OEM-Plus: Rob Balser's 2001 BMW 740iL

Vehicle Features
OEM-Plus: Rob Balser's 2001 BMW 740iL

Photography by Mike McConnell

Rob Balser’s decade of automotive experience started out with old Mk2 and Mk3 Volkswagens, and he eventually worked his way up to BMWs. After seeing the 740iL built by Jeremy Whittle of StanceWorks, Balser was drawn to the chassis, as we wanted to put his own spin on the luxurious full-size sedan. After an E36 sedan and an E30, he took aim at the 740iL, and managed to find a stock 2001 model for sale by an older gentleman who had imported it from Texas in 2010.

Once he had the car in his possession, one of Balser’s first big modifications was to swap the entire interior to a rare tobacco brown leather version with sport seats, using parts from a total of six different BMWs. His overall goal was an OEM-plus look with tidy, yet unique style, and every modification was carefully chosen to suit that style. Custom Work Emitz wheels, a modified Air Lift Performance 3H air suspension system, and subtle tweaks to the factory exterior go a long way for this BMW’s looks!

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ESSENTIALS

Owner: Rob Balser
Location: Edmonton, AB
Vehicle: 2001 BMW 740iL
Engine: BMW M62 4.6L V8
Horsepower: 282 (est.)

SOCIAL

Facebook: /rob.balser
Instagram: @action_balser

Tuner Battlegrounds

Event: Driven Show
Location: MacEwan University. Edmonton, AB
Popular Vote: 59%

ENGINE

  • Electric radiator fan

EXHAUST

  • Muffler delete
  • Exhaust extended and turned down before rear bumper

WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES

  • Work Emitz 2-piece wheels - 20x10 (f), 20x11 +10 (r)
  • Yokohama Advan Sport tires - 245/30/20 (f), 265/30/20 (r)
  • 15mm spacers (front)
  • Akebono ceramic brake pads

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

  • Air Lift Performance (modified E39 bags/struts, 3H air suspension system management)
  • Dual VIAIR 444c compressors w/ isolators
  • SMC water trap
  • 5-Gallon seamless tank

EXTERIOR

  • Cosmosschwarz metallic paint
  • Ceramic Pro coating
  • AC Schnitzer replica front valance
  • Depo (light smoked corner lights, dark smoked side markers, half smoke tail lights)

INTERIOR

  • Custom Tobaccobraun/Schwarz sport interior swap, Euro-style black headliner/pillars, VIP rear arm rest table)
  • BMW E39 black (sun visors, dome lights)
  • BMW E53 grab handles
  • Startek car cell phone
  • Hidden Air Lift Performance controller mount
  • Rear seat foot wedges
  • Hidden air compressors/manifold in trunk spare tire well

AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS

  • Bav Sound 12-speaker upgrade package
  • Grom Audio auxiliary input module

PHOTO GALLERY

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