BMW 735i
Compact V8 with Alusil bore coating. Prone to timing chain elongation and Nikasil wear, but long-lived with good care.
V8 Gentleman
3.5-litre V8 — less muscle, but dignified character.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The plastic guide rails on the M62B35 become brittle over time and can break. Fragments enter the oil sump and block the oil pick-up strainer. In the worst case the timing chain jumps.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, clattering from the timing chain area, engine warning light with VANOS fault message
The gasket under the intake manifold in the valley between the cylinder banks becomes porous. Oil and coolant can mix. Repair requires complete removal of the intake manifold.
Symptoms: Oil traces between the cylinder banks, coolant loss, milky oil filler cap in advanced cases
The plastic guide and V-deflector rails on the M62B35 typically break from 180,000 km. The timing chain then hangs loose, jumps teeth, or knocks against the chain housing.
Symptoms: Rattling or whining on cold start, whistling similar to a failing alternator, engine warning light
From the facelift with VANOS system: the O-rings in the VANOS harden and shrink. Pressure loss leads to inaccurate camshaft phasing and power loss.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power loss especially in the lower rev range, increased fuel consumption.
The M62B35 features a continuously variable intake VANOS. The timing chain tensioner, solenoid valves, and VANOS system seals wear over time.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, rough idle, VANOS fault code, power loss at low to mid rpm
Both cam cover gaskets on the V8 become porous and leak. Oil drips onto hot exhaust components and produces smoke. A typical maintenance item at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Oil smoke from the engine bay when hot, oil smell inside the cabin through the ventilation, oil spots under the vehicle.
The M62B35 V8 has two cam covers; both gaskets wear with age and heat cycling. Oil runs down the heads and can land on hot exhaust components.
Symptoms: Oil traces on both sides of the engine, oil smell after driving, visible oil carbon at the cam cover edges
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Sills and wheel arches rust heavily, especially on older examples. Fuel tank tray and brake lines under the floor are also at risk.
The plastic upper coolant hose fitting on the radiator breaks due to material fatigue at high operating temperatures.
Early production vehicles (1994–1996) have a manufacturing defect: cables in the front right wing chafe against the body. BMW marked repaired vehicles with a red dot.
Rear trailing arm bushings wear out. BMW only sells the complete arm. Polybushings as an alternative.
The crankcase ventilation membrane becomes porous and leads to heavy oil consumption. V8 engines M60/M62 affected.
Electric auxiliary water pump for the heater fails — insufficient heat at low revs.
Handbrake fails MOT at above-average rates per TÜV report. Brake discs show heavy wear from 7 years.
Reports & Tests
64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1994–2001). Most reported: Engine & Cooling (15), Electrical (10), Airbags (8).