Background
BMW 740d Stretch Limousine (E38) represents an unusual extended luxury limousine based on the third-generation BMW 7 Series. Produced between 1994 and 2001, the E38 was one of BMW’s most elegant flagship models. Its classic design, exceptional comfort and advanced technology also made it a suitable foundation for exclusive special-purpose vehicles. In addition to BMW’s own long-wheelbase versions, the E38 was used as the basis for considerably extended stretch limousines.
An extended luxury limousine
Stretch limousine conversions were designed to offer substantially more passenger space than a conventional executive saloon. This involved extending the body and wheelbase and redesigning the passenger compartment, particularly the rear seating area. The resulting vehicles retained the characteristic front and rear styling of the original E38 while featuring a significantly longer body and additional interior space. Such limousines were used for executive transport and special occasions.
Different from the BMW L7
From 1997, BMW also produced its own extended luxury limousine, the BMW L7. Based on the V12-powered 750iL, the L7 was 25 centimetres longer than the existing long-wheelbase model. It was an official special model developed and manufactured by BMW, whereas other E38 stretch limousines could be created by independent coachbuilders. The manufacturer and precise conversion history of the vehicle represented by the NEO miniature have not been reliably identified.
The 740d designation and V8 diesel engine
The NEO miniature carries a 740d badge on its boot lid, referring to BMW’s V8 diesel-powered luxury saloon introduced in 1999. The standard BMW 740d featured a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine. In its 2000 specification, this engine produced 245 PS and 560 Nm of torque. It was BMW’s first series-production V8 diesel engine.
Although the miniature depicts an extended limousine carrying the 740d designation, reliable information about the actual vehicle’s engine, technical specifications and coachbuilder remains unavailable. The specifications of the standard BMW 740d therefore cannot automatically be attributed to this particular conversion.
An unusual E38 special version
The E38 Stretch Limousine is an interesting example of how BMW’s flagship saloon could serve as the foundation for exclusive special-purpose vehicles. The E38’s understated and elegant styling was well suited to an extended body while retaining the recognisable appearance of the original 7 Series. Unlike BMW’s official L7, the precise history of the limousine represented by NEO remains poorly documented, making this miniature a particularly unusual addition to the collection.
Model in the collection
The BMW 740d Stretch Limousine (E38) in my collection was produced by NEO Scale Models and is listed in model catalogues as representing a 1999 vehicle. The 740d badge on the miniature’s boot lid indicates the V8 diesel version, although the technical specifications of the particular real vehicle have not been confirmed.
Technical data in brief
Base vehicle: BMW 7 Series (E38)
Base vehicle production period: 1994–2001
Year attributed to the miniature’s subject: 1999
Body style: extended luxury limousine
Base vehicle production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Coachbuilder: unconfirmed
Miniature designation: 740d
Standard BMW 740d engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 diesel
Standard BMW 740d power: 245 PS
Standard BMW 740d torque: 560 Nm
Engine and technical specifications of the extended limousine: unconfirmed
Exact dimensions of the extended limousine: unconfirmed
Production volume: unknown
Special feature: unusual extended E38 limousine represented by a NEO miniature carrying the 740d designation