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By
DAVID PIKE
First introduced in Germany in 1982, the BMW 745i was described as a
3.5-litre turbocharged 7-series car with luxurious appointments. It was
powered by a six-cylinder 3430cc engine with a very efficient
turbocharger that developed 220kW and was capable of pushing the car
along at a top speed of 240km/hour.
The engine's performance was quoted by some testers as being
sensational. Most acknowledged that it was completely free of the
dreaded turbo-lag and were amazed at how it urged a big, heavy car
to seemingly impossible speeds.
In other markets the normally aspirated 735 model was offered
as the marque's performance and price leader. Without the
turbocharger the engine in this model developed 163kW giving a top
speed of 216km/hour. This was not to suggest that the 735i was
only a poor relation of the 745i because although it was slightly
slower than the 745i it still gave extremely acceptable
performance and had the same luxurious appointments.
A worthwhile benefit was the reduced insurance costs which
applied in many markets.
The 745i was a match for anything else which might have
appeared on Germany's high speed autobahns. Its ABS braking system
with discs on all four wheels was acknowledged as one of the best
and enabled any driver to handle slippery conditions common to the
icy European winter roads with a distinct feeling of safety. This
feature coupled with its excellent steering stressed the overall
excellent nature of the car.
Inside the 745i was extremely well appointed and offered a very
comfortable ride. There are many motoring enthusiasts who place
BMW second to the cars offered by Mercedes Benz, but it must be
said that they may be different and have different appeals, but
they are certainly not inferior which makes them a favourite
alternative.
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