Vendor supplied images

Highlights

5.4L M73B54 V12 engine with 5-speed automatic transmission
Rare colour combination with a particularly striking Lemon interior
Exceptional spec with plenty of period options
Valid MOT until January 2024

The Appeal

The ultimate in 90s executive styling, the E38 was a gold star for BMW the moment it was launched in 1994. Loaded with plenty of luxury options, and carrying a particularly impressive set of powerplants, this was a car that seemed primed for the 21st century - before it had even arrived.

The list of innovations is remarkable - it was the first European car to offer sat-nav, the first BMW with a built-in television, and the first to carry a built-in phone. At the time, it was positively futuristic - and now commands a great deal of respect for its forward-thinking.

This example, presented in the car’s highest spec with every factory feature present and correct, comes to us with an excellent history file and a clear history of careful ownership. The vendor informs us that this striking colour combination is one of only three built - to match the car's impressive launch at the 1997 BMW Motorshow.

The vendor has owned several E38s and states that this is the best 5.4 litre engined car he's driven.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1996 as a 'Factory Individual'
Impressive spec includes:
- 5.4L Engine
- Long wheelbase
- Double-glazed windows
- Self-levelling suspension
- Sports EDC
- Auto climate control
- Cruise control
- Electric steering column
- Parking sensors
In current ownership since 2010
Currently indicates 86,843 miles
This is supported by the car’s history
Valid MOT until January 2024 with some advisories
Under BMW warranty all the way up until at least 2004
Most recently serviced in January 2023
Paperwork file includes:
- A selection of MOT certificates
- All original handbooks, manuals and booklets
- A selection of invoices
- Original vehicle inspection reports
- Warranty paperwork
- Service record book with 14 stamps

The Interior

Highly striking Lemon interior, matching the car's launch at the BMW Motorshow
Impressive stitched leather upholstery in good condition
Green piping throughout with contrasting green carpets
Light signs of use to the seats, though no obvious rips or tears
Leather dashboard surround and door cards in equally fine fettle
Dashboard is clean and well-presented with all instruments in good order
Interior spec includes:
- Double-glazed windows
- Extended fine wood trim
- Electric memory seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Electric rear blind
- Rear privacy window blinds
- Built in telephone
- Television
- Radio
- 6-CD changer
- Auto climate control
- Cruise control
- Electric steering column
- Adjustable rear seats
- Parking sensors
All dials and indicators are clean and easy to read
Ashtray has never been used, and the car has never been smoked in
Infotainment and satnav screen in good working order
Completed with an attractive wood-trimmed steering wheel and gearstick
Impressive burr walnut veneers with soft scratches here and there
The vendor notes that one of the side window privacy blinks has come free
Carpets in good condition
Headlining is beginning to sag at the rear, but is largely clean and well-kept
Boot is clean and well-carpeted with no significant faults
Car includes its original toolkit

The Exterior

Impressive Boyke Boyer-designed bodywork with sharp angles and long-nosed profile
Bodywork is free of any substantial dents or dings
Panel fit is present and correct with no unusual gaps
Oxford Green paintwork is in good order with light signs of wear
This, combined with the interior, is a rare colour combination in line with the car's launch in 1997
Some very gentle marks in line with the car’s age
The driver-side mirror casing is somewhat loose
The car’s trims - including the iconic split grille - is in good order
The glasswork and lenses look free of chips and cracks
BMW branding is all present and correct
Car is sat on its original wheelset, which only carry light marks
The tyres are in good order with some light cracks to the odd sidewall
MOT has highlighted some corrosion to the underside, particularly on the suspension

The Mechanics

5.4L M73B54 V12 powerplant - the most desirable unit the model carried
5-speed automatic ZF 5HP transmission
Self-levelling suspension
Sports Electric Damping Control
The vendor notes that a new gear selector sensor could do with being fgitted
Gear changes however are smooth and works when in manual setting too
Self-levelling suspension is working well without any issues
Parking sensors are working correctly
Recently fitted with new plugs and HT leads during inspection
The vendor notes a slight knock from the front driver's side - this is due to a top mount that requires replacement
However, we've no other reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke from the car
The car is reportedly driving well with no significant issues

Summary

An excellent example through and through - with an extraordinarily rare colour combination - this is a great ambassador for the BMW 7 series. With the absolute finest spec, technical options and plenty of character, we’ve no doubt it’ll turn plenty of heads.

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