Sunday 11th March 2018

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

See the original advert here

[2 GKC]

That is a lovely thing. Think I'd take an E38 version though for similar money

[Leins]

Lovely, probably the best looking luxury car of the last few decades for me

[gforceg]

I remember the first time I saw one when they came out. I think the owner was quietly pleased I recognised it for what it was.

[sutts]

That’s superb, and Cirrus Blue is a great colour - those pictures don’t bring out the best in it.

If it’s as good as the ad copy I also think it’s a very fair price for what you get.

[Cambs_Stuart]

That's a lovely car. Great condition and colour. The alloys are great.
But I hate those air fresheners. Sorry to be picky.

[tobinen]

This was featured in the barge thread a few weeks ago when it was up for sale under half that. I called about it but it had sold, no surprise.

[Leins]

I think he decided on the Bentley though

[robsa]

2 GKC said:

That is a lovely thing. Think I'd take an E38 version though for similar money

Not me! E32 is so good looking (E38 is nice too, but there is something about the E32) and these are really starting to get rare now. Good investment I reckon. That V12 was supposed to be a 'sealed unit' wasn't it, if I remember the press blurb correctly? And heated washer jet pipes too I think!

Edited by robsa on Sunday 11th March 10:52

[robsa]

Leins said:

I think he decided on the Bentley though

He moved to the US and found religion - in true LKJS style he became an authority on Jewish ritual animal sacrifice! Love to read that article.

[Plate spinner]

What a lovely thing, timeless classic.

[Brinyan]

No badges giving its class away. Very discreet. Very cool.

[Jonny_]

Fabulous car.

I once had an absolute shed of an E32, at the time a 16 year old V8 (740i) example bought on eBay for a whole £300. Despite intergalactic mileage and more bits that didn't work than did, it was still an incredibly comfortable way to waft around, with pretty decent acceleration available despite its age and decrepit state.

A tidy V12 car must be an absolute joy to drive. Probably one of the most attractive BMW saloons ever, along with the very similar E34 5 Series.

[Hairymonster]

Oooh - my credit card is bouncing up and down in my pocket.....

[OverSteery]

Leins said:

I think he decided on the Bentley though

only because there wasn't a Honda prelude or Bristol in the comparison.

I never understood why people enjoyed reading his pompous and unusual opinions.

[davidc1]

What a car. Aged very well. From an age when anyone rolling in a large bmw or merc was a wealthy person as the car was a cash purchase or you were friendly with your bank manager for an advance. Now any tom dick or harry can pretend they are a high roller!

[rtz62]

These things should have had reversing cameras and or parking sensors.
Why?
My next door but one (alcoholic) neighbour had a 750iL and used to reverse up our shared private driveway
Trouble was he used to reverse over my lawn too until I stuck some strategically placed rocks which beached the thing for him...
Anyhoo, it was an epic car, and how much I covet this one is off the scale!!

[iSore]

I had a black one on an E plate with those wheels around 15-20 years ago. They were only made for a year (87-88) and replaced with the usual BBS lattice/cross spoke alloys so it looked like any other E32.

Lovely car but they can generate some bills! Self levelling on the back, EDC, Servotronic steering and their first use of EML with the electronic throttles. Most of these were scrapped when any one of these bits went tits up. Tremendous car, but the 740i V8 was better.

[rtz62]

Criminally undervalued; can someone explain why a Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 is worth £35k+ yet the more modern BMW equivalent is worth buttons in comparison?
Ok, the modern cars are laden with electronics that can cost £££ when they go belly up but I’m seriously struggling to see how they are worth so little in real terms...

[Jimmy Recard]

rtz62 said:

Criminally undervalued; can someone explain why a Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9 is worth £35k+ yet the more modern BMW equivalent is worth buttons in comparison?
Ok, the modern cars are laden with electronics that can cost £££ when they go belly up but I’m seriously struggling to see how they are worth so little in real terms...

This is a lovely car, but it’s not as special as a 450 SEL 6.9

ETA: in my opinion, at least

Edited by Jimmy Recard on Sunday 11th March 15:05

[kellydk]

There is just something so cool about this generation of 7 series. I remember somebody putting the V12 from one of these into a Fiat Strada convertible. Saw it a couple of times at the Classic Car show at the NEC. Sounded epic!