1993 BMW 740IL – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 06.06.2018

Long wheelbase leather and luxury for a basement hatchback price

The 7 Series has long been the luxury flagship sedan of BMW since the E23 first arrived in 1977.

The historic Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival, was exorbitantly expensive when new and was laden with cutting-edge technology of the time.

Amongst the list of options you could tick back in 1986 when the E32 was released: was a telephone and a fax machine. There was also a wine cooler option, and even separate radio controls for backseat passengers. The 7 Series was made for royalty and high-ranking executives, to drive a 7 Series meant you were ‘someone’.

Available in standard and extended wheelbase form, the E32 7 Series was originally available with an M30 inline-six and a M70 V12 (with the option of the M60 V8 arriving in 1992). Transmission options included a four or five-speed automatic, or a five speed manual.

However, thanks to our love-hate relationship with depreciation: you can snare this early 90s leather-and-luxury limousine for less than a new hatchback.

This 1993 740IL is on offer by Undercover Cars in Queensland, for $16,950. In new car perspective, it’s almost lineball with a low-spec Mazda 2 or Suzuki Swift. Neither will have a full leather interior, or woodgrain trim… or a V8 for that matter.

Despite what the listing specifies, the 740 is actually fitted with the 4.0lt M60 V8. Capable of 210kW when new, the car could sprint to 100 in 7.4 seconds, topping out at 240kph.

Presented extremely well in Silver with black leather and woodgrain interior, the extended wheelbase will transport you and a car full of mates in extreme comfort.

If you’re looking for a daily-driver workhorse for under $20,000, this uber-sedan from a decade past is a charming time capsule of cross-country luxury.

The car will be sold with RWC and six months of rego. You can check out the full listing here!

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