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Registered
Join Date: May 2001
Location: simi valley, ca, usa
Posts: 533
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OT - BMW info?
I'm looking to get a used (sorry, pre-owned) BMW. Something sporty like an older M5 or 635Csi is within budget. Over the years I've had a 2002 and 740, but I don't know much about the hi-perf models. Can anybody recommend a source for general info (what to look out for, specs, etc...)? I tried the BMW BBS on Pelican but it won't open for me. Thanks.
Also, I'd love to hear any helpful stories re these BMW types. Thanks! |
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10-18-2001, 01:53 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Arlington, VA, USA
Posts: 307
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10-18-2001, 02:17 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Dallas
Posts: 3,575
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Check out roadfly.com, lots of bbs's and classifieds. I would love to have my 88 535i back along my my 88 911. Great combination and the E28 535i's seem to be going UP in price...sounds familiar. Also look at carlynx.com which someone here suggested a few months ago...lots of car sites.
Buck 88 Coupe |
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10-18-2001, 02:56 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK & USA
Posts: 884
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This is useful for "M' stuff too. Plus, don't forget Alpinas: the ultimate BMWs!
http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/index.php ------------------ '75 911S Targa '81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3 |
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10-18-2001, 09:28 PM
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: simi valley, ca, usa
Posts: 533
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Thanks guys! All good sources. Alpina?
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10-19-2001, 07:12 AM
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Banned
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upper Back Bay Newport Beach California
Posts: 3,287
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I would Go for a 3.0 Cs. They are one of the Best Looking cars ever made. Your in Simi Valley there are some really nice one around the SFV. Steve
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10-19-2001, 08:04 AM
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 1,200
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The older M5 (E28 body style, late 80s) is a fabulous car, available for roughly SC prices ($10-16K). This was a car that cost $50K+ when new, has 286 smooooth hp.
Relatively cheap to buy, but when it comes to parts and repairs, ///M stands for ///Money. The '86-89 635CSi is also a great car. Beautiful looking, with factory spoilers, sport seats and sports steering wheel. A beautiful car, and surprisingly easy and inexpensive to maintain. The engine lasts forever, and most everything else is easily repaired by a home mechanic. They are among the last of the "easy DIY" BMWs (have regular old Motronic). Can get a nice one for $8-12K. The 87-89 M6 is also fabulous, at roughly twice the acquistion cost and twice the maintenance cost. The early CS cars are very pretty, but are starting to be antiques, and are VERY susceptible to rust, even in California. |
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10-19-2001, 08:21 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: London, GB
Posts: 10
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Alpina are a BMW factory approved tuning specialist. This means they have access to new models as they being prepared for market so their cars usually hit the streets soon after the BMW models launch and their modifications don't affect the vehicle warranty.
Alpina tend to have a slightly different take on the cars to BMW M division - so that they dont compete and Alpina's tend to be slightly slower. For example the B10 which is based on a current 5 Series uses a smaller, but breathed on engine, allowing retention of the normal (quicker) 5 Series steering, which won't fit in once you drop the M5 V8 lump in. Alpina are also recognised as a manufacturer of cars so you are buying an Alpina and not a BMW, although they tend to retain the BMW badges but model names change. I hope this helps |
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10-19-2001, 09:58 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK & USA
Posts: 884
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Alpina are a modifier and, since 1981, a manufacturer of what many would say, the ultimate BMWs. They modify suspension, engine/fuel injection, interiors and appearance.
They started in about '71 and have made their own version of many of the BMW range, and they change the name of the model too. They add their own VIN plates to the cars and they become a BMW Alpina. I can only urge people to drive one if they can. All the nastiness of BMWs traditional rear handling have gone, and they really are delightful -- whatever version you are driving. Fast too. They added a Turbo to a few models and all of the range are pretty quick. Highly expensive when new and sold only at a few dealerships. They didn't get to the US that much, sadly, but there is a keen following and few cars about. I have a C1 2.3 - Alpina's version of the Euro E21 323i. Blueprinted engine, lighter pistons, changed suspension, scheel seats, extra fuel tank, Alpina livery, etc.  Check out: http://www.users.wineasy.se/aahl/ And: http://www.alpina.de/english/automobiles/index_e.htm ------------------ '75 911S Targa '81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3 |
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10-19-2001, 10:18 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: UK & USA
Posts: 884
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ciaranchallis,
I guess these days Alpina are more focused on unique "luxury" as well as performance, but, in the past, Alpinas were the fastest BMWs. Putting larger engines into cars and such beasts as the B9 Turbos. Also, to add to it all, Alpinas are limited editions. They all have plaques inside designating the personal number of that particular car. Mine is 1 of 23 C1 2.3s made by the Alpina factory - they go from BMW directly to Alpina, when new, for conversion. A BMW dealership in the UK (Sytner) is the only other place Alpinas can be built. ------------------ '75 911S Targa '81 BMW Alpina C1 2.3 |
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10-19-2001, 10:44 AM
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