Question about EXCELLENT '86 735i

[Dan in Pasadena]

My brother-in-law is the original owner of an '86 735i, only about 50,000 + miles, light blue metallic with cream leather interior, factory chrome alloys. The car is in super excellent condition -essentilly flawless and I know I can get this car soon. Some questions:

It has original shocks and I think HD Bilsteins would make a BIG difference in its handling...other good suspension tweaks suggested? Of course this will be a street car.

I think it needs either motor mounts or trans mounts or both as the engine feels to me like it shakes a little too much on startup. Is/are these common failure points on this car?

Last, what later model BMW allow rim, probably 17" would look good, but "right" on this car. Admittedly, these big sedans aren't everyone's cup of tea, but this one is in such primo condition, I can't pass on it if it comes my way. My dream is an M6, but I will love this car if I get it. All help/ideas appreciated.

[trj911]

A street car is a must for this car. You would NEVER be able to srtip enough out of the car to make it competitive at the track. The car is almost 20 years old so if it hasn't had new motor and tranny mounts already I would be suprised and it could easily be due for another set. I had an '83 733 so I am familiar with the car you are looking at. It would make a nice daily driver. Great on the highways and long hauls. Wheels choices are almost unlimited because of the large size of the space. I like the look of the newer 7 series sport wheels. I think they are 18inch. Also I think the 17 or 18 bbs wheel would look good.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Tom,
Thanks for the response. Yes of course this would only be a street car. My interest in either Bilsteins or Koni's are to improve what seems to be to be a mushy ride for a German car. I am certain the ride would improve drammatically with these.

As to the motor mounts/trans mounts? Yeah, I am very surprised they are original, but the car has low mileage and someone must have misunderstood that doesn't mean it wouldn't need these rubber parts updated.

Where is a good source for BMW wheels? I know literally nothing about Bimmers.

[trj911]

A good source for wheels is our host. BMW Wheels If the shocks are original, you will see an improvement no matter what you replace them with. The car sounds like a good deal.