Basic information and history

The BMW 7 Series E32 was launched as the brand’s large luxury sedan with an emphasis on long-distance comfort, stable road manners and proven engineering. The 730iA pairs the classic M30 straight-six with a four-speed automatic, delivering a silky drivetrain and the characteristic BMW feel. Model year 1988 belongs to the early examples of the E32 and is appreciated by enthusiasts for its robust mechanicals and clean design.

This example is a 1988 BMW 730iA in silver metallic, equipped, among other things, with a sunroof and alloy wheels. The car was purchased in London in 1988 by the current seller’s father and was brought to Sweden as part of a household move on 1993-11-15. Reportedly it was originally delivered new in Germany and accompanied its first owner to the United Kingdom before being sold on, and is therefore left-hand drive. The car has been in the same family ownership since 1988 and has been garage-kept. Odometer reading approx. 210,000 km. See the Interior section under Condition for more information.

The front, hood and front fenders were repainted in 1992; the reason is unknown but documented. Otherwise the car is described as well cared for, with a diligently applied polish-and-detail routine over many years. The original BMW Bavaria radio remains.

Equipment and options

• Sunroof
• Silver metallic paint
• Alloy wheels
• Cloth interior
• BMW Bavaria radio and power antenna
• Left-hand drive (LHD)
• Automatic transmission (iA)

Possible modifications and measures: Front, hood and front fenders repainted in 1992. Major transmission repair carried out in 1991 with receipt. Otherwise the car appears original.

Condition

Body and exterior: Paint is said to be very good, with the exception of a number of stone chips on the hood and a few small door dings that have been touched up with a paint pen. Front, hood and fenders were repainted in 1992. The glass has one larger stone chip in the windshield and a few smaller ones. In the lower corners of the windshield there is a visible change in the glass, roughly 10 x 10 cm in both corners. Headlamp lenses are described as somewhat cloudy; other trim, badges and chrome give a good overall impression.

Interior: The cloth seat upholstery is in good condition. The fabric door panels are coming loose in places. The headliner shows slight sagging of the fabric and the insulation is dried out, but there are no holes or discolorations. Steering wheel, controls and switches are described as intact and nice. The glovebox latch is broken, but the lid can be opened and closed. The odometer reading cannot be seen because the display is defective. At inspection in 2023 the car had 207,520 km. At a battery change in 2024, 208,000 km was noted. At the most recent inspection on 2024-11-29 no mileage was recorded. According to the seller, the car has probably covered approx. 210,000 km.

Tires and wheels: Continental tires from 2014, around 20,000 kilometers driven since. Tread depth estimated at 3 to 4 mm. The wheels have no real damage but show some cosmetic wear in the silver finish after many washes. Also included are older winter tires on steel wheels with plastic wheel covers.

Mechanicals and functions: The engine starts easily and runs smoothly, according to the seller. Oil changes have been carried out regularly over the years. The transmission shifts smoothly and underwent a major repair in 1991; receipt available. The brakes reportedly work as they should. The instrument cluster electronics have faults: the speedometer works but the other gauges show nothing. No warning lights are illuminated. The original BMW Bavaria radio raises the antenna but finds no stations. The car requires a maintenance charger or the battery to be disconnected if it is not driven daily.

Service history

Service book and receipts have been kept from 1988 onward, corroborating maintenance and work over time. Oil changes have been carried out continuously, although not strictly by the factory schedule. The most recent oil change was done in 2022. The transmission underwent a major repair in 1991 with documentation. Repainting of the front, hood and fenders was done in 1992. According to the seller, the car has been garage-stored and carefully looked after within the same family since 1988.

Summary

An early E32 730iA with family ownership history since 1988, imported to Sweden as part of a household move in 1993. Silver metallic with sunroof, left-hand drive, cloth interior and original radio. The paint presents well overall with known touch-ups; the interior is well preserved with some age-related items, and the drivetrain is described as smooth and easygoing with a documented transmission overhaul. The instrument cluster electronics and the radio need attention, and the windshield has both stone chips and a visible change in the lower corners. For those who appreciate the E32 generation’s analog experience and the character of the M30 straight-six, this example offers a pleasant base with clear history and much originality, now offered for sale on Bidders Highway.