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It was state of the art when it was new, and there’s still plenty of luxury to enjoy with one of the most beautifully-proportioned BMWs ever made. Words: Bob Harper Photos: Jason Dodd Buying Guide: E38 740iThe magnificent third-gen 7 Series offers luxury on a budget – here’s what to look for when shopping for one.
With enduring styling and a rewarding drive, BMW’s great-value E46 330i and 330Ci models are much admired, but avoid rough examples. Words: Guy Baker Some BMWs have stood the test of time better than others, like the well-proportioned E46 models, which are prominent on many enthusiasts’ ownership wish lists.
The E30 3 Series is a true classic icon, one beloved by the BMW community, and the 325i is arguably the most desirable non-M model of the lot. Our guide will help you to get your hands on the perfect example of this fantastic retro machine. Words: Elizabeth de Latour Photos: Gregory Owain Buying and Tuning Guide: E30 325i Our in-depth guide will help you to buy the perfect-classic 3 Series. The E30 is an absolute classic, arguably the 3 Series that everyone wants.
It’s been a busy few weeks for Paul’s 2000 Jaguar XK8 4.0 X100 having been compared to not one or two but three rivals. Although the 18th century French philosopher and mathematician, the Marquis de Condorcet, once advised to, “Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another,” I still find pitching my XK8 against rivals from the same era to be a fascinating experience.
An alluring classic, BMW’s shark-nosed 840Ci coupé is great value, but we’d recommend you stick to the later 4.4-litre model. Words: Guy Baker MARKET WATCH Our expert takes a look at the used E31 8 Series market Instantly recognisable, BMW’s 1990s 8 Series grand tourer provides a hefty dose of elegance and panache, and if you find a well-fettled 4.4-litre 1996- on 840Ci, then you could enjoy years of dependable retro V8 motoring in an appreciating classic.
BMW M has certainly been enjoying itself during its 50th anniversary year, and the debut of machinery such as the M3 Touring and the M4 CSL have been some of the highlights. More recently, we’ve seen the world premiere of two further M cars, topping and tailing the range in the guise of the all-new XM and the perhaps rather more enticing M2.
Big and bold, the X6 in xDrive 40d E71 guise is a real beast. But it will look after you whatever the situation Why not release your inner extrovert, with an E71 X6 xDrive 40d? Packing enough torque to rival an X6M E71 (despite possessing far superior fuel economy) most examples come laden with optional extras courtesy of wealthy original owners – so you can really indulge yourself – and you will never be caught short in terms of performance.
This is the end, beautiful friend…” so said Jim Morrison and The Doors all the way back in 1967. The song – The End – was, of course, part of the soundtrack to Apocalypse Now and while I’m not quite as unhinged as many of the film’s characters become I am deeply saddened that after 28-years BMW Car will be closing its pages for the very last time.
A photograph can tell a thousand stories, and this can be especially true at auction. Want to complain about that scratch you didn’t know was there? “Sorry Sir, it was clearly in the image on the internet...
Richard tell us that his M635CSi was manufactured at BMW’s Dingolfing plant on 18 May 1987 – number 421 of 524 right-hand drive M635 models. Reader’s Rides Interestingly, it was the penultimate pre-facelift UK-spec car to roll off the production line. Painted in Royal Blue Metallic with a Pearl Beige leather interior, it boasts factory-fitted air-conditioning, an electric sunroof, headlight washer system, electric seats, rear headrests, and a rear sunblind.
Potent and plush, you can now buy BMW’s alluring E64 650i V8 Sport Cabriolet for just £8,000. Words: Guy Baker Photography: Various Market WatchFast, gloriously smooth and understatedly glamorous, BMW’s E64 650i Sport Cabriolet is now a real bargain, with good examples changing hands for as little as £8,000.
Two compelling BMWs from very different eras – which makes the better classic buy? That’s the £65,000 question... Words: Guy Baker Photography: Hexagon Classics Classic BMWs are enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment, with cars built in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s most in demand.
Maybe it’s my age, or perhaps it’s simply that I’ve been out in the sun for too long this summer but I have a severe hankering for a convertible. Normally I’d go for the most practical option which would see me behind the wheel of a 3 Series cabrio and having had a quick look at the classifieds it looks like there are some real bargains out there if you’re not to fussy about which generation you go for and which engine you’ve got under the bonnet.
A very warm welcome to the first of CAR’s three special 60th anniversary issues. Yep, the world’s best (and most modest) car magazine pre-dates the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon (1969), Porsche’s first overall Le Mans win (1970) and the arrival into this world of one Elon Reeve Musk (1971).
Boy, was it hot at the weekend. Perfect weather for being out in the BMW with the roof down. Thing is, it had been garaged for three weeks since our last trip. It’s kept a couple of miles away in a lock-up, while the Boxster lives on the other side of my office wall. And something had slipped my mind. As we headed out, I was revelling in its refinement. Sure, it has one of the smoothest engines in existence, but I suddenly noticed the ride and the lack of underlying vibration.