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Author: Carter

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1994 BMW 325iS M-Design

1994 BMW 325iS M-Design

Published June 3, 2018 by Carter

When I first came across this car, just like with Rob’s GT3 yesterday I was pretty sure I’d seen it before. The 1994 BMW 325iS M-Design was produced in very limited numbers, and this one was for sale after another I wrote up fairly recently with similar miles:

https://germancarsforsaleblog.com/diet-m3-1994-bmw-325is-m-design/

However, a quick check of the VINs revealed they’re different chassis; this one is 386, produced 52 prior to the last one we looked at (438). So let’s refresh ourselves on what made the M-Design 3-series special.

Basically, this car was the precursor to the U.S.-spec M3. BMW teased its release with an American version of the Clubsport Coupe; you got the M-Tech body kit, mirrors, steering wheel and shift knob, along with the Anthracite M cloth (0506) and an Alpine White exterior. BMW equipped BBS RC 2-piece wheels with forged centers too. In all, it made for a pretty package even if it was no more potent than a standard E36. Fans claim only 150 were imported which seems about right, though BMW doesn’t have official importation numbers.

Last time around, though the condition was very good the general consensus was that an actual M3 was a better deal at the asking price. How about today?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1994 BMW 325iS M-Design on eBay

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Volkswagen Variants on a Theme: 2003 Jetta GLS 1.8T v. 2001 Passat GLS 1.8T

Volkswagen Variants on a Theme: 2003 Jetta GLS 1.8T v. 2001 Passat GLS 1.8T

Published May 31, 2018 by Carter

Obviously, this post comes to you from someone who likes Volkswagens – and, in particular, 5-door VWs. I’m not sure exactly what the attraction is for me, but the last two Volkswagens I’ve had – both Passat GLS 1.8T Variants – have been faithful and fun-to-drive companions. Despite their relative popularity (VW sold nearly 110,000 wagons in North America – 20% of production overall), they somehow manage to stand apart from the crowd. And for about ten years VW enthusiasts got to choose not only from the Passat’s fairly robust lineup of wagons which featured everything from luxurious automatic V6 all-wheel drivers to thrifty diesels and outrageous W8s, but there was also the slightly smaller Jetta Wagon as well. Like the Passat, several options were available, from a basic 2.0, the turbo 1.8, the TDI and the crazy VR6 model.

Today I’ve got two examples to consider; in this case, both are front-drive 1.8T 5-speed manual GLSs. Despite what should be a very similar basis, these two take on remarkably different character. Pricing is pretty similar but presentation and mileage are quite different. Which is the one to buy? Let’s start with the Jetta:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T Wagon on eBay

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1988 BMW 635CSi

1988 BMW 635CSi

Published May 28, 2018 by Carter

In 1987, BMW wowed the U.S. market with the introduction of the S38-powered M6. In the shadowline of that model, though, was another special E24 – the L6. Essentially, the L6 was a standard 635CSi with a very special all-leather interior. Produced in small numbers for only the 1987 model year, they proved to be a bit of a headache for BMW. Like the all-leather dash M6s, the leather upper cover had a tendency to deform and BMW had to replace quite a few under warranty. The L6 also had leather-wrapped center console, the rear air conditioned storage compartment like we saw in the M6, and even a leather headliner. The L6 generally matched European models referred to as “Highline” packages.

When the revised ’88 E24 launched, the L6 was officially dropped as a model. However, you could still opt to get all of the L6 bits installed in your 635CSi, and that’s what we have here:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 BMW 635CSi on eBay

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1988 Porsche 924S Special Edition

1988 Porsche 924S Special Edition

Published May 25, 2018 by Carter

Update 5/25/18: After apparently selling in mid 2016 for $9,500, this rare 1988 924S Special Edition is back on the market with a new seller, 1,400 more miles and a much higher price – now it’s listed for $14,975.

Why the enthusiast world hasn’t thoroughly warmed up to the Porsche 924S is a bit beyond me, and that’s especially true of the 1988 model year. Not only was compression slightly up resulting in 160 horsepower channeled through the rear wheels, but Porsche also signed the model out with a fantastic lightweight special. The 924S Special Edition was also marketed in Europe as the 924S Le Mans; limited to 500 copies in each market, the U.S. models were black only. In classic Porsche “add lightness” style, the 924S SE had manual windows, no air conditioning or sunroof, and they even dropped the passenger mirror off the car. While power didn’t increase, the car did get more suspension in the M030 factory Koni suspension and wider ‘Phone Dials’ in the back with integrated mud flaps. Also lightweight was the interior fabric, which was so thin it doesn’t seem to be able to actually cover the seats even on a low mileage example like this:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 Porsche 924S Special Edition on eBay

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1993 Audi V8 quattro

1993 Audi V8 quattro

Published May 24, 2018 by Carter

Recently we got treated to a rare 1991 Audi V8 quattro 5-speed to ponder. Though it had nearly 190,000 miles, it certainly looked to be in pretty good shape. At first glance, $6,500 for one of these complicated older Audis sure seems outrageous and (in many ways) is, but considering the rarity it wasn’t outlandish to see that price.

The manual left the V8 quattro option list in 1992, but to make up for it there were quite a few upgrades. Chief among these was the new ABH 4.2 liter unit. The increase in displacement netted 276 horsepower and 295 lb.ft of torque; though they were far from light and all mated to the 4-speed automatic here, the 92-94 models were far from slow. A revised exhaust now had tips that came straight out, and while the rolling stock looked the same on the forged BBS RG wheels, the suspension uprights brakes changed to be shared with the S4 – no more floating rotors. Inside there were minor changes to the dashboard, dual airbags, a transmission cooler and the revised climate control unit shared with the C4, along with standard Connolly leather. The sticker price rose accordingly to nearly $60,000.

Perhaps it was turbocharged manual S4, with its modern design, that steered customers away from the V8. Or perhaps it was competition outside of the marque. Regardless, few of these 4.2 V8s sold; 270 1992s, 170 1993s and a scant 78 ’94s left dealerships. Late V8s are hard to find twenty five years on, especially in clean condition:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1993 Audi v8 quattro on Minneapolis Craigslist

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