The BMW 7 series, when it comes to uber cool, classy and stylish luxury, it’s hard to think of any other more suitable car. The E38 variant of the 7 series, made from 1994 to 2001, is arguably the model that ticks these boxes most effectively. A gorgeous sculpted body, packed with excellent technology, luxury and safety features, the E38 was really BMW design at its peak.

The excellent BMW recipe of luxury, performance and simple yet beautiful styling so quintessential of that golden era of BMW design meant that It was no surprise, upon its introduction to the market, that the E38 7 series was an absolute hit with both the general public and motoring press alike. 

This specific 7 series benefits from a rather well documented history. Sold in part exchange to its current owner we find the car to be well accompanied by an assortment of documentation from its past. 

Investigation shows the car was originally bought from Grevan cars LTD, a BMW dealer in Plymouth, and registered new on 30/9/97. Evidence from the servicing book helps show how well the car was cared for at this time, as the car was continually serviced at the same BMW dealer for a number of years. Throughout the years, this regular servicing at BMW dealers and specialists has continued, hence the car is in the outstanding condition we see today. 

The current owner has put very minimal mileage on the car since acquisition, but has stored the car excellently and had much work done to refresh the car both from a mechanical and aesthetic perspective. 

Being such a well preserved car, a great volume of paperwork dating back to the very first pre delivery inspection can be found with the vehicle. 

We have the original BMW service maintenance booklet which, as previously mentioned, has been regularly stamped at the correct intervals by BMW dealers and specialists up to 119,000 miles; the servicing history for after this period, including work done by the current owner, is also present with the car. Alongside this sits the BMW certificate of preparation, a sample swab of the interior leather and all of the relevant operation manuals for the car. 

In addition we find prior MOT documents for the vehicle as well paperwork for the current MOT the car holds, which is valid until September 2022. There are several invoices for general maintenance performed on the car including handbrake adjustment, a recent oil service and diagnosis and rectification of an engine noise highlighted on the MOT (a worn idler pulley).

The V5 registration document is also present. 

It’s no surprise that upon opening the door and glancing inside, we find a sea of rich leather draped across nearly every surface, the cabin of this E38 7 series is a truly marvellous place to be. 

The exquisitely designed leather seats, both front and rear are of an excellent standard and present incredibly well. The beige leather is rich and full of colour, with just some general very minor wear to be seen up front. It should be noted however, that there is a small crack to the plastic on the driver’s seat base. Lifting up the rear head rest, we find the car still possesses its original unopened first aid kit from 1997. 

All four interior door cards are in equally good shape, the leather free of major wear, the door furniture all appears fresh and functions well. This quality is mirrored on the dashboard which is also remarkably clean for a car of this age, all of the switchgear housed within is of a similarly clean nature, with it all being reported to function correctly, however the electronic radio display sat within the black plastic central piece does have 2 lines/segments missing. 

The wood trim pieces dotted around the cabin that so excellently compliment the beige leather are of a great standard, still with an excellent shine to the finish. The wood finish gear shifter has been swapped for a new replacement part. 

Sitting above, the well trimmed roof liner is in great condition, having been replaced as the original factory one had begun to sag. Within the roof, is the electronically operated sunroof that functions fully and with ease. Below, the cabin is coated in an excellent beige carpet, still plush and fresh. On top of this, sit original factory floor mats. 

Opening the rear tailgate, we find a well trimmed boot, covered in black carpet. Pulling up the bottom panel reveals a full size original spare wheel and the factory jack, housed just next to the battery. The boot also holds the factory tool kit which looks nothing short of immaculate, still bearing its original BMW dealer stickers. The CD multi changer is also seated in the rear. 

The gorgeous lines of this 7 series are coated in an excellent shade of Aspen Silver, complementing the beige leather interior brilliantly. The paintwork itself presents wonderfully and benefits from a great deal of respray work courtesy of the current owner. 

The car has had the front and rear bumper, front wings and front doors resprayed to rectify some stone chipping and a small rust bubble presenting itself on the drivers door. As a result, a great shine exudes from the paintwork and the car looks as if it has just rolled off of the factory floor. 

The trim and brightwork mirror this excellent quality, incredibly clean with just some minor wear and patina to be seen on some of the trim pieces. The glass is all of an excellent standard, as are the lights on the car, although it should be noted that the current owner reports the offside front headlight can mist when on. 

The car sits on 4 excellent factory 16” wheels all of which are in great condition. 

Under the bonnet we find an absolute gem in the form of BMW’s M52 straight six engine, benefitting from a recent oil and fluid service. Being such a well maintained, regularly serviced example, the car fires into life immediately and with ease, a subtle engine note produced from the exhausts at rear. 

On the road the car is reported to provide a rather outstanding drive, smooth with plenty of power on tap at request. Being a 7 series, the ride is nothing but sublime, absolute peak comfort while on the go. 

The engine bay and engine itself are incredibly clean, yet more evidence of a well maintained example. As reported in the most recent MOT, the car had an unknown noise coming from the engine, this was diagnosed by a specialist workshop as a worn idler pulley which was as a result, replaced. 

The other advisory on the MOT was in relation to the handbrake which required adjustment. This was also rectified at the time of replacing the engine pulley. 

For those in the market for a stylish luxury super cruiser, there may be no better alternative. Among BMW enthusiasts and those who appreciate excellent design, the E38 7 series is unrivalled, and arguably the most desirable of all the BMW 7 Series.

This is an incredibly well cared for, well maintained example of a golden era BMW, when they really did hit it out of the park with everything that rolled off the production line. Boasting an extensive history file as well as recent paintwork, oil service and a long MOT, this can be jumped straight into and enjoyed right from the get go, without the expensive running costs of the thirsty v12 alternative.