1999 BMW (E38) 750iL

This BMW 750iL is a superb modern classic and the pinnacle of the E38-generation flagship luxury saloon. Under the bonnet is a silky 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 reads 117,677 km (73,121 miles) from new.

First registered on 11 December 1999, this long-wheelbase 7 Series has been owned by the current vendor for the past year. A Japanese market BMW, this example was imported into the UK in 2020, and re-registered with the DVLA in January 2021.

Finished in the understated hue of Titan Silver, the BMW is in remarkable condition for its age thanks to a recent respray during the current vendor’s ownership. The bluff front end is free of stone chips, while the brightwork, badging and light lenses also present well. The nearside rear bumper rubbing strip has a small scuff, but otherwise the car presents very well indeed. It is equipped with the elegant ‘Style 5’ BBS multispoke alloy wheels, which are free of kerbing and retain their original centre caps.

Inside, the BMW’s driver-centric dashboard design has aged well. As the flagship of the E38 range, it is loaded with technology including a tilt-and-slide sunroof, rear sunblind, front and rear seat heating, and factory-fitted sat-nav. The vendor states that all electrical accessories are operational, with no warning lights illuminated on the dashboard.

The plush black leather upholstery remains in great condition, with only signs of wear visible on the driver’s seat bolsters and the steering wheel. Rear seat passengers benefit from substantial legroom, plus individual electric adjustment and heating, fold-down trays, and their own stereo system with aux-in connections for headphones. The vendor adds that the front cupholder is broken and that the key fob buttons do not work – but the car can still be locked and unlocked from the key.

The most recent service was carried out on 14 December 2020 at 117,355 km (72,921 miles) by the vendor. This entailed replacement of the engine oil and filter, air filter and pollen filter. A full check-over was provided by Autowerx of Milton Keynes in February 2021, while prior to this the car was serviced by Balcom BMW of Japan in 2019 at 113,233 km (70,359 miles). The same dealer also serviced the car in 2015 and 2013.

The vendor adds that during their ownership, the only work required outside of regular maintenance has been a new headlight sensor. It remains in original condition, save for the addition of lowering springs prior to the vendor’s ownership.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 December 2020 at 117,359 km (72,929 miles). This was a first-time pass with zero advisories. Wrapped in Michelin tyres all round, these are said to have approximately 5mm of tread remaining and no damage to their sidewalls.

Included in the sale will be the leather document wallet with all handbooks and service log, as well as a number of supporting invoices from its history, plus the Japanese export certificate.

This BMW 750iL is a relatively low-mileage example of the long-wheelbase E38 generation 7 Series. Offering many luxurious features which are still impressive over two decades later, this modern classic would make for an ideal long-distance cruiser or sophisticated daily driver, and would be a smart addition to any collection of modern classics.

Installed optional extras

• S460 Electr.Rear Seat Adjustment
• S401 Lift-Up-And-Slide-Back Sunroof, Electric
• S430 Interior/Outside Mirror With Auto Dip
• S473 Armrest Front
• S428 Warning Triangle And First Aid Kit
• S441 Smoker Package
• S423 Floor Mats Velours
• S446 Rear Compartment Equipment
• S494 Seat Heating Driver/Passenger
• S416 Roller Sun Visor, Rear Lateral
• S456 Comfort Seat With Memory
• S496 Seat Heating, Rear
• S677 HiFi System Professional DSP
• S609 Navigation System Professional
• S672 CD Changer For 6 CDs
• S522 Xenon Light
• S533 Air Conditioning, Rear
• S548 Kilometre Speedo
• S500 Headl.Washer System/Intensive Cleaning
• S508 Park Distance Control (PDC)
• S220 Self-Levelling Suspension
• S223 Electronic Damper Control (EDC)
• S245 Steering Wheel Column Adjustment,Electr.
• S261 Side Airbags For Rear Passengers
• S216 Hydro Steering-Servotronic
• S204 Shorter Final Drive Ratio
• S210 Dynamic Stability Control
• S202 Steptronic
• S875 Infrared Remote Control
• S352 Insulating Double-Glazing
• S354 Windscreen, Green-Tinted Upper Strip
• S845 Acoustic Fasten Seat Belt Reminder
• S826 Fahrwerk In Exportabstimmung
• S841 Dummy-SALAPA
• S818 Battery Master Switch
• S823 Hot-Climate Version
• S807 National Version Japan
• S853 Language Version, English

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.