Highlights
- In excellent condition throughout.
- Fresh MoT awaits new keeper.
- No expense spared on maintenance.
The Appeal
Many E38s now have suffered the indignity of having their suspension lowered, inappropriate wheels fitted and the interior ‘improved’ by fitting earthquake-inducing sound systems. This is not one of those cars. This E38 is something altogether far more interesting.
SP51 YRE is still completely standard and has been fastidiously maintained as such. Based on the mid-spec ‘Sport’ specification car rather than the range-entry ‘SE’, this ‘Individual’ is the E38 you actually need rather than the one you think you want.
Such a sizeable, nose-heavy saloon was never intended to be a track day weapon. Instead, BMW engineered the bias towards comfort rather than rattling your dentures in a misplaced show of chest-thumping virility.
Sure, you can pick them up for a lot less, but likely none that present as well as this particular ‘Individual’. The car isn’t perfect, but we think this is one of the most transparent listings of any E38 on the market today.
The History and Paperwork
- Full service history
- Dry-stored/driven and garaged when not in use.
- V5 certificate in current keeper’s name.
According to the data plate, E38 #DL79393 was built on Tuesday, 24th July, 2001. Just four days later on Friday, 27th production of the E38 came to an end, making this one of the very last right-hand drive E38s to come off the production lines at BMWs Dingolfing plant in Bavaria.
It is believed that this E38 was destined for Australia but, after still languishing in Germany a few weeks after being built, it was promptly shipped over to the UK, where it received its first registration on the 27th September, 2001. The current owner acquired it almost twenty years later on 6th October 2021.
Accompanying the car will be the V5 Certificate in the current keeper’s name, an expansive file of recent and past service and maintenance invoices, two original keys, a complete owner’s leather holdall containing for fully-stamped Vehicle Service Book up to 142,900k miles, a fresh 12-month MoT, the original Owner’s Manual and handbooks.
Also included is the original manual for the optional Motorola V50 mobile telephone – yet another element that made this E38 a member of BMW’s ‘Individual’ club.
The Interior
- As opulent as a top-end E38 can be.
- Elegant Montana leather throughout.
- Tidy and unblemished interior.
The elegant cream leather interior and wooden veneer are both in fabulous condition, showing only light signs of use considering its age and mileage. The Montana leather seats are trimmed with dark-blue Nappa leather piping, an option from the BMW’s ‘Individual’ programme, as were the blue rear parcel shelf, leather-clad dashboard, door cards and carpetry.
The original Alpine infotainment unit was replaced by an updated Xtron model designed for the E38/E39 BMWs. While it retains the appearance of the original Alpine unit, it offers the modernity of an Android device with the compatibility of apps just like a smartphone. It has been connected to the original Alpine amplifier and boot-mounted multi-CD changer and all the original modules were kept in place. In addition, the original wiring loom was retained should the purist wish to retrofit the Alpine head unit.
The more astute may notice the screensaver of the Xtron unit is a snap of this very E38 shot at Caffeine & Machine in Oxfordshire on one of its frequent visits, which is a cool touch.
Interestingly, the car is fitted with a period Motorola V50 mobile phone, which might not be overly useful these days but is a lovely touch and a real conversation starter.
The Exterior
- Original Avus Blue metallic (code 276).
- Rides on a handsome set of original ‘Style 37’ alloys.
- Exterior presents in truly stunning condition.
Regarded by many as probably the best ‘Seven’ BMW ever made, this particular E38 saloon presents in its striking metallic Avus Blue which was an extra-cost option only available through BMW’s ‘Individual’ programme at the time.
The handsome factory-fitted ‘Style 37’ alloy wheels are in very good condition and are shod with a healthy set of summer Falken Azenis FK510s. At the front, the headlight and lower fog light lenses are clear and the indicator/reflector lenses show no hint of fogging sometimes associated with a car of this age. The same may be said for the crystal clear rear light clusters.
The badge work around the car is in exceptional condition and a cursory glance down each flank shows no evidence of damage. Even the front number plate and valance, for all their vulnerability, remain blemish free.
The Mechanics
- Two original keys.
- Fully maintained, no expense spared.
- A 12-month MoT awaits the new keeper prior to handover.
At the photo location, the BMW was frequently repositioned, started first and every time and settled into a throaty, straight-six burble. The five-speed automatic connected smoothly – including reverse – and Drive engaged with no drama, requiring just a light feathering of the revs to get underway.
The keeper reports this E38 to be in very good mechanical condition with the Beemer’s steering, brakes, engine, drivetrain and running gear delivering as well as their respective German engineers intended. Its condition is a credit to both the quality of German engineering and the dedication of its previous and current owners in keeping on top of the servicing and repair schedule.
To address the oil leak in the MoT of June 2021, the current keeper recently changed the rocker cover gasket and took the two additional images in the gallery of the impressive valve and cam train assembly.
The underside and lower sills of the car present in very good order with a degree of natural oxidation that may reasonably be expected on a car of this age.
Summary
BMW’s E38 7-Series range has started its inevitable climb from unwanted wafty banger to highly desirable modern classic, not least because it offers the rare opportunity to drive a classically styled and super comfortable cruiser stuffed to the gunnels with the sort of modern safety and convenience features we’ve all come to know and appreciate.
This 728i ‘Individual’ is fitted with the renowned 2.8-litre, 190bhp M52 straight-six engine paired to the ZF-sourced ZF5HP five-speed automatic transmission which is both smooth and powerful, while also being decently economical, returning 28-30mpg during everyday use.
If you’re looking for something you can use for commuting as well as leisure-led waftability, then the 728i straight-six ‘Individual’ will suit your needs much better than one with a V8 or V12 engine under the bonnet.
G’won, pop on a cheeky bid…you know you want to.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
