedingly good.

The E38 7-series was renowned for its refinement, and everything in this car’s interior reflects its low mileage and a history of careful ownership. The black leather seats are in excellent condition, with only some minor wear visible on the driver’s seat bolster. The carpets both front and back have been protected by overmats and, while there is some staining on one of the rear mats, they are generally in superb condition.

All four door cards have leather trim and are in excellent condition.

The walnut dash trim and centre-console are in very good condition but the vendor will also supply a replacement walnut centre-console panel that came with the car, and which is in excellent condition.

The screen on the dashboard opens to reveal a cleverly concealed cassette player, but the vendor cautions that the sat-nav is still set up for Japan. It’s possible that this could be rectified with the provision of the correct sat-nav DVD.

The headlining has been completely replaced and the invoice for this (more than £1,000) work is present in the file of paperwork. The electric sunroof works as it should.

The boot is as clean and tidy as the interior and there’s a spare wheel under the boot floor. The toolkit, complete with all its original tools, is mounted inside the boot lid.

The Mechanics

4398cc V8 engine
5-speed auto gearbox
VANOS variable valve timing
Full service in April 2023 at 23,952 miles
Air-conditioning re-gassed in August 2023

It was clear on the short drive to our photo location that the car drives and handles as it should. The vendor assures us that it drives beautifully with no issues, and he has been diligent in addressing any issues and maintaining the service record.

Under the bonnet, everything is in good order and again reflects the car’s history of careful ownership, while beneath the car there is no evidence of corrosion or leaks.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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