eBay Watch: 1985 BMW 735i
By Gunnar Heinrich | IMG eBay Motors
FINDING an 80s BMW 7-Series whose very tyres haven’t seen their last millimeter of tread scrubbed is, sadly, a challenge.
This is especially true of the great e32 gen. (1987-1994) which have largely led very hard lives judging by the sickly, three digit dogs that proliferate the Internet.
Truly sad.
That’s what makes this mint Californian example such a find. A 1985 BMW 735i, it’s part of the original e23 generation 7’s that the Bavarians sold from 1977 through 1986.
As some of you recall from our filmed road test of the 733i from 2007, the classic e23’s road manners seem downright wooden by today’s highly assisted standards. And yet, a well maintained example exudes a classic Black Forest charm that is, to many, the very heart and soul of the roundel.
Considering that this particular sedan hails from (typically) dry California, has only 154K miles on the odometer, a loved interior and exterior, plus the original radio (!), and is selling for a reasonable buy-it-now price of $3,995, this seems an offer too good to be true.
Apparently others agree, as the vintage 7er has 15 bids as this post goes to post. As always, caveat emptor. Any car with low miles can suffer from a slew of problems that are every bit as detrimental to the vehicle’s welfare and – your wallet – as those that are driven hard.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Euri | Feb 4, 2010 | Reply
A true bargain, for such a nice siebener, but I don’t like the us spec/ type of bumpers..
G | Feb 4, 2010 | Reply
Yes, old 5mph bumpers. You’ll note different headlamps,too.
Jim | Feb 4, 2010 | Reply
The early 7’s have not held their allure in the manner of the W109 & W126 Benz’s, but then they weren’t manufactured as well. BMW placed a heavier design and engineering emphasis on performance rather than durability and that is reflected in the state of the market for what are now vintage cars.
But this is a very nice example of the marque. Is that a wired in car phone cradle on the side of the console??
G | Feb 4, 2010 | Reply
Yep, it does appear to be an old carphone cradle!
Euri | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
The headlamps look smaller on the US model. The next generation (e32) had crash resistant bumpers by small shock absorbers mounted as standard. That was btw much more a competitor to the Mercedes limousines. (And wasn’t the e32 the first, after ww2, equiped european automobile with a v12 petrol engine?, I think the e32 is worthwile an externsive adltv test Gunnar
..
G | Feb 5, 2010 | Reply
I couldn’t agree more. Trouble is finding an e32 in worthy condition.
Roy Smart overduble@yahoo.com | May 8, 2010 | Reply
I am looking for a 1985 735i body. I need everything except for the engine, trans, etc. email me. thanks, Roy
Mr P | Jun 3, 2010 | Reply
Hello Roy
I think you and I are in the same page the only diffrence is that I want to revamp my 735i, the car is in a bad state but am willing to do it self, the problem is harness and computer box, do you know where I can get those? by the way what happend to the body of your car since you got the engine? I would like to communicate more with you man, I like that car with all my heart.
Phumu
Danny | Jun 6, 2010 | Reply
THIS IS NOW MY CAR> I AM THE LUCKY OWNER AND IT HAS BEEN A JOY TO DRIVE. NOW HAS 157,000 MOLES AND ALL I HAVE DONE IS CHANGED THE BREAKS AND OIL. SO FAR> I HAVE ALSO OILED THE SEATS AND THE OLD HARD LEATHER IS STARTING TO BECOME SOFTER> I LOVE THIS CAR MORE THAN ANY OF THE NEW ONES. GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL
Frank Casagrande | Aug 29, 2010 | Reply
Have 735i body in great shape for sale. contact me at frank.casagrande@yahoo.com