Tag: BMW (Page 2 of 2)

IN THE NEWS: BMW Set to Launch M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé

June 16, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The launch of the new BMW M3 Saloon and new BMW M4 Coupé heralds the arrival of the fifth-generation of the iconic high-performance sports car from BMW M. For the first time the Coupé and Saloon models receive individual model names, in deference to the different model series that provide their basis.

Another first is the adoption of a turbocharged engine for this BMW M model: the high-revving, 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology has been specifically developed for this purpose, and produces a maximum output of 431hp. Its peak torque of 550Nm is available across a very wide rev range starting at just 1,850rpm, and exceeds the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by roughly 40 per cent. In spite of this, the new engine also achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent.

To maximise dynamic ability and ensure excellent efficiency, a weight loss of over 80kgs has been achieved compared to a comparably equipped predecessor model. Specific weight-saving measures include the increased use of lightweight materials: both models now feature a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof.

BMW M engineers have paid particular attention to the car’s aerodynamic performance, and incorporated the latest Active M Differential amongst numerous other technical highlights. During the development process the engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s professional racing drivers, with extensive testing and set-up work carried out on the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.

PICK OF THE DAY: Above Average BMW 2002Tii

May 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

There’s not much more that needs to be said about the BMW 2002 than what’s been hailed since its introduction. It remains a measuring stick. Over the years, many cars have tried to be known as “the next 2002,” but none ever have. Not really. About the only thing left to say is that if you’ve ever wanted one, or had one way back when and would love to have another, time is running out. Indeed one of the things that made the 2002 such a phenom was that it was a precision-made, economical, spirited, youthful, and dependable car that was relatively affordable. Likewise for several years, they continued to be comparatively affordable, but that is changing. Where once—even prior to the economic downturn—a $10,000 2002 was considered exceptional, it is now a No. 3 driver needing some work. Prices have increased sharply since the beginning of the year and, with a recovering economy, there’s no reason to expect that trend to stall. Although any 2002 is highly collectible, the most coveted is the fuel-injected 2002Tii “Roundie” (round taillights as opposed to the later big-bumper cars with the square lights) from 1972 and 1973 (Turbos notwithstanding). Prices for these in show condition can go as high as $45,000, or roughly what a decent second-hand E92 M3 would cost. Nevertheless, there are some very nice drivers still in mostly original condition that can be had for under $20K. This is such an example. With no rust in the common areas, it appears to be rust-free with a straight body wearing a nice, if not entirely original, coat of (Baikal?) Blue paint over some proper factory alloy wheels. Interior looks to be very original and well-kept with new upholstery and headliner. It has also been tightened up with new door, window and engine seals, as well as shifter bushings and flex disc (Giubo). This one also has a couple of attractive and sought-after options: sunroof and air conditioning. In all, it doesn’t appear to be far from a showstopper and a solid, very presentable, immensely enjoyable driver in the meantime. Find it here in on Craigslist Anderson SC for a very reasonable $19,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Exceptional BMW 850 CSi

May 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The BMW 8 Series was supposed to be the spiritual successor to the much loved E9 Coupés (such as the 3.0 CS/CSi/CSL) and the E24 6 Series (635 CSi, M6), although in reality it was targeted at a more exclusive market. With the intent of being a luxurious super car, it featured rakish lines resulting in a .29 drag coefficient (lower than an Acura NSX, Lamborghini Murcielago or Koenigsegg CCX) as well as a 300-hp V12 mated to a 6-speed transmission, the first time that had been done in a production car. It was also the first production car to have a “drive-by-wire” throttle (no cable). As a flagship model, BMW packed it with technology including stability and traction control as well as an on-board computer. It was also well appointed with 10-way heated seats and power everything. It was aimed passed its V12 contemporaries like the Jaguar XJ-S and Mercedes-Benz SL toward the exotic buyer looking for something more practical and more comfortable. In spite of this, both press and public instantly compared it to the 6-cylinder E24 and lamented that in all the puffery, the Ultimate Driving Machine had been somehow lost. This was particularly true in the US where dealers felt that it was more on par with the Jag- and Merc-buying country club set and most were delivered with automatic transmissions. Meanwhile, it had always been the intention that the 8 Series would be be part of the M program and development on the M8 had commenced and legend has it that the sole prototype still exists. With falling demand for the 8 Series, the M8 project was scrapped but lives on in spirit with the 850 CSi. The 850 CSi used an M-tuned version of the 850i’s V12, bored out to 5.6 liters and now producing 375 hp mated to a manual-only 6-speed gearbox. While this is well short of the M8’s 550 horses, it distanced itself from its country club fate. It also had a lower ride height ,stiffer springs, tighter steering, wider wheels, stainless exhaust, and improved aerodynamics. In the end, it not only reclaimed Ultimate Driving Machine status, but amplified it to a level that set the stage for the M Cars that were on the horizon. This one is the real deal (a unique VIN to indicate it was built by the M Division, the only production 8 Series to have done so). It is particularly nice with just over 50,000 actual miles and looks every bit the proper BMW in Dunkelblau (dark blue). The two-tone interior is prerequisite 90s German and while it might not be everyone’s cup of tee, no doubt we’ve all seen worse. On top of that, it is entirely original and everything seems to be working. At nearly four times the cost of a later (5.4 L) 850 Ci or a Ferrari 456 GT with $15K left over for service, exclusivity has its price. That said, prices for a CSi have slowly been inching up and it could be a sleeper in the works (Hemmings features an 850 CSi on the cover of their May 2014 issue in their 150-MPH story). With only around 1,500 built between 1993 and 1996, it may finally have found its place. Find it here on Craigslist in Tuscon AZ for an on-the-money $59,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Outstanding Low-Mile BMW 325is

May 2, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

If the E10 (1600, 2002) opened up markets for BMW, literally putting them on the map, its prodigy, the E30, cemented its popularity. Not that there was anything to fault the E21 that preceded it, nor any 3 Series that followed it, the E30 absolutely nailed what a German car was all about in the 80s. It was decidedly sporty, with just enough elegance and luxury to keep it from going too soft. It was priced just high enough where a buyer felt they earned it, yet within reach that earning one seemed reasonable. They were small enough to be completely manageable but had enough space for friends, kids, luggage, etc. It is little wonder that the E30 remains highly sought after. All factors considered, it indeed may have been the Ultimate Driving Machine. So good in fact that driving they did… and did… and did. Most E30s on the market these days have 200,000 miles or more (odometers routinely stop in these so there’s often no real way to tell). Furthermore, the E30 is a favorite of the, um, custom enthusiasts and are often found with roller skate wheels, painted grilles, bolt-on body kits, coffee-can exhausts, and similar goo-gaw. One really must kiss a lot of frogs. Today’s example is not only an outstanding original and low-mileage E30, it is a 325is, which is second only to the M3 in terms of performance, handling and refinement. It’s M20 6-cylinder is silky smooth and actually feels much stronger than its 168-hp on paper. Combined with the legendary crisp 5-speed transmission and the unique ‘S’ appointments that include sport suspension, 6″ BBS-style wheels, sport seats, and proper aerodynamic tuning, these changes transform the already excellent driving machine into something ultimater. With just over 60,000 actual miles and a fresh Inspection II (major scheduled service), as well as all controls, instruments and accessories said to be working (odometers typically stop near the 100K turn), this one is outstanding in every sense. Find it here on Craigslist in Youngstown OH for a very reasonable $7,500.

PICK OF THE DAY: Show Quality BMW E30 M3

April 15, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

This rare BMW enjoys an interesting history. The car epitomizes the definition of a “Survivor” and after being used when it was new, stored for many years by the original owner until July, 2012. It remains as original and complete as any E30 M3 that we have seen and will certainly have significant appeal to the BMW enthusiast / collector who has been searching for an unmodified, 100% stock BMW M3. Several years ago, the cars elderly owner (now deceased), made the decision about 12 years ago to donate his two cars (this BMW M3 and a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia) to his church. His donation included a specific request that the cars be stored for an extended period of time enabling the church to benefit from a higher value from on his kind donation. It was his opinion (and he certainly proved to be correct!) that both cars would appreciate considerably over the course of time based on their limited production, low mileage and condition. Upon his death, the cars were sold and the proceeds went to the church, as planned. When the M3 was subsequently sold by the new owner, the BMW was properly brought out of storage with the proper work being performed prior to driving or even starting the car. The car had been in dry storage, covered and started occasionally. The M3 is certainly one of the most original, long term ownership unmodified to be offered in years. This particular M3 has signs of being very well cared for by the one adult owner for all of its life. An inspection of the undercarriage suggests the car may not have even been driven in the rain! The body is perfectly straight with excellent original paint and even the “M” pin-striping as applied by the dealership when the car was delivered. It is available here on Hemmings in Pleasanton CA for a bargain $30,000.

PICK OF THE DAY: Cracking 1980 BMW M1

April 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Interesting car, the M1. With less than 500 made, it was too exotic to be a daily-driver Sports/GT car, but the perception of its inline six wasn’t quite exotic enough to play with the Italians. In fact, it wasn’t really meant to be a road car in the first place. The M1 has its genesis in the Turbo Concept, a design study commemorating the 1972 Munich Games. At the same time, BMW was building a racing program with cars developed specifically for the track, offering a limited number of cars for public sale in order to homologation rules. This was BMW Motorsport GmbH, with the M1 its first focused effort into sports car racing (the CSL of the early 70s had great success, but was based on the existing E9). The plan was to partner with Lamborghini to build the cars for the newly created World Championship of Makes, using the Turbo Concept as inspiration for the Giugiaro-penned design. That plan soon fell apart, paralleling Lamborghini’s woes that eventually led to their bankruptcy in 1978. With Lamborghini unable to meet their commitment, BMW forged ahead, using a combination of Giugiaro’s Ital Design and coachbuilder Baur (who among other things also built the 2002 and E21 Cabriolets) for assembly. However, by the time the cars were ready to race, the series for which it was created had become obsolete. The focus then shifted to selling the 430 homologated road cars to the public. Faced with parent BMW’s priority toward its highly successful family cars and Motorsport’s attention toward Formula 1, production of the M1 halted at the end of 1980. It’s one of those cars that deserve better than the hand they were dealt. Regardless, its mission had been accomplished. Despite all the problems and hurdles of its racing program, it was the car that solidified BMW’s Motorsport division which would later develop the now legendary line of M Cars, including the first-generation M5 and M6 that used a more refined and more reliable form of the M1’s M88 motor (albeit not in the US). Nearly 30 years after production ended, it may finally be realizing its place in automotive history. As little as five years ago, the M1 was still trying to find some respect beyond the BMW fan base. It wasn’t uncommon to find a pristine example for just inside six figures, despite its low production numbers. If the last six months are any indication, they are now on par with an early 80s Ferrari Boxer or Lamborghini Countach, with some exceptional examples commanding a quarter mil. Today’s M1 appears to be one of those exceptional examples. It is an Italian spec car (as most that found there way to the US were) having covered just over 5,000 kilometers and what looks to be completely original, outstanding condition. Inka Orange is a perfect color for an M1 and gives the car a fresh appearance that is a nod to both its CSL roots and Lamborghini beginnings. Find it here at Canepa Design in Scotts Valley CA for an undisclosed price.

ON THE LAWN: BMW 3.0 CSL Group 4 #25 Wins Class at Amelia

March 12, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – March 11, 2014 . . . The BMW 3.0 CSL Group 4 race car that won the 1975 12 Hours of Sebring wins Best-in-Class at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The BMW 3.0 CSL Group 2 race car that won the 1973 European Sedan Championship takes second at the Concours. The highlight of the class of BMW 3.0 CSL race and road cars was the Alexander Calder BMW Art Car from 1975—the very first in the now legendary series of BMW Art Cars.

The 3.0 CSL race cars were the first cars to be developed under the then-new BMW Motorsport GmbH subsidiary, established in 1972 and led by Jochen Neerpasch. They were also the first to sport the new official colors of BMW Motorsport—red, purple and blue. Based on the production 3.0 CS coupe, the aluminum skinned CSL (L = lightweight) homologation special, nicknamed the ‘Batmobile’ by its fans, formed the basis for an assault on Group 2 through Group 5 European touring car racing that would make it one of the most successful production racers of all time.

The class-winning 3.0 CSL was one of a group of five chassis campaigned by BMW of North America in the 1975 and 1976 IMSA Camel GT Series in Group 4 specifications. Campaigned under the racing numbers #24 and #25, the CSL enjoyed considerable success winning at Sebring, Riverside, Laguna Seca, Daytona and Talladega in 1975. Several iconic drivers were involved in the American success of the CSL’s, including Brian Redman, Hans Stuck, Sam Posey, Ronnie Peterson, Dieter Quester, Benny Parsons, Peter Gregg and David Hobbs. This car, sporting race number 25, is part of the BMW of North America Classic collection and is configured as it raced and won at the 1975 running of the 12 Hours of Sebring with drivers Brian Redman, Hans Stuck, Sam Posey and Alan Moffat.

The BMW 3.0 CSL race car that took runner-up honors was built in 1972 to compete in FIA Group 2. This particular car brought the 1973 European Sedan Championship to Dieter Quester and Toine Hezemans and is owned and vintage raced by BMW collectors Scott and Fran Hughes of Sunset, South Carolina.

The BMW 3.0 CSL class also included the car that won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1976 driven by Brian Redman, Peter Gregg and John Fitzpatrick.

A limited number of BMW 3.0 CSL models were produced and sold for street use in order to homologate the car for racing. The road-going BMW 3.0 CSLs featured in the class at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance included a car entered by Indy 500 winner and BMW Team RLL team principal, Bobby Rahal.

The class-winning BMW 3.0 CSL #25 will be featured in the Gallery of Legends at the 62nd running of the 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend.

PICK OF THE DAY: Well Cared For BMW E24 M6

March 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

While its genesis was in the E9 CSL Coupés that preceded it, the BMW’s M badge—at least on these shores—established itself in the 6-Series-based M6. It was launched here in 1987 and was the swan song to the E24 that enjoyed a 14-year run, due largely to its timeless styling and the kind of performance that delivers on the promise of “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” While it is 30 hp shy of its European counterpart, with its brilliant M88 inline 6 derived from the M1, its 252 hp was quite respectable for a 50-state GT in its day (more a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 308 with roughly the same weight as the Porsche). Today, it’s unusual to find a car with less than 100,000 miles for under $15,000. The M6 presented here has traveled 83,000 miles, appears to have been very well kept with complete service records, a tidy original interior and what looks to be original paint with only one spot of rust from a poor windshield installation (easily addressed). Find it here on Craigslist in Lexington KY for $14,000.