Re: looking at 88 735i (archive)

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In Reply to: looking at 88 735i posted by griffith davies on February 10, 2002 at 20:41:36:

I own two 1988 735i's. I agree with Stu Re:the drive shaft and electricals. Other problem areas are.. Front end vibrations from worn parts (tie rods, idler arm, control arms, etc..) rattling from the front torsion bar links. Check engine and transmission mounts. Depending on the collected mileage, the transmission itself can go out(from wear)on some around 100K or more. This is typically a $1800-2000 repair(or more at the dealer). The head gaskets are frequent casualties over 100K as well as the occaisional water pump. Over 100k the valve guides can wear which cause oil burning on start up. Depending on how picky you are you can let this go or install new valve guide which is a little laborious. Might as well get the whole head rebuilt and get a new head gasket if that is your path. The valves often need adjusted because they get noisy, but I have seen the cam worn to the point where the valve noise could not be remedied without a new cam. One other big pain in the keester.. some can develop leaks in the heater core which involves literally disassembling the entire dash and console area and many hours of labor just to get to the housing to install a new one.

Also common are sagging headliners (just redid mine) and the dreaded "twisted Seat" syndrome which comes from shortening of the cables to the seat back recline motor. And of course leather wear iin the drivers seat and arm rest.

Then there are gremlins that occur in electrical components like the light control module or On Board computer. But these are not so expensive to repair.

I presently own 79 733i and 84 633csi. I am considering replacing the 733 w/ the 88 735. What problem areas to look for in the 88 model? Is there a buyers checklist out there
I can download? This e32 model is new to me so I need all the help this group can collectively provide!!! I'll report
back after the test look-over. Thanks,Griffith.

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