By Jay Ramey
While the Euro-spec W126 S-class is arguably the car we have to thank for not being able to have nice things anymore, one whose gray import numbers prompted M-B USA to push for a ban on private imports, the E23 7-series (fortunately) had a much less drastic effect on our automotive landscape. But that didn’t mean that that proper E23s weren’t brought into the US.
Some of you may recall that we only received the 733i and the 735i in the over here, in addition the L7 which was just plusher version of the 735i. But we never got the range topping 745i, which I have to immediately point out came with the same 3.4 liter inline six. The crucial difference was that while our 735i coughed out 182bhp, the European 745i produced 249bhp with the exact same engine. Respectable figures for a 3.4 liter inline six even today, you have to admit. Combined with a favorable exchange rate, importing a 745i made quite a bit of sense at the time, even given the goofy reflectors they made you glue on.
These were not big cars by any means, not then and certainly not now. Remember the typical American sedans of the time? How did they ever fit into the parking spaces that we have today or maneuver around the same streets, especially in small New England towns where Mini Coopers today barely squeeze by Subie Imprezas? Our scientists are researching this right now, and their latest report suggests that American cars of the time were so massive as to create a bow wave of air around them, like a bubble, which pushed things aside as they moved. Makes sense to me. I mean, how else could they fit anywhere?
Long term reliability appears to have slightly favored the W126, which is why it’s an actual occasion to spot an E23 these days, while most of us are still stumbling through smoking W126s in traffic. It’s hard to say which 7-series is harder to find, the E23 or the E32 which followed. The E32 is famous for issues of its own, ones not easily or cheaply solved today. But its easy to forget that it was a much bigger deal to own a E23 back in the day than a E65 or F01 today, and the import figures of the E23 certainly did not mirror the W116 or the W126 S-classes.
When was the last time you’ve seen one of these E23 7-series?
[Images: Copyright 2013 Hooniverse/Jay Ramey]
Antti Kautonen 
Joel Strickland 
Kamil Kaluski
Jay, has your tax refund been deposited yet?
I may have stumbled upon sth for you: http://burlington.craigslist.org/cto/3664957130.h…
How did you know I was moving to VT? : )
That's what is lame about my great state of Vermont: Only 1 regional list (burlington).
Compared to modern vehicles that is one minimalist interior console. I love it.
Wow, I adore that green. Jay, you have a moral obligation, here…
I think my father-in-law imported one of these in the '80s and "federalized" it with crash-resistant bracing in the doors. He loved it, but it was a money pit.
Not the "exact same engine": the 745 was turbocharged!
I meant displacement-wise, but yes, you're right of course.
It was called the 745i because at the time, (FIA?) racing rules dictated that turbocharged engines had their displacement multiplied by 1.4 when competing with NA engines, so the 3210cc six was classified as 4.5 liters. I haven't seen one of those in years, but I dig that large/small headlight combination.
Yup, it was based on FIA rules. I believe BMW had considered building a V-12 (which they did build later for the E32 and the 8-Series), but shied away for a while because they thought it would be too big and thirsty for the market — hence, the 3.2-liter turbo.
The 745i was unusual for a contemporary BMW in that it was only offered with the ZF 3-speed auto. I don't think there was ever a five-speed gearbox option for it.
One of Paul Bracq's masterpieces. 7 series didn't get any better looking after these, many people say they got worse.