The Stranger Things BMW: Inside Steve Harrington’s 1983 BMW 733i

Jan 9th

The so-called “Stranger Things BMW” is the burgundy 1983 BMW 733i (E23) driven by Steve Harrington in Stranger Things. More than a background prop, the BMW serves as a reflection of Steve’s identity, status, and growth over the course of the series, making it especially memorable to both fans and car enthusiasts.
 

A Symbol of Status in Hawkins
Within the story, the BMW originally belongs to Steve’s father, immediately establishing Steve as wealthy and privileged in the small-town setting of Hawkins, Indiana. In the early seasons, the car reinforces his popular, confident jock persona. As the series progresses, that same luxury sedan follows Steve through increasingly dangerous and emotional situations, quietly evolving from a symbol of status into a familiar companion during his transformation into a loyal and protective friend.
 

Peak 1980s BMW Design
The BMW 733i represents early-1980s BMW at its most refined. As part of the first-generation 7 Series, the E23 was BMW’s flagship luxury sedan, designed to balance comfort, engineering precision, and understated European style. Its interior featured leather upholstery and wood trim, giving it a level of sophistication that sharply contrasted with the more ordinary American cars seen throughout Hawkins.
 

Performance Behind the Wheel
Under the hood, the 1983 BMW 733i was powered by a 3.2-liter M30 inline-six engine producing around 181 horsepower. While it was never intended to be a performance car, it delivered smooth and confident acceleration for its time, reaching 0–60 mph in roughly 8.5 to 9 seconds. This blend of refinement and capability made the car feel appropriately “cool” without straying from its luxury roots.
 

Fan Debate and Cultural Impact
The BMW’s appearance in Stranger Things sparked long-standing fan discussions about how a teenager in 1980s Indiana could realistically have access to such an expensive European luxury sedan. That debate only cemented the car’s place in pop culture, transforming it into one of the most recognizable and talked-about vehicles in the series. Today, Steve Harrington’s BMW stands as more than just a stylish ’80s car—it’s a rolling symbol of his character’s journey from popularity to genuine heroism.