Although it’s typically Alpina and Dinan that enthusiasts think of when it comes to high-level BMW modifiers, Hartge also offered plenty to consider. Today’s car is a Japanese-specific model called the H26SP, which was offered first in E30 and later E36 models. Like Alpina, they had special body kits, suspension, wheels, trim, and engine upgrades. Two things are interesting about today’s car – first, it’s a very early E36, and second, that it’s already in the US. Unfortunately things start to unwind a bit after that, as it’s been changed substantially from its original configuration. Still, this is a rare BMW, so let’s take a look:
Category: BMW
When the 2002 rolled onto the scene, the 2002tii was relatively expensive. At nearly $4,500, it was 50% more expensive than a Mustang with a 351 V8. Under the hood of the 2002 was not some huge V8 or even BMW’s signature inline-6, of course, but a 2.0-liter inline-4. The revelation was fuel injection, and though it was a complicated system, the results were undeniable. The 2002tii churned out 140 horsepower, while the Mustang’s 5.8-liter V8 made 177 horsepower. Given that the 2002 was also quite a bit lighter than the Mustang, it could also turn and stop pretty well – something the Pony wasn’t really great at. It signaled a way forward while the Mustang clung to the dregs of the past.
Today, tiis that have been gone through are quite valuable, and today’s car is a prime example. It’s got all the stuff you wouldn’t mind having in a classic car – air conditioning, a sunroof, a modern stereo, comfy Recaro seats, a Nardi steering wheel, Coco mats…while it’s not fully original, all the work is done. Of course, this means that it won’t be cheap. How not cheap?
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1973 BMW 2002tii on eBay
1 CommentAfter looking at nearly every other generation of 5-Series over the past few weeks, let’s take a look at one of the best – the E34. And if we’re going there, why not look at one of the best E34s made?
Alpina took a normal 535i and made it’s own interpretation of what the M5 could be; instead of a high-revving twin cam S38, you got two turbochargers with enough torque to embarrass those boys from Affalterbach. Alpina achieved this through a full custom build; Mahle pistons, custom oil sprayers to cool the them, stronger connecting rods, sodium-filled valves and bespoke intake and exhaust systems – but then, Alpina’s never been shy about producing it’s own items. While all Alpinas are rare, the B10 BiTurbo was fairly popular; of the 1600-odd E34s Alpina built, a full 507 of them were B10s – impressive considering they were one of the most expensive sedans in the world at the time. Today? Well, they’re still one of the most expensive used BMWs you can buy:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 Alpina B10 BiTurbo on eBay
4 CommentsWhen it rolled out, the F90 redefinied what it was to be an M5. The engine was not all that new – the S63 had been utilized by the F10, after all. Nor was the styling all that new – it was a refinement of the F10 and not the huge leap the E60 had been from the E39, for example. No, the big news was how the power was delivered; in this case, BMW’s xDrive system made its way in and was tuned by BMW M to maximize the M5’s fun factor. The result? Hard to argue, really, as the new M5 obliterates 0-60 runs in 3 seconds, and the system can be switched to rear-wheel-drive mode to still do the classic BMW tail-out cornering.
To celebrate its launch and inclusion in the Need for Speed Payback game, BMW launched a special edition of 400 M5s called the “First Edition”. The $18,300 package was run through BMW’s Individual department and got you Frozen Dark Red Metallic paintwork, piano black trim, Smokey White upholstery, extended Shadowline trim, 20″ Style 706 wheels finished in black, an M Sport exhaust system, a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound system, the M Driver’s Package, and a few other special trim details. Today’s car is one of a claimed 98 brought to the US, and it was also ordered with the Driver Assistance Package and the Executive Package. When new, the car retailed for around $130,000. With just 280 miles from new, what’s the asking price today?