Technically, I’m a ’90s kid. I was born in the back end of 1989, so by the time I was old enough to do literally anything, it was in the 1990s. So maybe that’s why cars from the ’90s have always resonated with me. Admittedly, I wasn’t able to drive in the ’90s but it might just be the style that I grew up seeing that attracts me to cars from the decade of Zubaz pants, Tamagotchis and Ace Ventura. Coincidentally, BMW made a ton of great cars in that same decade.
In the 1990s, BMW had the the E36 M3, E39 M5 and the first-ever Z3, to name a few. It also did some amazing things, such as develop the McLaren F1’s magnificent naturally-aspirated V12 and create the world’s first BMW M8, even if the latter never made production. So which was the best BMW from the 1990s?
This can actually be a bit tricky. Are the E30 M3 and E34 M5 allowed to be in this debate if they were both actually developed in the ’80s? They were both sold in the ’90s at some point but were designed and launched in the decade prior. I’m not so sure they should be included. Do you count the aforementioned McLaren, because it was powered by BMW, or the M8, because it was technically built but never for sale?
Either way, I think the answer — for me at least — is the E38 BMW 7 Series. I’m a big E36 fan — which is entirely irrational because nothing on Earth has caused me more anger than an E36 3 Series — but I think the E38 7 Series is the best Bimmer from the ’90s.
Not only is it an awesome car in its own right but, at the time, it was the pinnacle of BMW’s build quality and luxury. But it also handled incredibly well and was the star of two blockbuster movies — Tomorrow Never Dies (James Bond) and The Transporter. It’s also largely considered to be the best 7 Series of all time. When it comes to the best generation of any other ‘Series BMW, there seems to be more debate than with the 7 Series.
I have to admit, I was very tempted to choose the E39 BMW M5, which debuted in 1999, as it’s such an incredible car. However, I felt that the E38 BMW 7 Series was a bit more car for more people. It was more accessible of a car in its day than the E39 M5. And if we’re counting legacy, there were M5s after the E39 that a lot of fans thing are better. Few enthusiasts feel that any 7 Series, before or after the E38 generation, is better. Plus, E39 BMW M5s are incredibly expensive at the moment and nice E38 7ers can be had for less than $5,000 now, if you looks carefully.
So while the Bavarians had some great cars in the ’90s, I think the E38 BMW 7 Series tops them all.
Completely agree. That’s the reason I still have an E38 in my garage.
Everything about the E38 7 Series was just right. It wasn’t too analog and too digital, it wasn’t too big and too small, it was very reliable and it indeed was the pinnacle of BMW luxury and build quality. E38 7 Series is probably the highest quality and the best built BMW ever made. It aged beautifully and it’s so classy, wonderful and simple.
Looks cool as fuck too! You’d look like a wanker driving any 7 that came after it.
Hahhahahahah especially in the E65! I wouldn’t say the same thing about the pre-LCI G11, that thing is very understated, classy and beautiful IMO.
My father owned an e38 740iL in this metallic silver/green color which was custom built by the previous owner. Dark green full leather interior, 1997 model. That thing was so beautiful, I woke up early every morning just to admire it as a 10 year old child. Maybe that’s why it’ll always have a special place in my heart. The car was very high tech, very classy, very elegant.
From a design point of view though, the 8 series at the time was just something else. Unreliable as hell though, but what a fine looker that thing was.
Best E38 would be with Xdrive, 6.0l V12 engine, assistent systems and interior from G11.
Yes, born in the mid 80s, I loved the 90’s cars, especially BMWs.
My dad’s friend used to own an E38 740iL and I still remember how fast that car felt when he pushed it on the highway.
I actually cross-shopped a well maintained low mile E38 740iL vs. 2006 E46 M3.
Ended up with an E46.
I don’t think anyone would cross shop like, that’s how much I still love the E38.
Every single one of them.
Any E39. The most elegant, graceful, and yet still sporty looking, bulletproof and reliable BMW from that decade, or any since.
Alpina B12 6.0 V12.
As much as I love the E39, reliablility isn’t super amazing. Lower tier models faired better but I wouldn’t call it Toyota/Lexus levels of reliability. Vannos, cooling issues, oil/coolant leaks, window regulators, all big problems across the BMW lineup.
Also not Toyota/Lexus levels of boredom. Still see older BMWs listed on bringatrailer, autotrader, owners who maintain their vehicles don’t seem to have so many problems.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLExXErpV3g&t=27s
Pure e38 porn!!
Absolutely drop dead gorgeous! Tnx for making my day better!
Yes, I am looking to pick up an E38 myself since I love the timeless styling. Recently, I was on the highway cruising at 80 mph in the middle lane and a E38 750iL flew by me in the fast lane. For the few seconds I got a glimpse of it, it is a smooth looking ride.
there are so many but ive got to go with the e36 m3
Agreed E38 is best looking 7-series ever. I have not had a chance to drive the E38 new, not until last year I wanted to buy one and test drove a 2000 740iL, it was so clumsy that I have to turn many circles of steering wheel to have the car point to the right direction. I guess I wasn’t fair to compare it to my modern BMW.
I think the E38 is probably the right choice for what you seem to be targeting in this article, but, while there clearly are “some” fans who think later M5s are better, I’m not sure any M5 is more widely revered than the E39 for its magical blend of performance, styling, comfort and utility. Sure, each later-generation M5 is faster than its predecessor, and the engineering enabling those performance gains is very impressive, but it’s not clear the subsequent models left their marks on automotive history the same way the E39 did. The E60 will forever be remembered (and rightfully so) for the totally insane V10 and its F1-like wail, but the styling was controversial and the SMG a laudable but in retrospect failed effort to evolve the man-machine driving interface. The F10 was bland (but scary fast) when it came out, and already seems forgotten. The F90 is a technological marvel and turns staggering numbers, but the super-saloon category is much more crowded now than when the E39 debuted; time will tell whether the F90’s positive characteristics (of which there are many) gel into that special nostalgic blend the E39 earned.
Could also get that M5 V8 in Z8, more style & you can hear the engine better when you floor it in the drop top, sounds like old school American V8.
I had a E36 and did enjoy driving it for many years, but it was certainly raw compared to the cars that came afterward. I traded up for an E39 and would have loved to get the M5, so that is my choice. I have always found the 7 series to be too big and too heavy. I thought that way 20 years ago, when the car was petite compared to today. Of course, if someone was going to drive me around town, I wouldn’t mind sitting in the back of a 7er.
E31 8 series far more emblematic of decade, as were its two predecessors for their respective decades.
Im a sucker for the E38 myself. I’ve had 2 of them a 98 740iL, and an 01 740i Sport. Surprisingly different cars. The short wheelbase Sport with its more aggressive final drive and trans tuning is a serious backroad stormer and a willing dance partner. The iL is more suited to soaking up miles in comfort and speed. I started midatlantic7s.com a decade ago to help other owners appreciate them and help keep the cars alive.
I think that the E38 is not just the best looking BMW of its era and the best 7 of all, but one of the best top sedans of all time.