*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance write off in 12/2013 ***
Highlights
- Superb low mileage example
- In excellent mechanical order
- Owned by the same family since new
- Rare and desirable colour and wheel combination
Background
If you were to look at the beautiful lines of the E38 7 series BMW and come to the conclusion that it may be one of the finest models to roll off of the BMW production line, from both an aesthetic and a mechanical perspective, then you wouldn’t be in short company.
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.
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.
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.
History
This particular 7 series has been owned by the same loving family since first registered for the road in May of 1999. The car was bought as a gift for the current owner’s wife from BMW dealer Cheyne BMW in the Hainault area, it has remained in this family all this time and in its 23 years, has amassed an incredibly low 61,001 miles.
During its lifetime it has borne a few different registration marks, hence we see
During its lifetime it has borne a few different registration marks, hence we see
some paperwork adorned with the registration T8 VEG, however the car now holds its original T89 AME registration.
Paperwork
Being such a well maintained, 1 family owned vehicle, we find the car accompanied with a comprehensive set of paperwork from throughout the car's lifetime. Most notably, the original BMW service book which contains the original dealer stamp from Cheyne BMW, as well as stamps from regular servicing by BMW dealers and the first pre delivery inspection. We also find operating manuals for the in car entertainment and car phone.
The vehicle also comes with its current MOT certificate, valid until March 2022. Looking at the mileage at the time of the test compared to mileage at present, we can see the car has covered an incredibly minimal 100 miles in the last 12 months.
The correct V5 registration document is also present with the car. The Interior
An exquisite piece of design to say the least, the cabin of the 7 series is a sea of light, rich leather, adorning nearly every surface in sight. The cabin of this E38 7 series is a truly marvellous place to be.
The beautifully designed leather seats, both front and rear are of an excellent standard and present incredibly well, bearing just some minor wear to the bolstering and cushions as to be expected of a car of this age, however the leather itself is still of an excellent standard, rich and full of colour, that compliments the exterior paintwork so excellently. The colour matched seat bases are all in good shape as is the various switchgear used to operate the electric seat motors.
All four interior door cards are in equally good shape, the leather free of major wear, with just a few marks making themselves known. 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, showing just a few signs of its age on either end.
All of the switchgear housed within is of a similarly clean nature, being reported to work well, it should be noted however, that the owner reports the electronic display within the gauge cluster can cut out at times, however if the battery is recharged, the displays return to their correct form. While the housing and wiring is still present for the in car phone, the phone itself is not present.
All of the switchgear housed within is of a similarly clean nature, being reported to work well, it should be noted however, that the owner reports the electronic display within the gauge cluster can cut out at times, however if the battery is recharged, the displays return to their correct form. While the housing and wiring is still present for the in car phone, the phone itself is not present.
The wood trim pieces dotted around the cabin that so excellently compliment the cream leather are of a great standard, still with an excellent shine to the finish. Sitting above this, the well trimmed roof liner is in great condition, with just some general
patina presenting itself, however the physical upholstery is excellent. Within the roof is the electronically operated sunroof, this does not operate at present and is reported to be a possible faulty fuse. Below, the cabin is coated in an excellent cream carpet, still plush and fresh.
Opening the rear tailgate, we find a well trimmed boot, the carpeting in which is of a great standard and presents brilliantly. WIthin the boot, we find the original factory CD multichanger nestled within its own designated compartment. In the boot lid itself, sits the factory toolkit, which appears complete, the condition suggests very limited, if any usage.
The Exterior
The gorgeous lines of this 7 series are coated in an exquisite dark green hue. With something of a British Racing Green nature to it, it's quite possibly the perfect colour choice for this subtle, stylish super cruiser.
The paintwork itself is of a great quality, still of that mile deep quality it rolled off of the factory with all those years back. The bodywork does bear some battle scars however, most notably some scratching and dent on the drivers side rear quarter section, there are some more minor scuffs on the corners of the car and the general patina to be expected of a car of this age. There is also a section of paint around the rear driver's side wing that has lost its finish and appears heavily scratched. This is a car that does show some signs of age, but without a doubt looks absolutely stunning from the outside.
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.
The car sits on 4 excellent, and incredibly desirable, “style 32” factory 18” wheels, these are in good condition with just some kerb markings to be seen. It must also be noted that whilst at present the only 1 wheel has its centre cap, the current owner has these on order to fit onto the car.
The Mechanics
Under the bonnet we find a brilliant powerhouse, in the form of BMW’s M52 straight six engine, benefiting from regular maintenance under its ownership, the 2793cc motor fires into life with ease, a subtle engine note emitting from the exhaust.
On the road the car is reported to provide a rather outstanding drive, smooth with plenty of power on tap at request, yet an almost silent atmosphere within the cabin. Being a 7 series, the ride is nothing but sublime, absolute peak comfort while on the go.
On the road the car is reported to provide a rather outstanding drive, smooth with plenty of power on tap at request, yet an almost silent atmosphere within the cabin. Being a 7 series, the ride is nothing but sublime, absolute peak comfort while on the go.
The current owner indicates that unfortunately the central locking is not operating correctly at present on the vehicle, and thus the key must be put into the door in order to unlock the car. The engine bay and engine itself are incredibly clean, yet more evidence of a well maintained example, with the added benefits of drastically cheaper running costs of the v12 alternative, without compromising on style.
The Appeal
Benefitting from a beautiful interior and exterior colour combination alongside some wonderfully specced factory wheels, this is a very rare example of a truly outstanding car. Made rarer yet, by such limited mileage and being a one family owned car from new.
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.
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.
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