As you can see from my little thing up in the corner, I've got a 89 525i, thus I'm stuck with that glorious little m20. Due to this and my natural longing for more I've been looking into the e32. Around me there are plenty of 750iLs, and though I might go look at one or two I'm more in the market for a 735i I think. The m70 is great and all, I just don't think I can afford it, same goes for the self leveling. So I guess my questino to all of you is do I go all out and get the 750, keep looking for that special 735 or keep my lowly m20 slushbox?

When getting ready to by my 740il, I went and test drove some other bimmers in this year/price range. The 735 just seemed a little on the sluggish side, while still being a good ride, and I got scared away from the 750 fearing repairs, if needed, would be drastically larger on the bigger motor. I love my 740il (94). And hello fellow tampa member :)

I have a 750 and love it. I wouldn't go back to a 735 because I can't imagine it running much stronger than the 525 (a e32 is a lot of weight to push around). The best compromise would be to find an e32 740, assuming it doesn't have the nikasil engine problem. SLS is no big deal as long as it isn't trashed by ATF in the PS fluid when you get the car. At this point, my primary decision criteria for buying an iL of e32 or e38 variety is making sure that no one added ATF to the PS/PB/SLS hydraulic system. If the fluid is red, smells like ATF, you're replacing just about every damn seal in the system. I know i've posted this everywhere, but it would've changed things when I bought my car.

I bought 750iL for $3k because reverse was out and I have a mechanic in my employ that I trust to build automatics. But I didn't catch that the power steering pump, brake booster, and steering gear were all leaking fluid. I would've beaten the seller up for another grand off the price and probably would've gotten it.

If you're really afraid of the v12 and can't find a 740 in your range, what about getting a 535i? More power, more features, not much more money at this point.


My m70 car, driven responsibly, gets 15 in town, 22 on the highway, about 18.5mpg combined. most of the problems I've had were not related to the motor. I would've had them if I'd bought a 735iL: electronics, climate control, ATF in the PS system, power seats, etc. The motor isn't the problem. the previous owner is the problem.


In my region, a clean e32/m70 car brings $6-8k. but at that point, you've got a hobby, not a car. they're complicated and their design is now 20 years old. you better enjoy messing with it on the weekends if you want an old 7 (whether it's a 6 or a 12), or find someone who spent insane $$$ solving all the problems they get at midlife. Once you get the car back up to snuff, my experience is that they're quite reliable. but getting there is heaven or hell depending on mow much you enjoy crawling around under your dashboard.

Michael explains it much better than I could of. The nikasil motor is the biggie. Thankfully the previous owner of my 740 took very good care of the car, has all repair records and such. Heck, he even took it to the dealer for a light bulb going out according to one of the work orders :)

Yeah...I should ave put that in there too...all the stuff about the PO being the problem, not the car, and as for the 535, I've been looking, but not finding anything that jumps out at me when I can get a nicer 735 for 2k less or 750 for a little more. I think the main thing is that I've just got to do a ppi. And thanks for the figures on your economy, that makes me feel much better...I get about 20 average now because I've got to floor the thing pulling out of side streets so I don't get rear-ended...

Maybe you have a look at my website below and read 'before buying....'
One is for the 750, there is another one for the 735 and also some hints for the 740.
I bought my first 750iL in 1994 and I still drive it every day. meanwhile I have got some more, as it became my hobby. I am presently working on a 750iL Highline to restore it to old glory. For that purpose I bought 2 more 750iL as parts cars. Only with used parts and a lot of personal interest in DIY you can afford it. Remember, that car was once top of the line, the spare parts prices are still top of the line. Just one throttling valve new will set you back close to 2000 $ here in Japan where I live, in USA maybe 850 "only", and on a 750 you usually need 2 of the parts.
Do not think about mileage, then you bought the wrong car.

Only with used parts and a lot of personal interest in DIY you can afford it. Remember, that car was once top of the line, the spare parts prices are still top of the line. Just one throttling valve new will set you back close to 2000 $ here in Japan where I live, in USA maybe 850 "only", and on a 750 you usually need 2 of the parts.
Which is exactly why I'm leaning toward the 735.

the v12 is loafing all the time. it doesn't even have to work 80mph. If I'm not careful I'm doing over 100 when I pass someone on a 2 lane. the gearing is super tall, so the mileage is better than I ever expected. if you want it to be snappy at a stoplight, you have to drop the tranny into sport mode however, and even then the gears are so tall that it's not as quick as I'd like off the line.

I dig the 750. but not just any 750. the RIGHT 750. check out shogun's web page for e32 info on what to look for and how to buy them. also look at the thread parked at the top of the 7 forum titled something like "buying an e38 here's what to look for".

shogun's page:
http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/Kaufhilfe/kaufheng.htm
http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/auto.htm

Which is exactly why I'm leaning toward the 735.
BUT shogun also shows you how to clean and repair them without spending anything....

the 6 cyl also has that $800 part it just has one instead of two... and like I said, almost all of my problems would've happened on either car, because the majority of the problems are all the electronics, accessories, and climate controls.

If you're still afraid of the v-12, get a 740. I think you'll be disappointed with a 735.

Well, the best is you buy another 750 as spare parts car. They are quite cheap, but you need the space, and you cannot park a parts car half disassembled next to neighbours main entrance. I have the cars abt 50 miles outside of the big city in a small village.
My friends in Germany do the same, actually I got the idea from there. They teamed up with some people, rented an old farm house or storage place, keep their cars there over winter, pooled some money to get a carlift and some other tools and have some fun on the weekend, we do the same here. DIY with some friends always makes more fun, and there are people with different expertise, one more on electrics, others on other things. We now have a 2 tons hydraulic crane, jacks, diagnostic tools, welding equipment and so on.

Just last weekend we repaired 2 cars. One had a doorlock defective, the other one had a brooken tooth rim in the window lifting system. Some hydraulic high pressure hoses were leaking and had to be replaced and some other things. Would have cost in new parts easily about 1000.
We just removed them from our parts cars and it cost us basically nothing.
Complete parts cars are very cheap here, as parking lots cost about 400 $/month in the city center of Tokyo where I live. So people are happy if I take the cars to our place.
Here some pics of our parts cars
http://bmwe32.student.utwente.nl/shogun/750il_delivery.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/take/original/CIMG3467.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/take/original/CIMG3470.jpg
This one is for example one of the last built 750iL from march 1994
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/take/CIMG4143.jpg
Less than 70k miles on the clock, excellent engine and other parts.

I like the idea of the parts cars, but i'm a student so I wouldn't ave a place to store it/them. I'm probably going to go look into an 89 750 tomorrow selling for 3k because it needs the front seats redone...if I can find a way to get 5k out of my 525 and everything checks out with this one I might bite the bullet and buy it. The seller knows who had the car before also, so I'm hoping that'll get me in with some maintenance info...

Well, if you can DIY, then you can give it a try. At the moment there are plenty of used parts available and prices are going down. Probably in some years the prices will go up for used parts again, as there are less and less cars on the road.
In total about 320K E32 have been built, out of that 40K 750i/iL.
Considering that the first 750 came into the market before 1988 (my oldest one is from 1988), I assume that less than 50% are still alive, others are used as parts cars etc.
Your calculation may work. Buying price plus 50% of the buying price in reserve for repairs. As you are a student, a lot of the money will be eaten up by fuel.
A 735 is much cheaper in maintenance. Especially as the engine M30B30 (never sold in the US) and M30B35 is one of the working horses of BMW in various models. So there is no shortage of used engine parts.

As you are a student, a lot of the money will be eaten up by fuel.
A 735 is much cheaper in maintenance. Especially as the engine M30B30 (never sold in the US) and M30B35 is one of the working horses of BMW in various models. So there is no shortage of used engine parts.
again why I'm more looking into the 735...if you use basically the same engine from 1968 to 1993 there's got to be something good about it...

Well, if you can DIY, then you can give it a try.
I can kinda diy, and I'm sure that with the proper materials it wouldn't be all that difficult, right?

Is your M20-equipped E34 very clean, and do you have an investment in other items such as suspension, wheels, stereo, etc.?

If so... S50/S52 transplant! That's the E36 M3 motor... your new "532i" will run away from any E32 750 and will have a bulletproof motor with extensive aftermarket support.

A fantastic 30K mile '99 S52 and 5-speed trans just sold on ebay for under $3K, someone got a steal. Budget another $2K-$3K for installation and miscellaneous, and your car is even a threat to E34 M5s.

I dunno, I used to have an 85 Regal with a hopped up 350, that had power.
I now have a 89 735iL with less power but that thing still puts a huge smile on my face.

Why 735iL? DIY, I figured that v12 wouldn't be as DIY freindly for a 17 year old student to work on so I opted for the slightly cheaper 735iL. The engine hasn't caused me any problems. Needed a waterpump but hell if I didn't drive the shit out of it it probably would be fine with the old one. Needs some other stuff but you can save bigtime doing it yourself if you have the parts hookups. Example? Heatercore @ BMW dealership, 2 days, $1100 CDN to do (part+labour), Heatercore @ Driveway, $130 and a weekend if that, some beer, some music, quick access too bimmer.info and shoguns site. I did the waterpump myself and saved $200, only took half hour too.

If you find a nice E32 3.5L you like in your price range, buyu it, 740, buy it, 750 buy it. But if you don't do the work yourself you might want to look for a Civic as a beater and the E32 as a cruiser as the E32 will cost u alot more for someone else to fix.

If you're a student, stay away from the 750s. My wife has a $ 500 rule - if it breaks, it's at least $ 500. If you're an automotive engineering major, the 750 will be a great place to learn a lot about fixing cars. If you're not a motor head, you will be by the time you're done.

If you find one that's been obsessively maintained by someone who can afford it, they may have fixed all of the "standard" issues. For instance: Throttle bodies ($ 1800), drive shaft ($ 800), radiator ($ 450), fan clutch ($ 200), brake bomb ($ 350), intake manifold gaskets ($ 1500), the occasional broken headlight ( $ 150), etc. Just the spark plug wires are $ 550 for a set. Then, there's the Xenon headlights (later ones). My mechanic broke one, and rather than force him to buy a $ 1200 BULB(!), I let him retrofit the entire system back to halogens.

On the other side, they're the height of luxury and they've got torque coming out the ears. And how many people do you know that have ever owned a V-12? I've had one for 6 years.

It's an addiction, not a car (with the on-going costs to match). I've only got six months until I sell mine for an E39 M5. I will miss it when it's gone.

Is your M20-equipped E34 very clean, and do you have an investment in other items such as suspension, wheels, stereo, etc.?

If so... S50/S52 transplant! That's the E36 M3 motor... your new "532i" will run away from any E32 750 and will have a bulletproof motor with extensive aftermarket support.

A fantastic 30K mile '99 S52 and 5-speed trans just sold on ebay for under $3K, someone got a steal. Budget another $2K-$3K for installation and miscellaneous, and your car is even a threat to E34 M5s.
No, it's uh...pretty much just like it was in '89 except for a new head unit and the fact the ac went out...I love the idea though

If you're a student, stay away from the 750s. My wife has a $ 500 rule - if it breaks, it's at least $ 500. If you're an automotive engineering major, the 750 will be a great place to learn a lot about fixing cars. If you're not a motor head, you will be by the time you're done.

If you find one that's been obsessively maintained by someone who can afford it, they may have fixed all of the "standard" issues. For instance: Throttle bodies ($ 1800), drive shaft ($ 800), radiator ($ 450), fan clutch ($ 200), brake bomb ($ 350), intake manifold gaskets ($ 1500), the occasional broken headlight ( $ 150), etc. Just the spark plug wires are $ 550 for a set. Then, there's the Xenon headlights (later ones). My mechanic broke one, and rather than force him to buy a $ 1200 BULB(!), I let him retrofit the entire system back to halogens.

On the other side, they're the height of luxury and they've got torque coming out the ears. And how many people do you know that have ever owned a V-12? I've had one for 6 years.

It's an addiction, not a car (with the on-going costs to match). I've only got six months until I sell mine for an E39 M5. I will miss it when it's gone.

mmmm....that's making me want to stay away from the 750...a long way away...

mmmm....that's making me want to stay away from the 750...a long way away...

but again, most of those problems would happen on a 735. to some extent, a 7 is a 7. whether it's a 6 or a 12, it's extremely complicated. the power seat cables stretch, the climate control goes haywire, the lights start flickering because of cold solder joints in the light control module (a problem that 5's have too), and if you enjoy sorting it all out you've got an awesome ride. If you pay someone else to fix it, on a student budget you're screwed.

So I reiterate, do you want a hobby? if yes, you'll enjoy the sh*t out of owning a 7. if not, don't get one. not a 750, not a 740, not a 735. you can perhaps control the expense of the hobby a little by sticking with a 735, and that will save you a lot of money in the case where it's the motor that's the problem. But I've never had an engine problem. It's always been the doodads. and the doodads are on either car.

but again, most of those problems would happen on a 735. to some extent, a 7 is a 7. whether it's a 6 or a 12, it's extremely complicated.
Very true.

I just got back from seeing a 750...it was kinda depressing in a way...wouldn't even start...:(

Keep looking. You'll find the right one.

Keep looking. You'll find the right one.
I think I might have done just that...178,2XX miles, but the current owner is a mechanic and there's a 10 month warranty on the rebuilt tranny...also got this thanks to Teilmeister:
Type code GC81

Type 750IL (ECE)

Dev. series E32 (2)

Line 7

Body type LIM

Steering LL

Door count 4

Engine M70

Cubical capacity 5.00

Power 220

Transmision HECK

Gearbox AUT

Colour ROYALBLAU METALLIC (198)

Upholstery NATUR VOLLEDER (0237)

Prod. date 1988-10-05


Order options
No. Description
209 LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL (25%)

213 HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC)

222 ELEKTRONISCHE-DAEMPFER-CONTROL

240 LEATHER STEERING WHEEL

302 ALARM SYSTEM

320 MODEL DESIGNATION, DELETION

354 GREEN STRIPE WINDSCREEN

365 HECKSCHEIBE, VERBUNDGLAS

401 SLIDING/VENT ROOF, ELECTRIC

430 INT/EXT RR VW MIRROR W AUT ANTI-DAZZLE

464 SKIBAG

488 LUMBAR SUPPORT DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

494 SEAT HEATING F DRIVER/FRONT PASSENGER

668 BMW BAVARIA C EXKLUSIV

676 HIFI LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

I'm thinking I might go see it this weekend...this is actually exciting..

Cool! good luck, and may you find the right car, whether you decide on 735, 740, or 750.

735 5spd :)

Is your M20-equipped E34 very clean, and do you have an investment in other items such as suspension, wheels, stereo, etc.?

If so... S50/S52 transplant! That's the E36 M3 motor... your new "532i" will run away from any E32 750 and will have a bulletproof motor with extensive aftermarket support.

A fantastic 30K mile '99 S52 and 5-speed trans just sold on ebay for under $3K, someone got a steal. Budget another $2K-$3K for installation and miscellaneous, and your car is even a threat to E34 M5s.

Being the owner of an e32 750iL and a 98 M3, I doubt that the 240 ft./lb. torque s52 would be sufficient on an e34 to "run away" from a 750iL with 343 ft./lb. torque. Too much weight for that little torque. At the stoplight maybe if your "532i" has a manual transmission, but anything above 20 mph your "532i" would get destroyed.

Being the owner of an e32 750iL and a 98 M3, I doubt that the 240 ft./lb. torque s52 would be sufficient on an e34 to "run away" from a 750iL with 343 ft./lb. torque. Too much weight for that little torque. At the stoplight maybe if your "532i" has a manual transmission, but anything above 20 mph your "532i" would get destroyed.

I'd bet on the 532i 5-speed. The E32 is quick for the size and vintage, but the weight difference and power range of a 532i are not to be underestimated... especially if mated to a 3.38 or 3.45 final drive.

A 525i, or for the sake of this discussion, an E34 with any M5X-series motor, is relatively light... noticeably lighter than even an E34 M5. Any M5 owner who is being honest will recognize that the weight off the nose compared to the S38 is something that can be felt in handling, and would also be something felt in acceleration with comparable power levels. The de-contented 525i, even aside from the engine weight, weighs less than the M5 for a variety of reasons - fewer power toys, no SLS, smaller differential and transmission, etc. All of that weight savings would be retained with the S50/S52 conversoin. I would bet that a 532i, again with a lower final drive, would have comparable acceleration to 60mph as a US-market 3.6l M5. Add a cam and intake kit to the S52 and the car is generating M5-level power, and still has the weight savings.

So in comparison to the long wheelbase iL E32 with all the power toys, the heaviest drivetrain, and the lazy automatic transmission programming... you can see where the racin' could get interestin'. :D

Fun bench-racing, indeed.

- Rob

I'd bet on the 532i 5-speed. The E32 is quick for the size and vintage, but the weight difference and power range of a 532i are not to be underestimated... especially if mated to a 3.38 or 3.45 final drive.

A 525i, or for the sake of this discussion, an E34 with any M5X-series motor, is relatively light... noticeably lighter than even an E34 M5. Any M5 owner who is being honest will recognize that the weight off the nose compared to the S38 is something that can be felt in handling, and would also be something felt in acceleration with comparable power levels. The de-contented 525i, even aside from the engine weight, weighs less than the M5 for a variety of reasons - fewer power toys, no SLS, smaller differential and transmission, etc. All of that weight savings would be retained with the S50/S52 conversoin. I would bet that a 532i, again with a lower final drive, would have comparable acceleration to 60mph as a US-market 3.6l M5. Add a cam and intake kit to the S52 and the car is generating M5-level power, and still has the weight savings.

So in comparison to the long wheelbase iL E32 with all the power toys, the heaviest drivetrain, and the lazy automatic transmission programming... you can see where the racin' could get interestin'. :D

Fun bench-racing, indeed.

- Rob

Boy, this would be interesting. I wish we could do it.

Anyway, I'm still betting on the 750iL as long as the race is from 20 miles on (or from stand still if they are both either automatics or stick).

I just looked at a couple of my old Car & Driver magazines and they tested the e34 M5 at 6.4s from zero to 60 and the e32 750iL at 6.9s. Now, if they have both been either autos or sticks and the 750iL had the same 3.91 diff as the M5, I bet you that it would have been even or the 750 would have won. That's the difference between 343 fl./lb. torque and a peaky 265 ft./lb. for cars that were separated by "just" 300 lbs.

Now, take away another 15 ft/lb. torque and give away 75 hp between the s38 and the s52 and the scales are tipping towards the fatter of the two fat pigs (750).

Even starting with the lighter 525i platform, the s52 would still have problems with the weight. That motor just hates weight. I know because with four large adults in the car my M3 is a dog and the 750iL is a god (pun intended).

Boy, this would be interesting. I wish we could do it.

We almost could've... a friend recently sold his S50-powered E34 Touring 5-speed.

Anyway, I'm still betting on the 750iL as long as the race is from 20 miles on (or from stand still if they are both either automatics or stick).

Those are very different parameters! A 750 6-speed conversion is quite rare (although very easy for an E32 - I'd do it if I had one) and would gain back a lot of power lost to the auto.


I just looked at a couple of my old Car & Driver magazines and they tested the e34 M5 at 6.4s from zero to 60 and the e32 750iL at 6.9s.

Was that a '90 with the 3.91, or a '91-'92 with the 3.73?


Now, if they have both been either autos or sticks and the 750iL had the same 3.91 diff as the M5, I bet you that it would have been even or the 750 would have won.

Actually... a 3.91 in the 750 would be bad news. Too low, given the transmission ratios and limited rpm. You might have two shifts before 60mph, each adding .25 - .75 seconds. ideal gearing would have you just past the hp peak or just under redline (depending on engine characteristics) at 60mph.

That's the difference between 343 fl./lb. torque and a peaky 265 ft./lb. for cars that were separated by "just" 300 lbs. Now, take away another 15 ft/lb. torque and give away 75 hp between the s38 and the s52 and the scales are tipping towards the fatter of the two fat pigs (750).


How about 540lbs between 525i and M5?

E34 525i: 3263lbs.
data from: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56595&BMW-quote

E34 M5 3.6l: 3821lbs
data from:
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=31350&BMW-quote

Or a whopping 838lbs from 525i to 750iL?

E32 750iL: 4101lbs
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=31350&BMW-quote

Our hypothetical 532i would weigh no more than a 525i, and even less with the 5-speed manual instead of the automatic.



Even starting with the lighter 525i platform, the s52 would still have problems with the weight. That motor just hates weight. I know because with four large adults in the car my M3 is a dog and the 750iL is a god (pun intended).

Carfolio's data on the E36 M3 seems to be for the Sports Evolution model, which I believe was the lightweight model with aluminum body panels and stripper interior. Nevertheless, accurate weight comparison would be:

E36 M3: 3175lbs
data from http://www.bmwworld.com/models/m3_e36.htm

The 85lb weight penalty wouldn't be so bad.

- Rob

We need like a $1,000,000 federal grant to research these and other important bimmer questions. Now, I've got to figure out how to justify it to the fed.... :)

We almost could've... a friend recently sold his S50-powered E34 Touring 5-speed.



Those are very different parameters! A 750 6-speed conversion is quite rare (although very easy for an E32 - I'd do it if I had one) and would gain back a lot of power lost to the auto.




Was that a '90 with the 3.91, or a '91-'92 with the 3.73?




Actually... a 3.91 in the 750 would be bad news. Too low, given the transmission ratios and limited rpm. You might have two shifts before 60mph, each adding .25 - .75 seconds. ideal gearing would have you just past the hp peak or just under redline (depending on engine characteristics) at 60mph.



How about 540lbs between 525i and M5?

E34 525i: 3263lbs.
data from: http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56595&BMW-quote

E34 M5 3.6l: 3821lbs
data from:
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=31350&BMW-quote

Or a whopping 838lbs from 525i to 750iL?

E32 750iL: 4101lbs
http://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=31350&BMW-quote

Our hypothetical 532i would weigh no more than a 525i, and even less with the 5-speed manual instead of the automatic.




Carfolio's data on the E36 M3 seems to be for the Sports Evolution model, which I believe was the lightweight model with aluminum body panels and stripper interior. Nevertheless, accurate weight comparison would be:

E36 M3: 3175lbs
data from http://www.bmwworld.com/models/m3_e36.htm

The 85lb weight penalty wouldn't be so bad.

- Rob

From a logical standpoint I have a problem with the concept that a "532i" would be faster than an M5, particularly considering how much cheaper the s52 motor was to build than the s38. I think that if that were the case, BMW would have built the M5s with s52 motors and make far more profit per unit.

BTW, I rechecked the Car & Driver mag and they tested the 91 M5 at 6.4s from 0 to 60 and the 91 750iL at 6.5s. So, I stand by my initial opinion that a 750iL would kill a "532i" from 20 mph on.

Maybe we'll just have to agree to disagree.

From a logical standpoint I have a problem with the concept that a "532i" would be faster than an M5, particularly considering how much cheaper the s52 motor was to build than the s38.

The S52 is cheaper for a number of reasons, principally simplicity and mass production - single throttle body, no specialized multi-path plenum, and the majority of components shared with mainstream M50-equipped models resulting in a lower cost per unit. Additionally, the S50/52 motors benefit from vanos technology which was never implemented in the E34 M5. The point being that engine cost is not a direct correlation to performance. Heck, you can pick up a 500hp Chevy motor for about $4K... about $10K or so less than a 396hp E39 M5 V8!

I think that if that were the case, BMW would have built the M5s with s52 motors and make far more profit per unit.

Well, that's another marketing move. Remember that the E34 M5 was discontinued in the US after the 1992 production year, fully three years before the E36 M3 was introduced as a '95 model. The US is more of a V8 market for big cars, especially considering the competition, so the 540i Sport filled the role... at a lower retail cost and at a lower production cost. Who would want a 6-cylinder "top of the line" 5-series when there were V8-powered LS400s and Q45s for similar money?

Also, starting in '96, there was the transition to OBD-II. It did not make financial sense to certify the S38 for OBD-II when, even back then, the next M5 was being planned with a V8 and the E34 540i could hold the position in the line-up.

BTW, I rechecked the Car & Driver mag and they tested the 91 M5 at 6.4s from 0 to 60 and the 91 750iL at 6.5s.

That's the taller-geared version with a 3.73. The 3.91 tweaks the acceleration difference.

So, I stand by my initial opinion that a 750iL would kill a "532i" from 20 mph on.

Maybe we'll just have to agree to disagree.

We're not disagreeing at all, we're bench-racing!

- Rob

well...i've been looking on and off...convinced myself i was going to just keep my 525...but then out of boredom i took a look on auto trader...i found a silver '89 735iL a mere 5 miles from me. Original owner, great condition from the pictures, full records, 115,000 miles...$3450 Any input from that?

It's a good deal if all is as advertised. DRIVE IT! Then you'll see if it's the right car or not.

well...i've been looking on and off...convinced myself i was going to just keep my 525...but then out of boredom i took a look on auto trader...i found a silver '89 735iL a mere 5 miles from me. Original owner, great condition from the pictures, full records, 115,000 miles...$3450 Any input from that?

Not a bad deal...

... but I'll sell you my '88 with a replacement 65K mile motor and recent service history showing complete SLS suspension replacement for about $900 less. Condition is "decent" with partial re-paint and kind-of tired leather.

Unfortunately, NJ is more than 5 miles from FL.

- Rob

Not a bad deal...

... but I'll sell you my '88 with a replacement 65K mile motor and recent service history showing complete SLS suspension replacement for about $900 less. Condition is "decent" with partial re-paint and kind-of tired leather.

Unfortunately, NJ is more than 5 miles from FL.

- Rob
still...even with shipping that'd save money probably...plus it'd be your car so i'd know it had been taken care of...um...what's the color?

Nunna my business, but I'd drive the 735 that's 5 miles from home, imagine it with better handling, and if I still liked it, get shipping quotes on Rob's car.

still...even with shipping that'd save money probably...plus it'd be your car so i'd know it had been taken care of...um...what's the color?

It's that bluish silver with tan interior. Pics here:

http://www.robertlevinson.com/735iL/

Those wheels in the pics are not included at the price... technically, they're on loan from a friend who said "these would look cool!" The car would come with original 15" alloys. The 17" wheels shown in the pics are BMW Style 32 Brilliantline wheels, staggered size. If interested, I'll get a firm price from their owner.

The car also has UUC front lowering springs and I have a set of the European M-sport swaybars not yet installed which I would include (they cost around $365).

Known issues:
- LKM just started flashing some random bulb-out warnings - most likely needs to be unplugged/reset.
- radio backlighting does not work (you can see the display in sunlight).
- foglights don't work.

If seriously interested, please call me directly during the day - 908-874-9092.

- Rob

just got back from seeing the 735...i think i'm in love. it was amazing...i thought my 525 had good handling for being big, but this thing was amazing. only problems were that it needs a brake job (which i was going to do on my 525 anyway) the lad apparently doesn't adjust the right way when the car i loaded down (didn't notice anything), the cruise control hasn't work since the radio was replaced (:dunno), and the trans progam error bit comes up from time to time when the car is turned off. To the eye...well, it was very dirty, there's a good size dent in the hood and the stripping round the windscreen is gone.

Say um, Rob...do you think those problems would go away if the lkm and maybe some fuses were replaced? just wondering...

Say um, Rob...do you think those problems would go away if the lkm and maybe some fuses were replaced? just wondering...

On mine? I'm certain of it... the LKM going fritzy is a common problem. As for the foglights, that's an easy fix no matter what it is - I just haven't bothered to do it.

- Rob

LKM's can be repaired with 15 minutes and some solder. I did it on mine. It's invariably a bad solder joint on the relays. Johan and Sean's page and Shogun's page had something about it as I recall, a procedure with photos, etc.
Shogun's page:
http://tridem.han-solo.net/auto/erich/auto.htm

Johan & Sean's page:
http://bmwe32.masscom.net/

On mine? I'm certain of it... the LKM going fritzy is a common problem. As for the foglights, that's an easy fix no matter what it is - I just haven't bothered to do it.

- Rob
After reading that I'm almost certain that if i make any move it will be for your car. If only i could find a way to get a good bit of money out of my 525 i'd be set. in actual reality i'd rather fly up and pick up the car since i don't ave school on the 10th, but since that doesn't seem too possible do you know of any good shipping methods?

After reading that I'm almost certain that if i make any move it will be for your car. If only i could find a way to get a good bit of money out of my 525 i'd be set. in actual reality i'd rather fly up and pick up the car since i don't ave school on the 10th, but since that doesn't seem too possible do you know of any good shipping methods?

There are a variety of shipping methods, the last time I checked on costs they ranged from $500-$1500.

Before going any further, I'll take some detailed photos of the interior and exterior so there aren't any surprises. Please send me your e-mail address and I'll send you a link with the pics soon.

- Rob

you've an email.