1997 BMW 725TDS

Update 8.26.2022: eBay shows sold for $5,900.00

The story behind BMW’s foray into diesel power in the U.S. was pretty interesting. BMW had developed the M21 2.4 liter turbocharged inline-6 diesel in the 1970s with fuel prices rising; it finally launched in the early 1980s with the E28 524td. But you probably best know that motor for its appearance in mid-80s American iron; an attempt by Ford to improve the fuel economy of its large executive Lincoln Continental. The marriage didn’t work; although the M21 was a good motor (especially when compared to GM’s diesel!), gas prices were falling and the economy was recovering by the time it finally came to market. But since BMW went through the effort to get the M21 legal for U.S. shores, they brought the 524td over here, too. It was a slow seller in the E28 lineup; equipped only with an automatic, BMW dealers shifted 3,635 of the diesels.

No surprise, then, that when the E34 launched, the diesel didn’t come back with it. Though the U.S. market didn’t see the M21 in the lineup though it soldiered on. The M21 was replaced in 1991 by a new version, the M51. Now displacing 2.5 liters and with an intercooler in “s” version, the 525tds upped the power from the 114 seen in the 524td to 141 and it had 192 lb.ft of torque at only 2,200 rpms. This motor carried BMW’s diesels through the 1990s, and was available in everything from the 3-series to the 7-series – though it’s most unusual to see the latter. Yet here we have one – a 725tds with an equally unusual manual transmission, and it’s already imported!

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 BMW 725tds on eBay

Year: 1997
Model: 725tds
VIN: WBAGE91060DK02639
Engine: 2.5 liter turbodiesel inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 159,000 mi
Location: Grove City, Ohio
Price: $7,900 Buy It Now

Euro Specs, FACTORY BMW 725Tds (Turbo diesel), 5 Speed, A/C equipped (A/C is blowing cold) instrument cluster is in metric some dead pixels but still good. Mileage is untouched and translate to 159K miles which is VERY low for a diesel.
The ebrake handle need replace, sunroof has not been checked. brakes, windows, lights all work. Engine start flawlessly with good and fast preheating, no smoke or funny noises.
The left side has been lightly scratched, an $680 estimate to fix that will take care of this it can be done within a few days.
Tires are good and roadworthy.

Service done, Oil and filters were replaced last month.
Euro vin: WBAGE91060DK02639

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BMW E38 7 Series 725 tds Engine Technical Data
Engine type – Number of cylinders : Inline 6
Engine Code : M51D25
Fuel type : Diesel
Fuel System : Bosch VP20
Engine Alignment : Longitudinal
Engine size – Displacement – Engine capacity : 152.4 cu-in / 2498 cm3
Bore x Stroke : 3.15 x 3.26 inches
80 x 82.8 mm
Number of valves : 12 Valves
Aspiration : Turbo
Compression Ratio : 22
Maximum power – Output – Horsepower : 141 HP / 143 PS / 105 kW
@ 4600 rpm
Maximum torque : 206 lb-ft / 280 Nm
@ 2200 rpm
Drive wheels – Traction – Drivetrain : RWD
Transmission Gearbox – Number of speeds :
5 speed Manual
BMW E38 7 Series 725 tds Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range BMW E38 7 Series 725 tds Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
Fuel Consumption – Economy – Open road: 43 MPG
5.5 L/100 Km
51 MPG UK
Fuel Consumption – Economy – Highway: 33 MPG
7.2 L/100 Km
39 MPG UK
Fuel Consumption – Economy – City: 24 MPG
9.9 L/100 Km
29 MPG UK
Fuel Tank Capacity : 22.5 gallons
85 L
18.7 UK gallons

Okay, so what do we have? This car was originally sent to Belgium, and it’s Orient Blue Metallic with Sand Beige Montana leather upholstery. Options were limited; ASC+T, automatic climate control, a CD changer, a sunroof, forged 16″ wheels, and a center armrest with an integrated phone. Today? It still looks pretty good, though it clearly needs a lot of time with a detailer. The M51 in the 725tds was also the highest-output version, but it’s still only got half the horsepower of the V8s you’d normally find – so don’t expect this to be a quick ride. Still, it’s cool, it’s relatively cheap, and you’re likely to be one of the few who ever owns and drives a diesel 7-Series in the US if you buy it.

-Carter