1982 BMW 733i

Though the E3 had offered a sizeable sedan, the replacement E23 really stretched BMW’s platforms. The new 7-seres was 6 inches longer overall, most of which fell in a longer wheelbase versus the E3. It was also wider by a few inches and lower, too. Paul Bracq again provided the styling and it was nothing surprising; it carried the torch of many of the design elements of the 3-, 5- and 6-series cars, and that certainly wasn’t a bad thing. But what BMW hoped would help to set it apart from the competition was technology and performance, along with a high-level of material quality in the cabin. Options included Buffalo leather, an on-board computer system, anti-lock brakes, heated and reclining power seats front and rear, and even an airbag late in the run; standard fare today, but way ahead of the curve in the late 1970s and early 1980s. BMW matched this technology with a thoroughly modern driver-oriented cockpit which made the W116 Mercedes-Benz competition feel immediately antiquated.

E23s are hard to come by today but generally affordable, certainly in the context of current 80s BMW pricing. And though only a 733i, this one has some uniqueness to help it stand apart, too:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1982 BMW 733i on eBay

Year: 1982
Model: 733i
VIN: WBAFF3407C7356149
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 95,074 km (59,076 mi)
Price: $12,500 Buy It Now

** Relisted due to non-paying bidder. If you enter into the ebay purchase contract, complete it. Get permission before you bid, organize the funds, understand your shipping options etc etc. Don’t, just don’t be like that!!!! **

Very unique history. We completed European delivery as a family in 1982. Driven only 95000km in its lifetime. Only my father and I have ever owned this car. Never winter driven. A beautiful original example. Garage stored its whole life. Retired from regular summer use in 1995 and driven about 500km per year since. Many new parts to complete mechanical refresh with the intent of driving this car to BMW CCA Oktoberfest. New master cylinder, radiator, thermostat, hoses, tuneup, fuel pump, fuel sender, heater core, driveshaft bearing, brake callipers, rotors, pads, struts and shocks, full NOS exhaust, si board,ECU, (try finding one very expensive), fluids changed, battery. No cracks in dash. Woodgrain is in great shape. A/C will need to be refreshed and the compressor rebuilt. Other than that, everything works as expected. Original wheels and new OEM Michelin XWX tires. Original E32 wheels still in box included with sale. Power antenna works great along with radio and cassette player. Original tool kit is include with the car. Paint/body in fantastic shape and 95% original paint. Rust free original owner car. You can’t find them like this. Selling to create space and move on to an antique Chrysler wagon, Town & Country, (my father had these as well).

Some cars win you on slick photography, smashing performance or stunning lines. This car wins on story and the unique options. Coming from a one-family home replete with European delivery, the car appears to be in fantastic overall original shape and I believe was selected in 152 Zypressengrün Metallic over olive green leather. Even more of a bonus comes in the form of the 5-speed manual transmission linking the 3.2 M30 to the rear wheels. Those wheels have Alpina centercaps on the standard (but Alpina-looking) turbine units which, while small, add a touch of period-correct flare matched by the Alpina wooden shift knob. In all, it looks like a very nice example of a lower-mileage, original E23 which could benefit from a better presentation. The seller has the car listed with a Buy It Now at $12,500 which, frankly, is probably quite ambitious. But the entry bid at $8,500 is more in line with the market on clean, early 7s. An automatic ’82 sold via Bring a Trailer for $7,000 in 2017, and this one has a more rare color combination and the more desirable 5-speed with lower miles. While it’ll take just the right buyer, this is a really unique 7-series for sure and will continue to stand apart from the crowd in the future.

-Carter