🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

733i / 735i

Chassis Code:

E23

Model Years Covered:

1983-1985

Engine Code 733I:

M30B32 (3.2L)

Engine Code 735I:

M30B34 (3.4L)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors Era:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126), Jaguar XJ, Audi V8 (later models), Cadillac Fleetwood

Target Audience:

Discerning buyers seeking luxury, performance, and advanced engineering for its time

Value Proposition:

Combines refined driving dynamics, a spacious and luxurious interior, and robust German engineering.

📋 Manual Details

Languages:

English

Primary Coverage:

Repair, Maintenance, Servicing

Estimated Page Count:

High (Comprehensive, no specific number provided but description indicates extensive content)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Digital Format:

HTML Interface (Downloadable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (3.2L & 3.4L), Fuel System, Cooling System (Radiator), Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Gearshift Mechanism, Propeller Shaft, Axles (Front & Rear)

Chassis And Suspension:

Steering System, Wheel Alignment, Brake System, Wheel & Tire

Body And Interior:

Body, Body Equipment, Seats, Electrical System, Instruments, Lights, Heating & Air Conditioning, Radio & Special Equipment, Equipment & Accessories

Diagnostic Procedures:

Detailed troubleshooting steps for various systems

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all covered systems, including exploded views

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, component inspections

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts, including detailed written procedures, pictures, and diagrams

📊 Manual Specifications

Delivery Method:

Downloadable File

Interface Type:

HTML Interface

Printability:

Fully printable (selected pages or whole manual)

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 733I:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (M30 family)

Displacement 733I:

3.2 Liters (3210 cc)

Engine Type 735I:

Inline 6-cylinder, SOHC (M30 family)

Displacement 735I:

3.4 Liters (3430 cc)

Horsepower 733I Approx:

181 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque 733I Approx:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net)

Horsepower 735I Approx:

182 hp @ 5400 rpm (SAE Net - early models) / 211 hp @ 5400 rpm (SAE Net - later models with Bosch LE-Jetronic)

Torque 735I Approx:

219 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net - early models) / 232 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (SAE Net - later models)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch L-Jetronic or LE-Jetronic fuel injection

Ignition System:

Electronic Ignition (e.g., Bosch Motronic on later 735i models)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 733I:

4-speed Manual (Getrag 265)

Transmission Type Optional:

3-speed or 4-speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Transmission Features:

Sport/Economy modes on automatic transmission (on some models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4.91 m (193.3 in)

Width:

Approx. 1.79 m (70.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1.41 m (55.5 in)

Curb Weight Approx:

1570 - 1650 kg (3460 - 3630 lbs)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2.83 m (111.4 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Era:

Designed with early crumple zones, safety cage construction. ABS became optional/standard on later models.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated front discs

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts (front and rear)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory premium sound systems, often with cassette player and early digital tuning.

Climate Control:

Manual or automatic climate control systems available, with sophisticated (for the era) air conditioning.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on later models.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic radio and optional power features of the era.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Typical:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually (refer to manual for specific recommendation)

Spark Plug Replacement Typical:

Every 30,000 miles (varies by plug type)

Timing Belt Replacement:

N/A (M30 engines use a timing chain)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, viscosity typically 20W-50 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification based on climate)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based, BMW specified coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific ZF fluid type)

Common E23 Problems:

Cooling system leaks (hoses, radiator), fuel injection system maintenance (injectors, fuel pump), electrical system gremlins (wiring harness issues), suspension bushings wear, HVAC system components (blower motor, climate control panel), rust (wheel wells, rocker panels, sunroof drains).

Manual Usefulness For Issues:

Provides diagnostic procedures and repair steps for addressing these common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy Era:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, Engineering Excellence

E23 Generation:

First generation of BMW's flagship luxury sedan, succeeding the E3 (New Six) and establishing the '7 Series' lineage.

E23 Facelift:

The 1983-1985 models represent the later E23 series with updated styling (e.g., larger bumpers, revised grille) and technology.

Production Years E23:

1977-1986

Manufacturing Location:

Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automobile Magazine Awards Era:

Frequent appearances on '10 Best' lists and praised for luxury and performance in its class by automotive journalists of the period.

Reputation:

Regarded as a benchmark for luxury sedans and a driver's car in the luxury segment.