1988 Bmw 735 problems

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The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.

The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle (including long wheelbase and limousine models). It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.

The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series.

Unlike the 3 Series and 5 Series sedans, BMW does not offer a full M model, but once offered an M performance variant, the BMW M760 with its 6.6L V12 (at the time the most powerful BMW ever made, not to be confused with BMW 760 6.6 V12 which does not offer the same performance). The Alpina B7 (G12) served as the high-performance variant of the 7 Series.

1988 Bmw 735

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Common 1988 Bmw 735 problems

The BMW 735i, produced in the late 1980s, is known for several common problems that affect its performance and reliability. These issues are primarily related to the engine, transmission, cooling system, and electrical system.

Engine Problems

  1. Valvetrain Issues: The hydraulic lifters in the BMW 735i engine can fail, resulting in a ticking or tapping noise from the engine. This issue can be caused by sludge buildup in the engine, which can prevent the lifters from properly pumping up. Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality synthetic oil can help prevent this issue.
  2. Cylinder Head: The cylinder head gasket can fail, causing oil leaks and overheating issues. The cylinder head itself can also crack, causing similar issues. This can be caused by overheating, which can be prevented by regular cooling system maintenance and attention to any signs of overheating.
  3. Timing Chain: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the chain to become loose and skip teeth on the timing gears. This can cause serious engine damage, so it is important to address any signs of chain noise or issues with the timing system.
  4. Oil Consumption: The BMW 735i engine has been known to consume oil, particularly in older models. This can be caused by worn piston rings, valve seals, or other engine components. Regular oil changes and the use of high-quality synthetic oil can help mitigate this issue, but it may also require engine repairs to fully address the issue.

Transmission Problems

  1. Automatic Transmission: Issues with the automatic transmission, including harsh shifting and slipping, have been reported by owners of the BMW 735i. These problems can be caused by worn or damaged transmission components, such as the torque converter or valve body.

Cooling System Problems

  1. Cooling System: The cooling system of the BMW 735i has been known to have issues, particularly with the plastic expansion tank that is prone to cracking and leaking. This can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Electrical System Problems

  1. Electrical System: The electrical system in the dash board of the BMW 735i can experience problems, including issues with the heater core and the dashboard lights. These issues can be caused by complex electronics and cold solder joints, which can be difficult to diagnose and repair.

In conclusion, the BMW 735i of the late 1980s is a reliable and enjoyable car to own and drive, but like any car, it has its share of common issues. Owners should be aware of these issues and stay on top of routine maintenance tasks to keep their cars running smoothly. With proper care and attention, the BMW 735i can continue to provide years of enjoyment and satisfaction.

1988 Bmw 735 engine

How much is a 1988 BMW 735i worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $4,600 for a 1988 BMW 735i on Jul 29 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a BMW 735i - E32? A: The average price of a BMW 735i - E32 is $11,891.

What is the top speed of the 1988 BMW 735i?

Models

ModelEngineTop Speed
730iM30B30 I6225 km/h (140 mph) (AT) 230 km/h (143 mph) (MT)
730iM60B30 V8230 km/h (143 mph) (AT) 233 km/h (145 mph) (MT)
735iM30B35 I6225 km/h (140 mph) (AT) 232 km/h (144 mph) (MT)
227 km/h (141 mph) (AT) 235 km/h (146 mph) (MT)

What is the top speed of BMW 735i?

The BMW E38 7 Series 735i top speed is 244 Km/h / 152 mph.

Is BMW 735i a V8?

BMW 7-Series (1994 - 2002) 735i V8 Sport 4d Auto Specs & Dimensions. Scroll down for the full details of the BMW 7-Series 1994 right here.

How much is a 1988 BMW 735i worth?

A: The lowest recorded sale price was $4,600 for a 1988 BMW 735i on Jul 29 2021. Q: What is the average sale price of a BMW 735i - E32? A: The average price of a BMW 735i - E32 is $11,891.

What is the top speed of the 1988 BMW 735i?

Models

ModelEngineTop Speed
730iM30B30 I6225 km/h (140 mph) (AT) 230 km/h (143 mph) (MT)
730iM60B30 V8230 km/h (143 mph) (AT) 233 km/h (145 mph) (MT)
735iM30B35 I6225 km/h (140 mph) (AT) 232 km/h (144 mph) (MT)
227 km/h (141 mph) (AT) 235 km/h (146 mph) (MT)

What is the top speed of BMW 735i?

The BMW E38 7 Series 735i top speed is 244 Km/h / 152 mph.

Why won't my BMW 735i start?

The most common reasons a BMW 735i won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

1988 Bmw 735 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 735 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Air bags problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Tires problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Bmw 735 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Bmw 735 complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Bmw 735.

2012-12-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2012-12-01
  • VIN: WBAGB4313J3
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 BMW 735 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BECOME TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE ANTI- THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 202,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 202,300. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 735I 1988 ##
2000-09-23

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-07-26
  • VIN: WBAGC4314J3
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: REAR PIRELLI TIRE BLEW BLEWOUT WHILE GOING 65MPH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES & DAMAGES. TIRES WERE AFTERMARKET & HAD ONLY 1,000 MILES. TIRE SIZE P245/45WR17. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED AT CONSUMER'S COST. DOT XTCBXKAW259. *SLC
2000-01-03

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAGB4315J3
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: DEFECTIVE COOLING SYSTEM CAUSED RADIATOR TO MELT AND WATER PUMP TO FAIL. YH
1999-08-10

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: AFTER STARTING VEHICLE ENGINE TOOK OFF, AND THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK WHEN APPLIED. CAR WENT THROUGH A GATE AND A BACKYARD. OWNER HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN. *AK
1999-04-30

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED WHICH CAUSED VEHICLE TO HIT ANOTHER ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN WHICH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1998-07-29

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-26
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WBAGB4311J1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CONSUMER'S WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE WHEN IT ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND HIT THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE, INJURING CONSUMER'S WIFE. CONSUMER STATED THAT IT SEEMED AS IF THE GAS PEDAL WAS STUCK. *AK VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *SLC
1998-05-28

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-20
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT REASON. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED MANUFACTURER. *AK
1995-08-18

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: STEERING WHEN COMING AROUND CORNERS LOSS OF STEERING BINDING LOSS OF POWER. TT

1988 Bmw 735 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1988 Bmw 735.

1990-01-30
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
  • Consequence: OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
1988-08-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: THE DRIVER AND/OR PASSENGER SEATBACKS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY ATTACHED TO THE SEAT BASE RECLINING ARMS (ATTACHING BRACKETS).
  • Consequence: THERE MAY BE LOOSENESS OF, OR NOISE IN, THE SEATBACK;ALSO, DURING A SEVERE REAR IMPACT, SEATBACK MIGHT NOT SUPPORT THE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: MANUALLY SEAT THE SEATBACK ON THE BASE.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Bmw 735 problems:

Timm's BMW E32 Common Problems 750i, 730i, 735i, 740i
Timm's BMW E32 Common Problems 750i, 730i, 735i, 740i
https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E32/BMW_E32_Common_Problems.htm

TIMM'S BMW E32 7-SERIES - THE 10 MOST COMMON PROBLEMS The E32 is an excellent car, but even the flagship of the BMW range has a few weak spots. From my own ...

Battery drain testing procedure 1988 BMW 735i
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https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1172186-Battery-drain-testing-procedure-1988-BMW-735i

Feb 9, 2009 ... First of all the E32 is famous for draining the battery when it gets old and one common problem is that water gets in to the car from roof or ...

1988 E32 735i - what are they like to own? | BMW Forums ...
1988 E32 735i - what are they like to own? | BMW Forums ...
https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/threads/1988-e32-735i-what-are-they-like-to-own.81818/

May 8, 2011 ... Apart from the usual problems of some rust, the only common problems are with suspension components (the E32 is heavy and wears out bushes and ...

Looking for E32 735il, is it reliable???
Looking for E32 735il, is it reliable???
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?272845-Looking-for-E32-735il-is-it-reliable

Oct 29, 2004 ... there are 735iLs with V8 engines...the twist is that they are e38 7 series...not e32s. ... My friend has a '88 525i, and if the reliability ...

Common Problems with 2002 BMW 735i - Q&A on BMW E65 Issues
Common Problems with 2002 BMW 735i - Q&A on BMW E65 Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/bmw/c2ggf-issue-bmw-e65-735i-2002-issue.html

Feb 17, 2019 ... I have a issue with my bmw e65 735i 2002, the issue Is having a rough idle after the start the RPM are not steady, are - Answered by a ...

Other years of Bmw 735

bmw 735 1989 photo
735 1989
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1988 Bmw 735 photo