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In Reply to: Thinking of buying 1985 - 735i posted by Joe on May 24, 2001 at 06:17:04:
They are solid cars that are fun to drive. BUT they have problems...lots of little ones and a few big ones.
HVAC is a nuisance-but you're plus one for having a working AC. These are vacuum operated systems behind the dash that can be frustrating to diagnose and repair.
Personal experience:
Look for the heater core to blow. Fix it yourself for $400 and about 20 hours of labor or pay a mechanic $1,500.
Transmissions are weak and expensive-used $1,000; rebuilt $2,500 installed.
Original wheels are metric and tires are becoming hard to find and expensive. Upgrade to later-model 15 inch wheels for around $300, then buy standard tires.
Exhaust system: $300 or so DIY; or $500-800 at a shop.
If the paint isn't checking yet, it probably will soon. $$$$$$
Little things are cruise control, rough idle, dash lights/switches/buttons, radio, electric headrests, antenna, windshield washer motors, etc.
I've heard of other problems like power steering/front-end problems that are tragically expensive. Also, I believe driveline u-joints are not serviceable, requiring an expensive replacement when they go bad.
People on this board can help you through lots of this stuff as cheap as possible. But it's still going to cost and you have to have the time, skills and inclination to work on your own car. Unless you're independently wealthy-but then you wouldn't be buying this car.
Don't pay more than $4,500. These problems can and will happen to the nicest car.
The times it's running well are joyous.
Korby
I'm thinking of buying a 1985 - 735i with 125k on the clock
for $5500 bucks. The car seems in very good condition and
currently the A/C is working properly. From reading this
board, the A/C seems to be a major problem with this year
and model. Are there any big bucks other problems common
to this model. Any insight would be great. Thanks
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