BMW’s E23 gave buyers something new from the firm and unavailable anywhere else: an executive saloon that was as engaging to drive as it was luxurious. 

The 735i was the pick of the range. The few buyers who selected the 5spd manual were able to fully exploit the capability’s of a chassis that lived up to the firm’s ‘ultimate driving machine’ advertising strapline. 

This 1982 735i is a very rare ‘mid model’ which means it was built for a few months just before BMW facelifted the model in September 1982.

As such it incorporates elements of the pre and post facelift cars, in particular the desirable later updated interior dashboard and instruments. Recently comprehensively restored by an E23 enthusiast it has extensively renovated mechanicals but the bodywork and interior have prioritised originality. 

 

 
 
This car was acquired by its second owner in October 1982 shortly after it was first registered. As a very rare ‘mid model’ car it retains the exterior aesthetics of the pre-facelift cars with the revised interior of the later facelifted cars.
 
The vendor acquired the car in 2016 as a project at which point the engine had been partially dismantled. The cylinder head and block were found to be beyond repair so he fitted a M30B35 3.5litre engine, including ECUs and all electrics. This engine had covered 140,000kms on installation, at which point the car was showing 177,000kms.
 
The restoration work was extensive and the seller tells us that at one point the whole body had been stripped. The work was carried out with considerable sympathy for originality. This meant that the running gear including engine, suspension and brakes were overhauled but the paintwork and interior were carefully preserved.
 
The current owner started restoration of the car only in 2022. The renovation started by engine change. The newer engine has been checked with good pressures on all cylinders. It has been completely sealed, the cylinder head was removed and rebuilt (seals, valves, camshaft), all gaskets are new, new spark plugs, filters, rebuilt started and generated, new clutch from E34 M5 3.6, new engine mounts. The gearbox received new seals and new oil. New radiator, hoses and engine accessories do not need to be mentioned.
 
Then the drivetrain received a complete nut and bolt renovation. At some point, there was absolutely nothing attached on the car body. Everything on the drivetrain was cleaned & powder-coated or replaced by brand new components. Every single nut and bolt was zinced to look like new.

Driveshaft has new rubber joints and new center mounts. Everything on front axle was powder-coated with new wheel bearings, new shocks and complete new A arms. Everything on rear axle was powder-coated, new A arm bushings and new wheel bearings. Brakes have completely rebuilt front and rear calipers (new pistons and gaskets) new front and rear brake rotors and pads, complete new parking brake with cables. Exhaust is completely new with new oxygen sensor. Gas tank is rebuilt with new fuel pump and new fuel lines under the car. 

When the car was mechanically fully sorted out and was driving superbly, the current owner began the optical restoration. Originally it looked like the paint is completely gone from door handles up so the owner wanted a complete repaint. However, after the car was properly cleaned and the paint was measured, it became clear that the car has been repainted in an old school way. 

The original paint was just resprayed with new one preserving the old one underneath. This was quite common back in the day, especially when one corner was scratched and the paint color was difficult to match – they just resprayed the whole car. When the newer but damaged second layer of paint was polished down – on most parts of the body, the original paint appeared. 

This completely changed the angle of restoration with the priority to safe and preserve the first original paint as much as possible. Unfortunately, this was not possible with the trunk door and roof window that are the only two panels that received new paint. All other panels were carefully brought down to what remains the first original paint. 

Consequently in places the paintwork betrays its age, but this was felt preferential to respraying it and removing the originality. We are told that the only areas of resprayed bodywork were to the boot lid and sunroof panel.  

The interior reflects the same approach, although this was in highly preserved condition as the photographs show.  

 

 

 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies. 

✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only. 

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