BMW 7-Series 735iA SE 4d Auto (1985/C) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Somewhat rare to find and there some dodgy ones, but if you find a Very good one, buy it. I bought mine for £5000 and it is in pristine condition and full service history. 12 months of ownership and so far, has been a great experience, apart of few quirks
Costs
Petrol guzzler: 23 Mpg - even so, not bad for a 3.5. But the parts are expensive and every time something goes wrong, a visit to the mechanic or the dealer, will average £70.
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On the road
Driving
Handles very well for such a big barge. Great cornering ability and feels nimbler than its size suggests. Smooth and quiet ride. Steering is light and precise. Brakes are good although they are ABS. No traction control, so watch out on slippery surfaces.
Performance
Very fast car in its day and still a very fast barge nowadays. Rapid acceleration and lots of torque. Smooth transmission. Great motorway cruiser. Engine sounds beautiful.
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Living with it
Reliability
Nothing much gone wrong: Rattles from the dash (since the purchase) Handbrake cable snapped (113.000 miles). On board computer ECU has stopped working along with A/C (120.000 miles). Apart from that, car starts every time and never left me stranded.
Image
Getting a bit dodgy because of pimps who are buying them. Even so, B.M.W badge says it all. Still a headturner and gets lots of compliments. My wife loves the way it looks, dark green.
Comfort
Roomy interior. Comfy leather seats and Good driving position. Well equipped, although it lacks of luxury features, that even today cheap small cars probably has.
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Security and Service
Security
Original alarm still works. But I fitted an Immobiliser. Insurance isn't much cheaper either. No Air-bags or ABS brakes.
Service
B.M.W dealers are fine, but too expensive. Independent mechanics, probably won't handle the maintenance very well, but at least it will be cheaper and probably more caring than a cold, arrogant Bimmer dealer.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Still the original even though it is already 132.000
Other
Make sure to find a really good one and take very good care of it. This is one amazing car, even for today standards.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes