1990 BMW 7 Series 730i SE review from UK and Ireland

Overhead cam was just ticking when purchased, (a known fault which got much worse), and has just been replaced at £880.

Air conditioning not working just after purchase, £180, including conversion to non-CFC refrigerant, to rectify. Bearings now gone on the compressor and hence I have removed the drive belt, so no A/C again.

Climate control has a mind of its own and requires a control valve, which might rectify the problem.

Needs shock absorbers, one brake caliper, and a new exhaust is looming.

Reliability not up to normal BMW standards - it is full service history and serviced every 10K at about £400 for non-dealer BMW specialist. The 325 is much more reliable, and at much higher mileages.

That is the only black mark: in all other respects it is superb. You can drive it 150 miles and get out wishing there was another 150 to go. It will effectively pass every idiot that would rather speed up than let you pass, when they eventually move over. 140 mph and 23 mpg, sat on leather with walnut (plastic!) trimmings, with that BMW image. Lots of detail equipment that you do not get on lesser models. And the value for money - what else is there for £2K?

Alas, the reliability and my need for more space means it has been replaced. A Honda Shuttle is not quite the same, but surprisingly close! Practical considerations ruled out the 540i Touring!