Can’t believe I turned down an alpina manual one of these for £1500 20 years ago I kick myself every now and then for it,the smell of the interior is etched in my nostrils it’s exquisite
I met this beast in 2006, but in even more extreme form - as a 745i. It was a 3.2 litre with a factory turbo and an intercooler. It was in possession of my service manager, when I ran the BMW dealership. The level of comfort on those wide seats and balloon tyres was exceptional.
@@jtreut I second that! The 745i is the must have. The Ecu can be moded to increase the horse power into 300-500 HP conservatively with stock internals. Been a proud owner since 2006. Cheers!🥂👊🏿🎩
Really great to see my old car again 😀, I spent many hours restoring it back to its former glory. It does drive well, super rare in manual configuration!
I used to sell these new when running a BMW garage in the 80's. Great long distance load haulers. I bought one back from a customer who had specc'd and bought new from me, for personal use. It was a Sapphire Blue 735i SE (with all the extras as standard - A/C, On board computer, Headlamp wash/wipe, TRX wheels/tyres, Rear Headrests, Sunroof, Cruise control, Electric seats etc.) It WAS a manual as per your test and also had a Limited Slip Diff. Very rare spec. Honestly, the car shrank around you with use, and didn't feel big (other than its capacity to take huge amounts of luggage and four people in luxury). A totally underrated car. I used to hurl the car around the Norfolk lanes like a 3 series....amazing car. Your mate may need to give the old girl a little top-end attention, she is blowing some blue smoke. But otherwise an excellent and unusual choice. I doubt that there are many left today.
I completely agree. Although I don't miss the premium I used to pay in the early '90s for TRX tyres. The one aspect that used to let down my E28 M535i - Michelin TRX tyres in the wet..
A friend of mine had one of these in the late 90’s. An orange one. Cruising through Blackpool in our late teens we felt cool as hell 😂 (it was an auto though if I remember correctly)
Hi Jay, You were obviously having a really good time with this car ! I did notice it is burning a drop of oil - specifically when you throttle it, not valve stem on over-run oil.
The BMW stylist Hans Muth told a group of us during a lunchtime discussion at the 40th anniversary celebration of the BMW R80GS that he and a couple other design team members stayed over a weekend one August when most BMW employees were on summer holiday to design the interior and dashboard of this first 7 series, finishing it in basically 2 days! He was responsible for the M logo (which he said was a paint swish of Texaco red, the sponsor at the time, next to Bavarian blue, leaving the purple where they mix), and the styling of the GS motorcycle which was partially inspired by the new at the time Range Rover.
Love it. You hear virtually nothing about the classic big Beemers from this era so really appreciate the vid. Occasionally I got to drive the boss's 732i back in '81. Felt like a king in it
I was a proud owner of this model in NZ. It had been imported from Germany so it was a left hooker. NZ drive on right. This car was very nice. Ducaro directional tires, independent suspension. I enjoyed owning it.
I sat in the back of my uncle's 7series my dad had a mk4 Ford Cortina and it was like stepping into the future with quality and vibe . As a kid I didnt understand but now I do
Infinitely cooler than anything BMW makes today, that's not that difficult, is it? To me, the 1960s to 80s will always remain BMWs peak years, when they were the brand of fast and stylish (in understated German fashion, though initially triggered by Italian designer Michelotti) sports saloons and coupés. This 7-series is no exception to that, because what a handsome and comfortable car it is! Exactly what a big BMW saloon is supposed to be; wouldn't mind owning one at all.
The first BMW I ever drove was an E30 320i; it would definitely oversteer but that 6 cylinder engine was so smooth compared with anything else I’d ever been in. Whipped cream seemed rough in comparison. Amazing that the original 7-series is smaller than a current 3-series. It probably weighs less as well, which is why “only” 220bhp is good enough.
A friend of mine had a 333i ( a unique South African homologation) that as soon as it arrived, he removed the 3.2 engine and installed a brand new 3.5 crate engine. That car now lives in Portugal.
What a fantastic car! I am glad you enjoyed it so much. Not the prettiest 70/80s BMW, but certainly one of the best if not the best. The post-1982 cars (LCI) are even better thanks to multiple improvements, including a standard AC.
Great video. A German spec 732i 1984 model was my step mother's daily driver in the 90s it too had a manual gearbox. And the COOLEST steel wheels. I'd kill to have that car back.
I STILL like these and would put out money for one in good shape. Unfortunatley in the US a stickshift is rare as hen's teeth, and I've never found one in good enough condition / reasonable distance to buy. The 7 has long since gotten too big for me (my 5 is bigger than I'd like), but these are sweet cars. I'd also consider the 745i in auto with the buffalo hides, just to be obscure.
This has brought back some great memories. My dads boss had one of these new in a light green, I remember my dad telling me and the heater switch came off and my dads boss went in to get it sorted. BMW told him it would be a month on back order. He was not impressed and he ended up having the one from a showroom car.
I was driven in one of these as a teenager although it was the automatic version. The owner later swapped it for a slightly newer 732i which he claimed performed just as well and drank less fuel due to the more modern 4-speed auto. Such a pleasure to see this rare example and it such good condition too!
A former collegue had this old 528i of same generation. racing green, golden rims, yellow headlights and beige leather interior. I thought it was so cool.
I love these. A few years ago they could be bought for not a lot! The reason why the 745i (turbo) wasn’t available in RHD was because the steering would be in the way and no space for the Turbo, hence why in SA they used the M88.
I totally relate with you JayEmm. The only car I owned and regretted selling is my E34 535i. It was such a delight to drive. So planted, so cool. I wish I didn't need the money back then.
I agree, my e34 was a lowly 520i and I replaced it eventually with an e39 540i, but always felt the steering and handling, especially the way it settled into and tracked through turns, was better in the e34. Great car.
From an age when BMWs were beautiful. As a kid there was a gorgeous black Alpina E23 in the next road to me. A striking car. What the hell was that Discovery driver thinking?
Discovery drivers are always idiots, and they always have issues, a common one being that they are angry that they can't afford a Range Rover so drive a Discovery.
@@Storm.Z.4u Ah right. I wondered where all my anger went. It did coincide with trading in my Discovery the other month for a new Range Rover. I did wonder about my new found state of serenity and good manners.
My 735 would do about 26 mpg without trying. It was possible to get better than 30 mpg. Aerodynamics were not a strong point on the E23, however the efficiency of the engine seemed to make up for that compared with other cars of the period.
my father had exactly the same (735i, dark blue , 1980, fully equipped except leather). was a great car. Driving was similar to the Jaguar S-type with the 3.8 engine, I had as toy. I love both.
I loved this episode for several reasons: 1. I'm a South African and know the local 745i story well 2. My dad had a 728 in period 3. This is what classic car content should be like. I'm sick to death of the zillion dollar restored and collectable culture that seems to permeate today.
I have always loved these cars. I still have the sales brochures for 733i and 320i from 1977 that my parents picked up all those years ago. In the USA we only got the 733i...detuned for emissions, of course....until 1985 when the 735i took its place for the last few years of production. In 1987 my family had a white with blue leather 84 733i automatic. It was beautiful but a real dog to drive. My dad had a friend with an 83 model. Black with tan And, a 5 speed! What a difference! I got it to clean and detail one weekend and was allowed drive it around a bit. Compared to our lazy automatic, the manual would just hike up her skirts and go! Break the tires loose pulling out from a side road....check. Mildly Drift around corners... check, check. At 17 years old why I was allowed to drive it and how I didn’t wreck it, I will never know.
I still have the original 5 page report of the BMW 745i published in the July 1983 edition of CAR magazine. This period represented a time when BMW was a manufacturer of superior driving machines! That no longer holds true. The 745i cost ~ $190-$200K in todays money. 213 kw, 340 N.m from a 3.6L DOHC engine. Engine, Gearshift, interior; all were upgraded from the then 735i. according to our stats, back then, in this price range your alternatives were the Mercedes 380 SEC, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928S and Porsche 911 Cabrio.
This car came with the 1980 Dec-Jan edition of AutoCar with a full review of a similar car, really interesting to read what the journalists said about it back in the day!
The South African version now makes sense of my mate from SA being obsessed with the 7 series. He ended up with a 750i and used to wear out a set of tyres on track days with it.
This car is from the era when BMW was the ultimate driving machine with its iconic legendary naturally aspirated “ creamy “straight six engine. Now those days are long gone with all new cars having the same muted engine sound, mapped fake exhaust and computer wizardry soulless engine with dangerous bhp and performance. I absolutely adore these old school BMW when “ M division “ meant Motorsports rather than today’s M that stands for Marketing! 😅
@Richard Harrold I used to think that way until I drove a tuned n54. B58 actually sounds pretty good and is way more reliable than n54/n55, if not more reliable than n52
@Richard Harrold latter two are almost non existent in the B58. I ended up embracing the big power and silly group b sounds like turbo spool and blow off valve on my wagon. NA motors still have their place (only GT3 and Z06 are left) but turbo 6 life is much better than the initial position of hatred I had for it
@Richard Harrold most of that just has to do with the exhaust setup. E. G. the s55 with equal length midpipes sounds like an s38/s54 I haven't heard anyone say the b58 sounds terrible
I'd imagine those SADM 745i would be an utter joy to drive. Especially with that M1 engine. Much like the Mercedes 500E. You wouldn't know it's something special until you put your foot down.
I had a 1981 735i as an oldtimer, had a dogleg gearbox. Rotted away unfortunately, but what a great car. Strangely the engine in my 1981 model looked different to this engine
I’ve been fallowing you for a while Now ! Cheers ! Great great video ! And I love those old bimmers. I’ve tried them All and own some of them . They are addictive
stunning car in the day & still looks incredible 42 years on , James love your choice of Luxobarges!, The Discovery looked close ! Great video James !!
My daily is a E38 728I I SOLD MY E28 Wich was also very nice ,but the 38 is still modern .has 8 airbags ,its just a nice place to be .i have a 5ltr granada pirrana south Africa import .its ok in a straight line .
I love this review! I own the Highline version offered to North America the 1986 L7. Mine does not have the manual 😢 which does make a huge difference in the driving enjoyment of this vehicle.
The autos are actually really good and very underrated. They drive lovely and smooth and have plenty of torque. You also have a selectable gear too. They were blummin great them old Autos. These are cruisers so it's not lacking without a manual box. It also affects the sound and I want one. An auto by the way. The roads aren't a racetrack so it's just perfect for me.
My grandpa (a Mercedes man) was swayed by one of these - a '82 728i built here in South Africa at the Roslyn plant. In 1987 the valves went one day on a trip to Cape Town from Bonnievale and he traded it in for a W124 at the next town on the road (I think Riviersonderend on the N2).
Love the E23. I have an 84 745i turbo here in the US that was gray-market imported back in the day. I also have an E32 88 735i 5 speed in my garage. Cool cars.
I honestly do believe that when my M340i xDrive reaches the end of its PCP deal, if I don’t just keep it I will return to what I used to drive years ago; much older BMWs. They had class, luxury through being just what they were and not because it was loaded with loads of of tech most of which never gets used. And they had breeding. Looked at the LCI G20. Good God the interior is hideous even compared to my pre-LCI G20. Comparing both to my old E38 7s and the E32 also really highlights what we’ve lost. Finding a good one may be the way forward.
I felt the same, owned an e46 330ci manual and for some reason traded it for a 2014 c220d, nice and comfortable cruiser but so boring after the e46. Always lusted over something 80’s and when this popped up I couldn’t stop myself and haven’t regretted it!
Really wanted an e38 740/50i car for ages, mainly because of Bond and The Transporter but just couldn’t stop going back and looking at this on Car & Classic so I knew it was the one!
I had an 83 vintage M535i (E28) car for £500, in the mid noughties! It was the best driving car since my Mk2 Escort 1.3 Ghia, back in the late 1980's! (Escort on steroids?) I was forced to scrap it after an ABS mishap which would have cost TWICE the value of the car to fix! Watch out for those older, quirky ABS systems BMW played with back then! My issue was the power brakes were charging up the ABS tank, but it ended up applying the brakes instead! ...even the glorious straight six couldn't pull you out of that on the motorway!
Proper made car and well comfy. All the older bm's are. They are fantastic and a joy to drive,also great over by bumps and are just right on them fat profile tyres. I want an auto one cos they're perfect for cruising. No need for a manual in something for cruising. I want one now.
This was my first car in 2002. It would cut off sometimes and I would have to pop the clutch to turn it back on lol. Had a few harrowing experiences. It leaked oil and gas, and water through the sunroof like a siv. My dream is to find one in decent shape and get it to mint condition now that I can afford it.
Is it just me or does the space in front of the gear lever look perfect for a smartphone?? Also I literally couldn't tell which bit was the bluetooth head unit so good job to whoever made that thing.
I have a soft spot for them because dad had a 635. However, personally I prefer the E32 as it was leaps and bounds an improvement in terms of refinement, safety and performance (not just power, but handling and brakes).
Small correction, Jay .. no steering rack, these have a recirculating ball steering box setup. Impressive steering feel for an old style, one could confuse it for a rack!
@Richard Harrold the box in my E39 M5 produces better steering feel than the rack of any M5 that succeeded it! From an era where BMW cared about the driving experience
I had a v8 e32 for a few years and absolutely loved it. I was in my early 20s at the time and it was super cheap to insure. It was a high mileage car and had some 300k under its belt by the time I sold it! It was also a nikasil block car that had never be replaced 🤯. Electronic gremlins forced me to sell it in the end. "If I knew then what I know now" and all that 🤷🏼♂️
One of the most beautiful BMWs ever. Quit reliable engine, but... As to see in the video, the valve shaft seals are the major cause for the famos BMW Bavarian colored smoke. ;-) In the old times, this was absolute common. A great car, even by today's standard.
I had a 735i manual and all of them at that time had the oil pressure light come on when hot at idle. I changed from my 323i and did regret it but had a family.
These videos-high-quality and detailed videos about historical cars and what makes them both dated while also relevant and desirable and special-are *extremely* important, as both petrolheads and beginners alike can learn so much. And this was very well done in typical JayEmm style. Absolutely loved it!
I'd pass on the E30 and have an E28 (M5 preferably, but a 535i will do), but when a new 3-series is as big as an E23, I'll take the latter. BTW the M88/3 (from the M1) went into the E28 M5, not the 535.
My first car, at 18 was a 732i, into which we transplanted a 745i turbo engine, but with a manual instead of automatic and keeping shorter 732 diff, but with a diff lock. I still do not understand how I did not die in that one.. :D
Many fond memories of one of these, being 17 with long hair and holey jeans.. The Police used to pull me all the time. You could tell they were surprised when I pulled over and passed my documents. (my boss's car) I was a nanny at the time. The kick down when 17 years old was addictive. straight over on roundabouts was prob my fav thing after females at the time.
![สาวเมืองเพชร - ธีเดช ทองอภิชาติ [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kEt7F9PvO3I/mqdefault.jpg)
Can’t believe I turned down an alpina manual one of these for £1500 20 years ago I kick myself every now and then for it,the smell of the interior is etched in my nostrils it’s exquisite
I met this beast in 2006, but in even more extreme form - as a 745i. It was a 3.2 litre with a factory turbo and an intercooler. It was in possession of my service manager, when I ran the BMW dealership. The level of comfort on those wide seats and balloon tyres was exceptional.
You beat me to the 745i comment. This is the one for J to get!
@@jtreut Great machine 745i, but LHD only
@@jtreut I second that! The 745i is the must have. The Ecu can be moded to increase the horse power into 300-500 HP conservatively with stock internals. Been a proud owner since 2006. Cheers!🥂👊🏿🎩
Really great to see my old car again 😀, I spent many hours restoring it back to its former glory. It does drive well, super rare in manual configuration!
I used to sell these new when running a BMW garage in the 80's. Great long distance load haulers.
I bought one back from a customer who had specc'd and bought new from me, for personal use.
It was a Sapphire Blue 735i SE (with all the extras as standard - A/C, On board computer, Headlamp wash/wipe, TRX wheels/tyres, Rear Headrests, Sunroof, Cruise control, Electric seats etc.)
It WAS a manual as per your test and also had a Limited Slip Diff. Very rare spec.
Honestly, the car shrank around you with use, and didn't feel big (other than its capacity to take huge amounts of luggage and four people in luxury). A totally underrated car.
I used to hurl the car around the Norfolk lanes like a 3 series....amazing car.
Your mate may need to give the old girl a little top-end attention, she is blowing some blue smoke. But otherwise an excellent and unusual choice.
I doubt that there are many left today.
I completely agree. Although I don't miss the premium I used to pay in the early '90s for TRX tyres. The one aspect that used to let down my E28 M535i - Michelin TRX tyres in the wet..
Of all the many cars you've driven James, this is one of the ones I *want* the most.
The South African 745i had an M88 motor, what a gem that was...
Te fact that the car is the same length as a modern 3 series and slightly narrower just shows why the roads are so crowded and less space.
Nah, that's more to do with money printers going brrrrrrrrr with cheap cash for the prollies....
I never knew these were made in manuals. I really, really need one now.
The epitome of class.
i have a 1985 735i i bought in 1989 still use it great car, i also have the 745i turbo he is correct on all he says
A friend of mine had one of these in the late 90’s. An orange one. Cruising through Blackpool in our late teens we felt cool as hell 😂 (it was an auto though if I remember correctly)
Love the angled kidney grille in that design, quite iconic.
I agree - I wonder what all the Africans coming to Britain will make of it in years to come.
This is brilliant, way more entertaining and interesting than the testing of pointless hypercars
Hi Jay, You were obviously having a really good time with this car ! I did notice it is burning a drop of oil - specifically when you throttle it, not valve stem on over-run oil.
I noticed the blue smoke. Glad you saw it too.
Yep, bit blue when you put your foot down!
The BMW stylist Hans Muth told a group of us during a lunchtime discussion at the 40th anniversary celebration of the BMW R80GS that he and a couple other design team members stayed over a weekend one August when most BMW employees were on summer holiday to design the interior and dashboard of this first 7 series, finishing it in basically 2 days! He was responsible for the M logo (which he said was a paint swish of Texaco red, the sponsor at the time, next to Bavarian blue, leaving the purple where they mix), and the styling of the GS motorcycle which was partially inspired by the new at the time Range Rover.
Love it. You hear virtually nothing about the classic big Beemers from this era so really appreciate the vid. Occasionally I got to drive the boss's 732i back in '81. Felt like a king in it
I was a proud owner of this model in NZ. It had been imported from Germany so it was a left hooker. NZ drive on right. This car was very nice. Ducaro directional tires, independent suspension. I enjoyed owning it.
I sat in the back of my uncle's 7series my dad had a mk4 Ford Cortina and it was like stepping into the future with quality and vibe . As a kid I didnt understand but now I do
Infinitely cooler than anything BMW makes today, that's not that difficult, is it? To me, the 1960s to 80s will always remain BMWs peak years, when they were the brand of fast and stylish (in understated German fashion, though initially triggered by Italian designer Michelotti) sports saloons and coupés. This 7-series is no exception to that, because what a handsome and comfortable car it is! Exactly what a big BMW saloon is supposed to be; wouldn't mind owning one at all.
Also MB
The first BMW I ever drove was an E30 320i; it would definitely oversteer but that 6 cylinder engine was so smooth compared with anything else I’d ever been in. Whipped cream seemed rough in comparison.
Amazing that the original 7-series is smaller than a current 3-series. It probably weighs less as well, which is why “only” 220bhp is good enough.
100% sir
I had an e23 728i for years, still miss that car
A friend of mine had a 333i ( a unique South African homologation) that as soon as it arrived, he removed the 3.2 engine and installed a brand new 3.5 crate engine. That car now lives in Portugal.
What a fantastic car! I am glad you enjoyed it so much.
Not the prettiest 70/80s BMW, but certainly one of the best if not the best.
The post-1982 cars (LCI) are even better thanks to multiple improvements, including a standard AC.
Great video. A German spec 732i 1984 model was my step mother's daily driver in the 90s it too had a manual gearbox. And the COOLEST steel wheels. I'd kill to have that car back.
I STILL like these and would put out money for one in good shape. Unfortunatley in the US a stickshift is rare as hen's teeth, and I've never found one in good enough condition / reasonable distance to buy. The 7 has long since gotten too big for me (my 5 is bigger than I'd like), but these are sweet cars. I'd also consider the 745i in auto with the buffalo hides, just to be obscure.
This has brought back some great memories. My dads boss had one of these new in a light green, I remember my dad telling me and the heater switch came off and my dads boss went in to get it sorted. BMW told him it would be a month on back order. He was not impressed and he ended up having the one from a showroom car.
I was driven in one of these as a teenager although it was the automatic version. The owner later swapped it for a slightly newer 732i which he claimed performed just as well and drank less fuel due to the more modern 4-speed auto. Such a pleasure to see this rare example and it such good condition too!
Lovely scare @14:00 😂. Another great review mate 🙂
This car is so cool it should be parked in a freezer not a heated garage ! Awesome video and content James.
The E23 is a fabulous car
The e23 and the w126 were so ahead of their time when they came out.
Both of them were awesome flagships! Such charming style
yeah much like tesla nowadays
A former collegue had this old 528i of same generation. racing green, golden rims, yellow headlights and beige leather interior. I thought it was so cool.
I love these. A few years ago they could be bought for not a lot!
The reason why the 745i (turbo) wasn’t available in RHD was because the steering would be in the way and no space for the Turbo, hence why in SA they used the M88.
my grandfather bought a 728i in 1981 and drove it till it was worthless still very iconic
I had one of these, a 1981 735i automatic in cashmere gold and 20 years later i still regret selling it. It was a WONDERFUL car!
I totally relate with you JayEmm. The only car I owned and regretted selling is my E34 535i. It was such a delight to drive. So planted, so cool. I wish I didn't need the money back then.
Agreed on that ! I miss mine so much event after replacing it with a m5 3.8 . 535i great great e34 .
I miss my E28 M535i with the dogleg box ☹️
I agree, my e34 was a lowly 520i and I replaced it eventually with an e39 540i, but always felt the steering and handling, especially the way it settled into and tracked through turns, was better in the e34. Great car.
just saw the discovery almost drive into you, very funny. I am a South African and the old 535i and 735i are legendary
From an age when BMWs were beautiful. As a kid there was a gorgeous black Alpina E23 in the next road to me. A striking car.
What the hell was that Discovery driver thinking?
Discovery drivers are always idiots, and they always have issues, a common one being that they are angry that they can't afford a Range Rover so drive a Discovery.
@@Storm.Z.4u Ah right. I wondered where all my anger went. It did coincide with trading in my Discovery the other month for a new Range Rover. I did wonder about my new found state of serenity and good manners.
My 735 would do about 26 mpg without trying. It was possible to get better than 30 mpg. Aerodynamics were not a strong point on the E23, however the efficiency of the engine seemed to make up for that compared with other cars of the period.
my father had exactly the same (735i, dark blue , 1980, fully equipped except leather). was a great car. Driving was similar to the Jaguar S-type with the 3.8 engine, I had as toy. I love both.
The editing glitch made me chuckle :) Man, I love your videos.
You are really nailing these videos these days. Interesting car delivered just about right.
I loved this episode for several reasons:
1. I'm a South African and know the local 745i story well
2. My dad had a 728 in period
3. This is what classic car content should be like. I'm sick to death of the zillion dollar restored and collectable culture that seems to permeate today.
I couldn’t agree more.(reason 3 only)
I have always loved these cars. I still have the sales brochures for 733i and 320i from 1977 that my parents picked up all those years ago. In the USA we only got the 733i...detuned for emissions, of course....until 1985 when the 735i took its place for the last few years of production. In 1987 my family had a white with blue leather 84 733i automatic. It was beautiful but a real dog to drive. My dad had a friend with an 83 model. Black with tan And, a 5 speed! What a difference! I got it to clean and detail one weekend and was allowed drive it around a bit. Compared to our lazy automatic, the manual would just hike up her skirts and go!
Break the tires loose pulling out from a side road....check. Mildly Drift around corners... check, check.
At 17 years old why I was allowed to drive it and how I didn’t wreck it, I will never know.
I had a euro spec 728i 80' e23 4 speed when I was 16-18 but of course I wrecked it, what a great car that was.
Lol that edit when the RR cut across the corner
Wonderful review. Shame we can’t have a modern version of this car (instead of the bloated, numb, successors to this car).
As of today there are none of these cars available here in Canada. Cheerio mates.
I still have the original 5 page report of the BMW 745i published in the July 1983 edition of CAR magazine. This period represented a time when BMW was a manufacturer of superior driving machines! That no longer holds true. The 745i cost ~ $190-$200K in todays money. 213 kw, 340 N.m from a 3.6L DOHC engine. Engine, Gearshift, interior; all were upgraded from the then 735i. according to our stats, back then, in this price range your alternatives were the Mercedes 380 SEC, Jaguar XJS, Porsche 928S and Porsche 911 Cabrio.
This car came with the 1980 Dec-Jan edition of AutoCar with a full review of a similar car, really interesting to read what the journalists said about it back in the day!
Yes. Just yes!! The best car reviewer around mate
The South African version now makes sense of my mate from SA being obsessed with the 7 series. He ended up with a 750i and used to wear out a set of tyres on track days with it.
This car is from the era when BMW was the ultimate driving machine with its iconic legendary naturally aspirated “ creamy “straight six engine. Now those days are long gone with all new cars having the same muted engine sound, mapped fake exhaust and computer wizardry soulless engine with dangerous bhp and performance. I absolutely adore these old school BMW when “ M division “ meant Motorsports rather than today’s M that stands for Marketing! 😅
Their straight sixes are still great. For me the biggest loss is the completely shit steering feel and feedback since switching to EPS in 2011
@Richard Harrold I used to think that way until I drove a tuned n54. B58 actually sounds pretty good and is way more reliable than n54/n55, if not more reliable than n52
@Richard Harrold latter two are almost non existent in the B58. I ended up embracing the big power and silly group b sounds like turbo spool and blow off valve on my wagon.
NA motors still have their place (only GT3 and Z06 are left) but turbo 6 life is much better than the initial position of hatred I had for it
@Richard Harrold most of that just has to do with the exhaust setup. E. G. the s55 with equal length midpipes sounds like an s38/s54
I haven't heard anyone say the b58 sounds terrible
@Richard Harrold oof
Nice old car. Thanks for showcasing these cars always fun to learn the history. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
I'd imagine those SADM 745i would be an utter joy to drive. Especially with that M1 engine. Much like the Mercedes 500E. You wouldn't know it's something special until you put your foot down.
I drove a 745i and I can say that the power came on ...a full second or more after you put your foot down. Not exactly ideal.
What a stunning motor all these years later!!!
😍 Lovely!
I had one of these in 2.8 form, and they drive really well 👍
I had a 1981 735i as an oldtimer, had a dogleg gearbox. Rotted away unfortunately, but what a great car. Strangely the engine in my 1981 model looked different to this engine
Lovely car, a much more interesting buy than the old 3 series he'd been looking for.
I’ve been fallowing you for a while
Now ! Cheers ! Great great video ! And I love those old bimmers. I’ve tried them
All and own some of them . They are addictive
Had a 1985 735i, lovely car, yet again another one I should have kept!
stunning car in the day & still looks incredible 42 years on , James love your choice of Luxobarges!, The Discovery looked close !
Great video James !!
My daily is a E38 728I I SOLD MY E28 Wich was also very nice ,but the 38 is still modern .has 8 airbags ,its just a nice place to be .i have a 5ltr granada pirrana south Africa import .its ok in a straight line .
I love this review! I own the Highline version offered to North America the 1986 L7. Mine does not have the manual 😢 which does make a huge difference in the driving enjoyment of this vehicle.
The autos are actually really good and very underrated. They drive lovely and smooth and have plenty of torque. You also have a selectable gear too. They were blummin great them old Autos. These are cruisers so it's not lacking without a manual box.
It also affects the sound and I want one. An auto by the way.
The roads aren't a racetrack so it's just perfect for me.
Looks like that 735 is ready for some valve guides.
More like a Nikasil issue. Worn valve guides smoke with your foot off the pedal, not on.
6:20 - From memory these cars used recirculating ball steering, not rack and pinion.
Ahh, back when BMW built actual drivers cars that also looked stunning would love an M5 from that era
My grandpa (a Mercedes man) was swayed by one of these - a '82 728i built here in South Africa at the Roslyn plant. In 1987 the valves went one day on a trip to Cape Town from Bonnievale and he traded it in for a W124 at the next town on the road (I think Riviersonderend on the N2).
Love the E23. I have an 84 745i turbo here in the US that was gray-market imported back in the day. I also have an E32 88 735i 5 speed in my garage. Cool cars.
My Grandad had the legendary 745i here in South Africa, he regretted letting that go till he passed.
I honestly do believe that when my M340i xDrive reaches the end of its PCP deal, if I don’t just keep it I will return to what I used to drive years ago; much older BMWs. They had class, luxury through being just what they were and not because it was loaded with loads of of tech most of which never gets used. And they had breeding. Looked at the LCI G20. Good God the interior is hideous even compared to my pre-LCI G20. Comparing both to my old E38 7s and the E32 also really highlights what we’ve lost. Finding a good one may be the way forward.
I felt the same, owned an e46 330ci manual and for some reason traded it for a 2014 c220d, nice and comfortable cruiser but so boring after the e46. Always lusted over something 80’s and when this popped up I couldn’t stop myself and haven’t regretted it!
LOVE this
Where did it all go wrong with cars...
Net zero
Beautiful car one of BMWs best!
I drove a blue auto 20 years ago, and it was my first experience of driving an “old” BMW.
BMW had their game tight in 1980.....I had a 528i with a 5 speed.
In US trim, it kept up with a 1980 Corvette.
My favourite 7 series is the e38, a 2001 740i msport individual. Great looking car.
The zenith of the 7 series.
Really wanted an e38 740/50i car for ages, mainly because of Bond and The Transporter but just couldn’t stop going back and looking at this on Car & Classic so I knew it was the one!
I had an 83 vintage M535i (E28) car for £500, in the mid noughties! It was the best driving car since my Mk2 Escort 1.3 Ghia, back in the late 1980's! (Escort on steroids?) I was forced to scrap it after an ABS mishap which would have cost TWICE the value of the car to fix! Watch out for those older, quirky ABS systems BMW played with back then! My issue was the power brakes were charging up the ABS tank, but it ended up applying the brakes instead! ...even the glorious straight six couldn't pull you out of that on the motorway!
I looked at a M535i before buying this but it was in a sorry state and they wanted decent money for it, no ABS on this so none of those issues!
😯 The black Range Rover (14:02) nearly put it in the paint shop! 😅
beautiful car, been in love with these since watching Nothing But Trouble as a kid
I just bought myself an m90. Im very excited
Proper made car and well comfy. All the older bm's are. They are fantastic and a joy to drive,also great over by bumps and are just right on them fat profile tyres. I want an auto one cos they're perfect for cruising. No need for a manual in something for cruising.
I want one now.
Great.....memories of my manual 732i which I exported Down under. It was let go early this century, fool am I?!
14:02 that made me laugh. range rovers being range rovers lol
Dad used to have 728 with manual sunroof and I met the car having Soviet cars only experience…needless to say more. Memories….
This was my first car in 2002. It would cut off sometimes and I would have to pop the clutch to turn it back on lol. Had a few harrowing experiences. It leaked oil and gas, and water through the sunroof like a siv. My dream is to find one in decent shape and get it to mint condition now that I can afford it.
A truly great car and terrific video about it. Excellent stuff
Is it just me or does the space in front of the gear lever look perfect for a smartphone?? Also I literally couldn't tell which bit was the bluetooth head unit so good job to whoever made that thing.
You can buy them on eBay..
Some guides or valve seals and it's a dream for life.
I learnt to drive in one of those plus a first gen renault 5 and a Bedford van,It was pretty damn confusing 😂
I have a soft spot for them because dad had a 635.
However, personally I prefer the E32 as it was leaps and bounds an improvement in terms of refinement, safety and performance (not just power, but handling and brakes).
Small correction, Jay .. no steering rack, these have a recirculating ball steering box setup. Impressive steering feel for an old style, one could confuse it for a rack!
@Richard Harrold the box in my E39 M5 produces better steering feel than the rack of any M5 that succeeded it! From an era where BMW cared about the driving experience
That edit where the oncoming Disco cut the corner! LOLS
I've always loved the older 7 Series generations. I feel that ever since the E65 came out, BMW's flagship sedan hasn't been the same.
@Richard Harrold E65's reliability is down the toilet. Same thing with other BMW models of that era and newer.
I once owned the 745 ... and that was a fast BMW. 😄
@Richard Harrold Turbo edition. Most people back then didnt suspect that the large brick was that fast. 😄
I had a v8 e32 for a few years and absolutely loved it. I was in my early 20s at the time and it was super cheap to insure. It was a high mileage car and had some 300k under its belt by the time I sold it! It was also a nikasil block car that had never be replaced 🤯. Electronic gremlins forced me to sell it in the end. "If I knew then what I know now" and all that 🤷🏼♂️
Sean is cool. We like Sean.
One of the most beautiful BMWs ever. Quit reliable engine, but... As to see in the video, the valve shaft seals are the major cause for the famos BMW Bavarian colored smoke. ;-) In the old times, this was absolute common.
A great car, even by today's standard.
I had a 735i manual and all of them at that time had the oil pressure light come on when hot at idle. I changed from my 323i and did regret it but had a family.
These videos-high-quality and detailed videos about historical cars and what makes them both dated while also relevant and desirable and special-are *extremely* important, as both petrolheads and beginners alike can learn so much. And this was very well done in typical JayEmm style. Absolutely loved it!
I'd pass on the E30 and have an E28 (M5 preferably, but a 535i will do), but when a new 3-series is as big as an E23, I'll take the latter. BTW the M88/3 (from the M1) went into the E28 M5, not the 535.
My first car, at 18 was a 732i, into which we transplanted a 745i turbo engine, but with a manual instead of automatic and keeping shorter 732 diff, but with a diff lock. I still do not understand how I did not die in that one.. :D
I had one in 1990 same colour paid 1700 quid for it. wasnt a patch on my series 3 4.2 Jag XJ6. Always felt like something from the old Soviet Union.
Many fond memories of one of these, being 17 with long hair and holey jeans.. The Police used to pull me all the time. You could tell they were surprised when I pulled over and passed my documents. (my boss's car) I was a nanny at the time. The kick down when 17 years old was addictive. straight over on roundabouts was prob my fav thing after females at the time.
A Manual! Wow