What Is a 1985 735i BMW?

The 1985 BMW 735i was a full size, four-door luxury car manufactured by German automaker BMW. BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) makes a wide range of cars and motorcycles geared towards buyers who appreciate the emphasis on driving dynamics and high-quality engineering. The model that made the BMW brand a household name was the 2002, introduced in the late 1960s. The company went on to import many different models in the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series ranges among others. The 1985 735i was a flagship model.

E23 7 Series

The E23 7 Series range of cars began production in 1977 and was the first line of the 7 Series, which is still being produced (as of 2011). The 7 Series is the largest car BMW offers (with the exception of the more recent X5 and X6 SUVs and Gran Turismo) and is geared towards the executive buyer. Unlike the sportier 3 and 5 Series that were available in 1985, the 735i was designed with luxury in mind.

Engine

The E23 range of full-size luxury sedans was made from 1977 to 1986. The E23 was powered by a variety of inline-six-cylinder engines that ranged from 2.5 to 3.4 liters. The 1985 735i was equipped with the M30, 3.4-liter "Big Six," which produced 182 horsepower. The M30 is a durable engine used in other BMWs as well, including the smaller 635 coupe and the 535 sedan.

Equipment

As a high-end luxury car, the 7 Series was fitted with a comprehensive range of amenities, including the first use of service interval warnings, systems that alerted the driver to any mechanical problems as well as optional onboard computer systems and ABS (anti-lock brakes), the latter of which became standard. Options also included leather interiors, wood trim packages, power and heated seats and other power accessories like windows and exterior mirrors. Gearboxes included four- and five-speed manuals and an automatic.

Buying Used

While expensive and impressive cars when new, E23 735s have plummeted in value and can now be bought for as cheap as a few thousand dollars or even less for a running, driving car. 7 Series BMWs are complex cars that require expensive upkeep as the miles increase. Usually the cost of maintaining and running an older 7 Series exceeds the value of it. The 1985 735i is based on antiquated technology that was developed in the late 1970s.