1987 BMW E32 730i Goes For a Drive

The BMW E32 was the second generation 7 Series, a luxury car loaded with tech. This is a 1987 730i, straight 6 powered car taken for a drive.
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[@losch78]

This does everything right that the newest BMWs do wrong.

[@mr-wx3lv]

I can't stand how the new ones look. What's happened to sleek designs?

[@jamessalt13]

The grills on the newest ones are the antithesis of sleek designs

[@driceproductions5304]

Like not making the car half grill?

[@soundseeker63]

Design in particular. Park one of these next to a 2020 7-Series and there really is no comparison in terms of the elegance and tastefulness of the design. The modern ones are just tacky and vulgar showing-off devices.

[@JohnnyPaton]

soundseeker63 for wannabes on PCP deals to show off. Gone are the days of the Bavarian Ultimate Driving Machine.

[@marcelhandsome6042]

One of the most beautiful luxury saloons ever made! credit must be given to Ercole Spada and Claus Luthe. After the third generation E38, I think myself and many other enthusiasts believe that the 7 series has lost its essence and elegance. I think today's BMW designers should go back to basics and take inspiration from E32 & E38.

[@adams7405]

Used to prep these back in the day at BMW. Air con was an extra,the 735 se had it as standard.We used to retrofit Diavia systems for the princely sum of two grand! Even the radio and speakers were extra,spent about half a day doing pdi 's on these compared to an hour today.But your money went on the quality of the build and those carpets and that M30 is still one of the best ever made.Regulary picked up a red 735 se for servicing, last time it had 280,000 miles on it but you would never know,apart from the stone chips on the front.With the E34 E32 E39 E38 they were hands down the best cars on the road.

[@ash7990]

e36?

[@weatherbog]

You will never find a car with aircon that will not allow you to switch it off. I hired a 730 in the late 80s and had no aircon. The blanked off switches may offer a clue!

[@richardyardley5127]

Totally agree with you about this era of Beemers. The whole range peaked in class during the mid 80's I think ☺

[@greghill7759]

Now WAIT a minute, Richard. I've recently taken charge of a '99 728i and now consider myself to be the most sophisticated bon viveur this side of Peckham.

[@roddenshaw]

Totally agree. The core lineup of E38, E39, E36 then E46 was quite something.

[@greghill7759]

@warren mcadam Vulgar? I should say so, Warren old boy....nothing but riff-raff and ne'er-do-wells.

[@greghill7759]

@warren mcadam I'm ALWAYS in want of a better word, Warren. It must be something to do with my quidnuncian tendencies.

[@adams7405]

@warren mcadam a shame they cheapened it though, especially the interior. Five and Seven was a cut above

[@kingofthewestmidlands4049]

My grans sister & husband bought a 730i new in 1990. Light metallic blue, blue leather, auto, climate control and no radio. Nice and smooth car

[@matthewgodwin3050]

This was BMW at it's finest. Later models steadily lost the plot until we arrived at today's over complicated and sinfully ugly junk cars that depreciate faster than they accelerate. Oh how I miss the 1980s.

[@soundseeker63]

The E38 was a nice car too but I would have to agree things took a sharp nose dive with E65 and subsequent models.

[@applejuice5272]

@@soundseeker63 E38 (and E65) had the most complete range of engines: *6-cylinder petrol* | E38: 728i / E65: 730i *V8 petrol (x2)* | E38: 730i & 740i + 735i & 740i / E65: 735i & 745i + 740i & 750i *V12 petrol (and hydrogen prototype)* | E38: 750i & 750h / E65: 760i & Hydrogen7 *6-cylinder diesel* (E38: 725 tds + 730d / E65: 730d) *V8 diesel* (E38: 740d / E65 740d + 745d)

[@jaysclassiciron825]

Nice to see a e32 they seem abit for forgotten sadly I have a 1988 e32 730iSE shadow line they are lovely car to drive mine has been in our family since nearly new was my grandfathers then my dads and now mine for last 5 years :)

[@bcfairlie1]

The best BMW ever produced. BMW have gone so wrong these days

[@soundseeker63]

1987.... Back when owning a BMW was something to aspire to and set you apart from the crowd. The E32 and E34 that followed are models of tasteful restraint, subtle elegance, excellent build quality and reliability. You would struggle to apply any of those statements to BMWs of today. It is interesting to see a review of a "basic" E32 with velour seats, manual box and few options. It must seem incredibly basic by today's standards, but it also makes you wonder how many of these electronic gadgets and gimmicks in modern cars do we actually need. I personally find this a much more likable car than the current 7-Series, which has become a bloated caricature of its former self.

[@FishGun]

Those thick sidewall tyres look so good, and must make the ride incredibly comfortable! In modern cars you often see these rubber bands for tyres; not only does it look silly, but the ride must be atrocious!

[@soundseeker63]

And hence why the alloys on modern cars get curbed within a few months and are usually in appalling condition after a few years. With the older ones they were above the height of most curbs so would not suffer any damage in normal driving situations. Another example of how appearance has taken priority over practicality and durability in modern cars. Very silly IMO.

[@WoWMinGM]

My dad has a 92 740i, black with black leather interior and BBS RS wheels. I think the E32 is one of the best looking BMWs. I got to ride to kindergarden in the back of it and now I actually get to drive it myself! It is the best car I’ve driven, everything about it is ideal.

[@robc5955]

Remember seeing these in the late 80’s they were light years ahead of everything else in terms of looks and finish.

[@sg8539]

I owned a 735ise back in the mid 90's and it was a factory de-chromed version in black with chrome kidney grill, it looked and drove beautifully and still even now all these years later is one of the best cars I have ever owned, def BMW at their legendary best. Great video review, thank you.

[@swissneutro2648]

Black, no chrome, that's my car. Twenty years now. I know exactly what you mean.

[@jean-jacquesdelacroix2112]

@@swissneutro2648 is option "Shadow Line" 😀

[@andrewduffield2322]

The days when you could get a manual gearbox in an executive car

[@furiousdriving]

I miss that

[@bmwman1981]

No one buys a manual executive car and bmws should all be auto as manual bmws are not the best gear change

[@E34Benzin]

Good to have the option, but let's face it, a manual doesn't fit the character of the car.

[@soundseeker63]

@@bmwman1981 I don't know about the latest BMWs but all the older ones like E32/4/6/8/9 etc. have a very decent manual shift. Some a little long in throw but easily fixed with a short shifter kit. Though admittedly and auto is more appropriate for a 7 series.

[@pier11francesco]

@@soundseeker63 I know it's a different car but it's exactly what I will do on my e46 coupe the shifter feels like a lorry lol

[@bryanmower2703]

Top tip: If you drive north of Muswell Hill for a few minutes, you can park right next to the N Circular for some real drowning traffic noise

[@MandusahRamirez]

I’ve Always been intrigued by older cars but, the more I watch this channel the more I want to buy a Older New Car. I almost forgot these came in manual! This was the Golden Era for Vehicles!☺️

[@dm5374]

I too had a '87, but it was the 3.5 with full-spec, even a velvet interior, which was between the velour and the leather, as an option. 5-speed manual. I took her twice to 240 kmh and I remember that the tourque at idle was enough to climb a curb using only the clutch. Kept her 5 years and despite the foibles (electronics and head gasket) she remains the car that perhaps I remember most fondly. Thank you for the vid!

[@douglasfleetney5031]

I've had two E32's both 740i. Wish I'd kept one. Half a herd of cattle supplied the leather, heated front seats, not the best AC in the World but the best toy ever was the cruise control... They were one of those cars that the harder you pushed them the better they handled. But the fuel consumption though, oh dear does not do it justice. Both of mine would pass almost anything on the road, except a service station. The second one had the speed limiter bypassed and it was a little worrying to watch the speedo pass 160 on the Autobahn and keep going (I was running late to get back into the low countries to get my ferry back to the UK. Like all German Engineering she had no issue at all passing through Belgium and France........

[@cjj898]

Really enjoyed the video 👍. This car was for sale when I was looking for an e32 a few years ago. It was tempting given the manual gearbox, but I really wanted air conditioning. Ended up getting a 730i SE with the automatic gearbox. Not as fun to drive but way better equipped with leather, electric seats, computer etc. Been my daily driver for 3 years and once I took care of some deferred maintenance has been totally reliable. Took it on holiday to Switzerland last summer which was a lot of fun. Just a really solid, special feeling car.

[@furiousdriving]

They are incredibly tough machines, I think this done some serious miles since the review with no issues

[@bmw-e30]

No doubt the eighties was a great decade for BMW who produced cars which were away ahead of their time. They still drive great 40 years on.

[@nuclearlad]

I love how low-spec this thing is! I don’t think it has ac, because I have an e34 with a manual climate control unit, and it has a little button with a light for ac. no on-board computer either, or multi-function display in the gauge cluster. In the US they all has electric seats and leather too, so this is a unicorn to me.

[@hv54wxt]

Yeah your right. No air con as it would have a button with the snow flake symbol. It's a nice car but I think a low trim as cloth seats and manual seats as well. Also no trip Computer

[@harvo351]

You are spot on, the 730i was the bottom of the range, the spec difference between the 730i and the 735i was quite phenomenal, even here in NZ, my Dad brought the last brand new 728i e23 in the country, it was lovely, he traded it for a brand new e32 730i, hated it, traded that for a fully spec'ed e32 735i with 6k kms on it and loved that car . . . sold it when the world markets went belly up in 89 . . . made up for it when he brought a brand new e38 740i . . . it was lovely too . . . I have owned various examples of all of them, but love my e23 735i, hence why I have kept mine for 20+ years !!

[@rimmersbryggeri]

It's one of the reasons it's still on the road. Changing the AC compressor or a faulty computer on a car like this would condemn it to the scrapyard.

[@HowardLeVert]

@@rimmersbryggeri The trip computer on one of these was a clock-sized (but deeper) module that had a data link to the LCD panel at the bottom of the instrument cluster - I took one of them out of a scrap one many years ago and put it in my E34. It just pops out if you push the lever hidden in the glove box forward. Finding one would be the problem, but it wouldn't kill the car - you could just put an ordinary clock in its place.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@HowardLeVert Indeed you could but it wouldnt fly if you were selling the car and it was a high spec one. The trip computer on these old cars werre little more than a gimmick anyway and in some ways kind of still is. But if you are selling cars people will want 100s of pounds/dollars/euros off because "it's a hard part to find".

[@gavinramejkis]

Owned one years ago, never failed a single MOT, only ever cost me fuel, brake pads, tyres and the odd bulb, great motorway cruiser

[@alanbellwood3902]

I had a 735il ex BBC and my Dad had numerous in the 80's BMW stereos were either Blaupunkt or Sony but they would also fit others. I remember they had one of those headunit stands with the push buttons in the showrooms to test the headunits. Think that grille on the dash if I remember is fresh air hence the vent switch. Prob didn't have AC as that is a Poverty Spec car and even then Radio was an extra early on. The AC units were a push button thing of beauty. Mine had electric memory seats electric reclining in the rear. Electric blinds and picnic trays. BMW seatbelts always went the other way certainly upto the 90's. Wipers designed to pool water in heavy rain to self clean. The big Six Cylindet BMW's with a manual box were always a bit notchy 1st to 2nd even the M cars heavy truck like change but strong and accurate. I remember the total closure alarm where holding the key in the close position or holding the lock button would close all windows and doors being like witchcraft.

[@jgh548]

When luxury meant engineering excellence, craftsmanship, quality and comfort. Something pretty much all so called modern luxury cars fail at. The only company that's really continued the old philosophy is Lexus, but even they are now starting to add the bling. Sad.

[@pier11francesco]

I don't know about lexus...the new ones are just as bad big wheels sporty interiors and the older ones are not as refined as 80's/90's bmws can't really compare them and I love japanese cars it's just the truth

[@Maximus20778]

@@pier11francesco lexis is reliable tho

[@Thanos.m]

This one of the most base spec e32 I've ever seen pretty I think Mr hubnut would approve!

[@droge192]

Agreed. I honestly didn't know any 7 series was ever available as a manual. And cloth seats too. A poverty spec 7 series! :o)

[@bradcollins9647]

In the days back when I was working for a BMW dealer, this was my favourte 7 series (of course with automatic, AC and heated leather seats). It was the most cultivated 7, when starting the engine you didn't even notice that it was running (smoother than the V12 due to much less mechanical parts running). The V12 always had this mighty basic grumbling (here I am, I'm a big engine) and obviously the sheer power. The 730 IL6 was much more subtle, maybe more refined. Of course it was less powerful, but for a nice and smooth ride, the 730 6cylinder was my choice. And btw these cars had definitely a sweet soft ride comfort (you can't get it today, they are all so hard...).

[@yoranw4608]

When *W's* were cool, stylish, elegant and pretty much more reliable than today.

[@victorvaughn2]

The head of BMW design, Adrian Van Hooydonk considers this the most iconic BMW design, and named it his favorite BMW design. It's in a video interview of him somewhere.

[@brianiswrong]

All these years later,you can still see the quality shine through from the design and materials.

[@RobinCapper]

My daily drive is a Fiat Bravo HGT (or an Abarth 500). The indy mechanic who looks after the Bravo mainly services BMWs. Dropped the Fiat for a service and while organizing a loan car he asked, "Do you have to parallel park at work?". Answering No meant I got a 730i like this (same colour even) as the loaner*. Quite a change from the usual old 3 series typically on offer. Concur with your comments regarding control weights, it was an auto but everything felt heavy in comparison to the Italians! * Apparently some customers commented it was difficult to park!

[@Mr2_online]

I love the E32. It was my first car back in 2001, a 1990 735iL. I now have a 2017 740i.

[@JohnnyPaton]

Wonderful car. I would have one of them over the current 7 series anyday.

[@mattsbeamer]

What a beautiful model. You don’t see many with no leather. I had a D reg 735i back when I was 19 (17 years ago). I have such a love for the e32, when my dad had a few year old Alpina b12 750 back in the day. It was perfection. It would of scored even better on the tea shelf score, as it had picnic tables and in front of the fridge you had had space for 6 more mugs lol

[@knifetrain3118]

BMW were really in touch with their consumers. A nice big tea shelf for the UK or a nice big tray for chicken nuggets and two kinds of dipping sauce for the US market. Brilliant! 🐓

[@paulmasterson386]

I had one of these and drove it around London,great fun. My favourite trip was Paddington to Docklands at 01.00 in the morning. The standard sunroof was metal,so there was no retractable screen,that only came with a glass sunroof which was an optional expense. What I loved about the wiper system was that if they were on standard,and you stopped at traffic lights or a junction,they automatically switched to intermittent. It was also the first car I ever owned that would give you a frost warning,plus other information on the lcd display at the bottom of the instrument panel.

[@TheGalacticEmperorOfLabels]

Oh, yes. A BM from the days when they really were the ultimate driving machine - and what a beaut. Cheers, Matt. Have a great weekend.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Lunchtime viewing sorted, that's a real BM of my era...

[@richhastings2908]

I used to own an 88 735, sold it when the heater broke and stuck on full on. Still have sellers remorse for this car. I had both the Dinan engine and transmission chip as well as a Dinan exhaust. Love how it drove.

[@g.w.7893]

THAT was the reason you sold it? 🤦

[@peterriggall8409]

Lovely example. I have a 1986 e23 so interesting to compare.

[@MikeBMW]

As an owner of a 1990 750iL, 525i and 535i, I like this! US cars had many more options - all leather, in the 7 Series, reclining and heated rear seats, heated outside mirrors and steering wheel (mind you, this was the 750iL). The 5 Series, still all leather, dual AC (like the 7) many other items, I suppose, only for the US model? Still, I've always wanted a short wheel base 7 series but they are hard to come by in the US. Love the vid! :)

[@davecraig7082]

Apart from the headlining the interior looks absolutely immaculate!

[@furiousdriving]

It really is, it hides its miles so well

[@promerops]

Understated elegance - beautiful looking car. How the BMW brass could sign off on Chris Bangle's nightmares, I do not know.

[@furiousdriving]

And they look delightful compared to the new 4 series!

[@alexandruc.5128]

I have one of these. But with the 3 liter V8 and with a bit more posh trim. Love it.

[@henryburner]

One of the best looking BMWs ever. Really classy and elegant.

[@cornishrider]

Still looks very fresh today, wonderful balance between design and engineering, I do miss blue interiors! When I worked at a Jaguar dealership in the 90s we never got these p/x'd however S Classes were

[@CB1000FP1]

Had one of these at the back end of the 90s it had obviously seen a hard life before I got it but still went well, mine was a auto as I stopped buying manuals decades ago (I was a truck driver and I did enough gear stick swinging during the day but I got paid to do that I saw no reason to do it for free) it was probably even more comfortable than my previous Granada 2.8i ghia x estate which I kept for 14 years

[@tomscameras]

One of my favorite cars!! Even though I am, in general, not into BMW's that much ... especially not into the current ones which are horrible to look at. But these 7 series E32 and also the 5 series E34 are absolute marvels. Engine, design, interior, ride, comfort ... they just got it totally right!!

[@yesyoureright]

It's a great classic. Wish people would stop moaning at the newer BMs they're just as good made for 2020. The only thing I'd say is if all manufacturers would remake these models with today's tech without changing it too much.

[@anonymous_bot_bot]

I had one of these, H reg, with the 3.5litre engine. I loved it. Still have the booklet presentation for the build of the e32. These 2 books were given to the first 50 owners of the 750il. My dad gave the books to me I think back in '88, the photography and story is excellent. When BMW built cars back then they were fantastic and special.

[@adams7405]

The 3.5 engine was used in marine applications for its simplicity and reliability, one of BMW'S greats.Several visited our dealership back in the day with 500,000 miles on them........

[@bigjimWA77]

Nice Cheryl...I have the same (blue cover embossed with " '7 " in the top corner ?) Apparently there was a 2-pack version also with said book and another slimmer one by its side in a box.

[@anonymous_bot_bot]

@@bigjimWA77 yep, thats the booklet i have, a large box with A3 paperback then two hard backs, one large and one slim. The guy who fixes our car interiors just bought a 735, he has made a wonderful job of restoring the full interior, really like new. And sitting on 16" BBS cross spoke wheels. It's just beautiful.

[@jean-jacquesdelacroix2112]

@@bigjimWA77 Hi Aussie, same msg as here above to Cheryl 😁. KR, JJ

[@lostthe80s]

This was my dream car - if i had the money i'd love to rescue one. I have a 750Li now but, i'd still love one of these... the 80s, great days.

[@TheLuisg92]

This is my favorite BMW era. I simply love the E28, 32, 34 and 36 with their simple, sharp and perfectly proportioned design. They have aged (at least in terms of how they look) gracefully.

[@olliedann]

A wonderful example of this classic, eye catching design. Peak BMW and timeless.

[@EvilUnderTone]

I sold a lot of these cars in the late 80's. Never had one back for warranty work. Nice old boats.

[@Stephenb033]

The condition of that car.... just gorgeous

[@frothe42]

I must say that here in the US we received the 735i and the 750iL, the later was the LWB V12. I do not remember if the model had the V8 during its production run, I do remember the next incantation did. BMW was known for its controlled ride, and certainly its sports like handling, for accident avoidance. All US models came with leather seating with full power controls and electronic climate control. As well as the trip computer. And the steering wheel was thickly padded, most likely for US safety regulations. A great review Matt, thank you!

[@furiousdriving]

It would be good to put a US and Euro car side by side to compare

[@stephen9869]

I adore these cars! My dad had a dark blue 730i manual back in the day. Always wanted to get one of these and drop in a torquey BMW 4.8 V8 & 'box etc. whilst keepng the orignal looks.

[@manofthehour6856]

Love the 80s!!! Very interesing that the E30 is really an E32 scaled down to a smaller size. I'm not a BMW person by any means (I always use turn signals), though I do have a fondness for the E30. The exterior on this isn't as attractive to my eyes, but I do like the interior. And of course, I am sure that it is enjoyable to DRIVE. As to drink tea or any other beverage of choice, this American bristles at the thought of consuming any food in a vehicle. I thought cupholders were an American invention, but FD, I swear that you must get a royalty on each tea shelf or cup holder built into each car. But to each his own, and if your "tea shelf" is my "coin holder" or "phone receptacle", we can both agree on this point! All kidding aside, always a fantastic and informative presentation ....and to present this in Central London without skipping a beat due to random passersby, I salute you! (PS...yes, that little compartment between the driver's door and steering wheel reminds me of my 1980s Honda Civic, and I stored my license in there for any traffic stops....that only happened once due to a headlamp failure.)

[@histriamagna1014]

Great review. I remember a friend of mine had one 25 yrs ago. Nice long distance cruiser.

[@robertavery152]

I could not agree with you more on the underratedness of this E32 and your E39 episodes .. what great cars these were!

[@davideslava3526]

This was the first car I ever bought with my money. It was a 1.000€ car that was destined to be forgotten. Owned it for two happy years and proudly gave it a second lease of life. There was not a single time it didn't impress me with its quality. There is so little chance the current BMW's will be anything close to what my car was in 30 years time. Proper quality product, comfy cruiser and bargain classic. Can't recommend it enough.

[@seancooke4127]

Speed Sensitive Wiper Force, Wow! I was attending a wedding around 1986/87. At the time Wedding cars would be mainly Sheerline Princesses, Daimler Limos, Silver Shadows, W123s or Coach built Grovener Granadas. This wedding had 2 brand new black 730i s and I remember thinking how magnificent they looked, stately and the height of technology at the same time. Still look amazing today.

[@grayfool]

One of the best looking BMWs ever. All down hill from there, in quality too. Shame.

[@JohnnyPaton]

Tell me about it. The gear change on my wife’s 2014 F20 is horrific and has been since new.

[@64bakes]

I dunno. The E38 7s were very well built cars as well. As it goes, so was the entire range of that generation (36, 39, etc). Even the E46 was a very well built car.

[@rare6499]

E38 was a huge improvement on the E32 in almost every respect

[@rare6499]

RichJW beautiful cars and beautifully engineered! (Except for the fuel tanks but you can’t get everything right...)

[@Pmjs]

@@JohnnyPaton Do you have any bother with the TPMS?

[@joostbobvanoldenbeek9998]

Great video! I had the absolute pleasure to own this car before the current owner. So clean and simple. Had some great trips, perfect luxury cruiser if you're not in a rush ;)

[@furiousdriving]

Thanks for keeping it so well! The new owner is keeping it just as well

[@FitzArias]

Not big on Bimmers but I still remember how stunned I was in 1986 or 1987 I saw my first 735i. Loved those black dot headlights and those big tail lights. One of a few Bimmers I truly like.

[@GentilsGarage]

Loved these and owned a couple of them a few years ago. Brilliant car with understated looks. the V12 came in '87 (first post war German car with a v12) and the V8's replaced the "sixes" in '92. My late '93 car had double glazing windows and rear ultrasonic parking sensors, a first! In Portugal, cars would be manual by default and Autos would be an optional extra, except on the V12. That car would be a "poverty spec" with no aircon and the analog clock instead of the on board computer. Absolutely spot on with the pedals/steering weight. Great review as always!

[@AJ6spd]

Love these old bmws and mercs from this era

[@Cowley46]

Gorgeous, the E32 was always my favourite 7 series. Was thinking maybe the viscous fan coupling is seized as you shouldnt really hear it whirring like that all the time. Maybe it was on as it was a hot day and in town traffic but I suspect its faulty. Great vid thanks.

[@MegaRetr]

One of the most beautiful luxury saloons ever made!

[@jdmguy44]

Amazing how spartan these German cars were in terms of equipment regardless of the fact it was the late 80's. I remember the 3 series of this era didn't even come with a stereo as standard. Hardly anything was standard equipment.

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

Absolute elegance👍🇩🇪 Looking at the front end of a modern BMW, one cant help wonder what went wrong...😳

[@timursergaliyev1153]

Marketing dept taking over the engineering, that's what...

[@ThePorkypete51]

The Chinese started buying cars

[@club1fan552]

A manual in a 7 series! WTF! Didn't think they existed! Beautiful interior. I'd never have one though. The 7 series just seemed too big; particularly aft of the C pillar. Just looks weird. A "sushi bar"! Hilarious! Great review as always.

[@jogonbeaky]

That’s brought some memories back - I had the 735i and would have it again if i found it and it came up for sale - great video!

[@pellepp9628]

You are surprised of The lack of electrical equipment, its a 730, almost no extra in the cheapest model. Great video👍👍

[@flamingpyro7959]

i got a 92 730i and its so cool to see how simmilar yet diffrent. mine come with a airbag and arm rest. and instead of the analog clock i have a driving computer

[@neilmustow368]

Totally agree with you Matt a lovely era of BMW this E32 7 Series lot nicer than today Beemer's like the 80's Mercedes S Class as well lovely design

[@msbelindapls]

I owned the 750iL back in early 90s.. only in 2020 I learned “tea shelves” 😂 I vaguely remember mine had the sport suspension setting next to the gear selector.. great review!! Thank you for bringing my down memory lane 😉 👍🏻

[@0161pumaste]

"Suits you Sir!" Great video, thanks Matt.

[@modmod392]

Back in the day I had a 735i SE.....back in the days when I was younger and had money 💰😩

[@JakobKsGarage]

Nice video, thank you. I learned something about tea shelves 😊 But the door air ducts was also on the VW deluxe bus from 1968, so not really a new invention in 1986.

[@Fiatagri60170]

6:46 This isn't a speaker, its an air vent

[@munnsie100]

Beautiful example! One of my most favourites. Very classy and functional inside and out. A real gentleman's car. If only we could buy something today with the same level of class.

[@gosportjamie]

The V12 came out in the 7-Series before the V8. The 750iL arrived in 1988, but the V8s that replaced the straight-6s didn't arrive until 1992/3 depending on the market. It's fair to say that those engines were a bit of disaster due to the Nikasil cylinder liner debacle that cost BMW billions in replacement engines under warranty or very large goodwill payments towards replacement engines... The E32 was a wonderful car, very comfortable and relaxing to drive when you wanted that, but also extremely capable of really being hustled and thrown around when you wanted to exercise your inner hooligan and have some fun. Sadly, as with the previous 7s, their rapid decline into cheap car territory that led to them falling into the hands of those wanting cheap flash while having no money to back it up led to a lot taking their last trips a long time ago, and a lot of decent examples got plundered for their engines by people wanting to upgrade more desirable models. It's not that long ago that you could buy a really nice 7 for £1,000 and an exceptional one for £2,000... The engine in this car is the same unit that was used in earlier police BMW E34 5-Series in the UK, giving good power and a very decent turn of speed alongside very acceptable fuel economy. They were also very capable of giving a very long service life if maintained well, as police vehicles were, and it wasn't at all unusual to see them leave police service with over 200,000 miles on them and still running and driving pretty much like new. The Getrag 5-speed manual gearbox was so over-engineered that it was virtually bomb-proof and they have been used in a wide variety of modified vehicles with much more power without any issues at all, though it is possible to crack the casing if you try and put too much power through them... When this car was new, they didn't come from the factory with a stereo fitted to save the necessity to have different stereo units to suit the radio frequencies used in different countries. Instead, they came with a pre-radio kit installed in the factory with the speakers and necessary wiring, and then the supplying dealer would fit the head unit to suit the buyer's taste and pocket. Blaupunkt or Becker units were the most common fitting, as with Mercedes-Benz, the German manufacturers favouring equipment also made in the father land, but other makes were available too, often depending on which companies the dealer had tie-ups with. It wasn't unusual to see cars originally specified with Alpine equipment, so there's a good chance the Panasonic head unit in this car is original, as Panasonic was definitely towards the higher end of in-car stereo equipment at the time. The pull-out stereo would have been a very sensible choice for a car that lived in a large city like London, as stealing stereos was a very big thing back in the days when the units were standard DIN size and so would fit in pretty much any other vehicle. Jack Dee had an interesting experience with one of those pull-out stereos back in that time, he always took the stereo out of his Peugeot when he left it parked, and someone broke into the car and stole the cage that it fitted into. As he said, it was an existential theft as someone stole the hole that his stereo fitted into, which was a little strange... That car doesn't have air conditioning, which was only ever an expensive option on the 730i and SE. They are the standard heating and ventilation controls for an E32. The controls for cars with air conditioning were very different and you had the option of electronic climate control, for more money. With this being a 730i rather than the higher spec SE, so no leather on the steering wheel or, originally, gear knob, velour seats rather than leather, though velour was a no-cost potion on the SE, and no electric seats, standard fit on this car would have been steel wheels and wheel trims, just like if you bought the cheapest, no option, 316 2-door. The beautiful BBS cross-spoke TRX wheels would have been an option at extra cost, though they do suit the car much better and fill the arches nicely, whereas the steels looked too small for the car...

[@furiousdriving]

Nikisil was a massive fail, and went on forever..

[@matty6848]

Back when BMWs really were a cut above your Fords & Vauxhall’s. Now there just boring and corporate looking. All the models just look the same now. Back in the day these were real beasts and commanded respect. Remember my old boss had the 635i and it was a pure classic!

[@whiteloafers9658]

I think there was some reasoning for the rear seat belts being done this way in the brochure - the idea was that in a crash, having the rear seat belts this way would prevent the two rear-seat passengers banging heads in the middle of the car! Brilliant video, makes me miss mine 🙁 though it was a bitch to park and terrible on fuel!

[@exs3574]

And this is a video properly made that this classic vehicle fully deserves 👌

[@trabali5168]

Made the mercedes W126 look like a dinosaur when this was released in 86 D reg. Waaay ahead of its time.They had retracting bumpers which absorbed impacts of up to 15 kmh! Btw Matt not all luxury cars had A/C but it was approx a £1000-£1500 option on the 7 and S class! (ex. 560 + 750iL where it was standard).

[@aaroncummings7145]

Morning Matt! Great video! Hat and stickers arrived in Hungary with me yesterday! Very Happy! Thanks again :)

[@furiousdriving]

Excellent, hope it fits well and theres a good home for the stickers!

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly video, a car from when luxury cars were bought by Gentlemen and Business owners or leaders. This particular car has worn its miles incredibly well.

[@GRANADAS666]

The best 7 series E32 was made ever ever. just love it

[@georgfriedrichhendl9881]

One of the best looking Bimmers ever produced. And that colour is just gorgous!

[@neilwalsh4058]

I love the exterior look of this era of 7 series, think they look super understated and extremely classy. I almost bought an F reg 730 in 2002, but just didn't gel with the interior. Nothing I could particularly put my finger on, just didn't feel it lived up to the exterior. Bought a W126 S-class of the same year instead and went on to own 3 more of them. The BMW might surpass for the driving experience, but the interior was way short of W126 standard in my opinion. This is a gorgeous example though and thanks for the informative video, love the fact about the pressure sensing wipers.

[@ciaranmurray6623]

"Big Barge of a Beemer"- excellent description!!!

[@ac0rpbg]

I wish the review was on more equipped E32, I mean this is the most basic of the basics, I own 730i M30B30 but from 92 it has a lot more goodies and improvments. I've also fitted seats from 750iL highline. The car has been with me for 12 years, and it is the best BMW ever built. I also own E38, E38 is incremental of the E32 but you can clearly see that engineering went the wrong route, for example the headlights, with the plastic thingy that goes yellow and is not transperent, the more plastics in the interior (not real wood like the E32). There are door panels with another storage in the arm rest, and also full leather version. Also there is better interior lighting than the model shown.

[@swissneutro2648]

E32 Black, no chrome, that's my car. Twenty years now. E32 or E38, where is the main diverent - which one makes more fun to drive?

[@ac0rpbg]

@@swissneutro2648 Well the E38 suspension is better ride quality, but is a lot weaker more complicated. I live in Eastern Europe with bad roads, but the car is German version so it doesn't have the special Eastern Europe version suspension. So even tho the ride is better it is very expensive and it keeps failing after just few years. My E32 is manual while the E38 is auto. So the fun goes to the E32. Tho the E32 has one issue that is ruining the whole experience and that is the worn out steering box. Another big annoyance is the IHKA on the E32 it is age related all the plastic is very brittle so the stepper motor mounts break and it just don't work properly and also leaking heater core etc. I've done the job once it worked a bit but not perfectly. But 30 years.

[@swissneutro2648]

@@ac0rpbg mine has automatic and i love to glide on the road. The heater I had to replace, again and again times wishbone, that's normal. Look here for IHKA, in German, take a Translate tool: www.7-forum.com/forum/showthread.html?t=41944 mine is from 1991 and has 260 thousand and I have no problem with the steering gear. Probably a defective heating valve: Finally, I will give you the information I have about this problem, all the best for you and your cars: www.e32-schrauber.de/bmw/s-heizventile.htm www.e32-schrauber.de/bmw/s-ihka.htm www.7-forum.com/forum/showthread.html?t=232358 www.car-parts24.com/Motorkuehlung-Klimaanlage-BMW-e32 www.7-forum.com/forum/showthread.html?t=214887&page= www.car-parts24.com/Wasserventil-Heizungsregelventil-Bosch-fuer-BMW-e31-e32-e34

[@ac0rpbg]

@@swissneutro2648 Hello, I have sorted all electrical issues with the IHKA, the problems are mechanical mine is 92 so from the latest. IHKA has like 10 stepper motors, the ones for the driver and the one for the passenger dash vents are connected to the IHKA body plastic, the initial position is determined by motors going till the stop and current sensing drivers are sensing it this is during the initialization of the IHKA after battery out or dead. The problem is that after 30 years the plastic goes brittle and this initialization break off the plastic mounting brackets, so the steppers start to spin freely and the flaps don't work properly anymore. I did what most people do and made metal brackets that I bolted to the IHKA body. Which made the flaps work again but not perfectly due to not being able to match the brackets end positions perfectly so they are never initialized properly resulting it in never ever being able to fully close the hot and cold part so when A/C is on the temperature is not as cold as it should be. And the hot is not as hot as it can be. I have checked the heater core valves they work properly so not the issue ( mine is 92 and has the revised heater valves). The steering box excessive wear I partly blame on the bad roads + previous owners used after market 17" wheels with spacers at some point, and having other steering and suspension components making the steering sloppy, and the famous shimmy, which at some point in the past was "fixed" by tightening the steering box resulting in excessive wear in the box itself. When I got the car the steering box was overtighten and the steering wheel was not returning to neutral position by itself. I put proper wheels without spacers replaced the steering shaft and tie rods,idler arm and the rubber bushing on the front control arms. This solved most of the issues but the box is bad. I've got servotronic box that I will retrofit.

[@noble20xx56]

I really dig the classic wheels on this ride too. The big sidewall tires and those rims!

[@rundllx3228]

the grille in the middle is actually an airvent. It provides a sort of ambient cooling or heating. And if there isnt the little button with the snowflake there isnt AC :)

[@davidbusch8912]

Great video. I wanted one in the 80s, and I want one again!

[@JodyGomes]

This exact car was for sale at Classic Bahnstormers and I nearly bought it. Regret not buying it now. It looks even better in this video than it did in pictures

[@paulpattison2592]

As it was hot, I'm surprised you didn't demonstrate or use the sunroof - I love the electric tilt/slidesunroof on my Vauxhall Omega Elite, a feature standard or optional on so many cars but no manufacturers fit this type any more ! Personally, although the style of this car is nice and restrained, I fi d it a bit of a Plain Jane compared with the 'sharknose' E28 5-Series of the same period, the only BMW I would ever want to own.

[@furiousdriving]

The sun was too harsh for lighting and wind noise

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

I drive the longer and slightly more powerful 735iL, a 1992 model year. It's a wonderful car, I wouldn't trade it for anything new. Great video, thanks for letting the world know about the E32, which is often overshadowed by the smaller, more dynamic E34.

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

Oh and the 750 was only available with the auto 4-speed ZF 4HP22, not the 5-speed auto. And the center grille is not a speaker, it's actually an air vent.

[@BretM]

Great video! Wish we'd gotten these with manuals here in the states. When you started talking about "tea shelves" it all sounded like gibberish to me and gave me a laugh once I finally realized what you were talking about.