FOR SALE: 1984 BMW (E23) 745i Auto

Only 249 BMW (E23) 745is were built in the '80s, uniquely making use of the marque's M88/3 engine. With only an estimated 20 surviving to this day, this fully restored car represents an incredible opportunity to own a unique piece of SA automotive history.

FAST FACTS:

Year and Make/Model: 1984 BMW (E23) 745i Automatic

Engine: 3.4L straight-six Petrol

Transmission: Automatic

Mileage: n/a

Colour: Tanzanite Blue Metallic

Location: Johannesburg

PRICE: SOLD

At the time of its development, the SA-specific E23-generation 745i was the most ambitious and advanced project ever undertaken by BMW South Africa. No fewer than 50 German engineers were transferred from Munich in Germany to Rosslyn in South Africa to assist with the project. 

In other markets, the flagship 745i was powered by a turbocharged M102/M106 engine, but that was not possible in South Africa because the position of the turbocharger made right-hand drive production impossible. So, a plan was hatched to rather fit the M88/3 engine, related to the unit used in the M1, but similar to what utilised for the E24 M635i and E28 M5.

• Buy a limited-edition print featuring the BMW 745i here.

With 213kW and 340Nm of torque, the big 745i was the ultimate luxury sedan of its time and was also raced - the only officially sanctioned 7 Series to ever compete in motorsport.

This example

This automatic example has had a complete nut-and-bolt and mechanical restoration. The body was restored by a BMW-approved repair centre in the original colour (Tanzanite Blue Metallic). The interior and carpets are all brand new. The mechanical restoration was performed by JSN Motors using only brand new BMW parts.

Buff, hand-stitched leather was used to recreate the original ambience with all the flair that the car was manufactured with. All the electronics are in perfect working condition, the adjustable front seats have three “memory” settings. The engine bay is superb – meticulously planned to avoid clutter despite the complexity of the computer-managed machinery.

Relieved by the beige paneling and carpeting, the cabin combines traditional craftsmanship with sound modem design to give a spacious, restful effect.

 

Distinctive it surely is, for there are few cars in the world that combine such effortless, scintillating performance with roomy and refined comfort.

It’s unclear exactly how many of the 249 manufactured remain today, although expert and former BMW SA employee, Marek Letowt, reckons on there being only 20 survivors in total.

NOTE: The above information was supplied by the dealer currently advertising this vehicle and has not been verified by SentiMETAL/Cars.co.za.