1992 BMW 735i

Introduction:

The 1992 BMW 735i is a luxury sedan powered by a 3.5-liter inline-6 engine mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. It produces 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The 735i is known for its comfortable ride, refined interior, and impressive performance. However, it has also been subject to various issues over the years.

Engine

3.5L Inline-6

• Timing Chain Guide Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or broken timing chain guide causing the timing chain to jump or break, resulting in severe engine damage. Rattling or clattering noises from the engine, reduced power, or no start.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking intake manifold gasket causing air leaks, rough idle, decreased performance, or check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or hesitating when shifting gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd gears.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission, torque converter, or valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Subframe Mount Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or detached rear subframe mounts causing the rear end of the vehicle to sag or shift to one side.
  • Solution: Reinforce or replace the rear subframe mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: BMW Recall 00V063000

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Failed voltage regulator or diode in the alternator, resulting in insufficient power to electrical components or a dead battery.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining prematurely due to parasitic current draw, such as from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the cause of the current draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of drain
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Failed door lock actuators or switches, causing the doors to lock or unlock intermittently or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuators or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per door
  • Recalls: BMW Recall 97V148000
• Trunk Lid Leaks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the trunk due to a faulty trunk lid seal or taillight gaskets.
  • Solution: Replace or reseal the trunk lid seal or taillight gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction:
  • Description/Symptoms: Faulty climate control module or blend door actuators, causing the HVAC system to malfunction or produce strange noises.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty climate control module or blend door actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: BMW Recall 98V242000
• Power Window Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperable power windows due to faulty window motors, switches, or wiring harnesses.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motors, switches, or wiring harnesses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per window
  • Recalls: BMW Recall 99V218000

Summary:

Overall, the 1992 BMW 735i is a well-built vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most severe and costly issues include timing chain guide failure, transmission slippage, and rear subframe mount failure. While many of the other issues are less severe and expensive to fix, they can still be inconvenient and detract from the overall driving experience. It is important to note that the actual occurrence and severity of these issues may vary depending on the individual vehicle’s maintenance history and driving conditions.