'88 735i 5-speed, good buy?

[dvs909]

i know nothing about these boats, but i think i want it. Is it something worth my time or is it a load of trouble?

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/car/568160545.html

________
PENNY STOCK PICKS

[James Crivellone]

I'd rock that, the worst part is the auto transmission on those things, or the V12 if equipped

[AWDE30]

I wanted to go buy that car.....Too bad all I have are e30 parts..........I know that 7er has been for sale for at least a month.

[dvs909]

so the inline 6 with a manual could be a good buy for a long range cruiser?
________
MAGIC FLIGHT LAUNCH BOX REVIEW

[Garageaholic]

I cant' guarantee that the car has been abused though and with the high mileage, I would assume that it hasn't. That car probably gets about 22mpg hwy (long range cruising)

[thereisnoyun]

the e32 with the m30 engine is one of the longest lasting bmw ever made. I was debating between the seven and the e30 when I was looking to buy a car. Ultimately the e30 won, because I couldnt find e32 735i in manual and in black. Or else I may have gotten that instead of the e30. Long range cruiser? definitely. Its one hell of a mod car too, it is the last easy to mod 7 series.

[Hallen]

The big six is a solid engine and will easily go 300k+ miles. It is not the strongest puller obviously, but it will surprise you a bit.
The only problems I am aware of with that engine is the oil rail bolts have a tendency to back out. They should be checked and replaced as necessary. Some people make the bolts with holes in the heads for safety wiring.

There are a lot of electronics on the car and they can be a bit fragile. Nothing really major, but it can be annoying.

You will be surprised at how well the car will handle (assuming the suspension is OK). You won't notice the size or the weight as much as you would think you would. They are very nicely designed cars.

I owned a 94 E32 740iL. It was a sweet car. The manual transmission in the 735 is rare, but a good option. I think there were less than 1000 imported into the US with the manual transmission, but there have been quite a few people to make the conversion from the automatic.

I didn't notice if the car was an iL or not. The iL might have the self leveling rear shock system. They are hydraulic shocks that will automatically adjust the ride height. The shocks are expensive if the blow on you, but if they are working right, they work very well. You can easily adjust your rear ride height using the system.

[Al Canuck]

I drove a 90 735iL, previous to my E30. LOVED that car. The 5 speed models were all i's, not iL's, so no SLS for you, and thats a good thing. I deleted the SLS on mine, and installed a set of Bilstein Sports with Bav Auto springs. Rode nice, handled well for a tank, and it cruised soooooo nicely down the freeway.

Typical problem areas on these cars are similar to E30. Control arms, subframe mounts, basic suspension stuff. Just wear and tear items, really. The pre90 cars had problems with odometers stopping at 299999 or 300000km, and they will occasionally throw CHECK CONTROL warnings, but have no codes. Minorly irritating, but nothing to worry about.

My 90 had 410000km when I sold it, and still looked like new inside and out. Durable as hell, great to drive cars overall. I am looking for another one, later this year. Downside is fuel consumption. 91L gas tank, and only 400km to a fill up! And mine was in perfect tune, with all new ignition parts, vacuum hose, sensors, intake boots, valves adjusted, etc.

I've never driven a 5 speed E32, but I would bet its kinda fun, if a little weird. I often considered swapping mine over, but frankly, the auto was just fine in a car of its size. When I start E32 shopping again, I'm looking for a 750iL. Despite what some people will tell you about the V12, they're actually quite good. I have a few of them in my care, know them quite well, and being a shop owner/mechanic, I have access to tools and wholesale parts!

Snap it up if it checks out ok.

Here's my old one....

[Mike325]

^ Beautiful car man. I would snatch that car up if everything looks ok. The m30 will last forever and the car seemed pretty clean, even the engine bay. That would be sweet to rock a lowered 7 on 18s or 19s.

[TDE30]

Well, it never helps that the guy's only picture of the car is of it in the snow, but I believe those were galvanized, so what little rust it may have shouldn't be an issue if addressed promptly. Like everyone has been saying, those M30s are fantastic and quite smooth motors, combine that with a E32 and a Getrag 260/6 and you've got a very capable, practical cruiser. These were made during the E34 era, so I would check for delamination issues on the door panels as I'm sure those cars are furnished quite well. But, overall, $2600 is a very good price for an E32 735i in good mechanical running order.

[G-Man]

E32's with a 5 speed are very rare, 90 was the last year that the 7 series came with a 5 speed in the US market. I would bet only 5% or less of E32's sold in the US from 88-90 came with a 5 speed. E32 electronics can be a bit tempermental along with the HVAC system. M-30's will run forever if properly maintained. They are great cruises and fun to drive for a big car. Go for it.

G-Man