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Author: Carter

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1991 BMW M5

Published August 16, 2014 by Carter

While generally I find myself looking at C4 Audi S4/S6s and thinking they’re an amazing deal right now, it’s hard to not feel the same way about the E34 M5. If the E28 was the unloved M from the 1980s for some time, more recently we’ve seen a surge in E28 prices that are starting to pick the “original” super sedan up in price. In some cases, clean versions of the E28 M5 are now trading for more than their sister in a prettier dress that has traditionally carried more value, the M6. In even more rare cases, some have surpassed the values of the market-darling E30 M3. Where’s the M deal to be had now, then? Even if the driving experience was dulled slightly by some added weight and luxury with the E28’s successor, the E34, the retention of the great drivetrain coupled with some refined looks wasn’t all bad. In my opinion, the E34 is a very worthy replacement for the E28 – and a strong alternative to the S4/S6 market which is also beginning to tick up slightly. Check out this first year Brilliant Red example:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1991 BMW M5 on eBay

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10K Friday Super Drop-Top Edition: Cabriolet v. TT v. S4 v. Cabriolet v. Beetle v. Eos v. S2 v. Boxster v. M Roadster v. M3 v. 500SL v. CLK55 AMG

Published August 15, 2014 by Carter

Okay, hang on folks, this is a long one – what’s the most class, speed and style that you can get for $10,000 these days in German motoring? I’ve lined up some of the examples of just how much you can buy – which is your favorite?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 Audi Cabriolet on eBay

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Mellow Yellow Double Take: 2004 BMW M3 Convertible

Published August 14, 2014 by Carter

In many popular women’s magazines there are style sections in which two celebrities are shown wearing the same dress with the simple question “who wore it better”? Often it’s quite obvious; one of the celebrities is as you’d expect – glamorous, perfectly polished and just out of the gym. The opposing look is typically a tad overweight, over jeweled, looking like the subject in question has just been out on the town for the 43 consecutive night with minimal personal hygiene. Looking through cars this week, I was reminded to this comparison when I ran across two yellow M3 convertibles. Both E46, both 2004 – same motor and interior, with light modifications; but there is where they separate. The first is a manual BMW Individual Dakar Yellow example, while the second is a SMG-equipped Phoenix Yellow example. Which wears the yellow shade better?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 BMW M3 Convertible on eBay

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2001 Audi S8

Published August 14, 2014 by Carter

I’ll admit that I probably have rose-colored glasses on when I look back at my V8 quattro ownership. I had enough issues with it that my wife refers to most catastrophic failures in life as “like your Audi V8” incidents. Sure, it tried to kill me a few times; but then, look at it. It’s a great looking car. And that was what kept me going as I dumped money into an example that I paid far too little for initially. Today, I find myself looking back and saying “Next time, spend a little more and get the right one”. This is something that really should extend to the rest of my car purchases, frankly – and when the opportunity to purchase a replacement Passat, I didn’t cheap out. I found a 1 owner, lower mile and fully maintained model, and I paid a premium for it. Could I have gotten one for less money with a more dubious history? Absolutely, but learn from my experiences – buying a budget Audi/Volkswagen product with the intentions of fixing it along the way as things break will certainly cost you as much as buying the nice model would have cost you. I continue to longingly look at D2 S8s with the same balance; pay for a lower mile, nice example with maintenance history versus the many that pop up for budget prices. One Ming Blue example just surfaced near me for $4,000 with the check engine light on; another for $2,500 with 200,000 miles with a blown transmission. I could get one of those, but it’s probably smarter to spend more than double that for an example with less question marks:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Audi S8 on eBay

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Wednesday Wheels Roundup

Published August 13, 2014 by Carter

Time for another wheel roundup, and today I’ve focused on some great looking 5-spoke wheels. One of the cult BBS designs in the RF 3-piece wheel that was sold alongside the more common RS, RM and RA wheels in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This set looks awesome! The MOMO Stars look great and period correct on that M3; they’ll need some work but would be a cool winter project. The 993 Speedline Targa wheels are some of my favorite OEM Porsche wheels, and the Speedline Mistrals are a favorite aftermarket design – I’ve owned a set of one-piece Mistral wheels for some time that are for sale in the self-service classifieds right now. Then we have some great OZ Mitos, a popular design with the Porsche crowd, along with some Borbet Type As that are popular with the BMW and VW crowd. Both to be great in their custom configurations. Lastly we have some Fittipaldi wheels that were likely intended for a Fox-body Mustang but could work on a B3 Audi Coupe Quattro and would be really neat. I think the offset is a bit too aggressive for the early B2 cars but with some flares and stiff springs you might be able to make it work. What’s your favorite?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: BBS RF 17×8.5,9.5 5×112 Wheels on eBay

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