In 1996, BMW expanded the 7 Series range by a new eight-cylinder model in the form of the BMW 735i, which acted as the successor to the discontinued BMW 730i. The stretch version was also given the engine with the bigger displacement and enhanced power and it could be purchased for a supplementary payment of some DM 10,000. This stretch version was included in the product range as the 735iL. An output of 235 hp (173 kW) ensured a respectable gap between this and the six-cylinder model BMW 728iL, introduced shortly before.