Re: looking at 88 735i (archive)

OK, I've got one and bought it new in 1988, now have 220K on it and have serviced it totally myself since the warranty (extended) expired in 1993. The main problems have been the usual electricals reported on this board including motherboard (capacitors) failure, transmission electrics failure (internal wiring fault), speedo sensor failure - corroded lead wire (fixed with a splice), air condition sword failure (replaced), several relays and light control module solder joint cracking (fixed with a soldering iron), and finally failure of the ac IHKA dash module, which was the sensor blower motor mounted on its back (not fixed yet as it works intermittently and I'm in the market for a cheap replacement of this tiny little motor). Have always had an intermittent problem with the Servomatic power steering modulator, but not serious, just an occasional nuiscence when steering is hard. Just restarting always fixes that. Mechanically, I had the driveshaft reworked(local shop for about $100) and rebalanced with new universal joint bearings - and earlier, under warranty, the torque converter lockup clutch had to be replaced due to shudder, otherwise this E32 is bulletproof mechanically. Had to buy and install new rear bumper valence clips ($5) to repair a little fastener corrosion failer due to the salt used in the winter in my area, but that's now restored to like new - the valence was flopping in the breeze at high speed. Still have the original muffler system and water pump, which is amazing.

The real weakness is electrical, but most owners have worked their way through these annoying problems, with much help from this board's true experts, I might add. It's possible your '88 has already had all these early defects corrected. Check that out. In general, I am very pleased with this car now over 14 years, and it's been quite reliable over the last ten once the original defects were overcome. The usual wear parts have been replaced at about 180K, including the rear trailing arm beer can bushings, struts, all shocks, tie rod, etc.. You should, however, like to work on cars or have a friend who can help when problems pop up. Check the service records on the car, too, and interview the prior owner(s) to find how they took care of their "first model year" problems, and did all of the above mentioned wear part replacements if over 150K. Bob H.

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