BMW’s ‘E65’ 7-Series was a controversial car when it first came out. Previously, the company had made classically elegant models that were handsome to look at, great to drive and beautifully finished, but which were all built in a fairly traditional mould.
The E65 changed all that, bringing both styling and technological revolutions to the brand’s model line-up. It was the first BMW to introduce what BMW called it’s ‘flame surfacing’ styling language, introduced by BMW’s design chief Chris Bangle, although it was actually Dutch designer Adrian van Hooydonk that was responsible for most of the car’s external appearance. Indeed, the production model was somewhat toned-down from Van Hooydonk’s original proposal, which gave the 7-series a more coupe-like rear end.
In 2005, it was toned down again – the ‘E66’ 7-Series being essentially the same car, but with a less edgy facelift. The toned-down cars have aged well, as have the technological advances that caused such a stir when new. BMW’s iDrive controller was launched on the 7-Series to much confusion – today, many cars have a rotary controller…
This example is an E66 facelift – and it’s absolutely brimming with extras. The original owner added lots of BMW Individual parts to his factory order, creating a car that cost well over £100,000 when brand new.RsIhAbefrqn0vbP9IwbPFWupCrS4XqWRaRxxj67I.jpeg168.57 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Comprehensive service history
Five previous keepers
All books and manuals
Direct from main agent
Supplied new via a Scottish BMW dealership, the 750Li was a BMW Individual Factory Order, with a number of additional extras and a bespoke build code.
Despite spending over 100k, the first owner only kept it for just over a year and the BMW has had four keepers since.
It has a service book stamped all the way through and comes with all of its original owners’ manuals and booklets. The vendor is a specialist in luxury modern classics, who acquired it directly from a BMW main dealership.M4rBc57ymOXMCo8KFcxBADR3Yvb427XygKDsfYc6.jpeg83.08 KB
THE INTERIOR
Special order Merino leather
BMW i-Drive and infotainment system
Dark wood veneers
Incredible specification
Sunroof model
Being a BMW Individual line model, the amount of kit on this car is unbelievable, starting with the bespoke Merino leather upholstery which is in fabulous order.
The specification is incredible. Climate control, cruise control, i-Drive, electric sun blinds, electric front and rear seat adjustment, a hidden CD changer, parking sensors – even a full-size spare wheel.
But it’s in the back seats where you’ll find the most goodies – as well as being multi-adjustable and reclinable, the seats are heated and cooled, there’s rear-seat TV screens and entertainment and a fridge. Yes, a fridge.
It’s an incredibly luxurious and supremely comfortable car presented in flawless condition.
Finished in special order Opal Black, the 750Li looks almost green in certain lights and is an extremely handsome car, the toned-down styling of the E66 facelift looking fresh and modern still, 16 years after this car was first registered.
It’s in superb order throughout with no major marks or damage other than some very tiny stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet.
Then there are the wheels! Another BMW Individual special order, the 20-inch split rims would have cost around £10,000 as an option! They’re absolutely stunning and have just been fully refurbished.a2B6fiho4sxBdxa4eeMopQMuoVOVolTCjBRVQ9WB.jpeg170.37 KB
THE MECHANICS
4.8-litre V8
Six-speed automatic transmission
Fabulous performance
Well-maintained with main dealer history
To confuse matters, BMW offered the 750 with both a 4.4-litre and a 4.8-litre V8. This one is the larger of the two, a 4,799cc M52 engine allied to a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s the most desirable set-up and has been well-serviced, as backed up by the documentation.
The vendor reports that that car drives very well indeed, with no known issues. It offers impressive performance and has just had a major service before sale. The car is also being sold with a new MOT upon sale.QTCZJgFIPW5MykLdPodcLrNMHuGphh2UoYnIcCdv.jpeg178.46 KB
SUMMARY
This is not your average aged 7-Series – far from it. It’s a truly fabulous car and one with an incredible specification, presented in near-flawless condition and with a full, comprehensive service record that backs up a lifetime of diligent care and attention. It’s an individual commission – truly unique – and a model that represents incredible value today compared with the fortune spent on it by its original owner.
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