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52-555: In 1986, the E23 was replaced by the E32 7 Series , however, the E23 models (called L7) remained on sale in the United States until 1987. The E23 introduced many electronic features for the first time in a BMW, including an on-board computer, service interval indicator, a "check control panel" (warning lights to indicate system faults to the driver), a dictaphone and complex climate control systems. It

104-784: A straight-six petrol engine, with the majority of cars using the BMW M30 engine. Most engines were fuel-injected , however the 728 and 730 models of 1978–1979 used a Solex four-barrel carburetor . The fuel-injected models initially used the Bosch L-Jectronic system, until the 1979 732i, which was the first BMW to use the Bosch Motronic fuel-injection system. The available transmissions consisted of: Options included leather upholstery, wood trim, power seats, seat heaters, reclining rear seats, power windows, power mirrors, an in-car cellular telephone and rear-armrest radio controls (only with

156-625: A 2-door coupé body style. All models used petrol straight-six engines, with the majority (aside from the M635CSi/M6 model) using a version of the BMW M30 engine family. The E24 shared many parts with the E12 5 series , and in 1982 was updated with parts from the newly released E28 5 series . The M635CSi is the first of the BMW M6 model line and is powered by the M88/3 straight-six engine. In North America,

208-482: A 4-speed automatic transmission. E24s produced after June 1987 were fitted with ellipsoid headlamps, as per the recently introduced E32 7 Series . The front and rear bumpers and spoilers were redesigned to use a single design worldwide (prior to this, models sold in North America used a different design from the rest of the world). The 635CSi engine was updated to the higher compression M30B35 , which resulted in

260-544: A later interview with then BMW chief engineer Wolfgang Reitzle , it was revealed that a last minute decision was taken to widen the car by 40mm in order to improve its stance, and to develop a V12 engine, which would give the new 7-series a competitive advantage over the Mercedes S-Class. Reitzle persuaded BMW management, despite the fact that press tooling for the bodyshell had already been manufactured, and scrapping it would cost an estimated DM300million, and would push out

312-600: A major facelift, as per the models sold in the rest of the world. In November 1984, for the 1985 model year, the 633CSi was replaced by the 635CSi for the North American Market. This model uses the M30B34 engine, which produces 182 hp (136 kW) and 214 lb⋅ft (290 N⋅m) at 4,000 rpm. An L6 "luxury edition" version of the 635CSi was available in North America for the 1987 model year. The L6 featured leather headliner and trim and an automatic gearbox. In 1988

364-467: A power increase of 19 kW (25 hp) for engines with catalytic converters. The extended bumpers required by U.S. crash legislation resulted in U.S. models having an increase in length of approximately 180 mm (7.1 in) to 4,923 mm (193.8 in). Although other markets offered multiple E24 models, in North America only one model was available at any given time (aside from the M6). The 6 series

416-594: A simplified exhaust manifold. The power output for the North American E24 M6 is 256 hp (191 kW), which is 22 kW (30 hp) less than the European M635CSi. Standard equipment on the United States market M6 cars included many features which were optional on the European cars, including heated power seats, self-leveling rear suspension, beverage chiller (cooled by an air-conditioning system) between

468-514: Is based on the E32 735i and introduced in 1987 with a 187 kW (254 PS; 251 hp) inline-six engine. Between 1987 and 1993 a total of 332 cars were produced. The Alpina B11 4.0 is based on the E32 740i with a modified engine producing 232 kW (315 PS; 311 hp) (compared with 210 kW (286 PS; 282 hp) for the 740i) and 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) of torque. Just 7 cars were made in 1993 and 1994. The Alpina B12 5.0

520-474: Is based on the E32 750i/750iL and used a modified V12 engine producing 257 kW (350 PS; 345 hp) (compared with 220 kW (299 PS; 295 hp) for the 750i/750iL) and 470 N⋅m (347 lb⋅ft) of torque. A total of 305 cars were made. The BMW 750iL Highline was the top-of-the-line model of the E32, with lots of added luxury for the rear passengers like full leather seats, dual radio controls, dual climate control with coolbox mounted in

572-566: The BMW 7 Series luxury cars and was produced from 1986 until 1994. It replaced the E23 and was initially available with straight-six or V12 powerplants. In 1992, V8 engines became available. From its inception, the E32 was among the most technologically advanced cars in its day. The E32 introduced numerous features including adaptive suspension (EDC), traction control , two available wheelbases (i and iL), and dual-zone climate control. The E32 750i

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624-562: The BMW M88/3 straight-six engine. The North American M6 vehicle is powered by the detuned 191 kW (256 hp) version of the BMW S38 straight-six engine, which has a lower compression ratio and uses a catalytic converter. Over its production run from 1983 through 1989, 5,855 M635CSi /M6 cars were built, 1,767 of which were for the North American market, and 524 right hand drive cars for

676-547: The E31 8 Series . The car had the engine cooling system located in the boot along with fabricated fibre glass gills and air scoops at the rear to aid in cooling as there was no space to accommodate them at the front as the resulting engine was 305 mm (12 in) longer than the V12 engine. Air was expelled through a custom made valence panel at the rear of the car which led to the use of small tail lights with no fog and reverse lights. Despite

728-513: The 1978 model year), replacing the original 630. In United States/Japan specification, the 633CSi was powered by a 135 kW (181 hp) version of the M30B32 engine. Output later dropped to 130 kW (174 hp). In September 1980 (1981 model year ), the manual transmission for US cars was upgraded from a 4-speed to a 5-speed. A 3-speed automatic transmission was optional. In September 1982, North American and Japanese market models received

780-595: The 633 CSi (this number also includes right-hand drive cars) produced in the first year, amongst a total of 4,933 cars produced for the year. Production of E24 continued in 1977 at Karmann as a complete assembly until August, when only the steel body shell was made by Karmann and then shipped to BMW's plant in Dingolfing for assembly. Karmann-bodied cars are now rare and highly collectable, particularly in original condition in early factory colours such as orange (028 Phönix ), green (079 Mitgrün ), and yellow (070 Golf ) -

832-467: The 750iL. Other safety features include a system that automatically increased spring pressure on the windscreen wipers to keep them firmly pressed on the glass at Motorway speeds. The E32 was the first BMW available with traction control (marketed as Automatic Stability Control, though not considered stability control by more modern standards). Initial versions of ASC reduced wheelspin by reducing engine power, while later versions (ASC+T) also applied

884-492: The E24 was available with a 4-speed manual transmission ( Getrag 262), a 5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 265), or a 3-speed automatic transmission ( ZF 3HP22 ). In 1983 the automatic transmission was upgraded to a 4-speed ZF 4HP22 . Front suspension consists of MacPherson struts and the rear suspension is independent semi-trailing arms . In 1982, the front suspension was upgraded to include twin-pivot lower control arms and

936-449: The E32 launch was the 750i/iL, which was the first BMW ever sold with a V12 engine . The rated power output of the 5.0 L (305 cu in) M70 V12 is 220 kW (295 hp). In 1991, BMW began production of its first V8 engine since the end of BMW 501/502 production in 1962. This M60 V8 was introduced in the E32, along with the E34 5 Series . The 4.0 litre version powered

988-460: The E32. It also uses the same M30 straight-6 and M60 V8 engines, and several other parts. The E31 8 Series , introduced in 1989, uses the same M60 V8 and M70 V12 engines as the E32. BMW E24 The BMW E24 is the first generation of BMW 6 Series range of grand tourer cars, which was produced from January 1976 to 1989 and replaced the BMW E9 coupé. The E24 was produced solely in

1040-496: The European 745i. A right-hand-drive version of the turbocharged model was not possible due to the turbocharger being located in the right-hand side of the engine bay. Instead, the 745i was fitted with the 210 kW (280 hp; 290 PS) M88/3 engine, as used in the E24 M635i and E28 M5 . The engine uses a 24-valve DOHC valvetrain and the fuel injection system is Bosch ML-Jetronic. A production run of 192 South African 745i

1092-513: The US), the E24 was updated with parts from E28 5 Series , resulting changes to exterior styling, engines, chassis, suspension, electronics and the interior. The struts in the new front suspension were double-linked ones, making the car less likely to dip under hard braking. The new rear axle was nearly identical to the trailing arm layout of the E28 528i , with a new pitman arm to control camber changes. Meanwhile,

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1144-570: The United Kingdom. The new 6 Series coupé, using the model code E24, was introduced to the press in March 1976, suggesting production commenced in 1975. Initially there were two models available: 630 CS and 633 CSI. Karmann constructed the 6 series coupé, as well as the earlier BMW coupés. There were a total of 1665 units of the 630 CS (plus 410 630 CSi, bound for the United States) and 2858 units of

1196-732: The United States and Japan. These markets also received only upscale versions, usually including leather upholstery, cruise control, wood trim, power windows, power sunroof, and other options as standard. North American versions were fitted with larger bumpers (to comply with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards), smaller sealed beam headlights , and various forms of emissions equipment that were not found on European-market cars. The engines used in these markets had lower-compression pistons and thus were less powerful than European-market versions. Some features such as ABS were available in markets outside North America before they were fitted on American models. The L7

1248-488: The arrival of the optional 4-speed automatic transmission (replacing the 3-speed unit previously offered), wood trim replacing the plastic above the glove compartment and on the ashtray and electrically adjustable power seats. Michelin TRX tyres (requiring special metric wheels) became available as an option on the 5-speed manual models. The 725i model was not officially sold but produced for West German government agencies which, at

1300-663: The bodies were manufactured by Karmann , but production was later taken in-house to the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing . Early series one E24s in original condition are now quite rare, particularly Karmann assembled cars (look for the Karmann build plate in the left door frame) produced before August 1977. Figures in the upper table are for European specification models. The second half of the table covers US (and Canadian, often also as sold in Japan) market specifications. Initially,

1352-665: The body of the E24 has a B pillar . The initial proposal for the E24 was based on a BMW E9 3.0 CS with an increased height, in order to make it easier for customers to enter and exit the vehicle. However, Bob Lutz rejected the proposal, eventually leading to the shape of the E24 in its production form. Production of the 633CSi started in January 1976 with the carburetted 630CS following in February 1976. A total of 86,216 cars were built prior to production ending in April 1989. Originally

1404-642: The car's release date by a year. Production of the E32 7 series started with the 735i in June 1986 and the 730i in December 1986, concluding in April 1994 with a total of 311,068 units built. Some luxury options featured on the E32 include integrated telephone and fax machines, a wine cooler , electronically adjustable rear seats and radio controls for rear passengers (exclusive to the 750iL). In 1991, first series-production low beam Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps (Litronic, only low beam) were introduced on

1456-456: The center console, electrically heated and adjustable rear seats, walnut veneer folding tables, two crystal glasses neatly placed in the coolbox, leg rests, and electronically operated sun shades all around the rear/side windows. Complete with independent heating and ventilation, it also added a second battery in the trunk and a second alternator to provide power for all these luxuries. The 'Highline' option package cost more than 20,000 DM , and

1508-649: The engine was upgraded to the M106 , which increased the capacity to 3.4 litres and the fuel injection system changed from Jetronic to Motronic . Boost pressure was reduced to 6 PSI, however power output was unchanged. All M102 cars were built with a 3-speed ZF 3HP22 automatic transmission. All M106 cars were built with a 4-speed ZF 4HP22 automatic transmission. Options included heated front and rear power reclining seats, gasoline fired heater , leather covered cellular telephone, rear-armrest radio control, water buffalo hide upholstery, and burl wood trim. The name 745i comes from

1560-449: The engine was upgraded to the M30B35 . This engine has a capacity of 3.4 Litres (despite the model code and the "3.5" inscribed on the intake manifold) and produces 155 kW (208 hp) and 305 N⋅m (225 lbf⋅ft) torque. This upgraded engine resulted in catalytic converter equipped United States models offering similar performance to European models. Self-leveling rear suspension

1612-504: The executive and highline pack ). The 1983 model year facelift (produced from September 1982) included styling changes to the front of the car: wider and more angular 'kidney' grilles, valance/spoiler, bumper bars, etc. Inside the car, the dashboard and instrument panels were also updated. The rear suspension was updated and the 735i engine changed from the M90 to the M30B34 . In the US, 1984 saw

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1664-481: The geometry of the rear suspension was revised. The steering uses a recirculating ball system with power assistance. The M635CSi model, introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983, is the first in the line of M6 models. In 1987, the equivalent model for the North American (U.S. and Canada) market was introduced and badged simply 'M6'. The M635CSi is powered by a 210 kW (282 hp) version of

1716-486: The latter very rare. In July 1978, the more powerful 635CSi variant was introduced. The 635CSi featured a close-ratio 5-speed gearbox and a single piece black rear spoiler. The M90 engine was a single overhead cam version of the M1 's M88 engine , its bigger bore and shorter stroke resulted in 160 kW (218 PS; 215 hp) and increased torque. The aerodynamic changes reduced uplift at high speeds by almost 15 percent over

1768-503: The new 740i/iL models, and the 3.0 litre version was sold in parallel with the M30 straight-six in the 730i/iL models. The top speed of the 740i was electronically limited to 240 km/h (149 mph). Both V8 engines were coupled to a new, 5-speed automatic transmission made by ZF . The Nikasil bore lining used in the M60 engine was prone to damage when used with high-sulfur fuels . The E32

1820-429: The other E24 models. In 1979 the carburetted 630CS was replaced with the 628CSi; this car had a fuel-injected 2.8L engine taken from the E12 528i. An anti-lock braking system became available as an option. In 1980, the fuel-injection systems changed from Bosch L-jetronic to Bosch Motronic . The 635CSi central locking system could now be operated from the passenger door and trunk . In 1982 (1983 model year in

1872-461: The project, namely Adolf Fischer and Hanns-Peter Weisbarth both being senior employees. The concept car was completed in just six months. The main notable feature is the V16 engine designed by Adolf Fischer, which is essentially a modified M70 V12 enlarged to have four extra cylinders, capacity enlarged to 6.7-litres, etched iron pistons, nine-bearing crankshaft and having silicone-aluminium casting. The engine

1924-478: The rear brakes. The E32 was also available in a long-wheelbase version (indicated by an 'L' from German Lang , after the model number) with an extra 11.4 cm (4.5 in) of rear leg room. . Over its lifespan, the E32 7 Series was produced with straight-six, V8 and V12 gasoline engines. The launch models consisted of the 730i/iL and 735i/iL, which were powered by the M30 straight-six engine . Also available at

1976-416: The theoretical assumption that turbocharged engines have approximately 1.4 times more power than naturally aspirated engines. By this assumption, a 3.2 litre (3205 cc) turbocharged engine would have similar power to a 4.5 litre (4487 cc) naturally aspirated engine. The South African 745i model was powered by the naturally aspirated M88/3 engine, instead of the turbocharged M102/M106 engines of

2028-457: The time, were not allowed to have engines larger than 2.5 liter in official cars. 921 models were produced. The 745i was a high-performance model sold in left-hand-drive European markets from 1979 to 1986. It was initially powered by the M102 engine, which is a turbocharged 3.2 L version of the M30 straight-six engine, producing 185 kW (248 hp; 252 PS) at 9 PSI of boost. In 1982,

2080-484: The usage of a large V16 engine, the car was only 60 kg (132 lb) heavier than the 750i. The Goldfisch could accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a claimed 6 seconds and could attain a top speed of 282 km/h (175 mph). The car remained a technology demonstrator only and was never put into production due to the V16 engine being incompliant to the environmental regulations. The E34 5 Series , introduced in 1988, has exterior design almost identical to

2132-472: The vehicle is badged as "M6" and uses the less powerful BMW S38 engine. The eventual successor to the nameplate, the E63 6 Series , was released in 2004 after a 16-year hiatus. Although the E31 8 Series was introduced as production of the E24 was ending, the 8 Series is considered a separate model line and therefore not a successor to the E24. The E24 was designed by Paul Bracq . Unlike its E9 predecessor,

BMW 7 Series (E23) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2184-426: The ventilated rear discs had proven a needless complication and were replaced with solid ones. The rust protection was improved considerably along with the facelift. The 635CSi engine was updated to the 3,430 cc (209 cu in) M30B34 , which used a smaller bore and longer stroke than the previous 3,453 cc (211 cu in) M90 engine. The 635CSi became available with a wide-ratio 5-speed manual or

2236-469: Was a more luxurious version of the 735i for the American market only. It featured special leather upholstery with leather dashboard and door padding (rather than wood trim), a power glass Moonroof, and a variety of optional features as standard. All L7 models were built with automatic transmissions and a standard driver's air bag . BMW 7 Series (E32) The BMW E32 is the second generation of

2288-703: Was added to the 635CSi and M6 features list. In 1987, North America and Japan received their equivalent of the M635CSi, called simply the M6. The main difference between the M6 and its European counterpart, is that the S38 engine is used instead of the M88 . Compared with the M88, the S38 has a catalytic converter , the compression ratio reduced to 9.8:1, a double row timing chain, a shorter camshaft duration and

2340-505: Was also Germany's first post-war V12 engine for a passenger vehicle. In 1994, the E32 was replaced by the E38 , a clear evolution of the E32. Styling was by chief stylist Ercole Spada and Hans Kerschbaum working under chief designer Claus Luthe . Design work began in late 1979. By 1983, 1:1 scale models were presented and frozen in October 1984 for production which was scheduled in June 1986. In

2392-423: Was also the first BMW to offer an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a driver's airbag (optional, starting in April 1985) and a new design of front suspension. The initial styling concepts were developed under BMW Design Director Paul Bracq , with Manfred Rennen contributing with the exterior styling. Production occurred from 1977 until 1986, during which time 285,029 cars were built. All models were powered by

2444-541: Was built from 1983 to 1987, 175 of which were with an automatic gearbox and 17 with a 5-speed manual gearbox. BMW South Africa entered one of these 745i models in Class A of the South African Modified Saloon Car Championship The 745i won the championship in 1985, the only BMW-Sanctioned motorsport application in the history of BMW 7 Series cars. Only the 733i, 735i, and L7 models were sold in

2496-403: Was fitted with Bosch DME 3.3 engine management system for better performance. Desired level of performance was achieved when the system treated the engine as two inline-8 engines bolted together. The resulting engine had a power output of 414 PS (304 kW; 408 hp) and 625 N⋅m (461 lb⋅ft) of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission shared with

2548-464: Was only available on the 750iL, bringing the total price to well over twice that of a base model 730i. The Goldfisch , also called the 767 or the "Secret Seven" internally, is a concept full size luxury car based on the E32 750i. Conceived by Dr. Karlheinz Lange in the late 1980s, it was meant to be the top-of-the line variant of the 7 Series also designed to compete with offerings from rival Mercedes-Benz . Dr. Lange also involved two other employees in

2600-526: Was released in the US as the 630CSi in March 1977, with the 633CSi replacing it during the 1978 model year. The US market version received larger bumpers and side marker lights, as required by federal legislation. The 630CSi is powered by a fuel-injected version of the 630CS engine. This 3.0 litre engine produces 176 hp (131 kW) and 185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m). The 633CSi arrived in USA in September 1977 (for

2652-549: Was the first BMW to use L-shaped tail-lights, which were designed with safety of following traffic in mind. Other styling features include a Hofmeister kink in the rear window line and circular headlights. A narrow 'kidney' grille correlated with 6-cylinder models, and a wider grille was standard for V8 and V12 models. The narrow grille was not available as an option on the 8- and 12-cylinder E32 models. The official specifications are as follows. * uncatalyzed ** Electronically limited top speed The Alpina B11 3.5

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2704-506: Was the first car adhering to "gentlemen's agreement" amongst the German manufacturers limiting maximum speed to 250 km/h (155 mph). Other automotive passenger vehicles features introduced with the E32 included: projector lens headlamps (1986); double glazing windows (1991); HID (Xenon) headlamps (1991). E32 also introduced BMW's first V8 engine since the BMW 501/502 , last produced in 1962, and their first V12 engine, which

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