1989 BMW 735i Special Equipment

Since the launch of the first 7 Series in 1977, BMW has set the benchmark for ultra luxurious, high performance and comfortable luxury saloon cars, creating a unique car capable of transporting its fortunate passengers in supreme comfort at great pace thanks to exceptional performance and engineering, yet in spite of its size the Bavarian manufacturer managed to retain the essence of every BMW by being a superb drivers car

The second generation of 7 Series (E32) launched in 1986 was a hugely advanced and dynamic machine with exceptional styling thanks to chief stylist and automotive design ace Ercole Spada, the man responsible for some of the greatest automotive designs including the Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato!

The E32 offered superb performance to match its handsome looks in the form of two BMW trademark six cylinder engines of 3.0L (730i) and 3.5L (735i) capacity and was the first post war German production car to be offered with a V12 (750i).  The model was a tremendous success and production continued to 1994 before its replacement by the E38, by which time a V8 engine had introduced to the range in 3.0L (730i) and 4.0L (740i).

However the 735i is widely regarded as the best all round iteration of the E32 generation providing excellent performance, fuel consumption and reliability, the venerable M30B35 engine had been extremely well developed by BMW by this point and was arguably one the Bavarian manufacturers greatest production engines

This particular car is a desirable 735i SE (Special Equipment) model that benefitted from one family owner for the first thirty years of its life! Enjoyed, cherished and very well maintained throughout, offered today with extensive and well documented history from new including rarely seen original order form and purchase invoices!

The ‘New Vehicle Order’ form issued by supplying dealer, BMW main agent ‘Evans Halshaw (Chesham) Ltd’ on 11^th August 1988 was invoiced to original owners ‘Godden Butchers Ltd of Berkhamsted’. The company was a local and existing customer of the dealer, a well-respected and long standing family business established in the 1950s and still run by the same family today over seventy years later

Tastefully specified with their desired build specification; 735ia SE model to be finished in Malachite Green coachwork with Natural leather. The Special Equipment model already came highly specified from the factory and was substantially more expensive than the standard 735i. The original BMW price list from January 1988 (on file) shows the standard 735i model recommended retail price of £28,920 with the SE model listed considerably higher at £35,100!

Further options specified by Goddens Ltd above the ‘standard’ SE spec were memory seats, velour floor mats and road pack, bringing the total price to £36,050, with delivery scheduled for January 1989. Further additions included an in-car telephone system that remains in the car today and towbar

The butchers firm part exchanged their existing and near identical specification 1987 735ia SE (also in Malachite Green with Natural) with 29,608 miles for the ‘new’ 1989 model, which was delivered to them on 3^rd January 1989 and registered F660 PAN, the plate it still wears today.

This 735i SE was evidently loved and greatly enjoyed by the Godden family who would retain the car for the following thirty years, purchased new as a company car from 1989-2002 before Mrs Godden purchased the car from the business and kept until 2019, covering approximately 129,000 miles over three decades

The original service booklet contains nineteen service stamps from January 1989 PDi service to 124,377 miles (Oct 2007) by supplying BMW main dealer Evans Halshaw, with BMW specialist servicing thereafter, N.B the current mileage as of April 2026 is 132,900 miles.

Over the past year the E32 has benefitted from considerable recommissioning works including a new radiator, new brake discs and pads all round, pitman arms, brake pipes, gearbox service, coolant flush and new thermostat. The 735i SE will be supplied to the new owner freshly serviced by leading BMW specialists BMR Performance who will complete an inspection two service plus the fitment of new brake and fuel hoses. Interested parties should note BMR have recently inspected the car and confirm it is a very original and sound example that has been well looked after.

Supplied with comprehensive history from new with complete original book pack, original service book, three sets of keys, sundry service invoices, V5C and various MoT certificates, tax discs from 1992-2009 with original BMW tax disc holder, original BMW 735 brochures, price lists and colour options booklets, car telephone instruction book, original Blaupunkt Memphis Radio and rarely seen fully refurbished and original 15’ Metric wheels with excellent Michelin TRX tires all round

One of the most underrated BMW models of the 1980s with desirable specification and provenance, this eminently usable modern and appreciating classic represents fantastic value for money today