1998 BMW 750i

This 1998 BMW (E38) 750i is a powerful and well-equipped modern classic luxury car, presented in honest and eminently usable condition, and with strong maintenance history. It is powered by a smooth 5.4-litre V12, which sends 322bhp and 361lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. The odometer displays 162,636 miles from new.

First registered in April 1998, this original right-hand drive 750i was acquired by the seller just over two years ago. Kept in dry storage, it has been used to travel from central London to Kent and France in both comfort and style, and is now reluctantly offered for sale at No Reserve.

Having been protected from the worst of the British weather, this 7-series has escaped the major corrosion which can plague E38-generation cars – as evidenced by its MOT history, which is discussed below – only showing small patches of bubbling around the wheel arches and door bottoms, commensurate with its age and mileage.

Its Cosmos Black metallic paintwork is believed to be entirely original, and presents in fair condition for its age, with some stone chips around the front end, a stain on the front driver’s side wing caused by a brake fluid spill, and a few other superficial scratches. The overall impression is still that of a smart modern classic though – and one which you will want to drive without worrying about getting the odd blemish to the paintwork.

One or two of the body trims may benefit from replacement, but the vendor has just renewed the front lower windscreen cowl trim since the photos were taken. This 750i rides on a set of original staggered 18”/19” (front/rear), 15-spoke BMW ‘Style 32’ alloy wheels, which are in good order, with only a few minor marks.

In the cabin, the seats are upholstered in smooth grey leather, and are in excellent condition for their age, with only some minor creasing and slight discolouration, but certainly no rips or other visible damage. The door cards are also leather-wrapped and present well. Overall, the interior trim is in great shape considering the mileage, which is arguably testament to BMW’s build quality in this era. The glossy wood inlays on the dashboard, centre console, door cards and the backs of the front seats are all in very good order, and add a touch of class to this already sophisticated luxury saloon.

As BMW’s flagship executive car of its era, the E38-generation 7-series is particularly well-equipped, and was the first European car offered with satellite navigation from the factory – though the navigation system is now redundant given the ceasing of the GPRS infrastructure. Other features include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and even a wired-in BMW car phone. All four seats are heated and electrically adjustable.

Almost all of the interior buttons and switches work without fault, though the seller notes that one of the rear headrests is faulty, and that there is an issue with one the front passenger seat’s adjustment buttons. One vertical line of the binnacle display also has an intermittently faulty pixel, though this does not affect legibility. The rest of the electrics are currently working well, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This modern classic luxury car’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out by the seller in May 2020, and consisted of an engine oil and filter change. Prior to this, they carried out an oil service and replaced the cabin filters in October 2019, and changed the engine oil, oil filter and spark plugs in October 2018. The vendor states that it has a comprehensive service history from both BMW main dealers and independent garages.

The ABS pre-charge pump was replaced in November 2019, the transmission and rear differential fluids were flushed in October 2019, and a new camshaft sensor was fitted in February 2019. The seller states that at times the car’s acceleration can be slightly hesitant; however, they have not been able to find any vacuum leaks or fault codes.

Its latest MOT test was conducted on 5 January 2021 at 162,589 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with one advisory noting the fitment of a child seat, which prevented full inspection of the seatbelt. Of significance is the fact that over the last 15 years, covering nearly 100,000 miles on the road, there has never been any advisory or note about any rust or corrosion to the chassis or floors – which is excellent evidence of its structural condition.

This attractive 7-series will be accompanied by its original dealer specification sheet and price estimate, which lists its initial cost as a substantial £72,805 – or around £130,000 in today’s money. The vendor is also supplying paperwork which details the car’s history and past maintenance, including its stamped service book.

A supremely comfortable and stylish modern classic luxury car, the E38-generation BMW 750i was undoubtedly one of the best-equipped and most refined saloons of its era. While it would now benefit from some TLC if the next owner desires, this example could continue to impress on long motorway jaunts, and is sure to delight its next owner with its powerful and smooth 5.4-litre V12.

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