Luxury Meets Legend: 2020 BMW 750Li vs 2001 BMW 7-Series

Jason · 01-22-2020, 11:22 AM

This is 2020 BMW 750Li, and it meets its grandfather, the E38 2001 740i, which costs far less and is rear wheel drive. Both are V8s, and both are BMW flagships of their time. But can the old one stack up, and is the new one worth the massive premium? James and Thomas jump behind the wheel of both to experience them and discuss them inside and out.

stein_325i · 01-22-2020, 12:16 PM

One of my favorite car channels on YouTube with some of the best and most entertaining content.

The E38 will always remain a classic design, even all of these years later. Loved the final line of the video, "Ask the dealer for a 4% discount and you can get both!"

Bahn360Photo · 01-22-2020, 01:08 PM

Unfortunately 2001 740 is so ridiculously unreliable that it's not even worth owning, besides just looking at it sitting pretty.

Cortexiphan · 01-22-2020, 01:10 PM

Old one: Passable on the outside, awful in the inside.
E46 from that era looks much better in and out.

The new 7 series is an amazing monster. With the new grills, it looks sublime, imposing and almost scary for whoever is blocking you on the left lane.

Salty Dog · 01-22-2020, 01:13 PM

The Grill.....

F32Fleet · 01-22-2020, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bahn360Photo

Unfortunately 2001 740 is so ridiculously unreliable that it's not even worth owning, besides just looking at it sitting pretty.

Perhaps but it can be driven via remote while you hide in the backseat protected from gunfire!!

Al Pinã · 01-22-2020, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty Dog

The Grill.....

Yeah, this things looks so hideous......

Staszek · 01-22-2020, 01:42 PM

Since I own both I am eager to watch and see their opinion! Well, 2019 not 2020.

Here's a few shots. I maintained the hell out of this car, its been awesome.

M_Six · 01-22-2020, 02:02 PM

I had a 2001 740iL. Loved it when it was running properly. Unfortunately that was not common. It seemed it needed repairs monthly.

Hasser · 01-22-2020, 02:10 PM

got the 728i to go with my M5.

spent more on the 7 than the 5 over the time to keep it going.

stein_325i · 01-22-2020, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALPINA_DREAMS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Salty Dog

The Grill.....

Yeah, this things looks so hideous......

Here's a nice palate cleanser...

OnlyGerman · 01-22-2020, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Staszek

Since I own both I am eager to watch and see their opinion! Well, 2019 not 2020.

Here's a few shots. I maintained the hell out of this car, its been awesome.

Old is gold

MUFCbmwbear · 01-22-2020, 04:13 PM

E38 740i Msport 🥰

Amacher · 01-22-2020, 04:39 PM

[IMG][/IMG]

This is my beauty, under 79k miles, pristinely maintained and has never missed a check up or tune up. Birarritz Blue individual paint and Grau leather interior. What do you all think of her?

Rhein

Wolf 335 · 01-22-2020, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amacher

[IMG][/IMG]

This is my beauty, under 79k miles, pristinely maintained and has never missed a check up or tune up. Birarritz Blue individual paint and Grau leather interior. What do you all think of her?

Rhein

Is that a custom fit M5 bumper?

TboneS54 · 01-22-2020, 04:43 PM

Beautiful. BMWs from the 90s are pure class (at least aesthetically

)

Germanauto · 01-22-2020, 07:53 PM

Anybody else feel that the past two generations of 7-series never recaptured the glory of the E38 and dare I say...E65?

I know the Bangle model was shocking to say the least, but in hindsight it was very innovative and after the LCI I found it to be quite stunning. The 7er seems to have fallen behind the S-class ever since.

stein_325i · 01-22-2020, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Germanauto

Anybody else feel that the past two generations of 7-series never recaptured the glory of the E38 and dare I say...E65?

I know the Bangle model was shocking to say the least, but in hindsight it was very innovative and after the LCI I found it to be quite stunning. The 7er seems to have fallen behind the S-class ever since.

100% agree, S-Class has been very far ahead for a while now. The S-Class has the elegant design inside and out that the 7-series lacks (especially with the new front end, which doesn't work as BMW is trying to mix two different eras of design language onto one car), and just feels more special and different from the other Mercedes. A new S-Class is coming out next year I believe and it will likely further the gap between the two. BMW just needs to do something different with the 7-series, the current formula just doesn't seem to make it a better car than the rest of the class, and clearly it isn't the handling king it once was so BMW needs to refocus their efforts.

KevinM · 01-22-2020, 09:26 PM

I love the E38. Such a timeless luxury sedan. A guy on M5Board dropped an S62 engine and a manual transmission from an E39 M5 in one...fantastic stuff.

Germanauto · 01-22-2020, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

100% agree, S-Class has been very far ahead for a while now. The S-Class has the elegant design inside and out that the 7-series lacks (especially with the new front end, which doesn't work as BMW is trying to mix two different eras of design language onto one car), and just feels more special and different from the other Mercedes. A new S-Class is coming out next year I believe and it will likely further the gap between the two. BMW just needs to do something different with the 7-series, the current formula just doesn't seem to make it a better car than the rest of the class, and clearly it isn't the handling king it once was so BMW needs to refocus their efforts.

This generation has always felt like a lazy effort overall. It's certainly a good car and improved over its predecessor, but it's lacking that X factor which the Merc brings to the table. I still remember revealing spy shots of this car being panned on this forum. It really doesn't look much different from the F01 generation or the smaller 5-series. Interior design is also quite boring. The tech and materials/build quality are first class, but that's not enough when the Merc just "feels" more special overall.

They had to do something radical with the LCI because nobody really paid any attention to this generation. At least they got people talking about it now. The 7er is really the weak spot in BMW's portfolio, as the rest of their vehicles are among the best in their respective segments.

adc · 01-22-2020, 11:56 PM

I would love to have a 740iL with the E39 M5 drivetrain, manual gearbox included. Would be an interesting drive, and a real conversation starter...

I hear UUC did a 750i 6sp conversion many years ago...

AKSteve · 01-23-2020, 01:43 AM

My Dad has a 1991 BMW 750iL that he refuses to sell because it has a V12 engine in it. I told him once that the car basically has two inline 6 cylinder engines joined at the crank. So...he got pulled over for speeding once and his excuse was, "But officer, of course I was speeding. I couldn't help it. My car has TWO engines!" He still got a ticket.

Btw, that car's engine makes the coolest "ZIIIING!" sound when you start it up.

01-22-2020, 11:22 AM	#1
Jason Administrator 43660 Rep 21,325 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Luxury Meets Legend: 2020 BMW 750Li vs 2001 BMW 7-Series This is 2020 BMW 750Li, and it meets its grandfather, the E38 2001 740i, which costs far less and is rear wheel drive. Both are V8s, and both are BMW flagships of their time. But can the old one stack up, and is the new one worth the massive premium? James and Thomas jump behind the wheel of both to experience them and discuss them inside and out. __________________ Check on the Latest BMW News Become a fan of Bimmerpost Facebook Follow us on Bimmerpost Twitter Subscribe to Bimmerpost Youtube Channel
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01-22-2020, 12:16 PM	#2
stein_325i Ring Leader of G8X Haters 25297 Rep 8,764 Posts Drives: A Car Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: All-Around iTrader: (0)	One of my favorite car channels on YouTube with some of the best and most entertaining content. The E38 will always remain a classic design, even all of these years later. Loved the final line of the video, "Ask the dealer for a 4% discount and you can get both!"
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01-22-2020, 01:08 PM	#3
Bahn360Photo Fitness Gene 1247 Rep 2,450 Posts Drives: 2018 M4 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: SoFlo iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 bmw m5 [10.00] 2016 bmw z4 35is [8.33] 2000 bmw m5 [10.00] 2018 BMW M4 [10.00] 1987 BMW 325 Conver ... [10.00]	Unfortunately 2001 740 is so ridiculously unreliable that it's not even worth owning, besides just looking at it sitting pretty. __________________ Effective 11 Min Home Workouts????? No equipment????? 20 years of experience Spartan Race winner PROtrainer! Click the link?? https://www.youtube.com/c/FitnessGene
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01-22-2020, 01:10 PM	#4
Cortexiphan Major 2256 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: 2024 BMW iX Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Old one: Passable on the outside, awful in the inside. E46 from that era looks much better in and out. The new 7 series is an amazing monster. With the new grills, it looks sublime, imposing and almost scary for whoever is blocking you on the left lane. __________________ 11’ E92 ///M3 F82 ///M4 G30 540i ///Msport G20 ///M340i i20 iX xDrive50
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01-22-2020, 01:13 PM	#5
Salty Dog Captain 3579 Rep 885 Posts Drives: Austin Mini,MBGLK, Porsche 993 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	The Grill..... Attached Images
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01-22-2020, 01:42 PM	#8
Staszek Schumacher 801 Rep 2,289 Posts Drives: E30 325is,E93 M3,X7M50,F06 M6 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lake Forest, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [9.20] 1990 BMW 325is [9.00] 2022 BMW X7 M50 [10.00] 2018 BMW M6 Gran Coupe [9.93]	Since I own both I am eager to watch and see their opinion! Well, 2019 not 2020. Here's a few shots. I maintained the hell out of this car, its been awesome. Attached Images __________________ Last edited by Staszek; 01-22-2020 at 02:29 PM..
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01-22-2020, 02:02 PM	#9
M_Six Free Thinker 19275 Rep 7,549 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	I had a 2001 740iL. Loved it when it was running properly. Unfortunately that was not common. It seemed it needed repairs monthly. Attached Images __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
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01-22-2020, 02:10 PM	#10
Hasser Major 452 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: 2014 F10 M5 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Isle of Man iTrader: (0)	got the 728i to go with my M5. spent more on the 7 than the 5 over the time to keep it going. Attached Images __________________ 2014 M5 1990 E30 318i Touring 1999 E38 728i -sold M235i - sold Activehybrid 5 - sold
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01-22-2020, 04:13 PM	#13
MUFCbmwbear Major 738 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 24 M2 & 20 M340xi Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago/Milwaukee iTrader: (0)	E38 740i Msport 🥰 __________________ 20 M340xi White Mocha 17 340i/M235i/E92 M3/135i All 6spd Chicago-Lake County-Milwaukee-Shorewood
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01-22-2020, 04:39 PM	#14
Amacher Registered 5 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2001 BMW 740i Dinan S3 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	2001 740i Sport Package w/ custom M-tunic front bumper [IMG][/IMG] This is my beauty, under 79k miles, pristinely maintained and has never missed a check up or tune up. Birarritz Blue individual paint and Grau leather interior. What do you all think of her? Rhein Attached Images
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01-22-2020, 04:43 PM	#16
TboneS54 YNWA 1197 Rep 908 Posts Drives: '04 M3 6MT, '11 M3 DCT, '22 X7 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	Beautiful. BMWs from the 90s are pure class (at least aesthetically ) __________________ /// 2004 Silvergrey M3 · Coupe · 6MT · Slicktop · zero options /// 2011 Jerez/Bamboo E90 M3 · DCT · Slicktop · IG: @na.s54
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01-22-2020, 07:53 PM	#17
Germanauto Major General 9844 Rep 6,144 Posts Drives: Alfa Romeo Giulia, Rosso Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Anybody else feel that the past two generations of 7-series never recaptured the glory of the E38 and dare I say...E65? I know the Bangle model was shocking to say the least, but in hindsight it was very innovative and after the LCI I found it to be quite stunning. The 7er seems to have fallen behind the S-class ever since. __________________ Former -2008 E90 328 black/brown -2012 Lexus IS250 black/black
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01-22-2020, 09:26 PM	#19
KevinM Brigadier General 3067 Rep 3,322 Posts Drives: 2002 M5;2007 M Coupe;2020 M2C Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tucson iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M2 Competition [10.00] 2007 E86 M coupe [8.40] 2002 E39 M5 [9.50]	I love the E38. Such a timeless luxury sedan. A guy on M5Board dropped an S62 engine and a manual transmission from an E39 M5 in one...fantastic stuff. __________________ 2020 F87 M2C Hockenheim Silver/MT 2002 E39 M5 Sterling Gray/Caramel 2007 E86 Z4M Coupe Silver Gray/Black 2021 Kia Telluride (hauler)
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01-22-2020, 11:56 PM	#21
adc Major General 2802 Rep 6,792 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC iTrader: (12)	I would love to have a 740iL with the E39 M5 drivetrain, manual gearbox included. Would be an interesting drive, and a real conversation starter... I hear UUC did a 750i 6sp conversion many years ago... __________________ 2018 991.2 Carrera T 2019 Z4 30i 2022 X2 M35i
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01-23-2020, 01:43 AM	#22
AKSteve Second Lieutenant 157 Rep 244 Posts Drives: G82 M4 Competition Convertible Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Alaska iTrader: (0)	My Dad has a 1991 BMW 750iL that he refuses to sell because it has a V12 engine in it. I told him once that the car basically has two inline 6 cylinder engines joined at the crank. So...he got pulled over for speeding once and his excuse was, "But officer, of course I was speeding. I couldn't help it. My car has TWO engines!" He still got a ticket. Btw, that car's engine makes the coolest "ZIIIING!" sound when you start it up.
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