BMW 745i - The Motorsport-Bred Executive⁣⁣
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BMW South Africa’s locally built 745i occupied a unique and special place in the South African automotive landscape of the mid-1980s. ⁣ ’s locally built 745i occupied a unique and special place in the South African automotive landscape of the mid-1980s. ⁣⁣
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At a time when executive saloons often prioritized comfort over outright performance, the 745i, built in Pretoria, offered a compelling blend of luxury and genuine sporting pedigree, largely thanks to its remarkable engine – the M88/3 – a direct descendant and finely tuned version of the legendary M88 that powered BMW’s iconic #M1 supercar. ⁣⁣
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While the standard BMW AG-built 745i relied on a turbocharged 12-valve M102 engine producing 188 kW, this unit’s packaging proved incompatible with right-hand drive configurations. South African buyers, however, were fortunate to receive a truly special powerplant: the BMW Motorsport-designed 24-valve M88/3 engine, the very same high-performance unit that also resided in the sleek E24 BMW #M635CSi coupe and the potent #E28M5 sedan.⁣⁣
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Based on the robust 12-valve M30 engine, the M88 retained its displacement of 3,453cc. What set the M88 apart was its advanced four-valve crossflow cylinder head, meticulously engineered for superior breathing and optimal performance at high engine speeds, along with a pair of aggressive 264-degree camshafts that contributed to its sporting character. ⁣⁣
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Managed by the sophisticated Bosch Motronic engine management system, this exceptional engine could rev with enthusiasm to an impressive 7,000rpm, delivering a significant 213kW and 340Nm of torque. These engines were fundamentally over-engineered for their intended applications, featuring high-quality internal components such as a durable steel crankshaft, forged pistons and conrods, and a valvetrain designed to withstand the rigors of high-performance driving, rated safe to an astonishing 10,000rpm.⁣⁣
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The South African #745i offered a choice of engaging transmissions: a smooth ZF 4-speed automatic for comfortable cruising, or a more driver-focused close-ratio Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox (sourced from the sporty 535i) featuring a distinctive “dogleg” shift pattern that catered to enthusiastic driving. Both transmission options were paired with a limited-slip differential, effectively enhancing traction and providing a more connected feel for the driver. Braking performance was equally noteworthy, with the braking system being directly adopted from the formidable M5, featuring substantial 300mm ventilated discs at the front and 285mm discs at the rear, ensuring confident stopping power.⁣⁣
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Identifying the locally built 745i was relatively straightforward for those in the know. Its striking 16-inch BBS Mahle wheels, adorned with special center caps proudly displaying the iconic BMW M colors, were a clear giveaway. Inside, the luxurious Nappa leather upholstery created an air of premium sophistication, while discreet M logos placed on the instrument dials subtly hinted at the car's underlying performance capabilities.⁣⁣
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In 1985, the #BMW745i proudly established itself as the fastest car ever built in South Africa, achieving a remarkable top speed of 235.6kph, convincingly surpassing the 224.2kph set by the acclaimed #AlfaRomeoGTV6 3.0. Their rivalry extended beyond mere top speed, continuing onto the competitive local race tracks, where the #TonyViana-campaigned 745i achieved considerable success in the fiercely contested Group One Modified Saloon Car Championship during the mid-1980s. Interestingly, this motorsport application remains the only instance of a 7-series car ever receiving official BMW sanction for racing.⁣⁣
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Only 209 units of this exceptional and uniquely South African 745i were ever meticulously assembled.
We one for sale 
BMW 745i Automatic 
Fully restored
All invoices on hand
Lots spent at BMW
Everything works
Automatic
All matching
Viewing in Randburg

Available to export , available to carrier. 
International clients, please note, J1 will be able to load, ship and arrange the export permit to your closest port. 
Please arrange with your own custom agent on the receiving side for all the costs involved.
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Fully restored
All invoices on hand
Lots spent at BMW
Everything works
Automatic
All matching
 
Viewing in Randburg
 
R660k ZAR 
$37000 USD 
£28000 GBP 
 
Available to export , available to carrier. 
 
International clients, please note, J1 will be able to load, ship and arrange the export permit to your closest port. 
Please arrange with your own custom agent on the receiveing side for all the costs involved.