Background
It’s worth bearing in mind that a modern Rolls Royce is assembled from boxes of parts with BMW 7 Series labels on them. The 7 is the top of the Munich constructor’s tree and this one is an exceptional example – more of that later.
In production from 1994 to 2001, the E38 is the third generation 7 Series. For the first time, buyers could choose from straight-six and V8 engines in both diesel and petrol formats, while the range-topping model got BMW’s glorious, although rather thirsty, V12 petrol.
Power outputs varied from the 141bhp 725tds (Euro only) through to the 322bhp V12, which means the 0-62mph sprint occupies anywhere between six and 11 seconds, depending on the first owner’s parsimony.
The 735i you are looking at here, by way of example, is fitted with the 3.5-litre, 233bhp V8 engine, enough to give it a top speed of 151mph after passing 62mph in just over eight seconds – and that seems quick enough for a big saloon doesn’t it?
Most, like this one, were fitted with the five-speed ZF automatic transmission although manual gearboxes were offered in some markets, but they’re a very rare and largely undesirable option.
Safety was a priority and BMW crammed the E38 with masses of safety equipment including traction control, auto-levelling Xenon HID headlamps, and Electronic Damper Control (EDCIII).
The interior was as OTT as the mechanical specification; the E38 was the first car in the world to protect its occupants with curtain airbags, the first European car to offer a satellite navigation system, and the first BMW to offer onboard TV as an option. Active Comfort Seats were offered from 1998 onwards, while double-glazed windows – and even laminated security glass – were also on the options list.
A favourite of both the small screen and Hollywood, it’s probably most famous for making an appearance in Tomorrow Never Dies, where 16 cars were modified in total. This means the E38 is one of the very cheapest ways of getting behind the wheel of a genuine James Bond car. It may well be one of the most reliable, too.
The 735i represents the pinnacle of sporting luxury saloons from its era, blending powerful performance with refined design. It’s sonorous 3.5-litre V8 delivers smooth yet robust power, providing an ideal balance between spirited acceleration and refined cruising. With rear-wheel drive and finely-tuned suspension, the 735i offers sharp handling and precise steering that few luxury saloons of its time could match.
The E38’s design remains timeless, featuring classic lines that exude sophistication without excess. Inside, BMW’s commitment to quality is evident in the well-appointed cabin, fitted with premium materials, thoughtful ergonomics, and cutting-edge tech for the time, including features like onboard navigation and high-quality audio.
Beyond its performance and aesthetic appeal, the E38 735i has a reputation for durability and build quality, cementing its status as a practical choice among enthusiasts and collectors alike. Compared to rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the E38 735i stands out for its agility and driver-focused dynamics, making it the definitive sporting luxury saloon of the early 2000s, one that delivered both comfort and thrill without compromising on either.
