Highlights
- Just 25,794 miles
- One-off special order blue velour upholstery, unique to this vehicle
- Originally owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman
- Advisory-free MOT valid until July 2025
- Recently serviced with new front brake pads and coolant change
- 'Time-warp' condition
The Appeal
Here's something rather special - certainly not a car you see everyday and you won't find another with these exact specifications. This BMW 745 Li was just about the most advanced and luxurious saloon on the market in 2002 when the Sultan Qaboos of Oman commissioned it for his personal use in London.
It was cherished as part of his esteemed vehicle collection for over twenty years, gracing the streets of London with its elegant presence. Throughout the Sultan's custodianship, it was meticulously maintained and kept in dry, heated storage. We're informed that the blue velour seats were a one-off special order by the sultan, making this a truly unique car.
The vendor notes:
"At the forefront of automotive innovation, the E65 and E66 were the fourth generation of BMW's 7 Series and were used by the German carmaker to introduce many novel features, including the iDrive infotainment system, active anti-roll bars, a six-speed automatic transmission, an electronic Smart Key (dispensing with the traditional metallic key), and night vision. It was also the world's first car to use an electric parking brake and the first BMW to feature directional and bi-Xenon (HID) headlights.
It was cherished as part of his esteemed vehicle collection for over twenty years, gracing the streets of London with its elegant presence. Throughout the Sultan's custodianship, it was meticulously maintained and kept in dry, heated storage. We're informed that the blue velour seats were a one-off special order by the sultan, making this a truly unique car.
The vendor notes:
"At the forefront of automotive innovation, the E65 and E66 were the fourth generation of BMW's 7 Series and were used by the German carmaker to introduce many novel features, including the iDrive infotainment system, active anti-roll bars, a six-speed automatic transmission, an electronic Smart Key (dispensing with the traditional metallic key), and night vision. It was also the world's first car to use an electric parking brake and the first BMW to feature directional and bi-Xenon (HID) headlights.
The E66 long-wheelbase models, badged "Li," were introduced in June 2002 and are 140 mm (5.5 in) longer than the standard saloon, allowing for extra rear legroom."
Additionally, this example features a rear sun blind, automatic headlights, self-levelling suspension, park distance control and automatic rain sensor. Audio comes courtesy of a CD player (with auto-changer), while a special Bluetooth module has also been discreetly fitted allowing music streaming through the factory Idrive. The vendor notes that the car was also optioned with 'Dynamic Drive', which makes a huge difference in minimising body roll. "The car literally hugs the road", they tell us.
With just 25,794 miles under its belt and a long MOT with no advisories, this BMW has to be among the smartest surviving examples - if not the very best one around. Most 745 Lis were bought by wealthy businesspeople for long-distance motorway work, so it's incredibly rare to find a low-mileage example such as this.
The most recent engine oil service was carried out at BMW Sytner on 4th June 2024 at 25,551 miles when it also received new front brake pads and a coolant change.
This 'time-warp' car truly is ready to enjoy.
The most recent engine oil service was carried out at BMW Sytner on 4th June 2024 at 25,551 miles when it also received new front brake pads and a coolant change.
This 'time-warp' car truly is ready to enjoy.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in 2002
- Originally owned by Sultan Qaboos of Oman
- Advisory-free MOT valid until July 2025
- Comprehensive service history with multiple invoices
- Most recent service at Sytner main dealer on 4th June 2024 at 25,551 miles
The vendor informs us:
"Upon inspecting the paperwork file accompanying the BMW, you'll discover all the necessary handbooks are included. One thing of significant importance is the multiple invoices showing the car has been regularly serviced and taken for MOT inspections despite its minimal annual usage."
"Upon inspecting the paperwork file accompanying the BMW, you'll discover all the necessary handbooks are included. One thing of significant importance is the multiple invoices showing the car has been regularly serviced and taken for MOT inspections despite its minimal annual usage."
The Condition
- benefits from a life predominantly spent in warm, dry storage
- Oxford Green Metallic paintwork continues to present impeccably
- The vendor reports crystal clear headlights and bright chromework
- The bonnet aligns with the wing rails as it should, and the windscreen is reportedly free from any noticeable scratches or chips
- Straight bodywork besides a minor ding below the driver’s side rear door handle
- The vendor notes that the doors align nicely, with an equal gap all round, and the windows, seals, and trims are all excellent
- The badges appear free from tarnishing, and the original Wood BMW dealer number plate is still fitted
- Original ‘Style 93’ alloy wheels in superb condition with new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres fitted
- Unique blue velour seats in fantastic order, with minimal wear and electric adjustment functionality all reportedly in good order
- The door cards exhibit a few very superficial scuffs on the lower section of the driver’s side
- Real open pore cherry wood trim in fantastic original condition
- We're assured all the cabin electrics and systems are in working order
- Well-preserved carpets with factory and additional mats for protection
- Large boot area with full-sized spare alloy wheel and original tool kit
The Mechanics
- 4.4-litre N62 V8
- Six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted controls
- 329bhp and 332lb-ft, capable of 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds
- Self-levelling suspension with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- Brakes: 348mm front discs and 345mm rear discs
- The vendor notes "the car fires up perfectly without hesitation and sounds incredibly smooth"
- The most recent engine oil service was carried out at Sytner main dealer on 4th June 2024 at 25,551 miles
- Whilst at Sytner for servicing the car also received new front brake pads and a coolant change
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