BMW 740i E38
The BMW E38 7 Series is arguably the most beloved generation of BMW's flagship sedan. Designed before the controversial Chris Bangle era, it represents the zenith of BMW's traditional design language — clean, elegant lines with perfectly proportioned surfaces that have aged beautifully. Many automotive designers and enthusiasts consider it the most attractive four-door sedan ever produced.
The E38 was engineered to compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140), and while it could not match the Mercedes for sheer opulence, it offered something the S-Class could not: genuine driving pleasure. The 740i, with its 4.4-liter V8 producing 282 hp, was remarkably agile for a car of its size. The steering was precise, the chassis balanced, and the ride quality was superbly composed.
The range extended from the six-cylinder 728i to the magnificent 750iL with its 5.4-liter V12 producing 326 hp. The long-wheelbase 'L' variants offered limousine-like rear legroom, while the standard wheelbase cars were more driver-focused. All models featured BMW's trademark rear-wheel drive layout and offered optional all-wheel drive on some variants.
The E38 gained iconic pop culture status through its appearance in the 1998 film 'The Transporter' (and later in the Jason Statham franchise of the same name), as well as the James Bond film 'Tomorrow Never Dies' where a 750iL was remotely driven via a mobile phone.
Technology was cutting-edge for the 1990s: satellite navigation, parking sensors, double-glazed windows, curtain airbags, and BMW's first use of CAN-bus electronics. The optional self-leveling air suspension provided exceptional ride quality, particularly in the 750iL.
The E38 was the last BMW 7 Series to use a conventional instrument cluster and traditional BMW design cues. Its successor, the controversial E65 with its Bangle-designed exterior and iDrive system, was such a departure that many enthusiasts consider the E38 the last 'real' 7 Series. Values are rising steadily as enthusiasts recognize the E38 as a future classic.
Avoid early models with NIKASIL cylinder bore issues (1996-1998 V8s) — look for later ALUSIL engines. The timing chain guides are a known failure point on V8 models and are expensive to replace. Self-leveling rear suspension and air springs fail and are costly to repair. Electronic gremlins are common on high-mileage examples — window regulators, pixels in instrument cluster and on-board computer. Cooling system components (plastic) should be preemptively replaced. The V12 750iL is magnificent but maintenance costs are roughly double the V8. Full service history from a BMW specialist is essential. Well-maintained low-mileage examples are increasingly sought-after.
Approximately 328,000 units produced (1994-2001). The 740i was the best-selling variant. A mid-cycle refresh in 1998 brought updated headlights, revised bumpers, and the Sport Package option. The 750iL Protection (armored) version was available for high-security clients. The 740d was BMW's first V8 diesel in a 7 Series.