October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

The Real Story Behind Steve Harrington’s BMW 733i In Stranger Things

BMW identifies Steve Harrington’s car in Stranger Things as a burgundy 1983 BMW 733i from the E23 generation. Here is what official sources establish—and what remains unknown about the filming car.
Entry084 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Steve Harrington drives a burgundy 1983 BMW 733i in Stranger Things, according to BMW. It is part of the E23 generation, the first BMW 7 Series. Netflix’s behind-the-scenes coverage refers to Steve’s car but does not independently identify its model or year.

What car does Steve drive in Stranger Things?

BMW identifies Steve’s car as a burgundy 1983 BMW 733i in its official release about the show. The car belongs to the E23 generation of the BMW 7 Series, which BMW describes as its first-generation 7 Series.

Detail What the sources establish
Model and year 1983 BMW 733i, identified by BMW
Color Burgundy, identified by BMW
Generation E23, the first BMW 7 Series
Netflix coverage References Steve’s car but does not specify its model or year

What the sources say about the car

BMW’s release connects the burgundy 1983 733i directly to Stranger Things and places the E23 in the history of the 7 Series. Netflix’s official Season 4 behind-the-scenes feature also mentions Steve’s car and his protectiveness toward it, but does not provide a vehicle identification. These sources support the car’s identity and its place in the show; they are not a complete record of every vehicle shown on screen.

IMCDb, a community-maintained movie-car database, also catalogs a 1983 BMW 733i [E23] in the series. That listing is a secondary source, not production documentation. BMW’s identification is the strongest source in the available research because it explicitly names the model, year, and color.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Hot Wheels Premium Toy Car from Stranger Things, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Replica of Steve Harrington’s 1983 BMW 733i in the Netflix Show
  • Steve Harrington fans will love the Hot Wheels Premium version of his 1983 BMW 733i from Stranger Things
  • This 1:64 scale die-cast replica lets fans relive favorite moments from the Netflix series, whether it's driving around Hawkins, Indiana, or heading to his jobs at Ships Ahoy or Family Video
  • With Metal/Metal body and chassis and Real Riders tires, the Hot Wheels Premium 1983 BMW 733i has premium execution for enhanced collectability
  • The box uses key art from Stranger Things to appeal to those who want to put it on display
  • Part of the Hot Wheels Premium Pop Culture collection, each vehicle is a must-have for pop culture fans and Hot Wheels collectors who will want them all. (Each sold separately.)

The E23 BMW 733i in context

The 733i was one version of BMW’s first-generation 7 Series, internally designated E23. BMW frames the E23 as a luxury-and-technology flagship from its era. That historical context helps explain why the model fits a period drama set in the 1980s, without requiring assumptions about the Harrington family’s finances or the production team’s intentions.

BMW’s release also reproduces a description attributed to Car and Driver journalist Rich Ceppos in a June 1980 article. Because the BMW page presents the quotation in Spanish rather than providing the original English text, it is better not to treat an English rendering as a verified verbatim quote without checking the original article.

Rank #2
Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSi [Black & Gold], Wild Widebody 1/5, 185/250, 1:64 Scale Diecast Car
  • COLLECTIBLE DETAILS: Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSi in striking Black & Gold color scheme, part of the Wild Widebody series (1/5), numbered 185/250
  • AUTHENTIC DESIGN: Die-cast metal construction with precise 1:64 scale detailing, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts
  • EUROPEAN THEME: Part of the European Streets collection, featuring iconic European car designs with premium details
  • PACKAGING: Comes in a display-ready box measuring 7 x 5 x 3 inches, perfect for collectors and storage
  • AGE RECOMMENDATION: Suitable for ages 3 years and up, contains small parts

What is not known about the on-screen BMW

The official pages reviewed do not say who supplied the filming car, how many cars were used, or whether the vehicle was modified. They also do not establish that the on-screen car was privately owned, restored, or mechanically original. Those details should not be inferred from the car’s appearance in the series.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

FAQ

What car does Steve drive in Stranger Things?

BMW identifies it as a burgundy 1983 BMW 733i.

Is Steve’s BMW an E23?

Yes. The 733i belongs to the E23 generation, the first BMW 7 Series, according to BMW.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Hot Wheels Premium BMW M3 Die-Cast Toy Car, Green, Power Trip Car Culture Series, 1/5
  • HOT WHEELS PREMIUM: Part of the prestigious Hot Wheels Car Culture lineup, celebrating 10 years of Car Culture collectibles
  • ICONIC MODEL: Features the legendary BMW M3 in a striking metallic green finish, faithfully recreating this classic performance car
  • PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Built with metal/metal construction and Real Riders wheels for an authentic, high-quality die-cast collectible
  • POWER TRIP SERIES: Car number 1 out of 5 in the Power Trip Car Culture series, making it essential for completing the set
  • COLLECTOR'S ITEM: Designed for collectors ages 3 and up, this individually sold die-cast car is a standout addition to any Hot Wheels collection

Does Netflix confirm the BMW model and year?

Netflix’s behind-the-scenes feature refers to Steve’s car but does not identify its model or year. BMW’s release provides those details.

Do we know who provided or prepared the car for filming?

Not from the sources reviewed. They do not identify the supplier, number of vehicles, or any modifications made for production.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Hot Wheels Premium Toy Car from Stranger Things, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Replica of Steve Harrington’s 1983 BMW 733i in the Netflix Show
Hot Wheels Premium Toy Car from Stranger Things, 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Replica of Steve Harrington’s 1983 BMW 733i in the Netflix Show
The box uses key art from Stranger Things to appeal to those who want to put it on display
$18.99
Bestseller No. 2
Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSi [Black & Gold], Wild Widebody 1/5, 185/250, 1:64 Scale Diecast Car
Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSi [Black & Gold], Wild Widebody 1/5, 185/250, 1:64 Scale Diecast Car
AGE RECOMMENDATION: Suitable for ages 3 years and up, contains small parts
$7.19
Bestseller No. 4
Hot Wheels - BMW M3 Wagon - HW Wagons 5/5 - JBB48 - Short Card - Stanley - Castrol - Michelin - Green - Mattel 2025 - Licensed BMW Model - 1:64
Hot Wheels - BMW M3 Wagon - HW Wagons 5/5 - JBB48 - Short Card - Stanley - Castrol - Michelin - Green - Mattel 2025 - Licensed BMW Model - 1:64
Officially licensed BMW model - sporty M3 Touring based on the E30 series; Part of the Hot Wheels Wagons Series 2025, Number 245/250 (5/5 within the subseries)
$5.78
Best Value
Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSI Wild Widebody Carrosseries Larges ET Féroces - JBB84
  • Accelerate your collection with the Hot Wheels BMW 635 CSI Wild Widebody! This model reproduces the German sports classic in a rugged, modern version with a wide body (Widebody) that highlights the aggressive and powerful look. Part of the Carrosseries Larges et Féroces line, the vehicle features authentic design and premium finish, perfect for car fans and Hot Wheels collectors. Constructed of high quality die-cast metal, the BMW 635 CSI offers impressive durability and realism, making it an excellent addition to imaginary racing or shelf display.
Rank #4
Hot Wheels - BMW M3 Wagon - HW Wagons 5/5 - JBB48 - Short Card - Stanley - Castrol - Michelin - Green - Mattel 2025 - Licensed BMW Model - 1:64
  • Officially licensed BMW model - sporty M3 Touring based on the E30 series
  • Part of the Hot Wheels Wagons Series 2025, Number 245/250 (5/5 within the subseries)
  • Green racing design with white dots, gold accents and sponsor logos of Castrol and Michelin
  • 1:64 scale - detailed replica with typical M-front and touring construction
  • High-quality die-cast finish from Mattel - robust and precisely manufactured

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.