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Category: BMW

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1988 BMW M5

The M5 might not have been the original super sedan. It wasn’t even the first hot 5-series. But just like the GTI is synonymous with the hot-hatch segment, the M5 became the standard by which all other super-sedans were judged the moment it rolled onto the scene in 1985. Power seemed other-worldly; 280 plus horsepower from the race-derived M88/3 hunkered down with beefy suspension upgrades and huge (for the time) alloy wheels linked with a limited-slip differential. At a time when “fast” cars had 180 horsepower, BMW’s first M-offering in the sedan range might as well have been a space ship.

BMW promised limited production for the U.S. market, too – and, indeed, only 1,239 were produced for the U.S. with the slightly de-tuned S38. Unfortunately, that was 700 more than BMW had promised to make, and that led to a lawsuit. It also wasn’t very long before the M5’s power reign was eclipsed; first by its replacement E34 model, by then the whole range of new V8 models emerging on the market, from the 1992 Audi V8 quattro to the 500E. Values quickly fell as these old-looking (even when new) boxy rockets fell out of favor, and they remained there for quite some time.

But recently there’s grown a much greater appreciation for all things 80s M, and though the E30 has grabbed the headlines as the market star, outside of the M1 it is the E28 M5 that was brought here in fewest numbers. Even fewer have survived, and finding clean, lower mile examples can be tough. This one appears to tick the right boxes:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1988 BMW M5 on eBay on eBay

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2010 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport

What’s the price for perfection? Well, it can vary a lot – just like the definition of perfection. Is the 135i the perfect car? Far from it; it has some funky angles, old tech, and is surprisingly heavy for how diminutive it looks. That said, it also packs a lot of punch; in either N54 or N55 guise, it’s got 300 horsepower, Brembo brakes, and is a hoot to drive on the road. These cars were priced in the high 30s when new, and really good examples have never gotten very cheap. Today’s car is a great example of that – probably one of the best-condition and original E82s in the US, with a scant 15,000 miles on the odometer. It was also ordered with the M Sport package. Is it perfection?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2010 BMW 135i Coupe M Sport on eBay

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2003 BMW M3 Convertible

Gosh, this is like déjà vu all over again. If yesterday’s Sprint Blue RS6 wasn’t enough to tempt you, I’m back with an even more blue M3. Today’s E46 is Topaz Blue Metallic outside, which is nice – but that’s not the whole story. Inside is the very blue Laguna Seca Blue leather upholstery. The seller of this one believes that you’ll be hard-pressed to find another like it, and I’d have to agree. Laguna Seca Blue leather was available from the factory as a special-order but regular production color, meaning the car didn’t have to go through BMW Individual. But why choose this color? Well, the story goes that this is was a press car model, and indeed it carries code 916 – Development Vehicle. I previously looked at a double-Imola E46 M3 press vehicle, and it’s neat to see another come up for sale:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2003 BMW M3 Convertible on eBay

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ZHP’d Touring: 2004 BMW 325i Sport Wagon 3.0L

Ah….the infamous “ZHP” Performance Package. Available in sedan, coupe, and convertible format, it infused the US-specification 330i with some M DNA and has since become a fan favorite. Clean examples even trade for more than some M3s. But one thing was lacking; a wagon. Worse, BMW never offered the top-spec motor in the E46 long roof here. But that doesn’t hold people back.

Today’s car started life as an Orient Blue Metallic automatic 325i Sport Wagon with heated seats, beige leather upholstery, and wood trim – that’s about it. Since that time, it’s run into some things and become a whole lot more desirable with a full ZHP treatment including bodywork, wheels, interior, and the 3.0L motor and 5-speed manual transmission. Then there are also some upgrades to the suspension and some maintenance to boot. Does it make it worth overlooking the rebuilt title?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 BMW 325i Sport Wagon on eBay

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1979 BMW 635CSi

Over the summer, I took a look at an early 635CSi. Since the model didn’t come to US shores until late 1984, anything made before then will automatically be a European-specification model:

1980 BMW 635CSi

Today’s 79 is no different. This means slim bumpers, cool early-style spoilers, and a 3.5-liter M90 under the hood instead of the later 3.4-liter M30s in either B34 or B35 specifications. This one is also a really pretty color combination; Fjord over dark blue leather, and has some cool two-piece Enkei wheels to go along with it. It also won’t break the bank:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1979 BMW 635CSi on eBay

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