1988 735i

I purchased the car on BaT in 2020 from the broker of its original owner for my father, who has been the car's exclusive driver since then.

The decision to sell is a bit bittersweet. My parents also have a newer car, and with my mom no longer driving, my dad simply doesn't need a second car. As much as he loves the BMW, he suggested that it may be time for someone else to enjoy it.

When I purchased the car at 69,000 miles, so many of the components were still original that I decided to comprehensively sort the car rather than simply continue driving it on 30+ year-old components. Approximately $15,000 has been invested in maintenance and refurbishment, with the emphasis on reliability, safety, and preserving the car's original character.

Mechanical & Maintenance

Recent work includes:

Air conditioning system reconditioning
New battery (2024)
Coolant replacement
Transmission fluid/service
Struts and shocks
Brakes and rotors
Fuel filter
Spark plugs
Rear differential oil
Belts
Rear suspension links
Idle stabilization component
Power steering fluid/service
Pitman arm
Four-wheel alignment

The car drives exceptionally well and has the tight, solid feel you hope to find in a properly maintained E32.

Appearance & Interior

The exterior is finished in Black, with the original Black leather interior. The interior is exceptionally well preserved.

All interior controls function properly, and importantly, there are no missing pixels in the displays.

The car has received a professional interior and exterior detail, followed by a ceramic coating.

Wheels & Tires

The car is currently wearing a set of 17-inch BMW Style 42 wheels from an E39, which look fantastic on the E32. These wheels are not included in the sale and will be removed prior to delivery. I plan to retain them for another BMW in my collection.

My thought at the time I am writing this ad is that the car will be returned to its original factory wheels, which were recently completely refurbished and are in immaculate cosmetic condition. (see picture)

The original wheels currently have tires with 2016 date codes. The tires have excellent tread and show no dry rot or other visible deterioration, but they are approximately 10 years old and I would recommend that the next owner replace them based on age.

I'm happy to discuss the wheels and tires further with a serious buyer at the time of sale.

Modern Convenience

The original stereo has been upgraded to a modern unit with Bluetooth and integrated hands-free phone capability, providing modern functionality while keeping the interior looking original. Colors of the stereo match the orange hue of all controls.

California Car — Never winter driven. (no rust!)

This car was originally a California car and has since been moved to southern Maine. It has not been winter driven in Maine and is used strictly during the summer. Stored fall to summer

At only 82,000 miles, this is a low-mileage example that has been exceptionally preserved and thoughtfully maintained.

This is not a car that has simply been cleaned up to sell. It is a car that has been mechanically sorted, cosmetically preserved, and enjoyed by an enthusiast family.

It has been cared for, enjoyed, and maintained with the intention of keeping it for many more years. We're simply at the point where it makes more sense for another enthusiast to enjoy.