BMW, 7 Series, E23 Overview

The BMW 7-Series E23 is a full-size luxury sedan produced by German automaker BMW from 1977 to 1987. It was designed as a replacement for the E1 series and marked a significant departure from its predecessor in terms of styling, size, and technological advancements.

Design and Features:

• The E23's exterior design was penned under the direction of Claus Luthe, with the aim of creating a more spacious and luxurious interior while maintaining an aggressive yet elegant appearance.
• Key features include a longer wheelbase for improved ride comfort, increased luggage space, and advanced aerodynamics to reduce wind resistance.
• The car's interior boasted improved ergonomics, featuring enhanced legroom, a larger trunk area, and a focus on passenger comfort with amenities like adjustable lumbar support in the front seats.

Performance and Engine Options:

• Initially available with inline-six (M30B35) and V8 (M88/3) engines, later variants introduced further engine options including larger M30B36 and M88/4 variants.
• In 1982, BMW added a turbocharged version of the inline-six engine (M102T), resulting in the Turbo model.
• All E23s came equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, but an automatic three-speed unit was also offered on some trim levels.

Safety Features:

• The E23 incorporated various safety features for its time, including dual-circuit braking system (also known as ASC+T) that provided separate circuits for the front and rear brakes.
• Other notable features included reinforced door frames for improved passenger protection in case of a collision.

Trim Levels and Special Editions:

• The 7-Series E23 came in various trim levels, including the base model (1977), L6 version with a six-cylinder engine (1978), M88B with an eight-cylinder engine (1979), and others like the Turbo.
• Limited-edition models were also produced during its production run.

Notable Milestones:

• The E23 745i Turbo variant achieved notable success on European racing circuits, including a victory at the 1983 Nürburgring 24-hour race.
• In 1979, a BMW M88-powered 535i (a close relative of the E23) secured a class win in the same event.

Legacy:

• The BMW 7-Series E23 marked an important step in the development of luxury automobiles within the BMW brand, showcasing advancements in comfort, performance, and design.
• While it did not achieve the commercial success initially hoped for by BMW, the E23 played a crucial role in laying groundwork for future models like the E32 and beyond.