1988 BMW 750iL V12
Vehicle Specifications
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The BMW 750iL V12: The Flagship That Changed Everything
When BMW introduced the E32 750iL in 1987, it marked a watershed moment in automotive history. It was the first German V12 production car since World War II and the first BMW to feature a twelve-cylinder engine. The 750iL instantly became the new benchmark for luxury sedans, challenging Mercedes-Benz's long-held dominance and establishing BMW as a true luxury player.
The Legendary M70 V12 Engine
The heart of the 750iL is the M70 V12 engine — a 5.0-liter masterpiece that produced 296 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine was essentially two of BMW's M20 straight-six engines sharing a common crankshaft, but the result was far greater than the sum of its parts.
Key innovations of the M70 included:
- 🔧 Twin distributors and dual ECUs — The engine effectively had two separate management systems for redundancy
- 🔧 Hydraulic valve lifters — Eliminated the need for valve adjustments
- 🔧 Drive-by-wire throttle — Advanced for its time
- 🔧 Engine management system — Bosch Motronic digital engine management
The M70 is renowned for its silky smoothness and effortless torque. Unlike high-strung performance engines, the M70 delivers power in a linear, refined manner that suits the 750iL's character perfectly. The sound is a muted, cultured V12 hum — not a roar, but a whisper of immense capability.
Luxury and Technology
The 750iL was loaded with technology that was cutting-edge in 1988:
- ✅ Self-leveling rear suspension — Maintained ride height regardless of load
- ✅ Double-pane insulated glass — For exceptional quietness
- ✅ Leather upholstery — Everywhere, including door panels and dashboard
- ✅ Power-adjustable seats — Including memory for driver and passenger
- ✅ Automatic climate control — Dual-zone, with charcoal filters
- ✅ On-board computer — With outside temperature, fuel economy, and range
- ✅ Premium sound system — BMW's top-of-the-line audio
The "L" in 750iL stands for Lang (Long wheelbase), which added 4.5 inches of rear legroom compared to the standard 750i. The result is a back seat that rivals first-class airline seating — perfect for chauffeured executives or family road trips.
About This Specific 750iL
This 1988 BMW 750iL is finished in Black (Schwarz) over a Tan leather interior. With 118,000 miles, this car has been driven regularly and maintained properly — a far better proposition than a low-mileage car that has sat unused. The current owner has owned the car for 8 years and has service records for that period.
The car presents very well for its age. The paint is original and shines nicely with minor age-appropriate blemishes. The leather interior is in good condition with normal wear consistent with the mileage. All electronic systems function properly — a testament to the car's excellent maintenance.
Recent Maintenance & Service History
- ✅ Major engine service — Spark plugs, ignition coils, valve cover gaskets (10k miles ago)
- ✅ Cooling system — New radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses
- ✅ Transmission service — Fluid and filter change (ZF 4HP24)
- ✅ Brake system — New pads, rotors, brake fluid flush
- ✅ Suspension — New front control arms, tie rod ends, shocks
- ✅ Self-leveling suspension — Accumulators replaced, system serviced
- ✅ Air conditioning — Converted to R134a, fully serviced, blows cold
- ✅ Electrical — New alternator, battery, fuel pump relays
- ✅ Tires — New Michelin tires (less than 5,000 miles)
- ✅ Oil changes — Every 5,000 miles with synthetic oil
The E32 750iL Market: An Emerging Classic
The E32 750iL has long been undervalued, but that is changing. As enthusiasts discover the joys of the M70 V12, prices are beginning to rise. According to auction data from Bring a Trailer and Hagerty:
- 📊 Average 750iL sale price in 2024: $15,000-$25,000 (up 35% from 2019)
- 📊 Low-mileage, well-documented examples have sold for $35,000+
- 📊 The 750iL is increasingly recognized as a future classic
- 📊 V12 sedans from this era are becoming highly collectible
- 📊 Hagerty has noted increased interest in E32 7-series in their market reports
At $19,900, this well-maintained 750iL represents excellent value for a V12-powered flagship sedan. For the price of a new economy car, you can own one of the most significant BMWs ever built.
Driving the 750iL
The 750iL is a car that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The M70 V12 starts with a purposeful whir and settles into a glass-smooth idle. Apply the throttle, and the car moves forward with effortless authority — not explosive acceleration, but the sense of immense, unflappable power.
On the highway, the 750iL is sublime. The double-pane glass and thick insulation make the cabin whisper-quiet at 80 mph. The suspension absorbs bumps with grace, and the long wheelbase provides rock-solid stability. This is a car that was designed to cross continents at high speed — and it excels at that mission.
Despite its size, the 750iL handles surprisingly well. The steering is well-weighted and communicative, and the chassis feels composed in corners. It's not a sports car, but it shrinks around you on a winding road, hiding its considerable dimensions.
What to Look For When Buying an E32 750iL
As experts in vintage BMWs, here's what we inspect on every 750iL:
- 🔧 M70 V12 health — Listen for timing chain tensioner noise (common issue). This car's engine is quiet and smooth.
- 🔧 Transmission — The ZF 4HP24 is robust but should shift smoothly. This one shifts perfectly.
- 🔧 Self-leveling suspension — Accumulators and hydraulic system should hold pressure. This car's system works correctly.
- 🔧 Electrical systems — E32s are known for electrical gremlins. All systems on this car are functional.
- 🔧 Rust — Check the jacking points, door bottoms, and battery tray. This car has minimal surface rust only.
- 🔧 Documentation — We have service records for the past 8 years of ownership.
Shipping This BMW 750iL V12 to Your State
We offer enclosed transport to anywhere in the United States and worldwide. Here are estimated shipping costs to popular locations:
📞 Call +1 201-285-2590 for an exact quote. Worldwide shipping available — we've shipped BMWs to the UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About This BMW 750iL V12
Everything you need to know before buying a V12 BMW
