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BMW 7 Series E23, facelift 1983 735i (218 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, facelift 1983 Overview:
BMW 7 Series (E23, facelift 1983). With 310 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1520 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 9.4 s). The top speed reaches 211 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 (218 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong performance, though the automatic transmission adds a slight delay to acceleration compared to the manual counterpart.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel consumption for its power, slightly better than the manual 735i due to potentially different gearing or tuning.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth and powerful inline-six engines
- • Excellent ride comfort and refined interior for its time
- • Classic, elegant styling with a strong road presence
- • Good handling dynamics for a large luxury sedan
- • High build quality and durability
Cons:
- • Fuel consumption can be high, especially on larger engines
- • Maintenance costs can be significant for a classic luxury car
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated compared to modern units
- • Rear drum brakes on some trims are less effective than discs
- • Lack of modern safety features (expected for the era)
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E23: 1982 - 1983).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 7 Series |
| Generation: | E23, facelift 1983 |
| Modification (Engine): | 735i (218 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1983 |
| End of production: | 1986 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 63.6 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 310 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M30B34 [Same engine] 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.75 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: | 16 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 211 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7 kg/Hp, 143.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.9 kg/Nm, 203.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1520 |
| Max. weight: | 2010 |
| Max load: | 490 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| 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 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Tires size | 205/70 VR 14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
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