2007 BMW 760Li

First registered in 2007 and showing five previous registered keepers on the V5, ‘OO03 DPV’ is an imposing example of one of the long wheelbase versions that feature an extra six inches or so of rear legroom. 

Of course, being something of a petrolhead, you’re more interested in the V12 engine, aren’t you? The good news is that that has been recently serviced and is showing the all-clear on the dashboard display.

It is also finished in Black Sapphire Metallic with a Nasca Beige Leather interior, comes with a good service history and a long MoT, and would make an ideal purchase for anyone who’s a fan of German heavy metal.

Like hair dye, black is a notoriously tough act to pull off in later years, and yet, in stark contrast to the aging lothario in your local, this is 760 carries it off with aplomb.

It helps, of course, that the 7-series was built so well in the first place but good DNA only goes so far; the rest is all done to how well it’s been curated and in this respect you’ve got little to worry about. 

Take a look at the shutlines, for example, which are tight and consistent. And the flanks, which are free of ripples and dinks. The four corners are free of any evidence the seller is a proponent of the park-by-touch method, and the absence of damage to the mirror casing suggests they haven’t been throwing it along narrow city streets with an inappropriate level of gusto, either.

The rain on the panels makes the quality of the paintwork hard to judge but it looks good from what we can see and beads well, so someone’s been applying polish to it.

The lamp lenses, badges, chrome trim, and window glass all tell the same story, a story of care and an easy life despite having nigh-on 175,000 miles under its belt. 

The 20-inch BMW ‘Y Spoke’ alloy wheels do have a few kerbing nibbles on them but that’s almost impossible to avoid when they’re shod with tyres with a 35-aspect profile. They have been professionally refurbished only recently though, and then fitted with new centre caps. 

The rubber is the same on all four corners too, being Accelera PHI 2, something that supports our theory about the quality of the BMW’s curation because our experience is that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

As for flaws, there is the odd scuff but nothing more troublesome than that as far as we can tell.

While the exterior reeks of discreet menace, the interior is full-fat luxurious.

The first thing you notice is the vast legroom in the rear – and in a car dedicated to pampering its passengers, it won’t come as a surprise to find an equally vast array of toys in there, either all of which, we are told, work as they should.

Like individually adjustable, electrically operated, heated memory seats. And a screen for the rear entertainment centre, which would make long journeys with small children more tolerable than they might otherwise be. 

The massive rear armrest would keep them out of arm’s reach of each other too, which would limit the potential for physical altercation, and rear sunblinds would keep the little darlings cool no matter how bright the sun shines.

The driver and front seat passenger get to share a matching armrest and enjoy similarly lavish seating as well as complete control over the BMW iDrive Professional Logic 7 Surround Sound entertainment system.

The door cards, carpets, custom rubber overmats, and Alcantara headlining are all excellent, and the extensive tan leather is in fine fettle with only gentle signs of aging, which is, again, remarkable given the car’s age and mileage.

There’s also plenty of glossy wooden veneer in there, and any fears you may have about such a modern machine leaning too heavily towards vintage pastiche can be laid aside by the presence of brushed-metal controls and trim as well as a thoroughly modern dashboard.

The boot is as capacious as it is well trimmed. It’s also clean and well-organized and home to a full-size and matching alloy wheel in addition to the usual tool kit, first aid kit, and hazard warning triangle.

BMW did not skimp when it appointed this example.

As for faults, the only ones we’ve been told about are that while the nearside rear blind retracts it does not roll up as it should and needs a hand to stow away neatly. 

Also, the storage pockets on the back of the front seats are loose, the horn doesn’t work, and the amplifier needs repairing.

Between the V12 engine and the ancillaries, the engine bay is packed. That said, this one looks good, although if you were to throw a bucket of water over it no one could accuse you of being overly fastidious. 

And while we don’t have any photos of the underside, the MoT record is completely clear of any advisories about structural corrosion, which is heartening and should go some way to setting your mind at rest. 

We are told the BMW’s history is recorded as follows:

• 08.05.2007 – supplied by BMW Halliwell Jones Chester
• 15,495 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 26,054 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 33,529 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 48,068 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 62,513 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 76,873 miles – service by BMW Chester
• 104,289 miles – service by a BMW independent specialist
• 121,225 miles – service by a BMW independent specialist
• 128,798 miles – service by a BMW independent specialist
• 171,589 miles – service by a BMW independent specialist

It’s also had lots of recent work including new rear struts, rear parking sensors, a full set of sparkplugs and coil packs, new manifold gaskets, fresh engine oil, new brake discs and pads, and a full gearbox service. All-in-all, he estimates he’s spent around £4,500 to get it running and driving like this.

The digital display in the dashboard says the next service isn’t due for 3,500 miles or 16 months, and it won’t surprise you to see there are green ticks on the dashboard display against sparkplugs, front and rear brakes, the microfilter, and the vehicle check.

The BMW’s MoT certificate is valid until January 2025 and the recent Vehicle History Check is clear. 

The full book pack, including receipts for previous work, also forms part of the BMW’s history file.

As for faults, only one of the two keys supplied works and there is slight some slight brake judder despite the recent brake overhaul. The seller also thinks the tracking needs setting.

NB: The registration number, which has been valued at £1,000 by itself, will stay with the car at no extra cost.

The BMW 760Li is not a classic car nor, to be honest, is it an emerging classic. 

And yet, despite all that, we think a car like this represents two of the things any petrolhead looks for in a luxury car: outstanding value and epic bragging rights. 

Forget the standard 7-series beloved of Pistonheads whenever the subject of cheap barges comes up; with this long-wheelbase, V12-powered slice of fried gold you’ll be strutting around like a bull moose in a forest full of roe deer – you’ll probably be able to do it for only £5,000 - £7,000 but as it is being offered with no reserve, you might even steal it away for less.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.