🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

7 Series

Model Variants Covered:

728, 728i, 730, 732i, 733i, 735i, 745i

Chassis Code:

E23

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Sedan

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116/W126), Jaguar XJ, Cadillac Eldorado

Design Philosophy:

BMW's focus on driver engagement, performance, and refined luxury.

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking a powerful, comfortable, and technologically advanced luxury automobile.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

Delivery Method:

Downloadable (Digital Delivery)

File Format Implied:

PDF (requires Adobe Reader)

Type:

Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants (M30 inline-six, including carbureted and fuel-injected versions)

Transmission:

All transmission types (Manual and Automatic)

Electrical System:

Full coverage including wiring diagrams, diagnostics, and component testing

Chassis And Suspension:

Detailed procedures for all suspension and steering components

Braking System:

Comprehensive coverage of front and rear braking systems, including ABS (where equipped)

Fuel System:

Carburetor and fuel injection system diagnosis and repair

Cooling System:

Radiator, fan, thermostat, and coolant system maintenance and repair

Exhaust System:

Catalytic converters, mufflers, and exhaust manifold repair and replacement

Bodywork And Trim:

Exterior and interior panel removal, repair, and alignment

HVAC System:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics and repair

Interior Systems:

Seat adjustments, door mechanisms, dashboard components, and upholstery

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, tune-ups, and inspections

Engine Repair:

Engine overhaul, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), gasket replacement

Transmission Repair:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, torque converter service

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting electrical faults, testing components, wiring repairs

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, brake line repair, ABS diagnostics

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber/strut replacement, ball joint/tie rod end replacement, power steering system service

Fuel System Repair:

Carburetor adjustment/rebuild, fuel injector cleaning/replacement, fuel pump testing/replacement, fuel pressure regulation

Cooling System Repair:

Water pump replacement, radiator repair/replacement, hose replacement, thermostat replacement

Body Panel Repair:

Door alignment, panel replacement, rust repair, bumper repair/replacement

HVAC Repair:

Blower motor replacement, evaporator/condenser service, refrigerant charging, control panel repair

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)

📊 Manual Specifications

Required Software:

Adobe Reader (Free)

Printability:

Fully printable (individual pages or chapters)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMW M30 Straight-6 (Slant-6)

728I/730:

Approx. 170-184 hp (SAE Gross)

732I/733I:

Approx. 184-197 hp (SAE Gross)

735I:

Approx. 182-211 hp (SAE Gross)

745I:

Approx. 214-252 hp (SAE Gross)

Injection Types:

Bosch L-Jetronic, LE-Jetronic, Motronic (fuel injection) and Solex/Zenith carburetors (on early 728/730 models)

Engine Code Examples:

M30B28, M30B30, M30B32, M30B33, M30B34, M30B35

2.8L:

2784 cc

3.0L:

2986 cc

3.2L:

3210 cc

3.3L:

3295 cc

3.5L:

3430 cc

4.5L:

4470 cc (745i)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual (standard on some models)

Type:

3-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 3HP22) or 4-speed automatic (e.g., ZF 4HP22) (optional on most models)

Automatic Features:

Lock-up torque converter (on later models for improved efficiency)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Mm:

2865 mm (approx.)

Length Mm:

4855 mm (approx.)

Width Mm:

1798 mm (approx.)

Height Mm:

1400 mm (approx.)

Curb Weight Kg:

1550 - 1750 kg (depending on model and equipment)

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited formal crash test data available from this era compared to modern standards, but designed with advanced safety features for its time.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional or standard on later models.

Airbags:

Driver airbag (optional or standard on later models, not universally present across all E23s).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts

Construction:

Reinforced chassis and safety cage construction

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional premium sound systems.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional on most models.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control (optional or standard on higher trims).

Features:

Limited by modern standards; primary connectivity involved diagnostic ports for early electronic systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 20,000 - 30,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Coolant:

Flush and replace every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 20W-50 or 15W-40 recommended, 5.5 - 7.5 quarts (depending on engine).

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Dexron III (or equivalent)

Coolant:

BMW Blue (Glysantin G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol coolant, 50/50 mix with distilled water.

Engine Management:

Age-related degradation of fuel injection components (e.g., AFM sensors, fuel distributors on early models), vacuum leaks.

Electrical:

Corrosion in electrical connectors, failing dashboard warning lights, issues with power windows and central locking.

Suspension:

Wear in bushings, control arms, and ball joints, leading to imprecise handling.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant reservoir cracks, hose deterioration, and water pump seal leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand History:

BMW, known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, established itself as a premier manufacturer of performance-oriented luxury vehicles.

E23 Development:

The E23 was BMW's first foray into the full-size luxury sedan market, designed to compete with established European and American luxury brands. It succeeded the smaller E12 5 Series in prestige and size.

Updates:

Received facelifts and updates throughout its production, including aerodynamic improvements, interior enhancements, and powertrain evolutions (e.g., introduction of Motronic fuel injection, larger displacement engines like the 745i).

Production Years:

1977 - 1986

Manufacturing Plant:

Dingolfing, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Design Awards:

While specific awards for the E23 are not widely publicized, its design was critically acclaimed for its elegant, timeless aesthetic and aerodynamic efficiency.

Consumer Reports Early:

Highly regarded for its performance and build quality in period reviews.