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Exterior photo of 1997 BMW 740iL

1997 BMW 740iL

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 82,800 Miles

Engine: M62B44 4.4-Liter V8 Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission

Exterior color: Orient Blue Exterior (317)

Interior: Grey Montana Leather Interior

Additional features:

Fine Wood Trim

“Servotronic” Steering

Heated Steering Wheel

Leather Steering Wheel

Heated Power Memory Seats w/Lumbar Support

BMW HiFi Sound System Logic7

CD Changer

On-Board Computer

Headlight Intensive Cleaning System

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Rear Sunshade

Front Arm Rest

Ski Pass-Through

Rear Sunshade

BMW Carpet Floor Mats

Rear Footrests

Rubber All-Weather Floor Mats

16” Style 5 Basket Weave Wheels

Yokohama Avid 4S Tires

Rear Cargo Straps

Car Cover

BMW Enthusiast Owned

Colorado Car

Clean Carfax

Background

1997 BMW 740iL exterior photo

The BMW E38 generation 7 Series was the last of an iconic form that BMW had tastefully and incrementally evolved since the flagship luxury sedan’s introduction in 1977. Its successor E65 7 Series’ departure from this lineage due to Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk’s polarizing “flame surfacing” and “Bangle butt” design language actually appreciated the value of the E38 while it was still being sold. Since then time has only been kind to the E38 7 Series, one of the most elegant BMWs ever designed. The E38 strikes the perfect spot in the BMW timeline with “last of the classics” styling and retaining BMW’s driver-centric focus before the marque made the shift from a driver’s brand to a mass-market luxury and technology brand. Yet, because it’s a 7 Series, the E38 offers all of the luxury an enthusiast ever needs, with modern amenities and exceptional taste.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 1997 740iL finished in Orient Blue over gray Montana leather is an exceptional example finished in a rare color for an E38. It features all of the standard 740iL kit outlined above, with notable items including the heated steering wheel, functional cup holders (they always break), the early tactile stereo and on-board computer display (we love buttons at Glen Shelly), rear sunshade, and even has the factory issued rear foot rests! It is completely stock and in amazing condition thanks to being properly owned the “old school” way. It was originally delivered by Gebhardt BMW on July 18, 1997 and has remained in Colorado through the two subsequent owners. The Carfax is clean and shows it receiving regular dealer services at Gebhardt and Schomp BMW, along with independent specialists Parker Imports and Autosport Werks. In preparation for sale, we found little to gripe about; we replaced all three power steering lines due to typical leaking at this age. As it sits, it is a turn-key example, we would like to find a new owner who will car for it as it has been and enjoy it for the next chapter of its story.

Exterior

1997 BMW 740iL exterior photo

This 740iL has clearly always been well cared-for throughout the tenure of its two owners, and it shows. The Orient Blue paint presents very well; a few panels have been repainted. There are some light scratches and a handful of small door dings, but no particularly notable imperfections. All trim is present and in great shape, with no notable UV fading. The front bumper has a few minor rock chips but has clearly been generally spared of much winter use in Colorado. The rear bumper has a handful of nicks and scratches, but none are overly glaring. The headlights are clear and crack-free with minor pitting; the fog lights are both uncracked, however the passenger side light has moderate pitting. The driver’s side fog lamp is very nice thanks to recent replacement. The turn signals, side markers, and taillights are all clear and crack-free. The windshield glass is clear and crack-free with minor pitting; all side and rear glass is excellent. The 16-inch Style 5 wheels are straight and true, and clean aside from a handful of minor curb marks. They are wrapped in Yokohama Avid 4S tires with good tread remaining.

Interior

 interior photo

The interior is also in excellent shape. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet is free of any major stains or rips and is protected by factory BMW floor mats. The seat leather is soft and supple to the touch; the only wear is the typical creasing from use. All seat functions work, including the seat heaters; there is no seat twist. The dashboard is clean. The heated steering wheel is in good shape. The instrument cluster does not have any failed pixels, and neither do the radio and HVAC displays. The BMW Premium sound with Logic7 is fantastic. There are no check codes on the onboard computer and no warning lights are illuminated in the cluster. The door locks and window regulators work and function quietly. The door cards are in great shape. The sunroof operates smoothly. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold. The trunk toolkit is present and is complete. One key and the owners’ manuals are included in the sale.

Mechanical

 engine photo

The maintenance history is the most important factor in any older BMW, especially a 740iL. The Carfax shows frequent and regular services, along with many visible parts being replaced. The M62 fires on command and pulls strongly to redline. There is no timing chain guide rattle on cold starts. There are no fluid leaks or drips; the output shaft seal and oil pan have some typical seepage, but do not need attention at this time. There are no warning lights illuminated in the cluster. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The driveline, differential, and wheel bearings are quiet with no vibrations. The brakes are excellent. We pay for and ensure it passes emissions in the State of Colorado. Like any 740i, this example will need continued preventative maintenance and repairs, but it deserves to be maintained to the high standards that have made it so nice.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

VIN Decode

  • VIN: WBAGJ8325VDM08336
  • Prod. Date: 18.03.1997
  • Model: 740IL
  • Series: 7
  • Generation: E38
  • Body Type: Saloon
  • Type Code: GJ83
  • Engine Code: M62
  • Power: 210
  • Fuel Type: Gas
  • Displacement: 4.40
  • Drive Type: RWD
  • Steering Side: Left
  • Color: Orient Blue Metallic (L0317)
  • Interior: Leather Montana Grey/Grey (PN6TT)
  • Transmission: Automatic

Options

  • 214 Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
  • 216 Servotronic
  • 245 Steering wheel column adjustment, electrical
  • 248 Side airbags for driver and front passenger
  • 288 Light alloy wheels cross-spoke 42
  • 302 Alarm system Windscreen with green shade band
  • 403 Glass roof, electric
  • 416 Roller sunblinds
  • 423 Floor mats in velour
  • 431 Interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function
  • 438 Fine-wood trim
  • 441 Smoker’s package
  • 456 Comfort seats front, electrically adjustable
  • 459 Seat adjustment, electrical with memory
  • 464 Skibag
  • 473 Armrest front
  • 488 Lumbar support for driver and front passenger
  • 494 Seat heating for driver and front passenger
  • 502 Headlight washer system
  • 534 Automatic air conditioning
  • 555 On-board computer
  • 640 Car-telephone preparation
  • 645 Radio control US
  • 672 CD changer for 6 CDs
  • 677 HiFi system Professional Logic7
  • 694 Preparation for CD changer
  • 806 Third stoplamp
  • 818 Battery master switch
  • 850 Additional tank filling, export
  • 853 Language version English
  • 876 Radio frequency 315 MHz
  • 925 Shipping protection package
  • 961 Special motor
  • 992 Control of number-plate attachment