The ‘E38’ generation of BMW 7-Series is, to this day, regarded as a high watermark for BMW. It was a car that was not only clinically styled and beautifully executed, but also technologically advanced.
It was also the first car in the world to get curtain airbags and the first to come with digital radio – commonplace today, but the absolute pinnacle of high tech back then.
Styling-wise, it was evolutionary. The looks weren’t that different to the E32 generation of 7-Series before it, but under the skin it was a hugely advanced car, with innovative forged aluminium, double wishbone control arms and complex multi-link suspension, which gave it the handling characteristics of a much lighter and smaller car.
Add in 14-way adjustable seats that won comfort awards of their own, a spacious and beautifully engineered cabin, opulent furnishings and pure presence and it’s easy to see why the 7-Series came to be regarded as one of the best cars in the world – a fitting and deserved accolade that is still very much in evidence to this day.
This one is the entry-level 728i, but that’s not a bad thing at all because all E38s were wonderful and well-appointed cars, and the M52 six-cylinder engine is one of the finest powerplants that BMW has ever created – smooth, responsive and brilliantly refined. Many BMW purists prefer it to the bigger V8s - and not without good reason.
Owned by its last keeper for 23 years, it has covered less than 80,000 miles from new and is finished in a glorious colour scheme: Titanium Silver with rare English Green leather.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
UK V5C
MOT October 2023
Original BMW leather wallet
Handbook, service book and all associated papers
Genuine 77,969 miles from new
Two owners, last one since June 2000
THE INTERIOR
Ultra-rare BMW Individual English Green leather upholstery
Matching carpets, door trims and upper dash
Minimal leather wear and very good side bolsters, slight wear to driver’s side
Walnut veneer inlays
Air conditioning
Electric seat adjustment
Excellent headlining
Cruise control
Original dealer floor mats
BMW Business radio/CD player
Some deterioration to the pixels in odometer/temperature display
THE EXTERIOR
Titanium Silver
Early facelift example, with later-style headlights and orange indicator lenses rather than clear
Very smart original paint, with excellent panels and no body damage
Still looks extremely tidy after 25 years
18-inch 17-spoke alloys with some delamination – would benefit from a refurb
Some slight fading and paint deterioration to passenger side (see photos)
Very slight bubbling to rear arches
Good underside appearance, with some surface rust to one rear sill
Surface rust to both MacPherson strut tops under bonnet, advised on MOT as not affecting structural condition
THE MECHANICS
2.8-litre straight six M52 engine
Five-speed automatic
The economical 7-Series – will return over 30mpg on a run
Said by vendor to drive very well with no reported faults or issues
Regularly serviced and genuine low mileage example
SUMMARY
Good E38s are rapidly up-and-coming modern classics, but that’s hardly a surprise as they’re one of BMW’s finest cars. The flagship model from the company’s purple patch, where its smaller E46 and E39 models were seen as their respective class leaders and the company was renowned for making handsome cars with mightily fine dynamics – a billing that fits the E38 without any debate.
This is a good, honest and very smart example from long-term ownership, and with less than 80k on the clock the engine is barely run-in. It’s a lovely example of one of the best cars of the 1990s, ready for its new owner to cherish and take to the next level.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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