What do you guys think of this L7 BMW as a project

[Porsche]

Empty thread?

[VenezianBlau 87]

I started the thread just as the boards went down for upgrades, I think...lost the guts of the post.

Anyway, I've been looking for a late 80's 5- or 7 series sedan as a project. Not a basket case (to start with, anyway). So far, I've found a flogged '88 M5, a very nice '88 535i (auto), and this '86 L7. This guy doesn't answer his phone, return messages, or emails. So, if someone else gets to it, they must have some special powers.

What do you guys think of this? Or, should I stick with finding a good 5 series (e28):

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=218606590&dealer_id=59681487&search_type=both&distance=100&address=30045&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=&make2=&start_year=1983&end_year=1988&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&certified=&advanced=&default_sort=priceDESC&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=

[VaSteve]

What's an L7?

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by VaSteve

What's an L7?

I had an '86 L7, neat car. The "L" is for Luxury but it's otherwise a 735.

I can't imagine they are worth "restoring" at this point, but who knows.

[jyl]

Looked at the ad, car doesn't seem like it is a "project" or needs "restoring", seems in pretty nice shape.

I wouldn't restore one, not even close to worth it, but I'd consider a nice one for a driver. Prefer the M5 or 535 though.

[TerryBPP]

I had a 85' 735 and it was very high maintenance. The auto tranny's are horrible. Replaced mine twice. The 3.5 is bullet proof but not a strong performer stock. They do love turbos though.

You'd be better off with a 87-91 535i 5spd. Same 3.5L motor but much more reliable.

[VenezianBlau 87]

"Project" is the wrong word for me to use. I'm looking for the nicest example I can find for a driver and tinkering. I don't want to be in over my head with every possible thing wrong. Yesterday, I found a well preserved '88 535i. Also, Bentley has a service manual for the e28 (5-series through '88), but not for the e23 (7-series through '87). Looking's a big part of the fun. I'll try the L7 guy again. I was ready to pull the trigger on that one last weekend if it checked out, but no contact. I was impressed by the apparent condition of it more than anything else. Otherwise, I'd rather have an e28.

Terry, I just read your post. That's another coffin nail for the autos in the 735's. I've been concerned about that. The '88 535i I mentioned above is an auto, also. Haven't heard if it's problematic, also. The A/C doesn't work, but I've had good luck troubleshooting them in the past on other cars.

[VenezianBlau 87]

This 54k mile (e28) M5 is tempting. But, at $23k, way over what I planned to spend.

[widgeon13]

I thought the "L" was just a stretched chassis (2-3 inches) for the 7 series, pretty much the same options. I liked the 535 but would prefer a std transmission if it was me.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I would avoid the L7. The one pictured looks nice, but is overpriced even at $5k. They aren't popular, never will be, and every dime you put into it is gone. For that money you can pick up a nice E28 535is, 635, E34 535/5, E34 530/5, or E30 325. All are more popular, funner to drive cars. Don't get a slushbox BMW. Not only are they notoriously problematic, but it hurts resale, and it just isn't proper. Also, stay away from the neglected M5, it will suck you dry.

The pictured M5 would be by far the best to buy, and the funnest to drive. Though for over $20k, it had better be pretty damn nice. For $20k or less you can pick up excellent condition E28 and E34 M5s. There was just an E34 M5 on Bf.c with 80k or so on it for about $18k, and it looked mint.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by widgeon13

I thought the "L" was just a stretched chassis (2-3 inches) for the 7 series, pretty much the same options. I liked the 535 but would prefer a std transmission if it was me.

You know, that sounds more realistic. I was going on the info given me at the time by the previous owner. Hmmm

[onewhippedpuppy]

I don't know about the L7, but I know the L6 was just a cushier luxury version of the 633/635. Leather everywhere, softer suspension, etc. Kind of the BMW version of an MB SL.

[deathpunk dan]

Find an E28 535i 5 spd that is in nice shape if you want a driver oriented big old BMW. Find a nice E30 318is (M42 dohc motor) or 325i/is if you want a smaller 80s bimmer.

The M5 you found is overpriced.

For half the asking price, you could build a very nice E28 535i.

Another great car is the euro spec E24 635csi with the high compression 218hp M30. The ROW 635 weighs at least 300 lbs less than the US spec, and combined with 30-40 more hp, is a ton of fun. Plus it looks great.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Meh, I say skip the 635, go right to the M6. Now that is a sexy '80s car.

[Nostril Cheese]

Have fun with the electrics on that car. NIGHTMARE. They are dogs with the autobox. Every surface on the car is leather. That means a lot of work to keep it clean. the 3.5 is bulletproof, but it would be much nicer in a lighter car.

[VenezianBlau 87]

I think I'll focus more on an e28 535i. Too many issues with the auto transmission and electrics come up with the e23. And the complicated HVAC system. I've always like the squarish lines of the e28. I think all the criticism and recommendations are right on target. I just needed to get set straight on it so I don't end up with a nice-looking but frustrating money pit (emphasis on frustrating).

edit: It always amazes me the width and breadth (sic?) of knowledge on this board. One guy (Len) even owned an obscure L7. Additionally, I think he's right: The L7 wasn't stretched till the next generation L7. I'm guessing they were using up e23 shells since everyone knew the new ones were about to debut here (like with the '89 speedster) ;-)

[SoCal911T]

As a long time BMW guy I would agree. Stay away from the e23 and find a e24 or e28.

I picked up a nice M5 last year and will be selling my '84 533i with tons of upgrades in the next month or so.........

[VenezianBlau 87]

They're both sweet! Would you mind PM'ing me when you decide to put her up for sale? You really woke me up with that post!

[the]

The L7 is NOT a stretched chassis. It's just a regular 7 series, with some "luxury" upgrades. The biggest one being an all leather interior (leather instead of plastic dash, etc.). Leather everywhere.

"L" does sometimes denote a longer chassis on a BMW. A 750iL, for example, is a longer version of the 750i. But the L7 is not one of those instances.

[Dueller]

Compromise...get a 635 or better yet an m6. I bought a 1985 euro M6 for 10K in 97 and it was the absolutely most fun of any cfar I ever had...that is until I blew it up on a missed shift.

Here's a deal for ya $3100:






http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=218328727&dealer_id=59652691&car_year=1986&model=635CSI&num_records=&make2=&start_year=1981&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=0&marketZipError=false&search_lang=&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=39157&advanced=&end_year=2008&doors=&transmission=&max_price=&cardist=1615

Here are 3 close to you:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&distance=200&address=31903&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=635CSI&make2=&start_year=1981&end_year=2008&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceASC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&default_sort=priceASC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=