Manual Labor: 1979 BMW 733i E23
The E23 7-series was released in 1977 as the first BMW to wear the 7XX designation and as a replacement for the aging E3 New Six platform. The changes were more evolutionary than revolutionary, but the Paul Bracq designed shark nose shape is certainly more modern looking than the New Six, in part because it has a higher beltline, and smaller greenhouse. Find this 1979 BMW 733i E23 offered for $3,500 in High Falls, NY via craigslist. Tip from Lou.
The E23 wasn’t just more modern in looks than its predecessor, it also featured a variety of new technology, like anti-lock brakes, service indicator lights, semi-automatic climate control systems to name a few. This E23 is being offered by the seller as a “one-owner” classic, but it needs some work on its brakes and a tune-up.
Powering the 733i is an M30B32 inline-6, which pushes 177 horsepower and 196 ft-lbs of torque from its 3.2 liter displacement. The big six is mated to a 4-speed gearbox which should up the fun factor considerably if you enjoy rowing your own gears…and you should.
See another future classic sedan from the Malaise era? tips@dailyturismo.com
What did these cost new back in the day ?
I would think at least 30K. The 84's were around 36K when new. My neighbor had a black one with the buffalo leather interior. Beautiful car. The buffalo leather really lasted in that car, long after the schwarz paint went south. His was an automatic.
My Buddy has a 96 Bmw 7 series he said it was 75K new ? I was thinking 30-35k also on the older 79 model.
needs "breaks"! At 220k it may need a few breaks, but pretty car for sure. I'd be dialing soon if… oh well!