Lot details
Registration No: F899WAD
Chassis No: WBAGA820600413455
Mot Expiry: June 2012

Of all the models produced in the 1960s by the Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), it was their large Saloon - the `New Six' (codenamed E3) - that did the most to dispel the stigma of their days as a bubble car manufacturer, and set them en route to the global automotive force they are today. The New Six would always be a tough act to follow but, launched in 1977, the first of the 7 Series ranges (codenamed E23) did so with aplomb. Large, hi-tech luxury Saloons and Limousines, they were immediately endowed with flagship status - a position retained by their successors to this day. They were powered by versions of BMW's silky smooth M30 straight-six engine, varying in capacity from 2.5 to 3.5-litres. Some of the other mechanical components were also carried over from the E3, including the general suspension layout - independent by MacPherson Strut and coil springs at the front and by semi trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. Steering was by recirculating ball and braking by discs all round. The E23 evolved into the more rounded E32 of 1986. Again the M30 SOHC straight-six engines were in evidence (3.0 and 3.4-litres capacity) but now supported by two V8s and even a V12 option. The entry model was the six cylinder 730i that was available from 1986 to 1994 and boasted some 185bhp and 190lbft of torque - sufficient output to propel this sizeable luxury Saloon to 62 mph in 9.3 seconds.

The right-hand drive 730i on sale is a 1989 example with four-speed automatic transmission. It has White coachwork complemented by Blue interior trim. The vendor informs us that `F899 WAD' has had just one owner since 1991 and he considers the bodywork to be "immaculate", the paintwork and trim to be "unmarked", and the engine and transmission to be "excellent". Now believed to have covered 111,000 miles from new, the big BMW is being sold complete with full main dealer service history (23 stamps), all previous MOTs and one valid into July 2012. At current values, these hi-tech luxury saloons represent extraordinary value for money and, correctly and regularly maintained, will run and run.