Long Wheelbase E32: 1991 BMW 735iL – SOLD!

October 9th Update: While updating our Free-For-All Friday database, we confirmed the private seller of this ’91 BMW 735iL we first featured one week earlier deleted their Craigslist ad, so we’re now able to call this one “Sold!”  This one may have got away, but if you have your heart set on something similar, email us the details of what you’re looking for or call Rudy directly at (908)295-7330.

The E32 chassis BMW remains one of the more underappreciated models that you can still buy for very reasonable money today, even in good to excellent condition with up-to-date maintenance histories. This 1991 735iL originally listed in October 2020 in Nokesville, Virginia with detailed maintenance records and an asking price of $7,000.   Comparing this price against the NADA Pricing Guide shows us that the high retail value is just under that number, listed at $6,575.  Given NADA doesn’t factor in the rising values of Radwood-era vehicles like this 7-Series, the seller’s price seems fair.

When BMW ended production of its E23 platform 7-Series, it was preparing for what many would consider a “golden era” in the carmaker’s history. The late 80s brought many iconic models to the masses, from the E30 3-Series to the highway-eating E28 M5 sedan. The classic 3-Series convertible, the revolutionary Z1 – the list goes on. Often not talked about in the same conversation is the E32 7-Series, despite being a transformative overhaul of the company’s flagship. Available with six, eight, and twelve-cylinder powerplants, they were the choice of executives and Wall Street barons alike, with long-wheelbase versions like this model a popular choice among those who wished to cruise comfortably from the backseat. The real unicorn is the inline-six powered variant with the exceedingly rare manual transmission – grab one of those now if you happen upon such a car languishing on craigslist.

The example shown here swims against the current of most 7-Series of this generation, as they have long been cheap, throaway cars like so many other formerly exotic luxury vehicles. After falling down the slippery slope of second and third owners who often care little about servicing the car’s many exotic components, these 7-Series become junkyard fodder in no time. Thankfully, this six-cylinder powered example found a home with an owner that apparently cared deeply about its upkeep, with the listing noting both exceptional mechanical and cosmetic condition. A new headgasket and cooling system service are some of the recent maintenance items noted, along with a full custom exhaust built to OEM specifications. The only needs at the moment are a valve adjustment and the classic air conditioning system “recharge,” which the seller can no longer address due to developing muscle neuropathy. Should you want to continue preserving this iconic luxury sedan, get in touch with the seller and plan for a long road trip with lots of interstate miles on the way home.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“**UPDATE** I’ve been asked a lot about trades. There are a few trades I would consider. Pre-95 Ford Bronco full-size, rust free, run/drive. Toyota FJ60/62. Rust-free, run/drive. 1994-1997 LandCruiser 100 .

I am reluctantly listing my black beauty for sale. She is a 1991 BMW 735iL in EXCEPTIONAL condition.

This beauty features the legendary BMW M30 inline 6 cylinder and ZF automatic transmission. At last oil change, approx 2500 miles ago/8 months, we noticed a small coolant residue spot at head/block seam so head gasket was replaced, new head bolts (BMW) installed and 3 step torqued as per factory.

Transmission shifts completely as it should and drops into assigned gear instantly.

Those familiar with 7 series know about the impossibility of finding factory exhaust. Though it is stainless and lasts a long time, it doesn’t last forever. So about 350 miles ago, a custom exhaust was designed, built and installed to line up to factory catalytic which are in great shape. All exhaust is 2.5″ stainless with MagnaFlow resonator and rear muffler ending in polished dual tips so it looks like factory. Great sound, lots of power.

Factory Style 5 wheels are in excellent shape, tires have less than 500 miles on them.
Brakes, fuel filter, radiator flush, coolant temp sender all replaced within last 1,000 miles.

109,400 original miles

Everything works. Period. Everything works.

The factory, 29 year old Schwarz black paint is a 9.4/10.
Interior is factory original camel leather. NO TEARS in ANY of it. anywhere. Regularly cleaned and conditioned using Zymol products.

Headliner and carpet all unstained and in excellent condition. Car has 109,199 original miles. All dash pixels work perfectly.
All climate controls work perfectly. You simply will not believe how beautiful this car is.

At some point, a mechanic left an oil filter sitting on top of the left strut tower and closed hood. Hood bounced off the filter but it left a small outward dent in hood. Yes you can see it if you LOOK for it. Not bad.

Now, for all the BMW experts, here are specific answers to common questions: Yes, the A/C sword functions perfectly. Blower moves through all speeds.
The radiator has only ever had Xerex yellow coolant in it. Always properly bled.

There is absolutely, 100% ZERO rust anywhere on this car. Trunk is perfect, trunk seal is perfect.

The car needs only two things:
Valve adjustment. Was done every other oil change, roughly 8,000 mile interval. Hasn’t been done in last 10,000 miles so there is some valve noise typical of an overhead cam straight six. Doesn’t affect power, just has slight valve clicking. I developed muscle nueropathy over the past couple of years affecting my hands when trying to do fine motor skills work, so holding things tightly and with little movement is impossible as my hands begin to shake. Needs a/c recharge. I planned to replace a/c evaporator, seals and dryer at next recharge but with the neuropathy issues, I don’t see it getting done. Will come with misc maintenance parts and new dryer, evaporator, seals.

This beauty ALWAYS gets comments and looks as she is beautiful and not common. Truly a luxury limousine as the Europeans say.

I can answer any questions via email. I will not entertain any silly offers.

I am retired military so I am available most any time.

Price is $7,000..”

Do you have a BMW 7-Series story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!