Temptation on Four Wheels: A 1996 BMW E38 740i V8 in Showroom Glory

Every so often, you come across a car that stops you in your tracks, not because it’s exotic or rare, but because it has been so perfectly cared for that it feels frozen in time. That was exactly my experience when I saw when i went to my good friend’s home…. A gorgeous 1996 BMW E38 740i. Parked gracefully, gleaming under the light, it looked as if it had just rolled off the damn showroom floor yesterday.

The E38 7 Series is often regarded as one of BMW’s finest creations (they say) the perfect blend of understated elegance and Bavarian engineering. Produced from 1994 to 2001, it replaced the E32 and introduced a new era of gila refinement lah. Sleeker, lower, and more purposeful in design, the E38 was the flagship of BMW luxury during the 90s. It was also the very first European car to offer satellite navigation, and it brought cutting-edge safety features like side airbags and dynamic stability control. Many enthusiasts still consider it the last truly “classic” 7 Series before BMW’s designs became bolder and more complex. (my brother had one too, same V8 model) With that, i had the pleasure of actually using it & it was simply awesome. Here are some pics of my friends car!

But the crown jewel here is what lies under the hood, the crazy mazy 4.0-liter V8 engine of the 740i. (& now with classic rd tax payments)

Smooth, powerful, and refined, it delivered just the right balance between performance and luxury. Back in the 90s, this was the car that executives, diplomats, and even movie directors wanted in their driveways. It’s no coincidence that the E38 7 Series was famously featured as James Bond’s company car in Tomorrow Never Dies.

My friend’s 1996 example is a shining testament to what makes the E38 so special. The paint glows, the leather seats look untouched, and every detail speaks of care and pride. Honestly, if you told me it had just been delivered from Munich, I might believe it heheheheh… The only tiny blemish in its perfection? A fuel meter that doesn’t quite read properly. But let’s be real, if that’s the only fault in a 29-year-old luxury sedan, it’s practically a miracle yah!

Naturally, I couldn’t resist trying to coax him into selling it to me. He laughed, said he’d “think about it,” and left me dangling with hope. I suspect it will take more than a little charm & sales pitching to pry this V8 beauty away from him after all, cars like this aren’t just possessions, they’re treasures. Still, I like to think my persistence might one day pay off… hehehehe.

Before I left, he graciously allowed me to take some photos, and let me tell you alls this 740i photographs like a supermodel. Every angle shows off its timeless design: the iconic kidney grille, the smooth body lines, the commanding stance. It’s the kind of car that makes you stop, stare, and think, “They don’t build them like this anymore.”

For now, the 1996 BMW 740i E38 remains his pride and joy. But who knows? Insyallah!! Maybe one day the keys will change hands. Until then, I’ll be content admiring this gorgeous slice of 90s BMW history lah & drooling down the river and plotting my next round of persuasion.

Till the next car that catches my eyes you alls!! take care & be safe always..

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