BMW 7-Series E23 (1978-1986)

Produced from 1977 to 1987, the BMW E23 is the first generation of the BMW 7-Series luxury 4-door sedan. The E23 introduced many electronic features for the first time in a BMW, including an on-board computer, service interval indicator, a "check control panel" (warning lights to indicate system faults to the driver), a dictaphone, and complex climate control systems. For the North American market, only the 733i, 735i, and L7 models were offered, and only received upscale versions, usually including leather upholstery, cruise control, wood trim, power windows, power sunroof, and other options as standard. Engines for the North American markets had lower-compression pistons and thus were less powerful than European-market versions. All models of the E23 featured a straight-six engine, with sizes ranging from 2.5 to 3.5L, including two turbocharged options: the 3.2L M102 6-cylinder turbo, and 3.4L M106 6-cylinder turbo. Transmissions for the 7-Series E23 were a 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic, or 4-speed automatic, depending on the model.