1983 BMW 7 Series 733i from North America - Comments

I own a 1983 733i. It has in excess of 200,00o miles. No oil leaks or leaks of any kind. Drove from Florida to Ct and back. Several times from Florida to Atlanta, Ga, In last year.

I am amazed at the engineering of this machine.120 mph you do pass just about anything on the highway. Did it once for 3 minutes just to check the handling. Make sure that you have special tyres on the car before trying that and only do it once on a clear strech without traffic.

I love my 1984 733i; I got it for 850.00 delivered (some 300 miles). The automatic is shot, a previous poster states don’t rev in neutral...he’s right. I found a 1990 535 automatic and am having trouble finding out if it my 84 E-23, the 83 and 84s’ use the same m-30 six (some varying in displacement).

Does anyone know if the 535 transmission will fit?

Thanks for your time guys N gals...

I don`t know if it will fit (try asking on some BMW forums, they`ll know), but why not swap both the engine and transmission from 535?

A car engine can leak oil due to a bad head gasket. The oil from the valve train must return to the block through the head gasket. I had a 1979 MGB which leaked oil because of a bad head gasket. (You could clearly see the oil leaking out BELOW THE HEAD GASKET!)

I am reasonable sure the 535 engine and my 84 because are both M-30 motors, my hesitation is due to the differences in computers and sensors mostly. (wish I could high jack this thread and go on further).

The 4hp22 EH and non-EH transmission (built by Getrag of Germany) have a major flaw, when revved in neutral the clutch packs over pressurize and blow up. So what ever you do, resist revving the motor when you receive a challenge at a stop light... LOL. Post 1987 (I believe that the year) 4hp22s have a bypass hole to aid this shortcoming (although not a fix).

The books I have claim the Euro 733i will do 134 mph; my suggestion is putting on some 15 inch or better wheels first. The stock 14s leave a lot to be desired, they make after market 16 inch (and bigger) M-3 wheels now. Then changing the ATF frequently is some that may prolong this transmissions life (especially at that speed).

Some Beemer owners claim there were NO 5 speed manuals made for the 7 series (E-23) BMWs. They are wrong; however, they are few and far in-between.

I have the 1982 733i which used to leak oil. Problem solved with High Mileage oil and stop leak (1 time). Currently 168,000 miles. Starting to get oil pressure light on more and more when first starting up cold engine. Once the car is revved to 1000 rpm, oil light will go out. Other than that, car still runs great. Lots of power, always starts. I get max of 24mpg on freeway at 60mph. Love this car, but may be forced into a Honda or Saturn or Toyota due to California gas price gouging by the oil companies of over 50 cents higher than the rest of the USA, currently at $3.50 and climbing!

I just bought a 1983 733i it's a great car it rides smooth. I am having a problem with the fuel system I believe. It cuts out when I start it, and after a couple tries to start it will start and run fine. Also its idling high lately. so if anyone has any comments for me it would be great I am a pretty good mechanic, but this car has me a little puzzled. thank you rick from st louis.

I have a 1984 BMW 733i with a bad automatic transmission. A friend has a 1982 he is parting out. could I swap out transmissions between the two years?

Just gave up my 1984 733i. Couldn't find any buyers for a car which still starts first time out so I gave up and donated it.

My heart still aches.

My 1982 733i still runs beautifully with no more oil leaks after using oil stop leak. It always starts right up, although gas mileage is only fair at 18mpg overall moderately driven.

I really love this car, but really don't like the high gas prices in so cal!

I have an 84 733. I bought it in 1988, so we are celebrating our 20 anniversary together. I asked my BMW mechanic if I should sell a few years back as I was making repairs that were adding up; and he said no. Sure enough, I made the repairs and she runs like new. She needs a new paint job; that's about all. I think we will be together for at least 5 more years. Keep on loving the BMW.

My wife and I are thinking about buying an"83" 733i 6 cylinder gas in excellent outer and inner condition. the care has none of the famed oil leaks, it has perfect leather and the engine compartment condition is unbelievable. there isn't a single blemish or dent to the body save for the paint being faded. The car was bought in 83 by an old man who died in 1984. his family kept the car in perfect condition, now that his wife is in her 90's they are getting rid of some of the estate. with 129000 miles and a price of 4000.00us, based on the history of the breed would this be a good deal? we actually think the car would just be for dates, extra car, or going to the beach in style. I would keep the car up and would like to know what that might cost. I would be willing to restore the car to original condition specially since the car is in absolute perfect condition in n out. the engine and drive trane are the area of concern as to repair cost. no problems with drive systems now, seems to run perfectly. steers fantastically, stops like a champ, its just fine. question is would this car be around in another 5yrs. or should I buy a newer used car. Is this car a 'found treasure' or should I pass it by for a newer, more gas-friendly automobile.

Check out the heat and a/c and defrost, odds are none of them work, it's a nightmare just to get to them, let alone fix them! So you'll probably have to make do without heat or a/c!

If the car is perfect otherwise, it's worth a maximum of $1500, if it needs paint the maximum value is closer to $1000.

Don't let your sympathies for the the previous owner sway your decision.

If the price is right, it's a car you can easily fall in love with.

My experience of owning truly one of the best cars ever made; strong, reliable and a feeling of security because it is so well built.

They should refurbish these cars, 6 cylinder, gets good gas mileage. I bought mine with 73,000 miles on it in 1988 for $10,000.00, and it has given every bit back. It now has 216,000 miles and is still rockin.

I have done some repairs over the years. Not every thing works regarding interior lights and needing new umit for AC controls, etc.

I keep looking at the new cars; while flashy, the 1983 BMW 733I was built to last and is worthwhile keeping for some of the many reasons too numerous to expound upon.

Driven cross country 5 times, great seating for sleep.

Hey, I own an 1984 733i sedan

great car- tad rusty but runs well.

Busted the driver side door handle

and as I live in Canada where there are less than none available -the nearest door handle... Marbleton Georgia-

any solutions