1987 BMW 735i -- Low Miles, Great Condition (No Reserve)

1987 BMW 735i

Great Condition; 124,500 Original Miles; Second Owner

Story:

I purchased the car in August 2007 near Pittsburgh, PA with about 105,000 miles on it from a dealer that just acquired it from an older couple who owned it since new and always kept it garaged. It has lived outdoors in Washington, DC ever since. We’re downsizing from a two-car to a one-car household (city living) and my car lost. Sad to see it go, but hoping it finds a good home.

This is an excellent opportunity to own and drive the last of an era when cars were more square and had plenty of glass, visibility and light. The E23 model (which began in 1977) kept true to many of the classic characteristics of its predecessor (the E3), which began in 1968. However, as the last of its class, this is a truly modern car in terms of performance and comfort. Able to be a daily driver.

• Very clean; have all receipts since purchase + service records from previous owner
• Only premium fuel and synthetic oil used since purchase
• New battery
• Eligible for historic vehicle plates
• Car cover and emergency kit with jumper cables included

Specifications:

VIN: WBAFH8406H1735452

Body Style: E23 (1977 to 1987)

Engine: M30B34 3.4L, inline six-cylinder, single overhead cam

Output: 182 hp @ 5400 rpm; 213 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm

Top Speed: 122 mph

Acceleration: 0-50 mph in 7.5 sec; ¼ mile in 17.3 sec

Transmission: RWD, 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4 HP 22); 3-program electronic (sport, economy, manual)

Fuel Economy: 14 MPG city; 17 MPG highway

Brakes: 4-Wheel disc, power, anti-lock

Suspension: Front: double-pivot, single-spring independent

Rear: independent with semi-trailing arms

Wheels: ASA 16x7 AR1 SML (aluminum), full-size spare

Tires: Goodyear Assurance ComforTred 225/55R-16 (80,000-mile warranty, 10,000 miles since purchase)

Ext. Color: Cosmic Blue

Int. Color: Tan/Beige

Original MSRP: $47,000

Dimensions:

Length: 197.4 in

Width: 70.9 in

Height: 56.3 in

Wheelbase: 110.0 in

Ground Clearance: 5.2 in

Unloaded Weight: 3,584 lb

Max Gross Weight: 4,575 lb

Fuel Tank: 22.5 gallons

Maximum Seating: 5 persons

Amenities:

• Air Conditioning: automatic climate control
• Airbags: driver side front airbag
• Audio System: cassette, AM/FM radio
• Antenna Type: power
• Cruise control
• Steering: power with telescopic steering wheel
• Seats: driver and passenger bucket seats with power adjustments (4-direction)
• Upholstery: leather
• Memorized position settings: driver seat
• Instrumentation: tachometer; trip computer, on-board computer (avg. speed, fuel consumption, outside temp, etc.), check-control panel (service indicators)
• Exterior mirrors: power
• Security: power door locks
• Front wipers: intermittent
• Power windows
• Rear defogger
• Rear window shade screen
• Built-in emergency tool kit in trunk lid

Old-Car Quirks:

These are quirks that I haven’t figured out (but haven’t put much effort into it, so may likely be easily corrected). Would probably need a mechanic to take a look.

• When headlights are on… using the left-turn signal also activates the high beams (strange)
• The lights on the sensor panel for coolant and rear brake lamps sometimes come on, even though they are fine. Pressing the 'Check' button turns the check signal off. I suspect the sensors are probably just worn or are out of position.

Points of Wear (after 30 years):

• The BMW icon on the trunk ornament has faded
• Interior lining on two small portions of sunroof is stained and a little bit loose
• Stereo speakers crackle with sounds fading in and out. Problem could be in the volume knob on the stereo or in the wiring for the speakers, I don’t know.
• The chrome plating on the bumpers has faded slightly, as have the exterior rubber elements (consistent with 30 years)
• Small dents in front kidney grill
• A few stains on carpet in the trunk
• There is a small area (about 1 inch) at the bottom of the passenger side rear door where the paint has bubbled and cracked
• Paint is beginning to fade (very lightly) on roof and trunk

Work Needed:

• Air conditioning does not work (cuts in and out intermittently). The pinwheel and push button module connections are worn and do not maintain contact. Replacement is estimated to be roughly $1,000 (approx. $500 in parts + labor)
• With stereo problem, I would say that it doesn’t work, but could be potentially fixed.
• The hinges for the exterior rear door handles get sticky and stiff, making doors sometimes difficult to close. Need lubrication.

Happy to provide additional pictures or answer questions upon request.

Terms of Sale:

Serious buyers only, please. I do not want to have to report a buyer for nonpayment.

Registration is in the District of Columbia and is valid through August 2018. Inspections certificate is valid through June 2019.

Information is provided to the best of my knowledge as the owner of the vehicle. It is the responsibility of the buyer to either inspect the vehicle personally or via a 3rd party prior to purchase to ensure satisfaction as to the condition and value. This vehicle is sold AS-IS with no warranties, expressed or implied.

The winning bidder is required to contact the seller within 24 hours after the close of the auction to finalize the details of the transaction.

A $500 deposit is required from the buyer within 24 hours of auction close. The deposit may be made via PayPal or Wire Transfer. The $500 deposit is non-refundable.

If winning bidder does not contact the seller and submit the required deposit within 24 hours of auction close, the vehicle may be made available to the next highest bidder or another qualified buyer on a first come, first serve basis.

For balance of payment, acceptable methods are bank wire transfer, money order, cashier’s check, or cash.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to contact me directly with any questions and I will do my best to be responsive in providing answers and additional information. I am also happy to take and send additional photos, upon request.

Please be aware that all pre-owned vehicles, regardless of age, mileage, or manufacturer are subject to cosmetic wear and mechanical failure. Bidders are encouraged to have a personal inspection completed prior to final sale and pick-up of vehicle to help ensure your satisfaction. I will do my best to make myself and the car available if you would like to schedule a personal or third-party inspection.

Final or winning bid price does not include shipping, tax, title, or registration fees. It is the purchaser's responsibility to provide for any state or local taxes and shipping expenses resulting from the sale.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to arrange for pick-up of the vehicle within seven (7) days of auction close. If you wish to have the vehicle shipped, the buyer must make all arrangements. Please contact me if it is necessary to drop the car off at a specific shipping location within the Metro DC area as I may be able to assist (which may involve a small fee). The seller assumes no responsibility for damages or delays incurred once a vehicle is in a shipper's custody.

The seller also bears no liability and shall be held harmless for any complications, expenses, or damages resulting from a failure to meet these terms as they have been set forth and established herein.