More than three decades after its debut, the BMW 750i E32 remains one of the most iconic technological statements ever produced by the German automaker. Today, the sedan powered by a rare 5.0L V12 engine is considered one of the rarest classic BMW models still surviving in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s classic car market has cooled considerably compared to its boom years. Fewer new collectors are entering the scene, while sourcing spare parts, maintenance, and restoration work has become increasingly expensive, causing many older models to disappear from public view.

Against that backdrop, the 1991 BMW 750i equipped with the M70B50 5.0L V12 engine is still regarded as a true collector’s gem - not only because of its rarity, but also for its historical significance during the golden age of German automotive engineering.

The car featured in this story belongs to Tan Thinh, a collector based in Nha Trang. According to longtime enthusiasts, this may currently be the only BMW E32 750i V12 in Vietnam that remains operational while still retaining near-original condition.

Launched in the late 1980s, the BMW E32 served as BMW’s flagship luxury sedan and directly competed with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The 750i and 750iL variants held special historical significance as the first BMW models after World War II to feature a V12 engine.

At the time, installing a V12 engine in a production luxury sedan was considered a bold declaration of technological ambition and prestige from a German automaker.

Judging from recent photos, this 1991 BMW E32 750i still preserves the unmistakable character of a classic German luxury sedan. Its boxy proportions, long hood, quad round headlights, and compact kidney grille create the commanding presence typical of late 20th-century European cars.

The exterior remains largely original, with only a larger wheel set added for visual enhancement. The owner said the restoration process focused on maintaining factory authenticity rather than modern customization trends.

Inside, the cabin impresses with a cream-colored interior that remains remarkably fresh after more than 30 years.

The leather seats, door panels, and center control cluster all reflect BMW’s unmistakable early-1990s design philosophy. Even the slightly driver-oriented dashboard layout - a signature BMW trait - has been preserved intact.

Overall, the cabin delivers a nostalgic atmosphere without feeling outdated.

The most special feature lies beneath the hood: BMW’s naturally aspirated 5.0L M70B50 V12 engine, producing around 296 horsepower and 450Nm of torque.

The engine was once regarded as a technological symbol for BMW during the early 1990s. According to the owner, the mechanical components have been restored to ensure stable operation.

The car still retains its factory Brembo brake calipers, with only minor carbon fiber upgrades added as subtle accents.

Tan Thinh said the BMW E32 V12 is extremely difficult to price because collector cars depend heavily on rarity, buyer knowledge, and passion.

“I bought and restored this car many years ago. The cost of purchasing the car, restoring it, sourcing parts, and returning it to near-original condition has already exceeded VND3 billion ($115,000),” he said.

According to classic car enthusiasts, there is currently almost no reliable pricing benchmark for a BMW E32 750i V12 in Vietnam due to its extreme rarity.

However, many believe that if the right collector appears, the car could easily command more than VND3 billion ($115,000).

At that price point today, buyers could purchase a brand-new luxury sedan or SUV such as a BMW 5 Series, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, or several premium electric SUVs.

But for classic car collectors, the value of the E32 does not lie in modern technology - it lies in owning a piece of German mechanical history.

The BMW E32 750i’s greatest strength is its distinctly mechanical driving character. The naturally aspirated M70B50 V12 delivers smooth acceleration, low vibration, and an engine sound entirely different from today’s turbocharged luxury sedans.

Its large chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and heavy steering provide the solid, planted feel once associated with classic German engineering.

The trade-off, however, is ownership cost.

The V12 engine requires significantly more complex maintenance than conventional inline-six or V8 engines. The E32’s electrical system is also relatively complicated, featuring aging electronic components from the early 1990s.

Most spare parts now have to be sourced overseas, while only a limited number of mechanics in Vietnam are familiar with classic BMW models.

Fuel consumption from the 5.0L V12 is another factor that would likely discourage most ordinary users.

Y Nhuy