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BMW 7 Series E23 735i (217 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
BMW 7 Series:
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan manufactured and marketed by the German automaker BMW since 1977. It is the successor to the BMW E3 "New Six" sedan and is now in its seventh generation.
The 7 Series is BMW's flagship car and is only available in a sedan bodystyle. It traditionally introduces technologies and exterior design themes before other models in BMW's lineup.
The first generation of the 7 Series was powered by straight-6 petrol engines, and following generations have been powered by inline-4, straight-6, V8 and V12 engines with both natural aspiration and turbocharging. Since 1995, diesel engines have been optional in the 7 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
E23 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E23). With 305 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1540 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.8 s). The top speed reaches 206 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
735i (217 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong, smooth power delivery, though the automatic transmission can feel a bit sluggish compared to the manual. Excellent for highway cruising and effortless overtaking.
Fuel Economy
Typical for a large 6-cylinder of its time, expect high fuel consumption, especially in urban settings. Best suited for those prioritizing power over efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Classic BMW styling and road presence
- • Smooth and powerful inline-six engines (M30)
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior for its era
- • Engaging driving dynamics for a large sedan
- • Good build quality and durability
- • Iconic status as the first 7 Series
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption by modern standards
- • Aging electronics can be problematic
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
- • Parts availability for some specific components can be challenging
- • Maintenance costs can be significant
- • Lack of modern safety features
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E23: 1979 - 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E23 |
| Modification (Engine): | 735i (217 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1982 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 217 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 63.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 305 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M30B34 More details about the engine M30B34 |
| Engine displacement: | 3430 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.8 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 86 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 206 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5 kg/Nm, 198.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1540 |
| Max. weight: | 2000 |
| Max load: | 460 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4860 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1800 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2795 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1502 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1524 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Tires size | 205/70 HR14; 220/55 HR390 TRX |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5 J x 14; 165 T 390 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
Does the BMW 7 Series live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!