BMW 7 Series (E23)
| BMW 7-Series (E23) | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Production | 1977–1987 285,029 built |
| Designer |
Paul Bracq Manfred Rennen (1974) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan/saloon |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5 - 3.2 L M30 6-cyl 3.5 L M90 6-cyl 3.5 L M88/3 6-cyl 3.2 L M102 6-cyl turbo 3.4 L M106 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,795 mm (110.0 in) |
| Length | 4,860 mm (191.3 in) 5,014 mm (197 in) (US bumpers) |
| Width | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
| Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,470–1,629 kg (3,241–3,591 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | BMW E3 |
| Successor | BMW E32 |
The BMW E23 is the first generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars, and was produced from 1977 to 1987. It was built in a 4-door sedan body style with 6-cylinder engines, to replacing the BMW E3 sedans. From 1983 to 1986, a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine was available.
In 1986, the E23 was replaced by the E32 7 Series, however the E23 models (called L7) remained on sale in the USA until 1987.
The E23 introduced many electronic features for the first time in a BMW, including an on-board computer, service interval indicator, a "check control panel" (warning lights to indicate system faults to the driver), a dictaphone and complex climate control systems. It was also the first BMW to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver's airbag and a new design of front suspension.
All models were powered by a straight-six petrol engine, with the majority of cars using the M30 engine. Most E23 engines were fuel-injected, however the 728 and 730 models of 1978-1979 used a Solex four-barrel carburetor. The fuel-injected models initially used the Bosch L-Jectronic system, until the 1979 732i, which was the first BMW to use the Bosch Motronic fuel-injection system.
Options included leather upholstery, wood trim, power seats, seat heaters, reclining rear seats, power windows, power mirrors, an in-car cellular telephone and rear-armrest radio controls.
The 1983 model year facelift (produced from September 1982) included styling changes to the front of the car: the 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumper bars, etc. Inside the car, the dashboard and instrument panels were also updated. The rear suspension was updated and the 735i engine changed from the M90 to the M30B34.
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