Afterwards, it was installed in a modified long wheelbase BMW 7 Series (E32), and the first driving tests were made in May 1988.

To prevent an "arms race" with other engine manufacturers, the V16 was never put into mass production.

[2] Additionally, a higher-performance version of the M70 engine, the S70B56 installed in the BMW 850CSi, produced 380 PS (279 kW) and 56.1 kp⋅m (550 N⋅m) of torque, almost reaching the power output of the V16.

Unlike the 7 Series, the engine fit in the bay with room for radiator and ancillaries.

[4] The engine design virtually copies the BMW M70 V12 layout but with 4 more cylinders added.