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 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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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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