1999 BMW 735i Sport (E38)

BMW was gradually switching from six-cylinder power to V8s by the 1990s and an example of the latter is what’s powering this 735i. The 235bhp M62 V8 to be precise, a high-revving delight of an engine that trades heavily on its potency and refinement. This 735i has recently been imported from Japan where it’s only previous owner has clearly doted upon it. Its condition appears to be truly remarkable for a 21-year old saloon. Fastidious – only dry weather use, according to the vendor – ownership and a far lower than average 49,500 km (31k miles) are no doubt largely responsible.

Also benefiting from the desirable M Sport chassis upgrade, which means this 735i rides a little lower and stiffer on its optional 18-inch staggered M Parallel alloy wheels. Add in electrically adjustable front seats, steering wheel and mirrors – all with memory function – plus heated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control with air-conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel and an electric ‘moon roof’ and you’ve got a near fully-loaded 7.

The silky Cosmos Black Metallic coating to this stately BMW still impresses even today. Its near mirror finish and shade would show up any imperfections; we’re pleased to report that there appears to be very few of the latter. This 7 series still looks every inch the high-five-figure priced, range-topping saloon it was back in 1999. There’s precious few blemishes anywhere on the exterior but we did spot a few trivial marks. There are some scratches to the paint that surrounds the nearside rear light lens, though these have been touched up. There’s also some mild discolouration to the bottom of the rear window.

If this 7 had been a couple of years newer it would have received standard rear parking sensors but as it is, this one does without. That’s no doubt contributed to the very light scuff that’s visible on the offside extremity of the rear bumper. While we’re on the subject of minor marks, there’s a few more on those stunning alloy wheels where the lacquer is just beginning to oxidise. The tyres are of the matching Dunlop Le Mans type (dated mid-2013) and though all have plenty of tread, they’re starting to show their age with some related cracking.

Any luxury car needs to feel special on the inside and it’s safe to say that this 7 series has that box ticked. Its black leather is in excellent order throughout and the dash displays haven’t succumbed to the usual missing pixels, common to this era of BMW. The over mats appear to be a BMW Japan extra as we don’t remember seeing them before, though they are in good shape and appear to be genuine. The all-important full BMW tool kit is present and correct in the boot and even includes the often-missing warning triangle. Lifting up the carpet in the boot reveals a floor that looks like new.

There’s plenty of millennial-era toys to play with here too and all appear to still be functioning as intended. Both the computer and navigation system (the first available in Europe) and the six-CD autochanger in the boot work. There are also electrically adjustable, heated seats to mess with and three-setting memory functions to store once you’ve found your ideal position. The layout and general ergonomics of this premium cabin of yesteryear reminds us of a sadly long-lost era when technology was there to assist, rather than distract, the driver.

Please note that the rear door on the drivers side does not open.

Substantial use of aluminium alloy in the suspension during this era kept BMW’s living up to their Ultimate Driving Machine tagline. It also led to a lower centre of gravity and these bits naturally resist corrosion far more effectively than older steel designs. Rather rarely, this 7 series seems to have retained all of its plastic under covers too, which means a really thorough inspection is hard, but judging by what we could see of the floors, sills and subframes, the underside of this example appears to be in largely original condition.

Bushes, bolts and wiring all seem to be in great shape and are largely free of even modest surface corrosion. Judging by the condition of the bottom of this BMW, the vendor’s claim that the previous owner avoided any wet weather driving seems valid. Even the exhaust and its accompanying heat shield look near new. The odd mark or scuff can be found, if you’re really looking, but this seems to be about as good as any underside of a 22-year-old car you could hope to find.

Having only just come into the UK in September of this year, there’s very little beyond the import documents and V5C in the history folder that’s in English. Unsurprisingly, the bulk of this car’s detailed history is therefore in Japanese. Sadly, we weren’t able to translate what’s there but it’s clear that this car has seen plenty of maintenance over the years. 

There’s a detailed set of pages with illustrations of various mechanical systems and several ticks next to each image, presumably indicating that services of said components have been carried out. One receipt we could identify was the MoT pass that indicates another test isn’t due until August 2022.

The vendor, who is a trader, reports that this BMW is ‘totally original and rust-free throughout. Exceptionally well cared for, it runs and drives like new’. Ordinarily we’d take a report like that with a pinch of salt but on this occasion, we couldn’t find much to refute his claim. There’s no shortage of examples of this era of 7 series – BMW made nearly 350k of them after all – but most have long been run on a shoestring. 

These were nearly £100k when new and as they fell into banger territory, most were run into the ground. Finding one that’s been kept in a manner deserving of such an exceptionally well-engineered and built vehicle is rare. That’s why we feel that this example will comfortably reach its £7,000 - £10,000 estimate.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.