Need advise: early or late 745i? (archive)

Today I found an '81' 745i for sale locally, 84K orig miles (yes the odometer works). The seller's brother bought it new, the seller brought it over from Spain? in 1981 - maybe it is an 80 model - owners manual is in English. Paint is decent (blue), OBC not working, very nice camel interior, HVAC and AC works, Becker Mexico radio, TRX with decent Michelins (although lots of wear evident on inside of fronts - balljoints?). Overall very clean car, asking price is $4500. My questions: 1) I drive an 85 735i and it seems a lot different. I think the steering is in the 81 is heavier and the seating position is higher (floorboards higher) is that my imagination? 2) Are the later 745s much better (ie, should I wait for one of those)? I have gotten warnings to stay away from the early ones, they had head problems, etc - any truth to that? Will a later 745i drive more like my 85 735i?

Seller said one advantage to an early 745 was he did not need a DOT certificate to bring in into the country? The car is titled and registered in Texas currently, will I need a DOT certificate or anything weird if I buy it? Is the DOT certificate only for bringing the car into the country?

Any advise or comments appreciated, thanks!

Follow Ups:

go with a later one phil 21:22 12/29/2000 (0)

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