The BMW 735i in the second 7 Series generation (E32 and E38, built 1986–1994) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the M30B35 (211 hp, 1988–1994) and the M62B35 (235 hp, 1996–2003).
Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 735i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.
- Generation: second 7 Series, 1986–1994
- Body styles: E32 (saloon) and E38 (saloon)
- Engines: M30B35, M62B35
- Output: 211 hp and 235 hp
- Replacement engines in stock: ask the desk for the next arrival
Which engine is in your 735i?
| Engine code | Built | Power | Torque | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M30B35 | 1988–1994 | 211 hp | 305 Nm | 3.5 L petrol inline-6, naturally aspirated |
| M62B35 | 1996–2003 | 235 hp | 320 Nm | 3.5 L petrol V8, naturally aspirated |
M30B35 in the 735i
The M30B35 was used in the E32 735i, built 1988–1994. It is a 3.5 L naturally aspirated petrol inline-6 with 211 hp and 305 Nm. Compared with the M62B35 (235 hp), it is the mildest.
Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 30 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 35 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.5 litres.
M62B35 in the 735i
The M62B35 was used in the E38 735i, built 1996–2003. It is a 3.5 L naturally aspirated petrol V8 with 235 hp and 320 Nm. Compared with the M30B35 (211 hp), it is the strongest.
Reading the code: M marks an M-series code, the naming BMW used for its engine families up to the early 2000s; 62 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 35 is the capacity in decilitres, so 3.5 litres.
735i engines by model year
| Model year | Engine |
|---|---|
| 1988 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1989 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1990 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1991 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1992 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1993 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
| 1994 | M30B35 (211 hp) |
The 735i kept the same engine for the whole E32 and E38 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.
Other cars with the same engine as the 735i
A replacement engine does not have to come from another 735i. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.
M30B35: BMW E34 535i.
M62B35: BMW E39 535i.
How to confirm your engine code
Because the 735i used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.
Known 735i engine problems
M30B35 (M30 family)
The M30B35 in the 735i shares the known weak points of the M30 family. Full M30 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Head gasket and cracked heads | Do a compression test and look for bubbles in the expansion tank with the engine running. |
| Cooling system age | Check the fan clutch resistance hot and the radiator for blocked cores. |
| Rocker arm wear | Inspect the cam surface with the valve cover off. |
| Timing chain tensioner | Listen for a cold-start rattle at the front of the engine. |
| Oil pressure sender and leaks | Check for oil around the filter housing and the bellhousing. |
Head gasket and cracked heads. The large aluminium head is sensitive to overheating. Cracks between combustion chambers and failed head gaskets are the most common major fault.
Cooling system age. Radiators, viscous fan clutches and hoses age. Most M30 failures start with a cooling fault rather than inside the engine.
Rocker arm wear. Like other BMW SOHC engines, rocker pads and cam lobes wear when oil is old or the spray bar is loose.
Timing chain tensioner. The duplex chain lasts, but the tensioner piston and guide rails wear on high-mileage units.
Oil pressure sender and leaks. Sender leaks, valve cover gaskets and rear main seals seep with age.
M62B35 (M62 family)
The M62B35 in the 735i shares the known weak points of the M62 family. Full M62 guide.
| Known fault | What to check |
|---|---|
| Timing chain guides | Remove the valve covers and inspect the upper guides; replace all guides when fitting a used engine. |
| Valve stem seals | Watch the exhaust after a cold start and after a long idle. |
| Valley coolant pipe | Look for coolant at the back of the engine and pressure-test the system. |
| Water pump and thermostat | Look for coolant trails at the front of the engine. |
| VANOS (M62TU) | Read the VANOS fault memory. |
Timing chain guides. The plastic guide rails and the upper tensioner guides crack and break with age. Pieces can fall into the sump and block the oil pickup. It is the main M62 fault.
Valve stem seals. Hardened seals let oil into the cylinders. The engine puffs blue smoke on start-up and after idling.
Valley coolant pipe. The coolant pipe under the intake manifold has O-rings that leak.
Water pump and thermostat. The water pump and thermostat fail with age, and the plastic radiator necks crack.
VANOS (M62TU). VANOS solenoids and seals cause a loss of low-down torque and fault codes.
Symptoms to watch for on the 735i
Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.
Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.
Looking after the 735i engine
M30 engines
- Oil: 10W-40 or 15W-40, about 5.75 litres with filter on most versions.
- Service interval: Oil every 7,500 km; valve clearances every 15,000 to 20,000 km.
- Timing drive: Duplex timing chain at the front with a hydraulic tensioner; no service interval.
- Workshop notes: Valve clearances are set with eccentric adjusters at about 0.30 mm cold. Keep the cooling system fresh and the fan clutch healthy.
M62 engines
- Oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic, about 7.5 litres with filter.
- Service interval: Oil every 10,000 km; cooling system parts every 100,000 km.
- Timing drive: Single-row timing chains, one per bank, with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioners.
- Workshop notes: A timing guide kit, valley pipe O-rings and valve cover gaskets are the standard parts to fit with a used M62.
Buying a used engine for the 735i: checklist
- Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
- Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
- Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
- Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
- Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
- Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
- VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
- Originality and numbers. For collectible cars, the engine number and correct ancillaries add value. Photograph the stamp and keep it with the car's documents.
- Both cylinder banks. On a V engine, check compression, plugs and coils on both banks. Faults on one bank alone are common and easy to miss on a quick test.
BMW 735i replacement engine cost
We do not have a 735i engine on the shelf at the moment. Send us your VIN or the code you need and the desk will tell you when the next unit arrives and what it will cost.
On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.
Will it fit my 735i?
Engine swaps and upgrades for the 735i
These engines were fitted to other versions of the E32 and E38 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.
| Engine | Factory model | Power | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| M67D40 | E38 740d | 245 hp | +10 hp |
| M60B40 | E32 740i | 286 hp | +51 hp |
| M62B44 | E38 740i | 286 hp | +51 hp |
| M62TUB44 | E38 740i | 286 hp | +51 hp |
| M70B50 | E32 750i | 300 hp | +65 hp |
Can I fit the M67D40 in my 735i?
It is a full conversion: the M67D40 runs on diesel and the M62B35 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 10 hp and 240 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Can I fit the M60B40 in my 735i?
Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol V8 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the M60B40 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 51 hp and 80 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Can I fit the M62B44 in my 735i?
Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol V8 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the M62B44 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 51 hp and 100 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.
Fitting a replacement engine in the 735i
- Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
- Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
- Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
- Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
- First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
- First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.
The full fitting and first-start procedure.
735i engine questions
How much is a replacement M62B35 engine for a BMW E38 735i?
A used M62B35 for the BMW E38 735i costs from about 1.500 € to 2.450 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.
A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M62B35 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.
Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
Will the M62B35 engine fit my BMW E38 735i?
Yes, if your BMW E38 735i was built with the M62B35. BMW used this 3.5 liter (3,498 cc) petrol engine with 173 kW (235 HP) in the E38 735i from about 1996 to 1998.
In our records the M62B35 is the engine for the E38 735i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E38 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
How much is a replacement M62B35 engine for a BMW E38 735i?
A used M62B35 for the BMW E38 735i costs from about 1.500 € to 2.450 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.
A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The M62B35 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.
Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
How long does delivery of an M62B35 engine take?
Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.
Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.
Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
What should I replace when I fit a used M62B35 engine?
A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out. Use new gaskets for the exhaust manifold, the intake and the sump plug, and check every hose clip before the first start.
Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.
Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.
The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
Which cars use the BMW M62B35 engine?
BMW fitted the M62B35 to the BMW E39 535i and BMW E38 735i. These cars were built with this engine from about 1996 to 1998.
The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.
Other engines in the same M62 family are the M62B44 (286 HP). They look alike but differ in power, parts and electronics, so they are not always a direct swap.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
How much power and torque does the BMW M62B35 have?
From the factory the BMW M62B35 makes 173 kW (235 HP) and 345 Nm of torque. It is a 3.5 liter (3,498 cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valve petrol engine with no turbo (naturally aspirated).
Without a turbo, the power builds smoothly with the revs. A clean air intake, healthy ignition and the correct fuel are key to getting the full figure.
A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.
Every M62B35 on our site lists its year and mileage. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
Will the M62B35 engine fit my BMW E38 735i?
Yes, if your BMW E38 735i was built with the M62B35. BMW used this 3.5 liter (3,498 cc) petrol engine with 173 kW (235 HP) in the E38 735i from about 1996 to 1998.
In our records the M62B35 is the engine for the E38 735i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.
Also tell us if your E38 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.
Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
What comes with a used M62B35 engine?
Each M62B35 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.
Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.
Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.
On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.
See all M62 Engines · Search M62B35 in the shop
Delivery, warranty and payment
Every 735i engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.
Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.
A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.
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