Next up on the ‘Treats from Overseas’ series, we’ve got the ultimate old-money ‘Bahnstormer — the 2000 BMW E38 740i M-Sport.
This isn’t quite the same type of ‘Luxury Express’ that you’d see roll out of the Audi or Mercedes-Benz stables. This, the E38 7-Series was for the exec who actually liked driving – who would prefer to drive themselves.
Produced from 1994 to 2001, the E38 is widely regarded as the last truly analogue flagship BMW — elegant, restrained, and engineered with exceptional attention to balance, feel, and mechanical integrity.
This one? The 740i M-Sport. The sweet spot.
Under the bonnet sits BMW’s legendary M62 4.4-litre naturally aspirated V8 — smooth, torquey, and gloriously understated. No turbos, no gimmicks, just effortless shove delivered with an elegant growl that never needs to shout.
Paired to a 5-speed automatic (the good ZF one), it wafts when you want it to, and surges when you don’t expect it to.
Power figures aren’t the point — but for the record, 286 horsepower was more than enough to embarrass most things on the motorway in 2000. And honestly? Still is.
The M-Sport package is what transforms the E38 from luxury limo to low-key weapon:
– Factory M-Sport suspension
– Shadowline exterior trim
– M-Sport body kit (subtle, perfect, timeless)
– Staggered ‘Parallel’ staggered M-Sport wheels
– Sport seats with proper bolstering
– Thicker M steering wheel
It sits lower, tighter, and more purposeful — without losing the ride quality and comfort that made the 7 Series legendary.
Despite its size, the E38 doesn’t feel cumbersome. The steering is beautifully weighted, the chassis is balanced, and the whole car shrinks around you once you’re moving.
You sit low, stretched out, cocooned in leather and suede — but there’s still feedback through the wheel, through the seat, through the throttle. This is a luxury car that communicates – which today, is quite rare.
If I was to summarise it; while modern cars isolate – the E38 informs.
Inside, it’s peak late-90s BMW:
– Real leather + suede
– Real dark timber hi lights
– Physical buttons for everything (and I mean, everything)
– Clear, logical ergonomics
– A cabin designed to last decades, not lease cycles
One small diagnostic screen. No lighting gimmicks. Just calm, purposeful design that still feels right today.
The E38 740i M-Sport isn’t flashy. It isn’t trying to impress anyone. But that’s exactly the appeal.
It’s the kind of car you arrive in quietly… and leave everyone else wondering why their new car doesn’t feel this good.
If you’re after a true modern classic — something elegant, powerful, and deeply satisfying to drive — the E38 remains one of BMW’s greatest hits.
Just be warned: Once you experience a proper V8 luxury sedan done this well, it’s very hard to go back.
Follow us on @autoroe_imports on Instagram, or drop me a line ([email protected]) if you’d like to learn more — or secure one for yourself.
Until next time!
— Charlie