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Enthusiasts of BMW may be perplexed by the sight of this peculiar E32 7 Series, a model they likely never knew existed. While diehard fans are familiar with the 1988 prototype V16-engine 7 Series known as the “Goldfisch,” which never saw production, it turns out BMW was secretly tinkering with yet another V16 model. This well-kept secret has finally come to light after 34 years, as BMW showcased this one-of-a-kind V16 7 Series at the 2024 Techno Classica classic car show in Essen, Germany.
The original Goldfisch project faced several obstacles, not least due to trying to fit a 6.7-liter V16 into a sedan not intended for more than a V12. This required moving the radiator to the trunk and installing large air intakes on the rear fenders. With a compromised trunk and unconventional design, BMW decided not to pursue production.
In 1990, BMW refined their approach, resulting in a more integrated and production-capable V16 750iL Goldfisch. This second attempt relocated the front-end cooling system, rendering the trunk radiator and rear intakes unnecessary. The new design was so discreet that only extremely knowledgeable BMW aficionados would notice its uniqueness.
Upgrades to this special model weren’t limited to the exterior; its cabin featured enhanced wood trim and a more opulent dashboard. The original model’s manual gearbox gave way to a five-speed automatic, yet it remained a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, predating BMW’s widespread xDrive usage.
The V16 engine, though monumental, only mustered 348 horsepower for a top speed of 155 mph—a modest figure given the size of the engine, especially compared to the 315 horsepower of the 1990 M5 with its six cylinders.
Despite these underwhelming stats, the appeal of the V16 7 Series is undeniable. Had BMW unleashed this car in 1990, it would have joined the exclusive club of 16-cylinder vehicles, a testament to automotive extravagance and ambition. While not necessarily practical or cost-effective, it represents a fascinating what-if in the annals of car history.
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FAQ about the BMW V16-Powered 7 Series:
- What is the BMW 7 Series V16?
The BMW 7 Series V16 refers to a prototype vehicle equipped with a V16 engine, which was developed in 1988 as well as in 1990 but never went into production. - Why wasn’t the BMW V16 7 Series put into production?
The original vehicle faced significant engineering and design challenges, such as relocating the radiator and air intakes to accommodate the large engine, which made it impractical for production. - What are the main differences between the original and the second attempt?
The original model had a trunk-mounted radiator and air intakes on the rear fenders, while the second iteration integrated the cooling system within the front end, eliminating the need for these modifications. - Could observers tell that the V16 model was not a standard 7 Series?
Only very knowledgeable BMW enthusiasts would likely recognize the differences, because the V16 model closely resembled a standard long-wheelbase 7 Series from the exterior. - How much power did the V16 engine produce?
The engine made 348 horsepower and enabled a top speed of 155 mph.
Conclusion:
The revelation of the BMW 7 Series V16 after more than three decades is a reminder of the remarkable but often unseen endeavors within the automotive industry. While practical limitations prevented its transition into production, the V16-powered 7 Series remains a compelling illustration of innovation and unfulfilled potential. Fans and historians alike now celebrate its discovery as a treasure unearthed, offering a glimpse into an alternate timeline of luxury automotive excellence.
