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It's not often you come across a V12-powered BMW in good condition for a reasonable price. I scour the internet for hours at a time each day, and rarely do I come across something as well-priced as this $3800 1996 BMW 750iL. You should buy it.
Welcome to You Must Buy, our daily look at the cars you really should be buying instead of that boring commuter sedan.
Note: The headline was not written by the author and is a tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Why? Why not. Bruce is the boss. - Ed.
The V12-powered E38-generation BMW 750iL carried a starting MSRP of $90,360 in 1996. In addition to the M73 V12 (also found in the 8-Series of the era), it got things like auto-leveling xenon headlamps, electronic damper control, dual-zone climate control, electric seat adjustment, and even optional navigation. The engine pushed 322 horsepower through an automatic transmission to a limited-slip differential in the rear. Those rear doors look like they need two people to lift off the body.
1996 BMW 750iL - Pictures
Now, after losing more than 95 percent of its value (before accounting for inflation), this one's up for sale in Southern California on eBay Motors with an asking price of just $3800. According to the ad, the car is in perfect working condition, having just passed California's strict emissions testing. With 104,500 miles on the odometer, the only imperfections seem to be a slightly worn interior and a few cracks on the exterior plastics. Even the factory multi-spoke polished alloy wheels seem to be in good condition. Honestly, it seems like a great deal for one of the most luxurious cars on the road from 1996.
Of course, buying into any used BMW will mean a fair share of maintenance and failing parts—it is an old second-hand German luxury car, after all. So while it may be working fine now, there's no telling what might happen down the line. But if you're willing to take the risk (and drop the cash), don't let us stop you.
Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
