The M1-engined 745i - The Secret South African BMW M7 - Official BMW SA Chronicles Ep3

by Hannes Oosthuizen

In Episode 3 of the Official BMW Group SA Chronicles, we take a look at how BMW South Africa created the 745i super-sedan, almost in secret. The decision to use the special BMW M1 engine was a bold move and required some serious custom engineering just to make it work.

Only 255 units of this sports luxury sedan were ever built, and it remains a shining example of the prowess of South African engineering. It also gave birth to the 745i racecar, which became a highlight of the South African race scene, in the hands of the legendary Tony Viana.

Born in the '80s, a particularly difficult period in South Africa's history, the 745i also represents a time when BMW worked closely with South African political activists to keep the Rosslyn plant operational and to contribute positively to South Africa's history.

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