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BMW 7 series
E23 (1977 to 1986)
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Available in 1977, the E23 was the newly introduced flagship model of the BMW range taking the mantle from the E3 and having many features that took BMW forward.
It was available in a variety of engine combinations throughout its life starting from the double Solex carburettor equipped straight six 2.8 and 3.0, to the fuel injected 3.3, and culminating in the fuel injected 2.8s 3.2s and 3.5s. There were even a 725 and a 3.5 turbocharged cars (for Europe only). South Africa even got its own 24v motorsport engined 745i. In the end you could get an E23 in eight different variations.
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The cars were available with a 4 speed and 5speed manual transmission, as well as the earlier 3speed, 4speed and later switchable 4 speed auto gearboxes, and an exhaustive options list which included the likes of air conditioning, full electrics (seats etc) electric windows, sunroof, variety of stereos, telephones, you name it, it was available. These earlier 7s became popular with company directors and latterly enthusiasts of the range offering good specifications, and an exceptional handling balance for a car of this size. BMW ensured that the handling would enhance its sporting pedigree, and that it would not be a hard car to drive on the country roads.
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E32 (1986 to 1994)
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This version took the 7 onto greater heights, more advanced than the earlier model, it offered refinement, up to date looks, and continued the handling achievements obtained in the E23. The car was larger, more comfortable and although it retained the looks that were unmistakeably BMW, it was a completely new style. Available in the 730 and 3.5 guises, with the SE taking top honours right up to the magnificent BMW V12 which topped the range with the long wheelbase version.
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The E32 also came with BMW’s new V8 engines later on, with the two versions initially available being the 3.0 and the 4.0, and although the car was sold primarily with the switchable automatic gearbox, you could if desired have a 5 speed manual gearbox fitted. Again the options were exhaustive.
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E38 (1994 to 2002)
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Looking similar to the previous and very successful E32, this new version again looked similar, but was a different car. The engines were again varied, with the V8s being present, and the only straight six being the 2.8. The 3.5, 4.0 were V8s and the range topper was the 750 V12. However both the 740 and 750 were available in the LWB guises. These later cars were obviously technically very advanced, with all the safety devices fitted that the current laws required, and were very highly specified from new from alloy wheels right through to the luxurious leather trimmed interiors that executive buyers expected from a BMW of this calibre.
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This was a very successful model for BMW, and it is one that enthusiasts and drivers still look for and compare the new E65 version to.
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E65 (2002 to the present day)
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This is the version that has created probably the most discussions over BMW styling for many years, designed by Chris Bangle, it was a complete departure from the previous models. Aimed purely at the higher end of the market, it boasted BMWs new i-Ddrive system that controls everything from the suspension settings to the radio and air condition interior. Controversial styling apart, the new E65 is a superb car, and one whose styling is what decides whether you like it or not, but which ever version you decide to have, it will be an excellent car to use. But due to its styling, prices did drop, and BMW have only just released a face lifted version of the car, showing that they too are concerned about the way it looks.
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Packed with electronics, and the majority sold with a very high specification, these are set to be the ultimate 7 that will be available to enthusiasts and company directors alike.
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| Contact details for the 7 Series Register | | | Chair/Registrar | Andrew Gilbert | the7reg@aol.com |
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