BMW 7 Series (E23)

BMW 7 Series (E23)
Overview
Production1977–June 1986[1]
285,029 built[2]
Assembly
DesignerPaul Bracq, Manfred Rennen
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size luxury car (F)
Body style4-door sedan/saloon
LayoutFR layout
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,795 mm (110.0 in)[4]
Length
  • 4,860 mm (191.3 in)[4]
  • 5,014 mm (197.4 in) (US spec)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)[4]
Height1,430 mm (56.3 in)[4]
Curb weight1,470–1,629 kg (3,241–3,591 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorBMW E3
SuccessorBMW 7 Series (E32)
Rear view
Check Control panel: query of operating fluids, function of the rear lights
Interior, post facelift
Pre-facelift with the first grille and earlier mirrors

The BMW E23 is the first generation of the BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1977 until 1986. It was built in a 4-door sedan body style with 6-cylinder engines, to replace the BMW 'New Six' (E3) sedans. From 1983 until 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 United States 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.[5][6] It was also the first BMW to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS),[7][8] a driver's airbag (optional, starting in April 1985[9][10]) and a new design of front suspension.[11]

  1. ^ Vijayenthiran, Viknesh (29 July 2007). "BMW 7-series turns 30". Retrieved 7 May 2020.
  2. ^ Oswald, Werner (2001). Deutsche Autos 1945–1990, Band 4 (in German) (1. ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02131-5.
  3. ^ World Cars 1980, pages 340-341
  4. ^ a b c d "Fahrbericht: BMW 728 / 730 / 733 i". Auto, Motor und Sport (in German). 11 1977: 34–42. 25 May 1977.
  5. ^ "The BMW E23 7-Series". www.autospeed.com. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  6. ^ "BMW 7 Series (E23) – 1977 – 1986". www.autoevolution.com. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  7. ^ Denton, Tom (June 2007). Automobile Electrical and Electronic Systems. p. 390. ISBN 9781136427756. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  8. ^ "History of Brakes in Motor Cars / Automobiles". www.carhistory4u.com. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  9. ^ "BMW 7 Series – A Look Back". www.topspeed.com. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  10. ^ "The first BMW 7 Series – E23". www.bmwblog.com. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  11. ^ Taylor, James (26 October 2015). BMW M5: The Complete Story. Crowood. ISBN 9781785000461. Retrieved 25 January 2017.