BMW 750iL (E32): Spotted

Rolls-Royce has just launched the ultra-expensive new Phantom, but V12 luxury needn't be the preserve of the rich...

At long last, I have spotted an E32 BMW 750iL that isn't a heap and still has the original dish alloy wheels from the factory. I have shared my find with some of my colleagues in the office and they are all suitably enthused by it; I have a feeling, therefore, that you might be too.

So, why is it worth writing a few hundred words about a conservative looking saloon car with a large and complicated engine? Because a BMW saloon with a 5.0-litre V12 will always appeal on PH, won't it? Only the most observant of car geeks will recognise the larger kidney grills at the front and squared-off exhaust pipes at the rear. There isn't much here that sets a 750iL apart from lesser E32 7 Series, and that's kind of cool.

You might know you have a V12 when you start it because of a lack of noise. A V12 car should be vibration free (provided it's maintained correctly) and accelerate up to speed in much the same way. And accelerate the 750iL will, with 305hp and 332lb ft of torque, it'll do 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds and max out at a limited 155mph. Not bad when you consider that this is a 30 year-old car which weighs two tonnes.

This car has been with the same owner for 25 of its 30 years and comes with loads of history to back up their considered ownership of it. Provenance is important with any used car but it's vitally important with an old V12 BMW. These are very complicated machines and when things go wrong - despite BMW's claim that the V12 would be maintenance free, barring oil and spark plugs - it gets very expensive, very quickly. Sadly, it is not quite the bargain that this Shed was, but a lot has changed since 2011...

But look at the car as a whole and consider what you're getting for the money: the classic BMW style, the high quality Buffalo leather, the room to stretch out thanks to the long wheelbase, plus the luxury of heated and electrically adjustable seats for every passenger; and all this for the price of this brand new Suzuki Celerio. This 750iL has a spec sheet befitting a modern luxury car, so why not take the plunge? It won't be the cheapest way of getting around, but there's always going to be a story to tell. What's the worst that could happen? Actually, on second thoughts...

SPECIFICATION - BMW 750IL

Engine: 4,988cc, V12
Transmission: 4-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 309@5,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 332@4,100rpm
MPG: 16.9
CO2: old smoker g/km
First registered: 1988
Recorded mileage: 115,750
Price new: £53,750 (£387.95 licence, delivery and number plate)
Yours for: £6,995