35,000-Mile 1987 BMW 735i E23 In Top Condition Will Cost You $12,000

The E23 7 Series is a significant model for classic car collectors and not just because it was the first generation of the brand’s flagship.

The E23 signaled BMW’s intention to become a fully fledged rival for Mercedes-Benz and its S-Class line of full-size luxury sedans. The first 7 Series is also important because it marked the debut of many new features for BMW, including an on-board computer, service interval indicator, warning lights, ABS, an optional driver’s airbag and a double-link front suspension.

All models featured inline six-cylinder gasoline engines, with outputs ranging from 148 HP in the 725i to 286 HP in the South Africa-only 745i. Bang in the middle of the lineup was the 735i, which in the U.S. was actually the range-topper, packing a 3.5-liter straight-six that produced less power and torque compared to the Euro version. Still, it was rated at 182 HP and 229 lb-ft (290 Nm), which was a lot back in the day.

Cars like these don’t become available that often, but this might be your lucky day because we found an immaculate example on eBay with 35,000 miles (56,327 km) on the odometer. The listing is full of praise for the car, describing it as a “unique, classic, collectible and almost impossible to find BMW E23.”

It’s an 1987 model, the last production year of the E23 generation, and the seller says it was kept in a garage and well maintained. It’s also described as being in perfect mechanical and cosmetic condition, exhibiting no noises, no warning lights, no leaks, and no signs of rust.

While that remains to be verified on site, the photos appear to confirm the description as the car looks really fresh and clean inside and out. At the time of writing, the car was listed with a “buy it now” price of $12,000, valid until November 5.

For the money, the buyer will get a historically significant car sporting timeless styling signed by Paul Bracq and packing all the bells and whistles one could have in a BMW at the time.