Rob Balser: 2001 BMW 740iL

Rob Balser has been involved in local car clubs/groups since 2009. He previously owned older mk2/mk3 VWs and eventually worked his way into BMWs. "    I picked up my 2001 BMW 740iL, bone stock, from an elderly gentleman in High River, Alberta," mentions Balser, "who had imported it from Texas in 2010." Balser has owned it since 2017 and done all the modifications himself.

Balser settled on this chassis in 2014 when he discovered the bagged 740iL built by Jeremy Whittle of StanceWorks. "His build was my main source of inspiration for this chassis, while putting my own spin on things too," states Balser. Some of his previous builds include a bagged and wrapped E36 sedan on OZ Breytons, and a bagged E30 on Corvette Salad Shooters.

    "My 740 is largely a more is less OEM+ style build," mentions Balser. He swapped the interior to a rare tobacco brown leather with sport seats, and using parts from a total of 6 different BMWs, has managed to get a very tidy but unique style. The wheels are 1-off Work Emitz he custom-ordered, and the air suspension is Air Lift 3H with E39 Air Lift Performance bags modified to fit an E38.

Owner: Rob Balser
Location: Calgary, AB
Vehicle: 2001 BMW 740iL
Horsepower: 282
Club: Still Plays With Cars (Alberta)

SOCIAL

Facebook: /rob.balser
Instagram: @action_balser

Photography by @Deborja, @Spokephotos.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE

Electric rad fan conversion (clutch fan removed)

EXHAUST

Full stock exhaust with rear mufflers deleted and tips extended to the bumper

WHEELS & TIRES

Custom Work Emitz wheels - 20x10 et0 w/15mm spacer (f), 20x11 et10 (r)
Yokohama Advan Sport tires - 245/30/20 (f), 265/30/20 (r)

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Air Lift Performance E39 5 series bags/struts modified to fit an E38 7 Series
Air Lift 3H management, 5 gallon seamless tank, height sensors, dual Viair 444 air compressors

EXTERIOR

Factory Cosmosschwarz Metallic Paint (recently corrected)
Ceramic Pro coated

LIGHTING

Smoked Depo Tail lights, front corner lights, and side marker lights

INTERIOR

Custom Tobaccobraun / Schwarz sport leather interior swap
Custom Euro style black headliner / pillars
Black E39 sun visors and E53 grab handles
Startek car cell phone
Hidden Air Lift controller mount, rear seat foot wedges

FAVORITE MODIFICATION

"The wheels are far my favorite item on this car. The style is very similar to the factory optional 20" Alpina B12 wheels, and the Emitz look right at home, tucked up under the wheel arches."