Sticking my nose in.....

I have driven my 91 735il about 9000 miles in the last 3 weeks... Detroit - Houston - Monterey - Detroit - LA... Got 20MPG, usually driving at 80-85 with the AC on. Reports are that the 740 gets about 25 under the same conditions.

The 735 is very enjoyable on the road, with one caveat... They geared the car very low to improve the response off the line, which means that you're turning a lot of revs, about 3500 at 85 (with the auto trans). It's surprisingly noisy and annoying, since it feels like it's straining, and the auto trans tends to hunt around when going up and down hills. I would much prefer a 5-speed, but it seems that Bob has the only one.... I have been looking for one for 2 years with no success....

I would guess that the 740 is a better highway driver.

I would also guess that the 735 is a lot easier to work on, with the engine much more accessible. Everything I have done has been very easy. Also it's less money to buy. But I am jealous of 740 owners without quite knowing why.

Mike

I would chose the 735i due to the reliability, economy, and ease of working on the M30 engine. Then there is the issue of Nicosil vs. Alumisil blocks!

Bob
'88 735i 5 speed (205K and runs like new)