what car does steve drive in stranger things

[Connor]

Steve Harrington, the beloved character from Stranger Things, drives a BMW 733i (E23 generation) during the show's third season, which is set in 1985. This car is a significant upgrade from his family's Mercedes-Benz seen earlier and perfectly captures the mid-80s yuppie aesthetic he's embracing while working at the Starcourt Mall. The BMW 7-Series sedan was a symbol of success and luxury at the time, aligning with Steve's desire to project a cool, mature image.

The car itself is a character detail that speaks volumes. The BMW 733i was known for its advanced features for the era, including fuel injection and a robust inline-six engine. Its boxy, authoritative design contrasts with the more whimsical vehicles of other characters, underscoring Steve's role as the pragmatic, often overwhelmed "babysitter" of the group. The car is central to key Season 3 moments, serving as the getaway vehicle during the gripping hospital escape scene. While not as iconic as the Scoops Ahoy uniform, the BMW is a crucial part of Steve's journey from a superficial high-school popular kid to a responsible and selfless hero.

Feature	Detail	Significance in Stranger Things
Car Model	BMW 733i (E23)	Represents Steve's aspirational, more mature lifestyle in 1985.
Production Years	1977-1986	Anachronism: The car is period-correct for the show's 1985 setting.
Engine	3.2L M30B32 Inline-6	A powerful and smooth engine, fitting for a luxury sedan.
Body Style	4-door Saloon/Sedan	Provides ample room for Steve, Dustin, Robin, and Erica during their adventures.
Notable Scene	Hospital Escape (S3)	The car is pivotal to the plot, enabling a thrilling getaway from the Mind Flayer's monsters.

[LeColton]

He upgrades to a sweet, grey BMW in Season 3 when he's working at the mall. It’s a total yuppie-mobile, which fits his character perfectly at that point. You see it a ton during the wild scenes at the hospital. It’s a big, boxy sedan from the 80s, and it definitely looks like the kind of car a cool older guy like Steve would drive to impress people.

[Gloria]

From a production standpoint, the choice of a BMW 733i is a brilliant piece of set dressing. It's a period-accurate luxury vehicle that instantly communicates Steve's socioeconomic status and his aspirations without a single line of dialogue. The car's size and solidity visually support his role as the group's protector. It's more than just transportation; it's a symbol of his evolving identity, marking his transition away from his parents' wealth toward defining his own version of adulthood.

[CooperRose]

As a fan who loves the details, Steve's BMW is iconic. It’s not just a car; it’s part of the team in Season 3. Remember the scene where they’re all packed in, racing away from the hospital? That car is a tank. It’s got this very 80s, aggressive look that screams "Steve Harrington." It perfectly matches his journey from a guy who cares about his hair to the guy who'll drive headfirst into danger for his friends.

[VanJace]

The car is a 1980s BMW 7-Series, specifically a 733i. It’s a classic German luxury sedan, known for its build quality and straight-six engine. In the context of the show, it’s a deliberate character choice. It shows Steve is doing well financially with his mall job, or at least wants to appear that way. The car’s practicality—it seats four comfortably—becomes a crucial asset for the group’s missions, making it an unsung hero of the season.