HIGHLIGHTS
- Very solid 735i ready to improve
- Excellent interior
- Lots of early history
- Only two previous keepers
THE APPEAL
Introduced in 1986, the ‘E32’ was BMW’s second generation of 7-Series and a car that firmly established the German maker as a manufacturer of fine executive saloons.
Altogether more modern and dynamic than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of the mid-1980s, the E32 was a multiple award-winner and a terrific driver’s car, powered by a choice of six-cylinder or V12 engines.
This one is the original flagship of the six-cylinder models – a 735i, powered by a 3,430cc straight-six and offering unparalleled smoothness and performance for its powertrain. Owned by two owners only until 2022, the car owned by its first owner for 22 years and its second, an elderly gent, for the past decade.
The vendor acquired it from the last owner when he gave up driving with the intention of restoring it to its former glory, but while looking for a potential leather interior donor online he stumbled upon his dream car – an E32 750Li – and decided to make that his project instead. As a result, he’s decided the 735i should be passed on to a new owner who will attend to the cosmetic issues acquired from a life in the streets of London, as scuffs and scrapes aside, it’s a lovely car with a faultless powertrain and an amazingly well-preserved interior.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Two long-term previous owners
- Supplied new by New Central Garage on Cobham, Surrey
- Mostly used in Greater London
- First owner 22 years
- UK V5C
- Original BMW wallet
- Handbook
- Service directory
- Dealer welcome letter
- BMW official service manual
- Service book stamped through until late 1990s
- Historic photos of car included
THE INTERIOR
- Smart grey velour
- Minimal wear and tear – driver’s seat is superb
- All electric windows work
- Cruise control
- Wooden door cappings
- Rear sun blind
- Original Blaupunkt Casablanca radio-cassette
- Very slight sag to headlining
- Excellent door cards and carpets
- Smart luggage area with original spare alloy wheel
- Sunroof (no leaks)
- Original glovebox torch
THE EXTERIOR
- Sterling Silver Metallic
- Completely original and still presents well
- Very solid underside
- Original lattice alloys with good tyres
- No notable kerbing to alloys
- Swirl marks and scratches to paintwork
- Small dent on offside front lower door
- Dent/crease in lower driver’s side rear door
- One small rust bubble at bottom of driver’s side rear arch
- Some touched-in stone chips to bonnet and front wings
- Some delamination to chrome on front bumper
- Tiny dents in nearside front wing
- Crack in front windscreen outside of MOT area
THE MECHANICS
- 3,430cc straight-six
- Automatic transmission
- Last serviced in July 2022 at 142,737 miles (inspection sheet included)
- Drives very well indeed
- No suspension noises
- Smooth acceleration
- Transmission works well through the gears
- Some advisories from garage on worn bushings
SUMMARY
Solid, straight and with a fantastic velour interior, this 735i is the perfect basis to take up to the next level. Attend to the small dents and treat it to an outer respray and you’ll have one of the best E32s left on the road, as it drives spot-on and the cabin is lovely. It’s also amazingly solid. There’s only cosmetic work to do to get it up to a fantastic standard – if you can do that, then you’re going to bag yourself a fabulous bargain that you can instantly and quickly improve.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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