The E38 7 Series BMW appeared in 1994 to become BMW’s third iteration of its prestigious, range-topping saloon. The E38 came with a range of straight-six, V8 and V12 petrol engines. The E38 also became the first 7 Series to be available with a diesel engine.

The E38 underwent a mid-life facelift in 1998 which included a subtle restyling of the head and tail-light clusters. The 2.8L engine, as featured here, also received a useful “technical update” (TU) which incorporated variable valve timing on the intake camshaft.

This car has enjoyed just two careful and attentive owners who have clearly used the lightly, given that it has covered less than 6K miles per year on average. The car has been fastidiously maintained too, with the latest owner really prizing the experience provided by this big German executive saloon since 2005 when he purchased it from the first owner.

The car is now being sold by the family of the last owner as he, very sadly, passed away earlier this year. The car holds a special place in the family, but they are keen that another enthusiastic owner gets to enjoy this lovely car as much as he did.

The car comes with a great depth of provenance providing paperwork, just a sample of which has been presented in our photographic package. The archive includes stamped service book, many bills and invoices and numerous, hard copy MOT certificates. There is also the UK V5 in the current owner’s name.

The original dealer book pack is also present in the original wallet including owner’s manual and other useful books and guides.

The car is currently holds an advisory free MOT until mid-April. The family have confirmed that the car will be sold with a new, 1 year MOT for full peace of mind.

The interior of black leather, contrasting dark wood veneer trim and complimentary dark coloured wool carpets presents very well indeed. The the interior appears to be in a very sound, good used condition.

This is a spacious and luxurious cabin, and it is easy to see why the 7 Series was so prized as prestigious executive transport. The dash, headlining and door cards are all equally well presented and sumptuously appointed.

No areas of significant imperfection were reported or noted, and a new owner will surely find this a very pleasing place to spend time.

The original Silver Metallic paintwork presents very well. It is in a great used condition with only the odd age-related scratch and stone-chip apparent on close inspection. The light lenses are clean and clear and appear to be original to the car. The shut-lines are tight and parallel and all doors, boot and bonnet open and close easily and positively.

The original 16-inch, 10 spoke alloys are in a great, used condition also. There is the odd, age-related mark to the rims and centres, but they are very minor and only noticed upon close inspection. The car is shod with period-correct, Goodyear 215/65 tyres which all appear to have good levels of tread remaining.

The smooth running M52TUB28 straight-six, 2793cc engine is considered by many to be a great engine in the 7 Series providing a compelling power to economy ratio. The engine was originally rated at 190bhp and feeds its power to the rear wheels via a five speed ZF automatic transmission.

Given the light but consistent usage of the car and the sensible mileage, it will be no surprise to hear that the mechanical systems are reported to be in very good working order.

Anyone familiar with the E38 7 Series will attest to what a spacious, luxurious, and capable sports saloon they are. Sumptuously appointed, well equipped, and impressively refined, they really do wear their years very well and represent a very useable and good value classic saloon today.

This particular example has clearly been well loved and sympathetically used by just two owners. It is entirely original and fastidiously maintained and cared for. If you are in the market for a classic BMW range-topper it is hard to image one that will provide better value for money than this one.