1984 BMW 733i Sedan

The first generation of 7 series BMW luxury cars were produced from 1977 to 1986 and all of the cars were equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines, and in 1984 BMW introduced an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Although 12 models of the E23 series were built during the first gen run, only three were available in the United States, including the 733i.

For consignment, a 1984 BMW 733i that's been the recipient of some new parts and a complete two stage paint job in 2023. Some of the big ticket items such as the rebuilt A/C, have been addressed and taken care of, so the next owner of this car can enjoy it without the outlay of expensive repairs. It's not perfect, but it's been well sorted.

Exterior
The 7 series received a facelift in 1983 that included wider kidney grilles and other changes on the fascia. Our car exhibits these changes and is bathed in Silver Metallic paint which is a great contrast to the trim pieces, bumpers, side mirrors, and other black elements on the car. New LED headlights present well, inset in the grille and over a pair of guarded fog lights mounted under the bumper. A tinted wind guard rises from the roof and surrounds the front of the sunroof. The profile of the car is uniquely BMW with a rear quarter window extending the greenhouse, sloped to conform with the C-pillar and rear window that leads to the rounded tail, and for U.S. cars the extended rear bumper. Newer mesh style wheels are in great shape and wear 60 series tires with a mid 2021 date code. The metalwork and paint look very good and the only imperfections we note are two scratches in the paint, one accompanied by a paint bubble.

Interior
Clean black panels adorn the doors accented by a beautiful wood panel that continues on the passenger side dash, onto the center stack, and surrounding the shifter. Black leather bucket seats are both luxurious and sporty, affording the driver a comfortable ride that also provides some side bolstering. Try that in your 1984 Town Car! Our driver's seat shows a bit of wear, most notably at the entry point, but are otherwise clean and intact. The back bench is designed for two to ride in comfort and provides passengers with functional headrests and a center armrest wide enough to be shared. A black leather wrapped steering wheel is on hand and leads to a practical gauge cluster with rebuilt gauges and backlit behind a Plexiglas shield, flanked by a panel of idiot lights that denote 11 functions in digital red readouts. The onboard computer to the right center of the dash is not functioning. Below the pushbutton climate controls in the center we find a newer Sony AM/FM/CD radio. The desirable 5-speed shifter is recessed in the center console and wears a black leather boot, showing some usage but intact. Low pile charcoal carpet shows some age on the driver's side and the gray headliner is newer, as is the sunroof motor. The trunk shows clean and is completely lined. Please note that while the air conditioning was working at the time of our drive report, we cannot guarantee this system will continue proper operation in the future.

Drivetrain
The hood opens in reverse fashion and reveals a driver quality engine bay housing the 195.9 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder engine, fuel injected and rated at 181 horsepower. A Borg Warner 5-speed manual transmission with a newer slave cylinder sends power to the rear wheels and 3.25 gearing. Power disc brakes are on all four wheels.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath where it's a story of “has” and “has not”. It does not have invasive rust or any errant oil leaks that we can see while the car is on the lift. What it does have is extensive surface rust and some of it is pitting on suspension components and the rear axle. It does not have heavy build-ups of grease and grime but it does have some as most normal cars develop over time. It has a decent exhaust tucked mostly under heat shields, splitting at some point after the stock style muffler and existing via a nice dual polished tip. MacPherson struts are supplied up front and semi-trailing arm and coil springs make up the rear suspension.

Drive-Ability
It took a long time and some convincing by some BMW loving friends, but we're sold on classic-era 80's BMWs and there's nothing quite like them. This car, the ultimate driving machine, is not the best of anything but does everything well. It provides a relaxed seating position and ergonomics, it handles well, the acceleration and power are adequate, and braking is on point. And it feels solid, which simply can't be said about every car from 1984. As noted, the dash computer is not working so you'll have to monitor systems in a pre-computer age kind of way.

With the desirable 5-speed, a handsome interior, a long list of sorted items, and that fresh paint make this a great candidate if you're in the market for a classic BMW. Use it as intended or take it to car shows. This is one we would stop and take a look at, even if parked with 50's icons or modern hyper cars.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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