The BMW 7-Series E23 728 was a luxury sedan produced from 1977 to 1979. It was the first generation of the 7-Series and marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the E3. The E23 was designed by Paul Bracq and featured a distinctive front grille, wrap-around bumpers, and a sloping roofline.
Engine Options:
The 728 model was powered by a single engine option:
- M30B25: A 2.5-liter inline-six cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower at 5,500 rpm.
- The engine featured a single overhead camshaft and six individual throttle butterflies for improved airflow and performance.
- It had a compression ratio of 9.4:1 and a maximum torque output of 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm.
Transmission Options:
The 728 was available with the following transmission options:
- Getrag 253 4-speed manual transmission
- ZF 3-Gear automatic transmission
Interior Features:
The E23 interior featured premium materials and modern amenities for its time. The standard features included:
- Leather-trimmed dashboard and door panels
- Cloth or leather upholstery
- Power steering
- AM/FM radio with a cassette player
- Central locking system
- Electric windows (optional)
- Sunroof (optional)
Exterior Features:
The E23 had the following exterior features:
- Wrap-around bumpers front and rear
- Distinctive kidney grille design
- Optional sunroof
- Chrome wheel covers or alloy wheels
Performance Capabilities:
The M30B25 engine provided the 728 with respectable performance capabilities for its time, considering it was a large luxury sedan. The top speed was electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph), but some sources suggest that a few enthusiasts managed to reach speeds of up to 195 km/h (121 mph) on the Autobahn.
Safety Features:
The E23 featured a number of safety features, including:
- Dual circuit braking system with ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear
- Front seat belts with inertia reels for driver and passenger
- Rear seat belts (optional)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was not available on this generation
Dimensions:
The E23 had the following dimensions:
- Length: 4,945 mm (195 in)
- Width: 1,775 mm (70 in)
- Height: 1,430 mm (56 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,785 mm (109.8 in)
Weight:
The curb weight of the E23 was approximately 1,645 kg (3,625 lbs).
Production Numbers:
Approximately 13,500 units of the BMW 728 were produced between 1977 and 1979.
