My 1990 735i Introduction Thread

[WildKarrde]

So, I've had this car for about a week now, and loving it! It doesn't look that pretty, but mechanically, it's about 95% solid. Got it for $2000, which is a lot more than KBB, but I feel it was a fair price for all the work that was done on it. It purrs like a kitten, and is probably the smoothest car I've ever driven.













I originally bought the car because my E30's are becoming too valuable to drive without collectors insurance, and I'm about to put a couple grand into my 325, so I needed something to drive while that work was being done. Mechanically, this car is already pretty solid, but I'm thinking of restoring it eventually, it just needs a couple doors, new door trim, a little body work and a few new coats of paint. I also want to put a manual in it. Of course all this work defeats the original purpose of having a cheap daily driver... but it would be such a sweet car after finished, so I dunno. It'll probably be at least a year before I decide to put any serious work into it. Just browsing the forums for now to learn everything I can about the platform.

[CroughtonE32]

Welcome Josh. Being that you've been dealing with an 87 and 88 3 series, you'll have a great time with your new M30 motor. Your six cylinder has been rated as the finest six ever built. You certainly have a great starting with your E32. Really looking forward to pictures along the way. No doubt you'll get answers to all your questions on this board.
Jeff

[WildKarrde]

Thanks for the welcome! I had an '87 535i manual for a few months, so I have some experience with the M30, I've done a couple valve adjustments on them, and a lot of other part replacements. Wish I could have kept that car, but it needed too much work for the amount of free time I had.

I had never planned on owning a 7-series, but I've always liked this generation, and it pretty much fell into my lap, so I had to take advantage of it. The engine is one of my primary reasons for purchasing it. Even if something happens to the car, I'll keep the engine and put it in something else.

[TonyPa]

Welcome!! I just got mine about7 months ago, I too was amazed at the ride. The M30 is an outstanding motor. Hope you enjoy your car. I have learned so much being on here.

[WildKarrde]

I like it so much I'm debating selling my '87 325 now. Just can't see myself driving that car very often with the 735i as my daily. Will probably put the money into the manual swap for my 735i, and finally finishing up my E30 convertible build.

[TonyPa]

I would love to do a manual swap on mine. But just don't have the nerve too. I never tried that before.

[WildKarrde]

Just thought I’d update this thread for the curious. I still own the car, it’s been loaned to a friend for almost a year now. I haven’t done any restoration to it, but it’s still running great! I ended up trading the 325e towards an 850Ci, so if I do the manual swap I’ll have to fund it some other way.