Basic information and history

The BMW 7 Series of the E38 generation was built between 1994 and 2001 and is considered by many to be one of the most well-proportioned models in the 7 Series' history. The design, with its low, elongated silhouette and discreet kidney grille, has aged with dignity, and the E38 has over time earned a strong standing among enthusiasts who appreciate a luxury sedan without excess. In 1998, the model underwent an update with, among other things, refined technology and new lighting, making the 1999 model year one of the more sought-after.

The 740i is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 from the M62 family with approximately 286 horsepower, mated to a five-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. This combination provides a smooth and quiet ride combined with substantial power reserves when desired. The E38 was also the first BMW model offered with xenon headlights and a navigation system, and the model gained wide recognition as a Bond car in Tomorrow Never Dies.

This 1999 740i is Swedish-sold and is being sold by a dealer. The odometer reading is 161,000 km, which the seller guarantees. The car has had seven owners and is stated to be in original condition. It is finished in the unusual colour Royal Red Metallic and has an interior in sand beige Montana leather, a colour combination rarely seen in Sweden. The vehicle has passed inspection and is taxed, free of loans, and is sold without deductible VAT.

Equipment and options

According to the seller, the car was delivered with the following factory-fitted equipment:

• Rear sun blind
• Automatic dimming interior mirror
• Wood trim (Fine Wood Trim)
• Smoker's package
• Comfort seats with memory function
• Electrically adjustable seats with memory
• Front armrest
• Lumbar support for driver and passenger
• Front seat heating
• Rear seat heating
• Car phone (GSM) with front card reader
• BMW Professional RDS radio
• Six-disc CD changer
• HiFi speaker system
• Headlight washers with intensive cleaning
• Xenon headlights
• Speedometer in kilometres
• Steptronic automatic transmission
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering
• Electrically adjustable steering column
• Side airbags for rear passengers
• Tyre pressure control (TPC)
• Sand beige Montana leather upholstery

The car is stated to be in original condition, and no modifications have been reported by the seller. The tyres are Bridgestone Turanza in the original size.

Condition

The body is described as being in good condition, and the paint is said to have a fine lustre, though according to the seller there are a few marks around the car. The windows are in good condition.

The interior is described as being in excellent condition, as are both the dashboard and the headliner. The sand beige leather upholstery combined with the wood trim gives a well-preserved impression, according to the seller. All electronics are stated to function, as do the climate control, audio and media systems, trip meter, and all seat belts. The dashboard is free of warning lights. However, the factory-fitted car phone does not start.

Tyres and wheels are, according to the seller, in excellent condition. The car is fitted with Bridgestone Turanza tyres in the original size, which have covered approximately 5,000 km.

The engine is described as being in excellent condition and starts and runs faultlessly. The gearbox is also stated to be in excellent condition and shifts without issue. The brakes are in good condition. The car has recently undergone a mechanical inspection where a few remarks were noted: a leak from the valve cover gasket and play in the right front shock absorber mount, which causes a slight noise over larger bumps. The alternator and battery have recently been replaced. The vehicle is drivable as is and passed inspection carried out in 2025.

Service history

The car is stated to be fully serviced, and the service history is documented with receipts and documentation. The car has recently been serviced and mechanically inspected at Per Larsson BMT in Stockholm, a workshop specialising in BMW, at a cost of approximately SEK 25,000. During this, the alternator and battery were replaced. The transmission oil was changed at 140,000 km.

Summary

This Swedish-sold BMW 740i E38 from 1999 combines an unusual colour scheme in Royal Red Metallic with sand beige leather and extensive factory equipment including comfort seats, xenon headlights, front and rear seat heating, and a HiFi system. With a guaranteed 161,000 km, original condition, documented service history, and a recent inspection at a BMW specialist, this is an interesting example of a model that more and more enthusiasts have come to appreciate. A couple of minor remarks have been noted, but the car has passed inspection, is taxed, and is ready to drive.