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Category: BMW

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1976 Sbarro 328

If what you’re looking at seems…well, too old to be called a 1976 model – but simultaneously too new to be a pre-War car from some aspects, you’re right on both accounts. This is a Swiss-made Sbarro 328 replica. Italian-born Franco Sbarro started his company in 1971 in French-speaking Switzerland and immediately started copying German automobiles. They’re still open today, continuing to build limited-run prototypes, but in the 1970s a majority of their work seems to have been based upon historic cars; Bugattis, GT40s, Lola T70s. What was interesting was what they built these replicas on; Sbarro installed fiberglass copies of the originals over BMW or Mercedes-Benz chassis with original components. In the case of the 328 replica you see here, the engine, chassis, rear suspension and transmission was based upon the small-chassis BMW. In front, Sbarro utilized NSU components for the front suspension and steering. Headlights came from a Mercedes-Benz. The result of this hodge-podge was surprisingly good, managing to capture a fair amount of the aesthetic of the original without looking too out-of-shape, though they were admittedly slightly shorter and squatter than the original. Having standard BMW running gear simplified the importation process, and consequently Sbarro offered these replicas in the US market through a Florida dealer. At least a few were sold here, typically with chassis numbers XXXXUSAXX. This one is claimed to be number 5.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1976 Sbarro 328 on eBay

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1992 BMW 525i Touring

Since I’m apparently on a bit of a wagon kick as of late, let’s look at the last US “Touring” car offered by BMW. “Ah!”, but you’ll say, “BMW offered wagons after the BMW E34!” True, I owned one. But the nameplate Touring was discontinued by BMW in the US, as they switched to either Sport Wagon or Sports Wagon (depending on year and line). Semantic, maybe, but nevertheless true. This was semi-ironic, as well, since it was also the first Touring model BMW offered here officially. So what was special about the E34 version? Well, not a ton; the M5 was not offered as a wagon here, and most are the smaller-displacement motors with automatics. That’s what we have today – the bottom of the lineup 525i with a four-speed automatic. But look at it! Like the classic Mercedes-Benz wagons, this was not about speed – it was about carrying all your hunting gear, golf clubs, high-end luggage, or children to boarding school. It was a solidly built, good-looking car that was never pretentious but definitely underscored that you had deeper pockets than most. The E34 came from a different time, where easy credit didn’t exist – nor did 7-year balloon-payment car loans. This was the 90s recession, car loans were hovering around 10% interest, and this car cost nearly $40,000 – inflation corrected, about $85,000. It’s no wonder that they’re rare to see.

So what did you get for your luxurious outlay? To be honest, not much – the 525i kicked out 189 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque from the M50, which wasn’t bad – but it also wasn’t a 535i. You could also get the two V8s in 92 – the 530i and 540i, though long-term the six was probably a smarter choice. This was hooked to a slightly weird choice in the automatic form – the US market got a GM 460LE four-speed automatic instead of the five-speed ZF gearbox Europeans got. While this ultimately sounds like the low man on the totem pole, this particular E34 is pretty nice to see in period-correct Island Green Metallic:

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2018 BMW M2 Performance

If you thought buying your BMW M-tuned car you all of the company’s tricks…well, you’re probably not surprised already that is not the case. BMW M also has an “M Performance” line, which offers more hard-core suspension, exhaust, engine tuning, and aerodynamic tweaks for the already muscle-bound Munich missiles. In the case of today’s M2 coupe, two M Performance packages were selected – sadly, not all the best stuff. Z08 got you black grilles, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and an M Performance exhaust system. ZFO was all interior bits; the M Performance steering wheel, pedal covers, Alcantara shift trim, and LED door projectors. This is a little sad because the big M Performance stuff was really…well, performance oriented. You could opt to get coilover suspension, upgraded brakes, additional aero tweaks for the side skirts, and M763 wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Neat, but you were also looking at $10k worth of add-ons with those, and the two previously mentioned packages already added $5K. Additionally, this car was ordered with the Executive Package and the M Driver’s Package, which raised the top speed and got the original owner a day at the track. Add in the DCT, and this $54,000 coupe was now – gasp – $69,000. That’s $1,500 more than a standard M3 sticker price in 2018, and the M3 had 60 horsepower more than the M2. It’s also more than an M2 Competition cost. And, on top of that, the seller of this particular one also says there was a dealer adjustment of $20,000, making this a $90k M2. That’s more than the M2 CS sticker price!

Today, I’m not really sure anyone is seeking out these Performance Package cars, though in the future they’ll likely be more desirable.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2018 BMW M2 Performance on eBay

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1996 BMW 320i Touring

Until the current model year, BMW’s “what if?” pantheon was generally reduced to a few paths. What if BMW had given us the full M treatment on the 7-Series and 8-Series models? What if Chris Bangle hadn’t taken the styling reins? And what if they made an M3 wagon? Well, the last finally came true, but today’s car somewhat answers the question several generations earlier. That’s because what started here as an unassuming German-market 1996 320i Touring has become something more with the addition of M3 Lightweight-style bodywork and graphics, along with some neat 1995-specification Style 22 wheels. Inside we’ve also got a little M treatment, with M Rain cloth covering the seats. While it hasn’t had the full drivetrain swap, this one looks like a winner:

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1987 BMW 635CSi

The result of E30s becoming (arguably) very overpriced is that the remainder of BMW’s 80s collection also has risen in value. Still, the E28 and E24 represent a generally good return on an investment relative to the E30. You get classic styling, a superb driving experience, and you’re signaling your a fan while stopping short of jumping on the bandwagon. If you’re into the E24, the ones to consider are the later models with the 3.4-liter motor and E28 suspension upgrades. BMW offered three flavors of 6 in ’87 – the range-topping M6, the luxury-based L6, and the standard 635CSi. Today’s car is a high-option standard 635CSi with a few upgrades, and it sure looks great!

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