1985 BMW 7 Series 735i 3.5 gas from North America
Summary:
The best car from the 1980's to buy today
Faults:
When I had it, the power-steering pump was going out, the heater would not shut off, and I sold after the water pump pulley broke (causing the fan mounted on the end to hit things).
I did regular maintenance (plugs, wires, etc.) and a valve cover gasket, but the car was extremely reliable overall.
Its greatest sin, and the biggest reason for me selling it, was it only got 16 mpg, even with the manual. :(
General Comments:
This was really an excellent car. It was my second. I only paid $1000 dollars for it (less than half of what I got from selling the Toyota Van). The Beemer was twice the car that the van ever was. It even cost less to maintain. Parts are surprisingly cheap. The few electrical components and shared parts with 3 and 5-series models keeps them very cheap.
The handling and acceleration are both superlative (they match my mother's 2000 Integra GSR). The Stage 2 carbon-fiber clutch with aluminum flywheel helped the car out too. It shifted so beautifully.
The car was very quiet. The moonroof absolutely never leaked. I put it through 8000 miles of driving in 6 months, and it took it like a trooper. It's a great first car if you live in a rust-free area.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 9th August, 2010
18th Apr 2013, 00:32
I just bought an '85 735i for a thousand dollars, and it also has the 5 speed. I also like the car.
Thank you for taking the time to post your experience! It was a great read.
I still have mine. It has 214k on it, and the water pump did the same as yours to the previous owner. It has a lot of new parts and I enjoy buying new parts for it. I do all my own labor also.
Cheers, James.