pros and cons (archive)

You know what you are getting with a 735, since you have a 635. I had a 1986 735i from 1986 until about 4 years ago. I spent almost nothing on it until it had about 125,000 miles, then was aggravated that I had to spend about $3,500 in one year. Then I spent almost nothing on repairs on it, although I maintained it meticulously, until it had about 185,000 miles. Never burned a drop of oil, ran great. I then bought a 1990 750iL for only $8,500. I thought I would spend maybe $2,000 to get everything running right, then have a reliable car. However, I had to keep the 735 for over a year, since I was never sure when the damn 750 would need to go into the shop. I spent nearly $5,000 on it within the first 6 months, and seem to have a $500 bill every two to three months. I tell myself I'm a moron, but, unfortunately, dammit, I like it too well to sell it. I spend more on it than a friend spends who leases a new 528i. I hate to have a car payment, and therefore pay cash for everything, not liking the future obligations, but most people, other than other 750 owners, think I'm nuts. Even my Ferrari friend thinks I'm nuts. Of course, he never drives the Ferrari, since maintenance would be too much.

Bottom line, if its a 735i, as opposed to a 735iL with all the extras, you should get it. If its an iL, the decision is harder. If the BMW dealer says the 750iL is perfect and the 735 is an iL, maybe I'd go with the 750. When I learned that a new set of spark plugs wires for the 750 cost maybe $500, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Now I know. But I bought all my former cars because they were fun to drive, and most all were expenseive to repair and maintain. The 735i was probably the most cost efficient car I have had, all things considered.

On the other hand, the day after I bought the 750 I was in heavy traffic and was trying to get into the left lane and around someone. There was a break in traffic, I gave it gas -- not nearly floored -- glanced over my left shoulder for 1/10 of a second as I turned the wheel to the left. I looked ahead again to find I was almost into the rear of the car in front of me. I swerved left, thinking the fool had hit the brakes, then I realized that I was used to the 735, and the 750 had simply lept ahead much more quickly than I had expected.

Whatever. Either way, you'll be second guessing yourself from now on. If a family and cost are real concerns,get the 735. Oh, what the hell, get the 750. No, the 735. 750. 735. 750....

Well, good luck either way.
Lin Gilbert
1990 750iL

I am torn between two possible purchases. I am selling my 85 635 (beautiful machine...been very good to me)and am looking at an 88-92 7 series to accomodate the family. (Just can't afford to have both, believe me I tried)

Over the course of the last few weeks, I have narrowed down my search to two vehicles, a 90 735 w/82,000 miles, all service records, etc, and an 89 750 w/87,000 miles, all service records, etc. Both appear to be in excellent mechanical condition, and both have excellent interiors and exteriors. The extra power in the 750 is impressive, but not necessarily essential to my choice. The asking prices are comperable as well. $7800 for the 735 and $8200 for the 750, with some room to dicker in both cases.

I want to get the most reliability, pleasure, and eventual resale out of whichever car I choose. I plan to drive this car for about 2 - 3 years. I hoped some of the experts here in 7 series land could help me out with what would be the wisest decision for myself and my family.

Much Thanks.

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