🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Code:

E23

Year:

1979

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Chassis Code:

E23

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E23 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort for its era.

Competitors:

Competed directly with other premium luxury sedans such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and American luxury offerings.

Dvp:

Emphasis on driver-centric design, advanced (for the time) technology, and sophisticated engineering.

Value:

Provides technicians and owners with the exact same, highly detailed information used by dealerships, enabling accurate maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

All models & all repairs A-Z for the 1979 BMW 7 Series (E23)

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific model/engine combination, but comprehensive (typically 500+ pages for full factory service manuals)

Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Comprehensive engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, and component repair

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic as applicable), fuel pumps, lines, injectors, and fuel tank service

Emission Control:

Emission control systems, components, and testing procedures

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure, and lubrication specifications

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and electronic ignition components

Charging System:

Alternator, voltage regulator, battery service, and charging system diagnostics

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) service, repair, and fluid specifications

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission service, repair, and specifications

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axles, and wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, and bushings

Steering:

Steering column, steering gear, power steering system, and associated components

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications

Parking Brake:

Parking brake system components and adjustment

Wheels Tires:

Wheel specifications, tire pressure, and mounting procedures

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system diagnostics, repair, and refrigerant specifications (R12 for this era)

Electrical System:

Complete electrical system diagnostics, component testing, and repair

Wiring Schematics:

Detailed and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems

Interior Trim:

Interior components, seating, dashboard, and trim panel removal/installation

Exterior Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, glass replacement, and exterior trim

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, and diagnostics

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and associated wiring

Windshield Wipers:

Wiper system operation, motor, linkage, and washer system

Seat Belts:

Seat belt systems and operation

Cruise Control:

Cruise control system operation and diagnostics

Security Immobilizer:

Engine immobilizer system (if equipped) and security features

Maintenance:

Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections

Diagnostics:

In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including troubleshooting charts and symptom analysis

Repair:

Complete step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system on the vehicle

Rebuilding:

Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials

Installation:

Instructions for installing new or replacement parts and components

Adjustments:

Procedures for making adjustments to various systems, such as engine timing, valve clearance, and parking brake

Depth:

Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete overhauls

Detail Level:

Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within the PDF, enabling quick information retrieval

Printability:

All pages are printable for workshop use

Image Scaling:

Images can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies for better visibility

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Likely includes the M30 inline-six engines (e.g., 733i, 735i variants)

Displacement Examples:

3.0L (M30B30), 3.2L (M30B32), 3.4L (M30B34)

Horsepower Examples:

Approximately 175-218 hp depending on specific engine and market configuration

Torque Examples:

Approximately 200-240 lb-ft depending on specific engine and market configuration

Injection Type:

Bosch L-Jetronic or Bosch Motronic fuel injection

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Typically a 4-speed manual transmission (Getrag) or a 3-speed automatic (ZF, later 4-speed ZF)

Optional Transmission:

Available with automatic transmission options

Auto Transmission Type:

ZF 3HP22 or 4HP22 automatic transmission (depending on specific model variant and market)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Approx:

Approx. 2,850 mm (112.2 in)

Length Approx:

Approx. 4,950 mm (194.9 in)

Width Approx:

Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)

Height Approx:

Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

Approx. 1,600 - 1,750 kg (3,527 - 3,858 lbs) depending on engine and options

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Testing:

Limited formal crash ratings available for this era, but designed with robust chassis and safety cage construction.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option or standard on later E23 models, potentially for 1979 variants.

Airbags:

Airbags were not a standard feature on 1979 models; they were introduced on later BMW models.

Seat Belts:

Standard 3-point front seat belts and lap belts for rear passengers.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player was common, often with premium speaker options. Later models might feature more integrated sound systems.

Cruise Control Type:

Mechanical or early electronic cruise control systems were available.

Connectivity Features:

Limited connectivity compared to modern vehicles. Primarily focused on basic audio and comfort controls.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for exact spec).

Tune Up Interval:

Spark plug replacement, ignition system checks typically at 20,000 - 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 often recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).

Coolant:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specific BMW coolant may be recommended.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron II or equivalent (ZF specific fluid may be specified for later transmissions).

Common Problems:

Corrosion, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), electrical system issues (wear and tear on wiring, connectors), fuel injection system maintenance, climate control system leaks, and occasional head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Built on BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and driver engagement.

E23 Introduction:

The E23 generation of the 7 Series was introduced in 1977 as the successor to the E12 5 Series based 5 Series saloon, establishing BMW's presence in the executive luxury car segment.

Predecessor:

E12 5 Series (as basis for initial 7 Series concept)

Successor:

E32 7 Series (introduced in 1986)

Production Years:

1977-1986