BMW E32 7 Series – Goodwood Classic Solutions

What Is It?

Think ‘80s BMW and most people will immediately picture the many and various 3 and 5 Series saloons that embody the brand’s signature blend of luxury and sporting character. But the big daddy 7 Series has always had an important role showcasing the brand’s latest design, engineering and innovation.

Then as now, the Mercedes S-Class was a dominant force in this sector but, when it launched in 1986, the E32 7 Series put BMW on the front foot with its crisp, modern styling, innovations like xenon headlights and electronically controlled dampers, the offer of standard- or long-wheelbase versions and introduction of V8 and V12 engines. Often referred to with affection as ‘luxo barges’, cars of this type and vintage have a passionate following among fans of modern classics and the E32 7 Series represents the perfect intersection between traditional engineering and bold, electronically controlled future carmakers were waking up to at the time.

Literally offering a lot of car for the money, saloons of this type are an appealing choice, though not without their potential pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid falling into them.