2000 BMW 735i

‘X735 PDN’ is a 2000 BMW 735i that’s finished in Teal Green with a cream hide interior.

With 124,000 miles on the clock, we understand the engine was overhauled four years ago, and the seller tells us it’s covered no more than 250 miles since then, which means it’s barely run in.

The Teal Green coachwork presents well as you walk up to it, and while some issues present themselves on closer inspection, big-ticket items like shutlines, panel alignment, and stance are all solid.

One of our favourite heuristics is working warning and puddle door lights, and as all eight illuminate as they should, that’s another point in its favour.

Sytner BMW numberplates front and rear are reassuring, as is the condition of the 18-inch alloy wheels, which is very good; with no scuffs, scrapes, or other kerbing damage, only a few areas of flaking lacquer spoil their handsome looks.

The tyres are 255/45R18 Dunlop SP Sport from 2015 on the rear axle, with 235/50R18 Dunlop SP Sport from 2008 and 2010 on the front. All, therefore, are old and some have perished, so you will need to budget to replace all four.

Nonetheless, someone paid good money to have matching boots on it not too long ago, which bodes well. Experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

Small front mudflaps protect the BMW’s sills, while larger rear mudflaps protect other road users from flying road debris.

As for flaws, our man has identified the following: Noticeable corrosion bubbles to all four wheelarches, the boot lid, the rear bumper, both sills, above the offside rear door, and the base of the driver’s door, with the latter also being slightly damaged.

There is also corrosion to the door mirror arms and some window trims, the front and rear badges are discoloured, one of the nearside headlamp washers is missing, the front bumper plastics have faded, the edges of the doors are chipped, the lacquer is peeling away from the offside rear wing and the offside headlamp trim, both mirror glasses will need to be replaced, the fuel filler flap has a dent, the windscreen has delaminated, and the rear bumper is chipped.

As for the lighting, the nearside headlamp is cloudy, both rear lamp clusters have faded and cracked, and the rear indicator bulbs are different colours. There is a warning message on the dashboard for the numberplate light too.

The paintwork has also been refreshed in places and neither the sunroof nor the parking sensors work.

The elegant leather interior has fared well, remaining comfortable and a credit to the folk that designed and installed it.

The front seats are a real highlight, but then this is a luxury car that crushed B-roads with the same nonchalance it did the autobahn. They are, therefore, as supportive as they are comfortable, blending luxury and sportiness better than most of its contemporaries, and even feature adjustable under-thigh support, which will come as a revelation to anyone over six feet in height.

The outer lower bolster of the driver’s seat has relaxed a little, as has the hide covering its seat base and that of the nearside rear. However, the rest are still impressively firm and there’s next-to-no colour loss or even heavy creasing. The rear seat also offers true three-abreast seating, with three-point seatbelts for all. 

The front armrest is in great shape too, and the lid has the factory mobile phone cradle fitted, which is a great talking point and would make an ideal project for someone with the skills to blend modern phone internals with an Old School Nokia. #justsaying

As befits its top-of-the-range status, there is plenty of beautifully finished burl walnut veneer, all of which is free of chips, cracks, and peeling varnish. 

The door cards are in great shape too, and the green carpets have shrugged off the passage of a quarter-of-a-century with the same indifference as the seats. 

The dark headlining is free of damage and largely taut, with only the rear section starting to ease itself away. 

The air-conditioning blows nice and cold, and the entertainment centre in the dashboard even includes an (untested) TV.

The boot is decently clean and well-trimmed, and lifting the full-size spare alloy wheel and Bridgestone tyre out shows only light rust to the wheel well.

Flaws inside include a slight scratch to the leather covering the centre rear console, two missing buttons from the seat memory control, some parts of the small dashboard display have failed, and the rear armrest is stuck in the forward position.

The paperwork in the history file shows the following services:

• March 2016 – parts from German Car Specialists to a value of £613
• August – September 2016 – parts from Sytner Solihull to a value of £2,167
• September 2016 – parts from Euro Car Parts to a value of £377

There are invoices for earlier work on file too, including a main dealer service in 2005. Sadly, there is no invoice for the engine work the seller tells us was carried out four years and 250 miles ago.

As you can see, the V8 engine starts readily, idles solidly, and revs freely. It’s also a smooth and quiet engine. 

The engine bay is impressively clean, with solid and well-painted suspension turrets and an overall air of having been treated well.

Moving underneath, the MoT in May 2025 lists advisories for underbody corrosion throughout.

The BMW’s MoT is valid until May 2026, and the V5 registration document shows just three former keepers. 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with three keys, the BMW wallet and book pack, and the invoices we reference above. 

With a guide price of between £8,000 and £12,000, we think this BMW 735i offers an awful lot of real estate for the money.

Yes, it needs a few bits and bobs doing but we think most of the basics are there, and while it’s a shame there’s no paperwork for the engine rebuild, if you’re willing to take a punt on that being true, that’s another huge point in its favour.

And to tempt you further, the seller is happy to offer it with no reserve, so it’ll be going to a new home from the very first bid!

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.