The BMW E65 Overland is a great project that is completely finished. Also here with rear-wheel drive!
It is the least understood BMW 7 Series, the one of the E65 generation. After years of uniformity at BMW, they opted for a daring strategy: many different models, each with their own character. Did it work? Of course! Sure, the purists didn't like it, but there aren't many purists who actually buy a new car.
The BMW 7 Series is perhaps the first 'modern' car as we know it today. Think of the iDrive system that is way ahead of its time, the bold styling and modern automatic transmission: a six-speed automatic transmission was really special in 2002.
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-023.jpg)
Today it is an excellent youngtimer that feels considerably less antique than a comparable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, we did not see it coming that people also thought the car was suitable for an off-road version. However, that is the case with this Siebener.
BMW E65 Overland
The car in question is a BMW 730Ld LCI (yes, the long wheelbase one, so strictly speaking it's an E66). This has the indestructible M57D30 under the hood. This is evident from the car's mileage. That amounts to 540,000 km! The current owner bought the car with a defective transmission, so we're guessing he didn't have to pay very much to become the owner of this Seven.
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-025.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-024.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-020.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-019.jpg)
So there was something of a budget left to do something fun with it. And if you are technically handy, you can have more than a little fun with it. We'll start with the technical changes.
There is a lift kit that makes the car stand 2 inches higher on the legs. Both the rims ('OZ Racing' stickers on Rota wheels anyway) and the tires (Yokohama Geolander) are built with off-roading in mind. All rubbers in the suspension have been replaced by polyurethane items.
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-003.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-004.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-005.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-006.jpg)
Livery
The drivetrain is largely standard, but the software of the engine and gearbox has been adjusted. The engine is now good for 286 hp, as much as the first generation BMW M5. You can bet that this diesel car has a lot more torque. The transmission has been completely rebuilt and equipped with the famous XHP stage 2 software from RBT Tuning.
We also had this installed on our BMW 325d endurance tester at the time. There is a limited slip differential, but the owner wants to install one from Quaife. Tip from @martijngizmo and @wouter: immediately save up for an OS Giken.
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-009.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-011.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-012.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-014.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-015.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-021.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-022.jpg)
![BMW E65 Overland](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-001.jpg)
![](https://www.autoblog.nl/files/2024/03/bmw-E65-overland-2024-1600-002.jpg)
In terms of exterior modifications, the Rothmans livery is of course striking. The Style 94 wheels have also been replaced by the white items you see. There is also a roof rack with tent and of course four spotlights on the hood.
It is not the case that the owner in question only makes modifications to stand out or to create articles for the Czech equivalent of the Autoblog Garage. He actually goes off-road with it. In fact, there is a good chance that this BMW E65 Overland has more action than the average crossover.
Through: Carscoops
Photo credits: E65 Overland
Read more? Check out our special about the BMW 7 Series (E650) here!
This article BMW E65 Overland is the coolest car with 540,000 km first appeared on Autoblog.nl.
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