1999 BMW 7 Series 735i E38 Auto
VIC • Private
27
Odometer201,211km
Body typeSedan
FuelPetrol
TransmissionAutomatic
Key highlights
*Two owners
Sunroof
Parking sensors
Traction and/or Stability control
Cruise control
Climate control
Generated with AI from seller comments and car specifications.*
BETA
Comments from the seller
A genuinely rare factory Imola Red E38 735i Sport—believed to be the only one in Australia.
Just 11 RHD facelift 735i Sport models were ever built in this colour by BMW.
(out of a total of 303 Imola Red E38s total)
This is a proper short wheelbase (SWB) Sport, not a clone or conversion, built April 1999 and sold new by Brisbane BMW.
🔧 Drivetrain / Mechanical:
• Matching-numbers M62B35 + 5-speed ZF 5HP24
• Transmission professionally diagnosed and repaired under my ownership
• Shorter final drive (factory sport spec)
• M Sport suspension rides tight with classic 7er float where it matters
• Strong cooling system: new genuine radiator, expansion tank, water pump, thermostat, belts (2023)
• Recent brake work
• Recent suspension work, ready for RWC
• 2 new rear tyres
• New Varta battery (2023)
• Just replaced timing chains and guides, resealed top engine.
🧰 Other mechanicals & work done:
• Refitted OEM Xenon headlights
• LH rear window lifter replaced
• Front bar replaced and repainted
• Added towbar
• BlueBus Bluetooth module replaces boot-mounted CD stacker
• New BMW roundels recently for wheels
🛋 Interior / Options:
• Schwarz Montana leather in great nick—small tear developing on driver’s bolster
• Electric Sport seats, M leather steering wheel
• Shadowline trim, sunroof, climate windscreen, car phone, auto wipers
• Rear parcel shelf and B-pillar fabric starting to sag (as usual)
🔍 Exterior:
• Paint is good, clearcoat excellent overall
• A few small dents (paintless repair candidates)
• Imola Red pops in the sun or rain
• Factory M-Pars, 18" staggered (x5).
🛣 Road manners:
Effortless cruiser. I’ve done multiple long-hauls in this car:
Gold Coast ↔ Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Alpine runs—never missed a beat.
Fuel economy is excellent: ~8L/100km highway, ~13L/100km city.
It’s not a 540i or an M5—but it’s a refined, quick cruiser with serious presence.
📜 History:
• Delivered 20.08.1999 – Brisbane BMW
• Passed through several hands (BMW dealer-sold until 2006)
• Last listed at Gas Sports Cars, Albion QLD in 2020
• I purchased it in 2021 with a failed transmission (repaired)
• Full service history up to 134k, then a minor gap until 160k
• Now sitting at ~200,500 kms
🎁 Extras:
Available optionally:
• OEM BMW roof bars (E38-specific Rola brand )
• Genuine BMW roof box (period correct)
________________________________________
💬 Final word:
If you’re looking for a clean E38 to bag or LS-swap—this isn’t it.
If you’re an enthusiast who appreciates rare factory spec, sorted mechanicals, and a car with true presence—this is the one.
I’ve owned several classic BMWs and this one will be missed. Only selling due to apartment living and business demands—can’t wrench like I used to.
Located inner East Melbourne.
Inspections welcome for genuine buyers.
Car details
øVehicle description
E38 735i Sedan 4dr Steptronic 5sp 3.5i
Powerplant type
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)
Cost to insure
Exterior colour
Red
Interior colour
Black
Body type
Sedan, 4 doors, 5 seats
Transmission
5 speed Automatic
Engine
8 cylinders, Petrol Aspirated, 3.5L
Cost of financeSponsored
Registration plate
Check with seller
Registration expiry
3 months/August 2026
Build date
April 1999
Compliance date
Check with seller
Roadworthy certificate
Provided at pick-up by seller
carsales Network ID
SSE-AD-19699699
Factory fitted
Paint
Shadowline
Audio, Visual & Communication
Phone
Car phone
CD / DVD
CD stacker - 10 disc
Entertainment
Colour display screen - front
Speakers
10 speaker stereo
Radio
Radio cassette
Safety & Security
Airbags
DriverPassengerHead for 1st row seats (front)Head for 2nd row seatsSide for 1st row occupants (front)Side for 2nd row occupants (rear)
Vehicle control
ABS (antilock brakes)TractionElectronic stability
Driver assistance
Park distance - rear
Security
Engine immobiliserAlarm
Comfort & Convenience
Climate
Climate control
Driving
Cruise control
Lights & Windows
Lights
Fog lamps - front
Power windows
Front & rear
Interior
Leather
Trim (incl. seats, inserts)
Woodgrain
Burr walnut trim
Seating
Electric seats
DriversDrivers with memoryPassenger
Headrests
Integrated 2nd row
Instruments & Controls
Display
On-board computer
Exterior
Mirrors
Electric
Paint
Metallic
Sunroof
Electric
Steering
Steering column
Electric
Brakes
Front
Ventilated
Rear
Solid
Wheels & Tyres
Rims
16" alloy wheels
Fuel
E10
Fuel Type
Petrol - Unleaded ULP
Fuel Capacity
85L
RON Rating
91
Fuel Delivery
Multi-Point Injection
Method of Delivery
Electronic
Safety & Security
Number of Airbags
10
Engine
Engine type
Piston
Engine Location
Front
Engine Size (cc)
3498cc
Engine Size (L)
3.5L
Induction
Aspirated
Engine Configuration
V90
Cylinders
8
Camshaft
Double Overhead Cam
Valves/Ports per Cylinder
4
Compression ratio
10
Generic Engine Type
Piston
Power
173.0kW @ 5800rpm
Torque
345Nm @ 3800rpm
Power to Weight Ratio
94.9kW/t
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3s
Transmission & Drivetrain
Gears
5
Gear Type
Steptronic (Sports Automatic)
Gear Location
Floor
Drive
Rear Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tyres
Rim Material
Alloy
Front Rim Description
16x7.5
Rear Rim Description
16x7.5
Front Tyre Description
235/60 R16
Rear Tyre Description
235/60 R16
Dimensions & Weights
Length
4984mm
Width
1862mm
Height
1435mm
Wheelbase
2930mm
Track Front
1552mm
Track Rear
1568mm
Tare Mass
1823kg
Kerb Weight
1880kg
Gross Vehicle Mass
2380kg
Gross Combination Mass
4080kg
Payload
500kg
Towing Capacity (braked)
1700kg
Towing Capacity (Unbraked)
750kg
Warranty & Service
Warranty in Years from First Registration
2yr
Other
Country of Origin
GERMANY
Launch Year
1999
Launch Month
3
Generation Name
E38
Series
E38
Badge
735i
Doors
4
Seat Capacity
5
Body Style
Sedan
Probationary plate status +
New South Wales
Allowed
Victoria
Approved
Australian Capital Territory
Approved
Western Australia
Approved
Northern Territory
Approved
Tasmania
Approved
Queensland
Banned
South Australia
Banned
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Estimated cost before offer
$24,777Excl. Govt. Charges
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Andrew is the sellerLocation
Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Member since
2016
Verified information
Phone number
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Expert car reviews on BMW 7 Series
$24,777
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* ‘Key highlights’ utilises AI and may not always be correct. Please confirm features with seller. Some data points are sourced from Redbook data, refer to the Redbook disclaimer (ø) below.
ø Specifications have been sourced from Automotive Data Services Pty Ltd (Redbook) and are based on manufacturer standard features and specifications, some of which may require subscription. Actual features and specifications for this vehicle may differ. Please confirm these details with the seller.
+ P-Plate approval status is provided as a guide only, using data sourced from a variety of government and industry based sources. You should verify the status of the vehicle with relevant state / territory authorities and the vehicle manufacturer / authorised agent. carsales is not liable for any loss or damages (other than in respect of any liability which may not lawfully be excluded) relating to your use of, or reliance on, data contained on this site. By using this site you acknowledge that you use the information subject to the terms of the above disclaimer and notice.
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