ADS ON TEST
BMW’s early-Nineties, six-cylinder flagship is a very rare sight nowadays, especially in original condition says Alan Anderson
Expensive, but barely used
As wonderful as this completely original 735i undoubtedly is, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s very expensive for such a hard to value classic. There again, you’re unlikely to find another potential concours winner quite like it. For the money, would you rather have an average Cortina 1600E?
After a jump start – it hasn’t been run regularly for a while – the straight-six runs sweetly. Hardly surprisingly given its low odometer reading of 32,098, it drives like brand new in every respect. This 735i spent the majority of its life on Jersey, and – as is so often the case with infrequently used classics – the tyres have reached the end of their service life before being even being remotely worn out. The rear Nankang pair date back to 2001, but the front Uniroyals are newer. A new uniform set should be budgeted for.
Plush interior looks new at 30k miles
To say that the highly-polished Alpine White bodywork is still in peak condition would be an understatement. Apparently having covered an average annual mileage of less than 1000 miles, and cherished, there’s not even a scratch worth mentioning. The substantial coloured-coded door mirrors and valances are spotless, with the standard-fit BMW alloy wheels and their centre caps (along with the minimal chrome work) no less sublime. All the next owner needs to do is keep it that way. The Jersey number plate has been surrendered and replaced by an age-related one.
While predominantly black, the interior option is called Silver Leather. The grey carpeting receives a gold star for its mint condition as well as durability, retaining its plush pile. The leather seats look hardly sat in; and being an SE trim it also benefits from a decent number of appointments such as air-conditioning, powered seats and sunroof, all working properly, including the original Blaupunkt Memphis radio. There’s a splash of genuine wood on the dashboard, centre console and door cappings and their walnut finishes remain as new. The boot compartment has also been gently cleaned, and looks factory fresh. According to the vendor, the comprehensive BMW toolkit has remained untouched since new.
Runs smoothly, needs battery
The state of the impressive engine compartment tells you all you need to know about how this 7er has been cared for since day one. The sole owner treated himself, trading up from a Triumph Dolomite 1300, but he’s now giving up driving. The service booklet is fully stamped up to 2017, at 30,358 miles, although there are also invoices for supplementary minor services since then. Nevertheless, due to the low mileage it would be a good idea to have an oil service and reset the maintenance indicator warning lights. Documents comprise complete owner pack, original sales invoice and paperwork certifying importation from the Channel Islands. So is it such an over-inflated buy? We’ll let you decide – there simply aren’t enough on the market in this kind of condition to set any kind of comparable benchmark.
CHOOSE YOUR BMW E32
▶ Replacing the first-generation BMW 7 Series in 1986, the E32 was initially available with straight-six engines – the 3.0-litre 730i, and the 3.5-litre 735i. Two wheelbases are available – 2833mm standard and 2947mm ‘L’ – with the option of luxury ‘SE’ trim.
▶ In 1987, Alpina created a 251bhp high-performance version of the 735i called the B11.
▶ Also in 1987, BMW installed its first V12 engine in the E32, creating the 750i. It was also available in long-wheelbase, luxurious 750iL Highline specification with rear coolbox, picnic tables, crystal glasses and dual-zone climate control. Alpina offered a performance version called the B12, with 345bhp.
▶ In 1992, the 735i was replaced by the 4.0 V8-engined 740i. The E32 7 Series was replaced by the new E38 generation in 1994.
1990 BMW 735i
Price £15,995
Contact Hurst Park Automobiles Ltd, East Molesey (01372 468487, hurstpark.co.uk)
Engine 3430cc six-cylinder, ohc
Power 208bhp @ 5000rpm
Torque 225lb ft @ 4000rpm
Top speed 148mph
0-60mph 7sec
Fuel consumption 18-23mpg
Length 4910mm
Width 1845mm
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