Caprice engine swap?

[Fast_Ed]

Here's more info that I can stand about the M70.

So probably just enough for you:
http://www.e38.org/e32/M70info.pdf

Pics of rotating assembly, block, descriptions..

[kevm14]

The M70 is equipped with a powerful 2.2kW gear reduction starter motor which provides easy starting at all
temperatures.

Correction:
The M70 is equipped with a powerful 2.2kW gear reduction starter motor which provides awesome starter noise.

[kevm14]

Finally some specs:

Making 322 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 361 pound-feet of torque at 3900 rpm, the 750iL’s 5.4-liter SOHC V-12 packs a solid performance punch. Paired with the mandatory ZF five-speed automatic transmission, it propels this 4553-pound luxo-sport tourer from zero to 60 mph in a mere 6.4 seconds and through the quarter mile in 14.7 ticks at 98.3 mph

http://www.motortrend.com/news/bmw-750-il/

Again, this thing performs no differently than an STS Northstar. But it's a V12 so it wins.

Fine-tuning this hardware are anti-roll bars, electronic damping control (EDC), and rear self-leveling. The 750iL also boasts BMW’s electronic traction-maxing and anti-spin systems, Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), both of which can be manually deactivated to satisfy those with more enthusiast leanings.

The final ingredients in the handling recipe are fat, sticky 235/60HR16 Continental ContiTouringContact radials on 16×8.0-inch forged alloy rims teamed with vehicle-speed-sensitive recirculating-ball power steering. That total package allowed our over-two-ton 750iL to pull a stout 0.84 g on the skidpad and slip through the slalom at a respectable 62.3 mph, figures well supported by its exemplary real-world road manners. Dialing up the EDC’s Sport mode brings an added measure of tautness without compromising ride quality. Stopping power also is plentiful. Huge, ABS-abetted vented discs on each corner haul this maxi-Bimmer from 60 mph to a stop in just 126 feet.

I need to look into EDC though...I already know the rear shocks are like $400 each.

The rest of the performance is right inline with what would be great in a daily driver, in a package like this.

[kevm14]

EDC system description:
http://www.meeknet.co.uk/E38/EDC_III_Plus.pdf

For this purpose, the system features following sensors to record the driving situation: Steering angle sensor,
speed sensor, front body acceleration sensor, rear body acceleration sensor.
Dependent on these sensor data relating to the driving situation, the EDC control unit switches the damper
valves integrated in the shock absorbers in the stages "soft", "medium" or "hard".

Dare I say an unsophisticated version of what MR shocks do.

[kevm14]

Yes, you can put regular suspension components, or sport suspension components in the car and the S-EDC will simply no longer function. Fortunately, unlike the Adaptive Damping Suspension and later Active Body Control in Mercedes Benz vehicles, S-EDC does not rely on hydraulics, air bags or any other sophisticated trickery that would make stepping down to the regular struts an involved process. The only exception to this rule would be the REAR suspension if your car has the Self Leveling Suspension option. This setup IS hydraulic (in the rear only) and driven by a tandem vane power steering pump that maintains the level control AND the power steering. Downgrading this is a more involved process if you want to revert to a passive system back there. I only say this because more Canadian and international cars did have it.

See the E38 is old enough that it doesn't have anywhere near the bullshit as the later stuff. Still, hydraulic rear load leveling is unnecessarily complicated. Which is why the correct E38 is the 740i w/ M Sport suspension (no EDC, no rear leveling, but need to confirm this). But, without the awesome extended wheelbase L, and without the V12, it may not be worth bothering with. Go big or go home?

[kevm14]

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-absorber-pass ... B00AEEHH6W

That is alarming. I don't think Rockauto even carries the front ones.

MR shock replacements are also pricey, but not $900/ea.

[kevm14]

Pulling this together, Rockauto carries the SACHS rear auto leveling shocks. I want to say these are EDC also. $500/ea.

They don't carry front shocks.

eEuroparts lists the front EDC shocks are $800/ea.

So that's something to think about. $2,600 for a full set of new EDC shocks.

[bill25]

5.4 LITER SOHC V12 - fail

Again, this thing performs no differently than an STS Northstar. But it's a V12 so it wins.

False.

Why does this need 12 cylinders to do what Chevy can do with 8, with almost no displacement difference if you look at the 5.3.

Broken down into 2 6 cly engines, this thing is putting out 160 HP per 6 cyl. That is about half of today's standards. You could get one and do an engine swap with the 3.6 and do better! This probably has worse specs than the Gen 5 V6 Camaro. Yeah sure it is bigger, but that is why it has a V12 right? If you are looking for a big sporty performance car, this is a joke. It is way to heavy for 300HP.

Wiki curb weight:
Curb weight
1,710 kg (3,770 lb)
2,185 kg (4,817 lb) (LWB)
2,270 kg (5,000 lb) (L7

WTF!!! 5000 LBS! People complain about 4000 lbs and 400HP in the Camaro.

This may have been ok or decent for 90's standards, but the money these are commanding isn't far off from the PPV.

[bill25]

Also the STS is lighter and the V has more HP, the STS is better.

BMW is selling these because they look nice, and the badge, not performance. Which is fine for a luxury car selling on luxury. Sweet footrests in the back seat. I also liked when Cadillac did that. I don't see the performance though.

[Fast_Ed]

I think you're comparing cars that are 15-20 years apart, with different performance goals.

For example, I doubt that BMW was considering that people might cross shop their 1994 750iL with a 2016 Camaro when they built it..