1997 BMW L7

Sold and Exported

The first time I looked into the back seat area of a 1997 BMW L7 at the Japan Car Direct parking lot I couldn’t believe my eyes. My jaw literally hung open while I lapped up every detail of this luxurious sanctuary with V12 engine and legroom to spare.

1997 BMW L7 at the Japan Car Direct

In Tokyo there are stretch limos a mile long that put a smile on your face but are totally impractical for everyday use. The BMW L7, on the other hand, is short enough to be practical, yet long enough to make every traveling moment a joy. To put things into perspective, the total length of this used BMW limo is 5.37 meters (211.4 inches), which is only 4 inches longer than the 2021 BMW 7-Series.

Although large and heavy, the L7 is no slow poke. Its 5.4-liter V12 engine (M73) produces 326 PS (240 kW, 322 hp) and 490 N⋅m (361 lb⋅ft), which virtually ensures excellent performance. Rolls Royce was so impressed that it used a later version of the same engine in the Silver Seraph. This exceptional engine is mated with a 5-speed ZF 5HP automatic transmission that’s renowned for its shift quality.

If you live in the United States, you’ve probably never seen a BMW L7 because it was almost exclusively sold in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Even then, only 899 units were produced. So I consider myself lucky to have taken a ride in one of these very exclusive vehicles. Japan Car Direct purchased this particular L7 at a Japanese used car auction and will keep its eyes open for more.

1997 BMW L7 at the Japan Car Direct

As you can see from the photos, the plush leather interior is absolutely gorgeous. The rear seats are power adjustable and you can enjoy caviar and champagne, cooled in the built-in refrigerator, on a fold-down tray while watching your favorite video on the TV screen. Rather than bore you with more details, I can assure you the craftsmanship and ride quality are fit for royalty. I’m told the safety is also first class due to standard features like side airbags, traction control and auto-leveling headlights.

1997 BMW L7 at the Japan Car Direct

Up front, the elegance of the rear area is matched in full by leather seats, leather door panels and wood trim.

Enthusiasts in the know are as enamored with this BMW model as I am. But it’s not the only incredibly desirable used JDM luxury model available in Japan through used car auctions at very reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for a used JDM Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley or Toyota, depend on Japan Car Direct for the most helpful assistance.