BMW E38 740i.

By Jonathan Campbell

The BMW E38 was the last car designed by Boyle Boyer—the man responsible for the effortless style BMW once had […]


Ultimate Driving Machine

The BMW E38 was the last car designed by Boyle Boyer—the man responsible for the effortless style BMW once had.

The E38 had an automotive demeanor that demonstrated understated luxury and wealth. James Bond even drove one around a car park (Brent Cross) in Tomorrow Never Dies.

I bought my E38 from the estate of a deceased BMW obsessive, the car was one from a fairly large collection—his favourites were E38’s.

Despite being covered up in an underground car park for quite some time, it didn’t take long for the E38 to fire up. After a customary service and the sorting of a minor niggles she had, it quickly became my daily driver.

Considering she was built in 1996, I was happily trundling around London with the odd trip to the coast in her twenty-six years later. It’s testimony to how well-built these BMW’s were.

Unfortunately due to pending ULEZ legislation I had to sell her but she went to a fellow obsessive… so I know she’s loved.

Like the E39, it’s considered to be among the best BMW has made. They really don't make them like they used to.

Share this:

Images. The Obsessive, BMW AG Munich
All images are copyright to their respective owners.