OEM Plus: 2001 BMW 740iL 6-Speed

, , , , , , 2

Most of the modified/custom cars out on the street are poorly built piles of Pep Boys junk, but this next car is an example of when a car enthusiast takes the original OEM design and improves it with a few subtle alterations taken from other models from the same OEM. I call this OEM+. A manual gearbox wasn’t available in the USDM E38 7-series, the last 7 with a stick was the E32 735i. The central element of this custom is the 6-speed manual from an M5 mated to a limited slip diff, but the builder focused on the interior with a slick M5 gauge cluster install and an OEM style radio nav system. It is shockingly well done. Find this 2001 BMW 740iL 6-Speed offered for $7,995 in Wareham, MA via craigslist. Tip from Cory.

From the seller:

 2001 BMW 740il

fuel: gas
odometer: 236240
title status: clean
transmission: manual
Built correct 740il with six speed manual out of an M5. 236,240 miles. I have owned since 2016. This was a daily driver in summer months only. It was last on the road 2019, only driven around the block every few weeks this year. This car was built by a gentleman who has done a number of these and it is done right. Many well chosen modifications including:

A fully functional M5 gauge cluster, sport steering wheel with M-tricolor stitching, and a late production-style 16×9 aspect ratio navigation system with iPod/iPhone integration. An extended leather dash, door panels, and dual pane glass were all grafted from a V12 750i, and the lower dash and center console are both Euro market parts. Heated sport seats w/ adjustable back and thigh bolsters. Glass sunroof, tinted rear window. HID headlights. M60 intake manifold and Dinan air intake, with a 3.15:1 LSD final drive. The 6-speed manual transmission had a new clutch, pressure plate, master and slave cylinders installed before I purchased, along with a custom driveshaft. No vibrations, rock solid. Adjustable BC coil over suspension. The calipers are sourced from a 750.

Maintenance included replacement of many front and rear suspension components, along with much of the cooling and power steering systems. Timing chain and timing chain guides done. Radiator and overflow tank replaced last year. VANOS solenoids replaced 2017. Rear tires are 90%, fronts are 50%. OEM M Parallels including spare all in very good condition. All replacement parts are OEM or equivalent.

The car runs strong, the suspension is tight and goes down the road laser straight. All electronics work as they should, A/C ice cold. The dual pane windows are rare and really quiet the cabin. The back seat has limo like legroom.

The interior is an 8/10, some wear to the leather seats, no rips or tears, clean. Exterior is also 8/10, paint is great, minor road rash on hood, crack in rear lower bumper valance. ABS and airbag light are on.

I’m a 60 yr old BMW enthusiast and have taken good care of this car. The guy I bought it from is about the same age, so I can say it has not been thrashed but it has seen plenty of 80 mph highway cruising as well as many high speed on / off ramps. Drives like a car with half the miles. This car is a ball to drive and gets thumbs up plenty. One of these w/ 166k on the clock just sold on BAT for $12,000.

Here are a few videos:

I am only selling because I have 5 cars and my marriage will be in better shape when I have less.
You would be hard pressed to find another one done this nice. This is the car BMW should have built.
I would like to speak on the phone before I show. If it’s up it’s available, don’t ask. Thanks.

See a better way to drive a stick shift 7-series? tips@dailyturismo.com