🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 7 Series Model Code: E23 Year: 1979 Vehicle Segment: Full-size Luxury Sedan Codes Chassis Code: E23 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The E23 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort for its era. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed directly with other premium luxury sedans such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and American luxury offerings. Key Features Dvp: Emphasis on driver-centric design, advanced (for the time) technology, and sophisticated engineering. Manual Value Proposition Value: Provides technicians and owners with the exact same, highly detailed information used by dealerships, enabling accurate maintenance, diagnosis, and repair. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Overall Coverage: All models & all repairs A-Z for the 1979 BMW 7 Series (E23) Page Count Estimated Pages: Varies by specific model/engine combination, but comprehensive (typically 500+ pages for full factory service manuals) Manual Type Type: Factory Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, and component repair Fuel System: Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic as applicable), fuel pumps, lines, injectors, and fuel tank service Emission Control: Emission control systems, components, and testing procedures Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications Lubrication System: Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure, and lubrication specifications Ignition System: Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and electronic ignition components Charging System: Alternator, voltage regulator, battery service, and charging system diagnostics Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) service, repair, and fluid specifications Transmission Manual: Manual transmission service, repair, and specifications Drivetrain: Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axles, and wheel bearings Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, and bushings Steering: Steering column, steering gear, power steering system, and associated components Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications Parking Brake: Parking brake system components and adjustment Wheels Tires: Wheel specifications, tire pressure, and mounting procedures Climate Control: Air conditioning system diagnostics, repair, and refrigerant specifications (R12 for this era) Electrical System: Complete electrical system diagnostics, component testing, and repair Wiring Schematics: Detailed and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems Interior Trim: Interior components, seating, dashboard, and trim panel removal/installation Exterior Body: Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, glass replacement, and exterior trim Instrumentation: Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, and diagnostics Lighting: Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and associated wiring Windshield Wipers: Wiper system operation, motor, linkage, and washer system Seat Belts: Seat belt systems and operation Cruise Control: Cruise control system operation and diagnostics Security Immobilizer: Engine immobilizer system (if equipped) and security features Procedures Included Maintenance: Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections Diagnostics: In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including troubleshooting charts and symptom analysis Repair: Complete step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system on the vehicle Rebuilding: Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials Installation: Instructions for installing new or replacement parts and components Adjustments: Procedures for making adjustments to various systems, such as engine timing, valve clearance, and parking brake Technical Depth Depth: Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete overhauls Detail Level: Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable within the PDF, enabling quick information retrieval Print Quality Printability: All pages are printable for workshop use Image Scaling: Images can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies for better visibility Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options: Likely includes the M30 inline-six engines (e.g., 733i, 735i variants) Performance Displacement Examples: 3.0L (M30B30), 3.2L (M30B32), 3.4L (M30B34) Horsepower Examples: Approximately 175-218 hp depending on specific engine and market configuration Torque Examples: Approximately 200-240 lb-ft depending on specific engine and market configuration Fuel System Injection Type: Bosch L-Jetronic or Bosch Motronic fuel injection 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: Typically a 4-speed manual transmission (Getrag) or a 3-speed automatic (ZF, later 4-speed ZF) Optional Optional Transmission: Available with automatic transmission options Features Auto Transmission Type: ZF 3HP22 or 4HP22 automatic transmission (depending on specific model variant and market) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Approx: Approx. 2,850 mm (112.2 in) Length Approx: Approx. 4,950 mm (194.9 in) Width Approx: Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in) Height Approx: Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in) Weights Curb Weight Approx: Approx. 1,600 - 1,750 kg (3,527 - 3,858 lbs) depending on engine and options 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Crash Testing: Limited formal crash ratings available for this era, but designed with robust chassis and safety cage construction. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)...
The E23 7 Series was BMW's flagship luxury sedan, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and comfort for its era.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed directly with other premium luxury sedans such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, and American luxury offerings.
Key Features
Dvp:
Emphasis on driver-centric design, advanced (for the time) technology, and sophisticated engineering.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
Provides technicians and owners with the exact same, highly detailed information used by dealerships, enabling accurate maintenance, diagnosis, and repair.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Overall Coverage:
All models & all repairs A-Z for the 1979 BMW 7 Series (E23)
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Varies by specific model/engine combination, but comprehensive (typically 500+ pages for full factory service manuals)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service and Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Comprehensive engine overhaul, diagnostics, tuning, and component repair
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (Bosch L-Jetronic/Motronic as applicable), fuel pumps, lines, injectors, and fuel tank service
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, components, and testing procedures
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications
Lubrication System:
Oil pump, oil filter, oil pressure, and lubrication specifications
Ignition System:
Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing, and electronic ignition components
Charging System:
Alternator, voltage regulator, battery service, and charging system diagnostics
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22) service, repair, and fluid specifications
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission service, repair, and specifications
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, axles, and wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, struts, and bushings
Steering:
Steering column, steering gear, power steering system, and associated components
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), brake lines, calipers, master cylinder, and brake fluid specifications
Parking Brake:
Parking brake system components and adjustment
Wheels Tires:
Wheel specifications, tire pressure, and mounting procedures
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system diagnostics, repair, and refrigerant specifications (R12 for this era)
Electrical System:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, component testing, and repair
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed and comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Interior Trim:
Interior components, seating, dashboard, and trim panel removal/installation
Exterior Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, glass replacement, and exterior trim
Instrumentation:
Instrument cluster, gauges, warning lights, and diagnostics
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lights, and associated wiring
Windshield Wipers:
Wiper system operation, motor, linkage, and washer system
Seat Belts:
Seat belt systems and operation
Cruise Control:
Cruise control system operation and diagnostics
Security Immobilizer:
Engine immobilizer system (if equipped) and security features
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including troubleshooting charts and symptom analysis
Repair:
Complete step-by-step repair instructions for virtually every component and system on the vehicle
Rebuilding:
Detailed procedures for rebuilding major components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials
Installation:
Instructions for installing new or replacement parts and components
Adjustments:
Procedures for making adjustments to various systems, such as engine timing, valve clearance, and parking brake
Technical Depth
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and complete overhauls
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, illustrations, and exploded views for clarity
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable within the PDF, enabling quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Printability:
All pages are printable for workshop use
Image Scaling:
Images can be blown up and printed in enlarged copies for better visibility
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical binding)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format, no physical paper)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Options:
Likely includes the M30 inline-six engines (e.g., 733i, 735i variants)
Performance
Displacement Examples:
3.0L (M30B30), 3.2L (M30B32), 3.4L (M30B34)
Horsepower Examples:
Approximately 175-218 hp depending on specific engine and market configuration
Torque Examples:
Approximately 200-240 lb-ft depending on specific engine and market configuration
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Bosch L-Jetronic or Bosch Motronic fuel injection
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
Typically a 4-speed manual transmission (Getrag) or a 3-speed automatic (ZF, later 4-speed ZF)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
Available with automatic transmission options
Features
Auto Transmission Type:
ZF 3HP22 or 4HP22 automatic transmission (depending on specific model variant and market)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Approx:
Approx. 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length Approx:
Approx. 4,950 mm (194.9 in)
Width Approx:
Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Height Approx:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Approx:
Approx. 1,600 - 1,750 kg (3,527 - 3,858 lbs) depending on engine and options
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Crash Testing:
Limited formal crash ratings available for this era, but designed with robust chassis and safety cage construction.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) became available as an option or standard on later E23 models, potentially for 1979 variants.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Airbags were not a standard feature on 1979 models; they were introduced on later BMW models.
Seat Belts:
Standard 3-point front seat belts and lap belts for rear passengers.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player was common, often with premium speaker options. Later models might feature more integrated sound systems.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control Type:
Mechanical or early electronic cruise control systems were available.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited connectivity compared to modern vehicles. Primarily focused on basic audio and comfort controls.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used (refer to manual for exact spec).
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plug replacement, ignition system checks typically at 20,000 - 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 often recommended (check manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Specific BMW coolant may be recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II or equivalent (ZF specific fluid may be specified for later transmissions).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Corrosion, aging rubber components (hoses, bushings), electrical system issues (wear and tear on wiring, connectors), fuel injection system maintenance, climate control system leaks, and occasional head gasket issues on high-mileage engines.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
Built on BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E23 Introduction:
The E23 generation of the 7 Series was introduced in 1977 as the successor to the E12 5 Series based 5 Series saloon, establishing BMW's presence in the executive luxury car segment.
Predecessor:
E12 5 Series (as basis for initial 7 Series concept)