1989 735i needs a little TLC, low miles, any suggestions?

[maxexec]

Recently I found a 735i that I absolutely fell in love with. It has 47k original miles. I bought it from the owner's son who kept it stored, at the family business for the past couple of years. Hasn't even been driven probably in the past two years at least. Story goes, it was his fathers who passed away and he just did not want any part of it, but they are expanding and need the space it took up. The radio needs replaced and the plate on the shift lever has come up missing (meaning you dont know if its in park, reverse, or drive). These are just little things that I would like to take care of before I let my fiance start driving it. Mechanically, its a 47,000 mile car, cosmetically, aside from the normal tough dry leather and what was mentioned above, its spotless. Any suggestions on how i came come acroos the above mentioned plate and radio? I would like to keep it all factory/stock if possible. Also, what about the onboard information center, chances of finding one to replace it possible as well? would love some help on these....thanks.

[maxexec]

Thanks for the 411. This is the second BMW 7 series that I have had, I did have a 750 when I was 19, but my father took care of the maintenance at that time. Older, wiser, and business owner myself, I wanted to do this without spending as much as I did with the first. Particularly since I got a wedding, honeymoon, and ring I gotta pay for. Any how, I am having the leather replaced altogether, cost is about $1,500....i feel that it is well worth it though considering the condition of this car. This was dealer cost to me as well, so that helps. As for finding some junked 7 series, around here, thats next to impossible. I am in Arkansas, its Chevy's and Fords. HAHAHA.....not to dog my home state, love everything about it, but not many around here care for dealing with these types of cars. Last but not least, do you or anyone reading this thread no of how I may be able to get a list of BMW mechanics aside from the dealer? I have great jag, volvo, and porsche mechanics here, but none want to fool with this 7 series. I wonder why...hehehe, just kidding. Anywho, thanks again for the information, any more would be great.

[maxexec]

Thank you for the info. I have been involved in the car business all my life. My father and I have dealt with these types of cars. However, that was ten years ago and some of my contacts (i.e. BMW mechanics) have either gone back to work at the local dealer, or retired. The two SeVilles I have just happen to be flukes....the '83 model came out of Fresno, California and is a one owner with only 80,000 miles. The 93, which i just sold, was somewhat of a show piece, I loved it for the fact it still had the 4.9 liter V-8. Cadillacs would seem like a great comfortable ride for long trips, but what I have learned in teh past is those soft cushion seats sometimes lead to back aches if you are in the car for two or more hours. Many importers such as Volvo, Toyota, etc, have done extensive research on this and that is why their seats always seem a little more firm and uncomfortable at first. But after my trip to Bristol, TN in my Volvo that I had, and to Georgia in a Toyota Sienna Van.....I prefer that firm seating and no back ache. LOL. Other thing I have always noticed is that dad gum Northstar. Its like throwing dice, never know what you are gonna roll. If you are looking a Cadillac which has a northstar engine, it will be well worth paying the local dealer hourly mechanic's wages to inspect the vehicle, thank god GM mechanics are a little more reasonable. Replacing a Northstar will run from $3,500 on up to $9,000 depending on where you go. Just a little FYI. Keep in touch, seems like we both have a lot of information that could help one another out.

[maxexec]

Funny you mentioned the Oldsmobiles. My father was an Oldsmobile, Toyota, and GMC dealer in Russellville, AR for over 20 years. I was born in the business, never could get away from it, lord knows I have tried a time or two. I will definitely keep that in mind though. Sometimes I have these individuals that do want information like that. Not that the MSRP then is going to help them with what the price of the vehicle is now. As for Cadillacs going cheap...you are absolutely right. I carry many Cadillacs and Lincolns on my lot because they are a small investment for me and I am able to sell them, finance them on my own, and make a small profit. I have done very well with them. It is truly amazing how much money is lost once they hit the curb from being new to used.