1991 BMW 735iL

ENGINE 3430cc/6-cyl/OHC POWER 208bhp@5700rpm TORQUE 224 lb ft@4000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 143mph 0-60MPH 9.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 17-29mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed auto MoT August 2019 ODOMETER 121,974 miles

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

With its smooth and torquey six-pot, this BMW drives very well indeed. There’s a surfeit of power, swiftly unleashed by kickdown, but it actually feels more content cruising. While on paper the car is in need of a service (its last was two years ago), it certainly doesn’t behave like it needs any attention; there’s no missing, hesitation or any worrying noises. The brakes are sharp and pull the car up straight and true and the automatic gearbox performs well. Self-levelling rear suspension was fitted when new, but it is believed to have been replaced by conventional dampers. There’s an error message on the dash about this, and the back does feel a bit wallowy on bumpy roads.

BODYWORK CHECK

This BMW is presentable enough under general viewing, its metallic blue paint suiting the lengthened Hofmeister-kinked lines. There are some areas for improvement when viewed up close, though. All four wheel arches are sound, but there’s a patch of rust on the offside rear door, as well as on the corresponding area of sill underneath. There’s also some corrosion in the nearside rear door aperture, which will need attention, as a small hole has formed. Aside from a bit more tinworm on the bonnet hinge panel, this seems to be the limit of the corrosion, but the nose has a liberal sprinkling of stonechips, the passenger side mirror paint is flaking and there are general small scratches and marks elsewhere that you would expect with age. Tyres are all Dunlop Sports, with enough tread left not to cause concern. The offside front alloy wheel is a little past its prime, but the others are okay.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

The interior’s dark blue colour is very redolent of its era. It’s all in pretty good nick, with only light creasing to the leather upholstery. The worst wear is on the driver’s side bolster, as you’d expect, but it’s not significant. The walnut veneer is largely good, though it’s a bit scratched around the gear selector. All the electrics – including the power seats and trip computer – function, apart from the air conditioning and radio, which is also sitting proud of the dash. The metal speaker grilles set into the top of the dash have developed a light coating of rust.

UNDER THE BONNET

The engine bay reflects its 27 years. There’s dirt, dust, grime, some surface rusting and a slightly powdery finish to the aluminium engine. But it’s not excessive, just enough that you probably won’t necessarily want to show it off at events. All fluids look healthy and are at the right levels. There are no hot or cold starting issues, though the service and maintenance history is a little sketchy beyond the last few years.

THE CCW VIEW

This fundamentally honest and solid car would benefit from some tidying, but offers a lot of Teutonic talent for the money – it’s fast, comfortable and handsome, with increasing classic status. Richard Gunn

EXTERIOR Original, good Some rust to tackle INTERIOR Radio and air conditioning don’t work MECHANICALS Feels healthy Suspension a bit barge-like