BMW E38 740i Review - What Does Real Luxury Mean in a Car?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
  • Today I am reviewing this BMW 7 series, from the E38 generation. A late car, equipped with the 4.4L V8, many regard the E38 as the last "proper" 7 series, before BMW went down the route of greatly increased luxury and technical complexity. But, do you actually NEED any more than this?
    #BMW #E38 #7er
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ความคิดเห็น • 531

  • @jamesstaggs4160
    @jamesstaggs4160 3 ปีที่แล้ว +516

    One of the best looking cars they ever made.

    • @tobias_k01
      @tobias_k01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Unpopular opinion, but I think it really didn't age that well compared to the E65.
      Put them next to each other and they look like at least two generations apart.
      The E65 uses certain shapes that are still relevant today whereas the E38 was at the pinnacle of what you could call evolutionary design. The basic shapes are still suck in the eighties and you can really see that.
      But apart from that - yes, it is very beautiful, very simple and reduced, very distinct and subtle. It's a pretty perfect design, it's just that it looks very dated compared to everything that followed with Bangle.

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@tobias_k01 Very fine answer and response. Respect

    • @henrikmielicke2489
      @henrikmielicke2489 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@tobias_k01 how's this an unpopular opinion? e65 was super futuristic at the time, bangle really split bmw believers apart on that. e38, at least in my opinion, is somewhat of a classic beauty, the german automotive mona lisa of the 90s if you want.

    • @johnsurs22
      @johnsurs22 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@tobias_k01 The E65 certainly looks more modern, but isn't that the problem? In the early 2000s and onwards, cars were forced to become bulkier due to a series of critical new regulations. The E38 was prior to that era and was therefore allowed to keep the leaner, muscular design of older BMWs, a design language that is absolutely timeless IMO. Even though Bangle was a bit radical, I don't think that all of the changes to the body style were his choice.

    • @jamesgallagher1992
      @jamesgallagher1992 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Agreed

  • @inbloom08
    @inbloom08 3 ปีที่แล้ว +269

    Isn't that 7 series design just the most timeless shape ever? Still looks great!

    • @spudmckenzie4959
      @spudmckenzie4959 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The e23 was better looking.

    • @inbloom08
      @inbloom08 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@spudmckenzie4959 you are not wrong but as far as "modern" BMW shapes go.... E23 had the meanest angled nose I love it.

    • @lowellgelin2063
      @lowellgelin2063 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      FACTS

    • @Alid2198
      @Alid2198 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@spudmckenzie4959 The e9 was even better looking.

  • @themanipulator1
    @themanipulator1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +245

    Bmw at its peak. The e46, e39 and e38 were bmw at its very best. Stunning lines and proportions that still stand up today

    • @DjNikGnashers
      @DjNikGnashers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      I almost agree, but I always preferred the E36 to the E46.

    • @themanipulator1
      @themanipulator1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@DjNikGnashers fair enough, I really like them both and I suppose it's down to personal preference. I just think the e46 moved the game on alot without ruining the looks. Probably why I own two 😂

    • @DjNikGnashers
      @DjNikGnashers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      @@themanipulator1 I found the E46 to be a lot more refined and modern.
      I just preferred the rawness of the E36, the lightness, and I actually love the boxy styling more.
      The E39 is my favourite BMW of the past 30 years though.

    • @themanipulator1
      @themanipulator1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      If it was possible to buy a brand new e39 I would pick that over anything in the current line up

    • @DjNikGnashers
      @DjNikGnashers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@themanipulator1 Indeed. That model just oozed quality, refinement, and style.

  • @rollotomassi8251
    @rollotomassi8251 3 ปีที่แล้ว +250

    This classic design trumps everything BMW has to offer today...IMO

    • @markwright3161
      @markwright3161 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Most certainly the new 5 series I got an advert for during this. They're applying the stupid full height grills to it too now that were first seen on the 3/4 series. I dread to think what the 7 series is now going to look like when they butcher that too.
      Edit; I can't find the advert I saw or any other evidence that the new 5 series is going to have that front end (google image searches for new 5 series, 2021 and 2023, they all show the standard grill design on a face lift and new body respectively). What I can find suggests that it's just going to be a facelift for the next few years, not a full new car. Maybe I was just there at the right time to see the wrong premade advert released.

    • @markwright3161
      @markwright3161 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @J B Current one isn't bad, but the advert I got said 5 series and the car was a saloon with the 4 series full height grills, like giving someone a nose job by stapling the tip of it to their forehead. When trying to get it again now though I can't find anything about it, and another 5 series advert I'm just after seeing shows the regular front 5 series with a light facelift. I'm wondering if I got an ad that wasn't supposed to be or if they would go to the extent of having a separate front end for the Chinese market, but it was an English ad and I don't have anything to suggest I'm over there, all on my laptop is NI.
      If they backtracked the design after the reactions to the 4 series, deciding to extend the current one through a facelift, then good for them. Maybe the ad I saw was a mistake on their part, two UK 5 series ads ready for release but one meant to be scrapped that wasn't?

    • @psions555
      @psions555 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      The grilles are utterly stupid on the new models, but China is a big market..... Maybe it's the rose tinted glasses of what was cool when I was younger but the E31 was stunning, the E38 was elegant although a little bland even at the time.

    • @rollotomassi8251
      @rollotomassi8251 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@psions555 I agree.. I'm 35 and these cars was stunning way back when. Compared to a Fiesta or a dull Volvo 740 that we had 13 on a dozen of.. but now we have this And the X6 mehh

    • @truxton1000
      @truxton1000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agree, not only does it looks great, it is also possible to repair. Something BMW have forgotten lately, just to repalace a £5 gasket somewhere in the engine you will have to pay £5-10.000 for someone to dismantle half the engine bay to get at it.....!

  • @tris7
    @tris7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    So much more elegant than that HIDEOUS Audi you had at the start.

  • @martinboulden3540
    @martinboulden3540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    The E38 is a fabulous machine in looks and quality and is everything a BMW should be. Incredible value with any engine.

    • @evokki0075
      @evokki0075 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely, it is so sad that good condition and low km ones are so hard to find nowadays, at least where I live.

    • @tcaudiobooks737
      @tcaudiobooks737 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@evokki0075 GMS Cars always have great e38s and e39s in concourse condition.

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@tcaudiobooks737 GMS Cars in Surrey is really really damned overpriced.

  • @shukeelc5177
    @shukeelc5177 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Had a 1996 E38 for around 3 years. Probably one of the best all round cars ever. The car had awesome road presence and the speed and power were fantastic. Everything worked perfectly. Effortless driving

  • @flaviokart16
    @flaviokart16 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    The E38 V8 is great but the V12 is at another level, it sounds and feels so good.

    • @tcaudiobooks737
      @tcaudiobooks737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      740i sport is a very different beast to the 740i, it's so much better. But that V12 though...

    • @richardharrold9736
      @richardharrold9736 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @Much Wiser it's just unfortunate that the M73 was a SOHC 2-valve engine. They should have gone over to the M50 4-valve head from the start, but BMW only got a quad-cam V12 production engine with the much bigger, bulkier N73.

    • @Roddy_Zeh
      @Roddy_Zeh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@richardharrold9736 There was a DOHC prototype version, called M72. Sadly, it never reached production, as BMW stated "the refinement levels were not up to their standards".
      I think they may have deemed not worth the extra cost to make this engine. I just wished they at least increased displacement to 6.0 liters, as Alpina itself did with B12 6.0. They got 430 hp out from that engine, which is amazing when you consider the 2-valve heads...Mercedes did get up to 408 hp from their M120 competitor (later dropped to 389 hp for better efficiency) but had to resort to 4-valve heads.

    • @richardharrold9736
      @richardharrold9736 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Roddy_Zeh shame, given how smooth the M54 is, the N72 would have been silky as anything...

    • @Roddy_Zeh
      @Roddy_Zeh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@richardharrold9736 Indeed! And quite powerful to boot. Probably could match the 445-hp N73 that came later on, which had both 6.0L of displacement and 4-valve heads, but also direct injection.

  • @SenszR
    @SenszR 3 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    Yep, modern luxury cars should just be called technology cars instead

  • @MrRoyck10
    @MrRoyck10 3 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    E38 BMW was made in the era of “the ultimate driving machine” then suddenly turbo cars became bastardised and BMW (along with other car manufacturers) is now in an advanced stage of amnesia.

    • @GH-fh7pn
      @GH-fh7pn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Lol true 👍 I love NA engines . Got my e92 m3 with low miles and love it its been good to me and I take good care of it

  • @Vonstroke
    @Vonstroke 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Of course it's a Japanse import. Immaculate.

  • @gwilko6452
    @gwilko6452 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I do like the look of the older BMWs

    • @tcaudiobooks737
      @tcaudiobooks737 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We live in a world of slipping beauty standards, and BMWs are reflecting that change in society. The older BMWs were timelessly beautiful... like Grace Kelly's face.

  • @JFTravelvideos
    @JFTravelvideos 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    E38, my all-time favorite car. Still my everyday car. Needs in old age some love (and money). But if that fits, you have a driving living room on the road.

  • @CaptainHoratioPugwash
    @CaptainHoratioPugwash 3 ปีที่แล้ว +25

    They way you describe the driving experience sounds exactly like my E39 530i Touring. The balance BMW found between ride and handling during this period is just wonderful.

  • @abuhussain2534
    @abuhussain2534 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Still to this day imo, the best looking saloon/ sedan ever

  • @alexv8150
    @alexv8150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    E38 with the sport package and black interior will forever be desired regardless of my wealth.

    • @pauldemirza9299
      @pauldemirza9299 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Agreed, I have both the blk in my M-Sport and the sand beige in the IL. The black looks timeless and the other doesn't age as well.

  • @Punisher9419
    @Punisher9419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Torque converter automatics are really amazing. Sure they might not be as quick but they are smooth and reliable.

    • @Anirossa
      @Anirossa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      At the age of 20 plus, they are not extremely reliable, even if maintained, but there is a lot worse out there when comes to automatics. Still, for reliability reasons I pick a manual when I can when comes to buying classic BMWs.

    • @Punisher9419
      @Punisher9419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      @@Anirossa The ZF torque converters are known for being exceptionally reliable. At least the ZF 6HP in my Jaguar is known for being very reliable as long as you change the transmission oil every now and then.

    • @Anirossa
      @Anirossa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Punisher9419 I see, just had bigger issues with the 5HP-18 that's need replacing a few times

    • @DjNikGnashers
      @DjNikGnashers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Love the ZF8 in my M140i, and I have every reason to trust it's reliability.

    • @tawermeister99
      @tawermeister99 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Really? I thought reliability wasn’t one of their strong points I suppose it depends on the manufacturer.

  • @qiqeh
    @qiqeh 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Best looking 7 series ever.
    F01 owner.

  • @daniel635biturbo
    @daniel635biturbo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I'll bet the e38 is quieter than the Audi SUV.
    Modern cars tend to have really bad tire noise when the asphalt is rough.

    • @chairmanRob
      @chairmanRob 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      ehhhhhh, a brand new one maybe. Any E38 on the road today has a rattle or two. That BMW plastic doesn't hold up over time in some sections and the weather seals also will eventually deteriorate. I should know, I've been replacing mine lol

  • @jonnnyren6245
    @jonnnyren6245 ปีที่แล้ว

    The thumbnail itself is a feast to behold. It looks so simple that its simplicity is enough to make it beautiful. A lot more beautiful than the nihilistic one of today.

  • @guilhermelima8034
    @guilhermelima8034 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You should really review an E39 540i! Those cars are becoming classics and everybody seems to love them. Prove’em wrong! Hahah

  • @godspeed6315
    @godspeed6315 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    To me the most iconic spec I would love is the James Bond spec in rare aspen silver

  • @mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420
    @mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I would have to do something about the Japanese spec number plates which cheapen the look.

  • @robertorhymes
    @robertorhymes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I loved it when beemers were actually good Never buy or service at Sytner

  • @sprezzatura8755
    @sprezzatura8755 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This car was built at the end of the era when BMW and Mercedes built cars to last. The focus then became on recyclability and the financialization of the German auto industry was born. This is a car you can actually do repairs on. DIY will soon be a thing of the past as there is little to no serviceability on new vehicles. Older vehicles like this are quite green indeed. Consider the energy and resources it takes to make a new car. Especially a new car that will ultimately be recycled...in the not too distant future.

  • @glennmartin2403
    @glennmartin2403 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Nice - on my second e38. Great car and cheap! Hard to find a good one now.....

  • @mandn4207
    @mandn4207 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I will be keeping my E 38 forever.

  • @dF-ww8md
    @dF-ww8md 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    The V12 was the best. Smoothest engine ever

  • @Mr2pint
    @Mr2pint 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Beautiful car although I don't trust any BMW V8 - N63 in particular 😂

  • @DownShiftThrottle
    @DownShiftThrottle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Love the E38. My friend has a 1996 740i unmolested version. Amazing car even for today's standard. Did a vid on it a while ago now.👍🏽

  • @rvr4617
    @rvr4617 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    A while back we had a client asking us to sell his e38 735i V8 manual for him. So they do exist actually. But I couldn't really see why. It was a wonderful car to drive, but all I could think while driving it was; this luxury experience needs a smooth autobox to make it complete. I wasn't the only one thinking it, because the thing was unsellable..
    It still is one the most beautiful saloons ever build in my opinion. It really puts to shame the bmw designs of today..

  • @johnlager584
    @johnlager584 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Had 2 of these back in the day, Bought the last one new in 2001, changed from an S Class and this car was soooo much better to drive back then, and my wife preferred the ride to the Merc, she got less car sick. It is unobtrusive and so comfortable it ran me all over Europe for 3 years I put 140,000km on mine, added inexpensive Japanese After market TV/DVD screens in the back for the young kids. Never went back to BMW after this model because the new 7s were so damn ugly. Build quality was also light years ahead of the 5 series.

  • @CarsofGlasgow
    @CarsofGlasgow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video Jay, very much tomorrow never dies!

  • @Dan_druft
    @Dan_druft 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    It's got the after market stereo that looks like the original from the later 2000 - 2001 models, it's got freeview TV nowadays. It's a nice upgrade.

  • @popstars4444
    @popstars4444 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    omg ! the way you record your sound is brilliant, better than anyone

  • @eldontyrell4361
    @eldontyrell4361 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Review more older cars mate! Loved this review.

  • @cyprianmulenga9540
    @cyprianmulenga9540 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    my
    fav
    7
    of
    all
    timeeeee

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Relax.......

  • @MrRicardo11
    @MrRicardo11 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The best car they have ever made, and the 5 series of the same era was the best in its class at the same time. The newer BMW's are just not in the hunt.

  • @joshoprayy
    @joshoprayy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I've never thought the e38 looks similar to the e32. They are distinctly different.

  • @theodoretaylor5180
    @theodoretaylor5180 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Love my e38. Had two, still have one sitting in the garage.

    • @pauldemirza9299
      @pauldemirza9299 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm of the same mind, been driving an E38 for 16 years now and I've experienced the gamut of issues, I can assure you. Overall, I prefer this car on a road trip than anything else I've had. It has never let me stranded. These cars have maintainance requirements and as a knowledgeable owner over time, I'm willing to put up with it just to be able to drive this unique paen to automobile excellence.

  • @stephenoverstreet9898
    @stephenoverstreet9898 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Thank you James. You get it! So many traditional media outlets and even some “influencer/entertainers” don’t. When compared to its intended function and customer base, it’s just right. That should be the true measure of a car.

  • @samcourt6228
    @samcourt6228 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    It’s certainly the last good looking 7 series. Every subsequent one has been an awful looking car.
    I love the E38. Itv was such a lovely, well proportioned car. My uncle had a lovely dark blue 735 with cream leather.

  • @EE-hk8iu
    @EE-hk8iu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I can smell the leather true the screen , what a beauty and it seems well maintained

  • @mitchellbrown8124
    @mitchellbrown8124 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great remarks & comments, "..paper thin tires and massive alloys..." so true! Damn things drive so harsh.

  • @ahoneyman
    @ahoneyman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    My dad had one. Yes, quite a few hours were spent under it and a sizeable sum was paid for parts. This was expected and working on it brings both joy and frustration. Once sorted the car is absolutely fantastic. The power and the poise make long trips effortless. At 150km/hr the car isn't even breathing hard and you can just cruise (wherever such speeds are allowed)

  • @ollieb81
    @ollieb81 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Gorgeous car! People refer to them as a Bond car. You can't beat Frank Martin for me though. 👨‍✈️

    • @carlgeorgtsigakis498
      @carlgeorgtsigakis498 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah before he started driving those passats with leather...

  • @alexv8150
    @alexv8150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    The last great luxury sedan. Everything after this was a mess with technology.

  • @R-Tap
    @R-Tap 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    E38 Alpina B12 anyone?

  • @ghaniabid
    @ghaniabid 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Everything you said from 12:00 is exactly spot on 👏
    BMW were the ones that helped usher in the era of the luxury SUV by introducing the X5 IN 1999. If only they knew how it would revolutionise the school run 20 years later!

  • @bradcollins9647
    @bradcollins9647 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    We had the E38 as a 740d as a company car in the late 90ties. Wonderful. Not so pretty as the E32 (my thought, I never loved the blocky sills), but so comfy and relaxed to drive... One of the last of the Grand Routiers without any claim of sportiness (forget the SPORT button). It was used mostly between Hamburg and Berlin and I never complained to do this route in that silent but fast car. I would like to have one today but it would not fit in my garage (ok, it would, but than I could not open the door...).

  • @t.l.robinson2162
    @t.l.robinson2162 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The E-38 is the most beautiful BMW, ever. Even the current 7 series can't touch it.

  • @Birmingham_racing
    @Birmingham_racing 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    E38 best 7 series ever made and I would go for the 740i just for the sound

  • @carsyoungtimerfreak1149
    @carsyoungtimerfreak1149 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Totally agree: a luxury car should be comfortable. I just got myself one of the most comfortable saloons of the 90's: a Citroen XM 2.5 Turbo diesel. Being an old French car it has its problems, yet drives great (the suspension system is overhauled). I love these big saloons and the BMW is one of the best and most stylish examples. Thanks for the video!

  • @robertm6312
    @robertm6312 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    found a murdered out 740il near me. really considering buying it

  • @tim1polman
    @tim1polman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Just gotta love how massive the wheels on those cars actually are already. (a wise design choice too imo.. looks good.)

    • @christiangrad5696
      @christiangrad5696 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes. "Radial Styling 32". Best looking wheels on e39 and e38 IMO.

    • @musguelha14
      @musguelha14 ปีที่แล้ว

      They would look small on modern 7 series, they're 18s.

  • @sillwuka
    @sillwuka 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    One of the most iconic cars. Loved seeing Bond drive this round that car park remotely

  • @danielb9355
    @danielb9355 ปีที่แล้ว

    nothing even comes close these days. This bmw looks perfect, even after all the years.

  • @4g63_Everything
    @4g63_Everything 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Reminds me of 1st Transpoters car 735i and James Bond's car 740i👌🏼👌🏼♥️♥️♥️

  • @evokki0075
    @evokki0075 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Got to say, im in love with that interior, i think that those colors are probably the coolest for e38, i just love it.

  • @jaap5398
    @jaap5398 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really hope you’ll drive an E31 840 Sport one of these days Jay!

  • @BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne
    @BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    In my humble opinion, the Bentley rnage with the 4.4 BMW engine in it is the one to have. Incredibly reliable, and just about bottomed out in price. £140,000 new, yours for around £15k, and it will still feel like a new car...

  • @ranjanaluwihare1511
    @ranjanaluwihare1511 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The last of the true BMW’S magic!

  • @robbwatson2088
    @robbwatson2088 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Now I'm on Bring A Trailer again.
    Damn you man!

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Bring a Trailer is just overpriced bullshit.

  • @STRATOHOLICRichman
    @STRATOHOLICRichman 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    In the movie “Transporter” the movie car was a V12 with a manual. I watched a short documentary about why they wanted that specific engine and transmission (for the shifting clips) and how rare they were. I think they had 2 or 3 of them but I could be wrong. I’m not sure if it was offered in a V8 manual box but the v12 was. Cheers!

    • @christiangrad5696
      @christiangrad5696 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The badge was 735i , if I'm not mistaken...

  • @Dutch94
    @Dutch94 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Dont worry about all that nicasil crap, If you buy a car with a m62 worry about the timing guides!

  • @owenalp1977
    @owenalp1977 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My dads e39 540i also has a 4.4 litre engine while being badged 540, perhaps it’s the same one?

    • @AllTorque
      @AllTorque 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Same engine Owen .. also used in the X5

    • @owenalp1977
      @owenalp1977 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllTorque thanks 👌🏼

  • @marktolner2922
    @marktolner2922 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks to you I sought out and purchased a 1996 750iL to complement my 2005 760Li which I also purchased relatively recently thanks to you and Its Joel and George Austers. Thank you so much. I could not be happier.

  • @guillaumenoel7692
    @guillaumenoel7692 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice video! I have a 740i too with the same color combination and loving it. 438 000kms and still going strong

    • @andimclennan
      @andimclennan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      This e38 in the video had just 28,000 miles at time of shooting on October 19th 2020

  • @johnpriest9575
    @johnpriest9575 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Liked before watching. The delivery of the content matching the smooth nature of the car. Best 7 generation.

  • @termit520
    @termit520 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Good car....and a bit heavy...heavy like some eastern Europe gangster's wallet 30 years before. One of the last BMW's classic cars
    Good video

  • @davidspropaganda
    @davidspropaganda 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I would argue that the straight sixes are the most beautiful engines, so smooth and the sound !!! .......... whirrs and purrs; they sing to the red line vs quiet bass on the V8’s.

    • @johnpearson492
      @johnpearson492 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I started my fascination of BMWs with the V8s, e38 740iL and e39 M5. They were wonderful engines and never understood why people liked the I6s so much. Then one day I purchaseded a very beat up e36 328is and found out what everyone was on about. The BMW 6 cylinders are addictive to drive. They beg you to run up to the red line and are silky smooth while doing so. That beat up 328is convinced me that I needed to sell the M5 and buy an e36 M3.

    • @davidspropaganda
      @davidspropaganda 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@johnpearson492 great story, we are all on a different journey. I originally had an E36 3.0 M3 and an E34 3.8 M5 in the 90’s. Both great engines with that hard edge that is addictive under acceleration. I’m guessing you’re American because you called the E36 iS. My favourite of all the BMW straight sixes is the 2.0 litre 24v 150 bhp which I don’t think was sold in the US. The small capacity makes it far and away the sweetest revving and it sounds the most musical. It doesn’t have the hard edge of the M cars, and the revs are much slower to fall off, but as an everyday car engine, it was one of my favourite ever. I had it in a few daily drivers including a Z3 and an E39 which for most people would have been too heavy a car for the engine, but I chose it with a manual because it was the nicest engine, and you were forced to use the use the gears and rev it through its range most of the time, which was a pleasure, though overtaking three or fours cars was always off the cards. People used to appreciate the charms of a straight six; so many British thoroughbreds used them, from Frazer Nash to Derby Bentleys, Jaguars and Astons. But few seem to to care today, capacity and power to weight seem to matter more and hardly anyone seems to have a musical ear. Many car exhausts it seems to me are tuned for loudness at every variable resulting in a blare rather than a tune much like the loudness wars in music mastering. A nice straight six, like the 90’s BMW’s gives you a bit of the V12 magic in a smaller physical and simpler engine. V8’s have their place of course, but to me they never quite have the same charm.

    • @johnpearson492
      @johnpearson492 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@davidspropaganda You nailed it. I haven't driven a BMW 6 smaller than the 2.8 in the 328 but I agree it was actually much sweeter and more involving to drive compared to the bigger more powerful M3. It needed you to work for the power, not just rely on a big fat torque curve like most modern cars have.
      Indeed you guessed correctly I am American, the smaller displacement variants didn't usually make their way here, with the smallest 6 cylinder being in the 325.
      I'm just a fan of the I6, in a non BMW application, I had a Jeep Comanche with the phenomenal 4.0L I6, it wasn't a power house, more a low revving engine but it produced great quantities of silky smooth torque, and revved eagerly for such a larger heavy engine. I hope for all of us car lovers that like to be involved in driving, that there will always be a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder for us.

  • @ARPerez
    @ARPerez 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Pre-facelift and clean! Great car

  • @jimmysandshoe
    @jimmysandshoe 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That one has the wrong front seats though. The sport contour seat are most comfortable I’ve sat in

  • @alen_887
    @alen_887 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The analog TV still works in my BMW X5 E53.

  • @PumaSpeedster
    @PumaSpeedster 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Your Chanel does not get the viewership it disserves, id offer you the once in a lifetime chance to drive my NB mx5 but I don't think it's quite cool and rare enough for this channel haha. In all seriousness I love your videos and keep up the good work

  • @DjNikGnashers
    @DjNikGnashers 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    LOVE that 740i, fabulous cars.
    I wish we could go back to luxury saloons and rid the world of all these overweight, huge, obnoxious, 'sporty' SUV's.

  • @PEchiOnlajn
    @PEchiOnlajn 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I dont ever want to have any other car. Im happy here

  • @PowerslideSWE
    @PowerslideSWE 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    750 is THE way to go, much, as in much nicer interior, fantastic more or less bulletproof engine, much less troublesome than the M62 and it's a V12. That or the 728 which is no speed demon but fast enoygh, still as good looking and comfy and great on petrol. Dunkelblau in this case refers to the basecoat btw.

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      728 is underrated.

  • @michaelknott9064
    @michaelknott9064 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    V12 M73 is bullet proof, has no vanos and is know for reliability. It is more costly to service than v8 (plugs and oil) that’s about it. I own one

  • @rostonecheone2560
    @rostonecheone2560 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tht car we called.... mr bmw.....ubno wts ths powerfl car in world...an power expecial 740i...also 750i...🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗very nice

  • @_J.P._
    @_J.P._ ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The E38, E39 and E46 were the last BMWs of an era. BMW then decided to say "F" you to their long time fans and customers and went off to change their customer portfolio completely by ditching traditional and BMW characteristical design and functionality for lesser quality and focusing on owners who value extra features like a bluetooth voice activated coffee machine in the center console over driving experience paired with reliability that could last 15+ years. Nowadays you could take of the BMW badge and a lot of people couldn't tell the brand name.

  • @picdar16
    @picdar16 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Irony is the fact im going to be buying one of these as soon as i get back to the uk 🇬🇧
    Thanks for another brilliant and useful video, your channel has been brilliant to watch

  • @derin111
    @derin111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I’ve owned four E38s in the past. Two 740s, a 750iL and a 728i Sport. Which did I think was best best as an every day car?
    Well, the 750 was an amazing piece of engineering, really smooth engine and fast but way, way too thirsty for me to live with.
    The 740s were fast as well and I could just about live with the mpg where on long runs 30 mpg was possible if I was careful.
    However, the best as far as I was concerned was the genuine ‘Sport’ 728i. I didn’t believe it myself when people said it could do 38 mpg at motorway speed...but it could! It really wasn’t that slow once up and running and was very stable/reassuring at high speed due the Sport suspension.
    I bought it with only 40k miles on the clock for £4K, drove it for 4 years to nearly 90k miles and still sold it for £3K.
    That was my favourite E38 !

    • @djyems1021
      @djyems1021 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank. You. The truth Not a typical 728 basher. People overrate the 740i so damn much. Especially in the facebook groups for this car. Is the 740 huge difference in performace to the 728?
      And what was the reliability and maintainence like on the 740i vs the 728?

    • @derin111
      @derin111 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@djyems1021 The 740i is faster in a straight line. There is no doubt about that. But, in the real world, you can only use that performance difference under hard acceleration for a few seconds. Then, you have to back off either because of traffic or the road making it too dangerous or by which time you are massively breaking the law.
      I won't say where (which country) I was but I was once very close to missing an air flight very early in the morning. In my 728i Sport I drove for over 30 mins at a sustained 125 mph. I would not have been able to drive any faster in one of the 740i that I had previously had.

  • @pauldemirza9299
    @pauldemirza9299 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Good video, by the way. I have been driving an E38 for 16 years now and I will always drive one until I pass. I currently have 2. My daily driver is a 2000 740i M-Sport, black on black w only 80k miles on it. I have an 1998 740IL in the garage for my 15 year old son to drive when legal w only 81 K miles on it. For safety, I don't have to worry about him getting T-boned, der panzerwagen will protect him. I marvel every day when I get in them to drive. Nothing better on the highway in my opinion.

    • @photoviva8245
      @photoviva8245 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      With the sport transmission on the 740i M-Sport, it's sometimes nice to leave it in second gear for in town driving. Great acceleration when you need it...

    • @pauldemirza9299
      @pauldemirza9299 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@photoviva8245 I put the transmission in Sport mode every time I get in it. Enjoy!

  • @almaris
    @almaris 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well, the E65 was controversial but sold better than the E38 which means after all many people liked it. It certainly looks contemporary after 20 years. But it will never match the E38 in terms of timeless styling inside and out. What a car this is!

    • @somersetjim4766
      @somersetjim4766 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      The main determining factor in that was the fact that car finance became much more accessible and therefore the masses bought more higher end cars which wasn’t the case in the 90’s. If you bought an expensive car in the 90’s then it was generally because you had the resources rather than the gearing.

  • @DoubleDeckerAnton
    @DoubleDeckerAnton 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My favourite overall 7 series. This and the one before it, were amazing.

  • @Moorzo83
    @Moorzo83 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Frasier had one

  • @EmmanuelDavid75
    @EmmanuelDavid75 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Definitely my dream and boy hood car.

  • @theotherchannel2028
    @theotherchannel2028 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    yes, suv vehicles are popular because people are slaves to trends and what not, however, big limousines just don't make much sense anymore with their ever-diminishing clearances. you just can't drive them anymore without constant anxiety that you're gonna scrape something. even suvs are getting lower and lower to the ground. it's ridiculous. and carmakers are to blame, instead of fitting clever suspension, they just slam the damn car into the ground.

  • @nicksanders1119
    @nicksanders1119 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a 1999 E38 740i, in metallic Orient blue, with the Sport package. The car has the same interior as the one Jay tested.
    Mine is dechromed and, has the great looking parallel spoked M sport wheels.
    I'm the 4th registered owner, having bought it from a good mate nearly 10 years ago.
    He was a very accomplished engineer and lovingly looked after the car.
    The car was orginally from Synters, in Nottingham and, they had ticked most of the extras boxes to showcase what could be specced for the car and was used as a demo.
    The standout for me was the Alpina suspension upgrade, that gave the car a fabulous lowered stance.
    A £69,000 car, in 1999, that I bought for £3000, in 2012.
    The friend I bought it from lavished attention on the car during his ownership and, I have tried to do the same during my stewardship.
    Cars can be very personal, emotional objects for owners and, the buying and costs involved in maintaining them can be based solely on those reasons.
    There's over 160, 000 miles on the clock now and, a number of electrical gremlins have come and gone. The headliner is needing replacing now but, I try and fix the necessarys, to keep the wheels turning!
    My friend had a mild tune done to the engine and, in Sport mode, the old girl can lift her skirts and get a bit of of a wriggle on.
    I still get a buzz out of turning the key and settling in for a drive whether long or short.
    Like others here, I have returned over 30 mpg on motorways and, considerably less around town!
    That 4.4 litre engine is at it's happiest and, most frugal, at a steady 90 mph.
    I've been from London to the Isle of Skye on one tank of petrol.
    Just today, I filled up with Super unleaded ( at £1.70p a litre!) and saw I had 520 miles available to me on the readout.
    Little things, like pressing the remote to unlock the car at night and seeing all the door handle lights slowly come to full brightness, make me smile.
    Who's ever groped for their cars door handle, while trying to get in on a pitch black night, in the 90's?
    It's things like that that make you love a car!
    Yes. I have spent money on my motor and, will probably continue to do so.
    Because, I think she's worth it. X

  • @carlgeorgtsigakis498
    @carlgeorgtsigakis498 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't agree that the V12 are more troublesome. Sure they have a more stuff, 2 fuel pumps, 2 air filters, 2 DMEs++ But they are Very reliable. One major flaw are the banjo bolts that hold the oil pipes come loose and the intake gaskets that go hard.. But the V8's have Vanos issues, valve chain guides that break and can grenade an engine... I still think that Everyone should have a V12 once in their life and a E38 is a great choice :)
    One other thing. Jay is reviewing a pre Facelift car. The facelift could also be had with massaging (sorta) and from 2000 on the V8 and V12 an optional, world first Adaptive Cruise control :)

  • @chrissimmons9969
    @chrissimmons9969 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Another great review. I am glad I found your channel. I think the 90s are arguably the best era for cars.

  • @Rahimraissnia
    @Rahimraissnia 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    id really love to see ur take on a Lexus LS 400 and see how you'd compare the two vehicles

  • @kelleysimonds5945
    @kelleysimonds5945 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I own a 1995 E38 and, it's the only car I've owned that makes me look forward to a drive.
    As I am now 67, I think that says something.

    • @pauldemirza9299
      @pauldemirza9299 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I have 2 now, the Vanos M-Sport and the 1998 IL and both have their distinct driving characteristics engine-wise. I like the IL better than it's contemporaries of its day but My M-Sport is amazing!

  • @turkscfc
    @turkscfc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I used to own one of these. Regret ever selling it! :(

    • @gasperek
      @gasperek 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Same same

    • @Wasabi9111
      @Wasabi9111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My parents had one right around the time I got my license. It was such a nice car to drive on long family road trips - so stable, solid and quiet. Back then I could drive 8 hr stretches w no issues. I’m not sure if it was the car or my youth :)

    • @turkscfc
      @turkscfc 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Wasabi9111 they are great cars. Back when BMW build quality was really good. That 4.4 v8 was a great engine too, although fuel consumption was terrible lol

    • @raycroal
      @raycroal 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Wasabi9111 its the car i have a couple of old mercedes cl600 and cl500 and i am in my mid forties but i could drive them all day

  • @ahuman9864
    @ahuman9864 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    2023 and you pull up in one of these, just like this example, and you’re still turning heads.

  • @gaffnaldo1
    @gaffnaldo1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is what we think of when we think BMW. We dont remember anything afterwards

  • @AliceC993
    @AliceC993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My father once owned a '00 740iL, wonderful car but horrendously unreliable. Kicked the bucket just under 140,000 miles/225,000 km.

    • @andrewpliagas9213
      @andrewpliagas9213 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's peculiar. He didn't believe BMW's oil change schedule of every 10,000 miles by any chance, did he?

    • @AliceC993
      @AliceC993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@andrewpliagas9213 Regularly maintained, oil changes every 5,000. It went through two alternators in 80,000 miles, radiator failure (we lived in the southern US at the time, so not much rust) and likely some other things I'm forgetting, and its end was brought about by a VVT (VANOS) system failure.

    • @andrewpliagas9213
      @andrewpliagas9213 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@AliceC993 None of these things should surprise me. I had an '03 Range Rover with the same M62 engine as your dad's 740, and I also went through one of the water-cooled alternators and multiple radiators (the side tanks were plastic and loved to split under heat and pressure). Never encountered the VANOS failure, but I guess it was always a matter of "when" and not "if". I was just surprised to hear yours actually died.

    • @AliceC993
      @AliceC993 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@andrewpliagas9213 It was a real shame, I was very young when he bought it and it's what ignited my love for German cars. In adulthood I own a B5.5 Passat Avant 1.8T and while it's got some issues, I can't say I regret the purchase.

    • @Wasabi9111
      @Wasabi9111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      My parents had a 98 740iL. Their problem was more electrical. Certain things will randomly not work for weeks and randomly fix themselves. There was always a warning message for something. It was an amazing car when new but after several years they just didn’t have confidence to take it on long trips.

  • @trevorleggett1461
    @trevorleggett1461 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Totally agree its a very beautiful car I have a collection of old BMW Bentley Mclaren Aston and a couple of Porsches all less than 3 years old years old. Yet I still prefer to roll around in my old E38 when shopping and my parents can get in and out easy they love it aswell. every BMW after this was UGLY except my M2CS

  • @Emmceeboy
    @Emmceeboy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Driving a 1995 E38 730i v8 with factory manual gearbox in the winters here in Estonia. Perfect luxury car for winter. Car has driven almost 300 000 miles with its original M60 engine and still goes strong.