The E23 was BMW's replacement for the E3 2500-3.3Li. The E23 was introduced in May 1977 and remained in production until the E32 seven series ten years later.

BMW 7 Series, 1977
Click for a larger image

The first cars were the 728, 730 and the 733i with the advanced Bosch fuel injection. The 732i was sold from 1980-83 and was replaced by the 735i. The 728 and 730 were discontinued in 1979 and replaced for three years by the 728i.

In spring 1980, the E23 added power locks, electric windows and tinted glass. The 735i gained a headlamp washer and wiper. In 1981, the five speed manual gearbox replaced the four speed unit as standard. The BMW service indicator board first appeared on this model, and ABS was available as an option. In 1982 the four speed overdrive automatic gearbox was introduced as an option and there was a new front spoiler.

All E23s were based on the M30 "big six" engine. All were 12 valve units except the South African version of the 735i. The 728 and 730 were the only non fuel-injection engine models. ABS was an option on early cars, not standard equipment. Early cars only had a 4 speed manual gearbox or a three speed automatic. Later versions had a 4 speed automatic with overdrive. The L7 was a luxury version available only in the US with an automatic transmission. This car had a leather head lining, leather door skins, leather dashboard, etc.

The South African 745i had a 277 hp engine taken from the M1 super car. The 745i was never officially imported to the USA.

BMW World 7 Series Forum.

BMW E23 Club, Offiziell von BMW Mobile Tradition, BMW Club Europa und BMW Typenclub International anerkannt.

E23 Power site from Germany has a forum, photos, specs and more.

E23 Dream Car in German. Features model history, technical data for the 728i, 733i and 745i, a large picture gallery and more.

Voila! BMW 728iA E23 site in French and English has exterior and interior pictures of the car, technical data and links.

BMW-Power (E 23 section) about the first seven series made by BMW, manufactured between 1977 and 1986, also known as the E23. Lots of facts and features, including:

• Gallery of owner's cars
• E23's in the Movies
• Model history
• Technical data for the 735i Swedish model

BMW E23 Forum in German. E23 Forum in English from bimmer.org.

BMW 733i, BMW 735i and BMW L7 recall and repair information for USA E23's.

My BMW Story is a nice essay about BMW collecting, including some adventures with an E23.

BMW 7er/E23 Gallery

BMW E23 pictures from Russia includes several Alpina models.

E23 Wheel Info from Hartge.

Spoiler Kit pictures of BMW E23's, with spoilers.

K-Mac bolt on camber/caster kit for BMW E23.

Koni Shocks for BMW 733i and 735i from the Classic Garage.

BMW E23 in Lithuanian has info and specifications.