Background
BMW 733i (E23) was the original flagship of the first-generation BMW 7 Series and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s luxury saloon history in 1977. The E23 succeeded the earlier E3 model family and established the 7 Series as BMW’s new flagship range. The original line-up consisted of the 728, 730 and 733i, with the latter offering the highest performance and most extensive standard equipment.
Designed under Paul Bracq
The design of the first BMW 7 Series was influenced by the company’s chief designer at the time, Paul Bracq. Its appearance followed the design language established by the 6 Series Coupé introduced in 1976, featuring a long bonnet, low beltline and distinctive front end. Compared with the E3, the new luxury saloon offered increased interior space and larger glass areas for improved visibility. Beneath its elegant exterior was a thoroughly updated body and chassis structure.
3.2-litre fuel-injected straight-six
The BMW 733i was powered by a 3,210 cm³ M30 straight-six engine, producing 197 hp at 5,500 rpm. Unlike the original 728 and 730, which featured carburettor engines, the 733i was equipped with Bosch L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection. The engine also featured a contactless transistorised ignition system. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox or an optional three-speed automatic transmission.
Luxury and advanced electronics
The BMW 733i combined sporting driving characteristics with an impressive level of luxury equipment for its time. Standard features included central locking, heat-insulating glass and a leather-covered steering wheel. The first 7 Series also introduced electronic Check Control, which monitored fluid levels, exterior lighting and brake pad condition. From 1978, customers could also order the 7 Series with an anti-lock braking system.
205 km/h
The BMW 733i reached a top speed of 205 km/h, while the four-speed manual version accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 8.9 seconds. Redesigned front suspension and a more rigid rear axle structure helped combine the comfort of a large luxury saloon with the precise handling traditionally associated with BMW. The 733i was therefore intended to offer driving pleasure from behind the wheel as well as comfort for its passengers.
From 733i to 732i
In the summer of 1979, the 733i was replaced in the European range by the new BMW 732i. Engine displacement and output remained unchanged at 197 hp, but the new model introduced Bosch Motronic digital engine management, which electronically controlled both fuel injection and ignition. The 733i designation continued to be used in certain export markets after the European model change.
The beginning of the 7 Series
Production of the BMW 7 Series began in 1977 at BMW Plant Dingolfing in Germany. Demand for the new flagship range was immediately strong, with more than 35,000 cars manufactured during its first full production year. The E23 generation remained in production until 1986, with a total of 285,029 cars built. The original 733i played an important role in establishing the 7 Series as a sporting and technologically advanced luxury saloon.
Model in the collection
The BMW 733i (E23) in my collection was produced by Minichamps and represents a 1977 car from the very beginning of the first-generation 7 Series. It is a limited-edition model, with a total production run of 3,024 examples.
Technical data in brief
World premiere: May 1977
Original European version production period: 1977–1979
Production location: BMW Plant Dingolfing, Germany
Body style: four-door luxury saloon
Engine: M30, 3.2-litre straight-six
Displacement: 3,210 cm³
Fuel injection: Bosch L-Jetronic
Power: 197 hp / 145 kW @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h: approximately 8.9 seconds with manual transmission
Top speed: 205 km/h
Weight: approximately 1,600 kg
Wheelbase: 2,795 mm
Original German price: DM 38,600
Total E23-generation production: 285,029 cars
Special feature: the original flagship of the first BMW 7 Series, featuring electronic fuel injection
Photo of the real car. Photo: Sten-Patrick Kreek