• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    What a Beauty it must have been back in its day. This actually was a very advanced car at the time. I think it's a cool car, but then again I have no idea what other people reckon. Sadly, you don't see too many E23s on the road these days, because they were ruined by the filth pimps who spoiled it with chrome wheels and all the sort of tacky add-ons and on top of all that, they made sure to drive it drunk... or stoned.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    My wife likes it. Dad likes it and so does mum. Friends says it's cool, my fellow Swedish neighbour says it's cooler than my other newer 7-Series. Looks great in metallic silver.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Looking for the Alpina B10 E23, a very rare car indeed.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Either the Alpina B10 E23 or an M5 E28. Perhaps a 545i E60 as replacement for the E38.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Independent

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £7

    When did you buy the car?

    July 2005

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes definitely. Car is one owner only; belonged to a 70 year old retired surgeon. He kept the car in pristine condition.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Yes. I wanted to buy a practical Classic car. Besides, I always wanted to have one of these.

    What was the dealer like?

    Shame the BMW dealers don't care for classic Bimmers. And they are bloody expensive! Get a BMW expert, it will be cheaper; besides, the E23 may be old but it's no complicated wonder as the current BMWs... the E23 is no more harder to repair than a Ford Mondeo.

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    It's a big old Hector and it feels Lumpen compared to my other 2000 740iL E38. Nippy enough for its size. Very engaging and pleasant. Engine produces a very lovely bass metallic sound; couple that to a smooth as it gets 4-speed Automatic and the responsive steering, and you have a very pleasant car to drive. Not very fast, but pleasant somehow.

    What's it like to park?

    Power Steering helps. No Parking Sensor nonsense and still manages to be easier to park than its current E65 Sibling.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Yes... needed a new battery. The old one was already 9 years old. I'm told the sump plate gaskets are a big problem on these cars. : (

    What's most practical about your car?

    The fact it's a classic car that can be used everyday.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    Hmmm... the engine. :D