What happens when you get busy with the holidays and don’t post an update in late November? It means that we’ve got a lot of…
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Update 4/20/2018 – the asking price of this neat 735i has dropped from $5,995 in December to just $3,995 today.
Following up on yesterday’s Audi S8, I’m reminded just how good the 1990s were for large executive sedans when considering this E32. Sure, the W126 S-Class led the way in the mid-80s, with BMW and Audi playing catch-up. But catch-up they did, with the unorthodox V8 quattro and sporty, luxurious E32 7-series. Both models were followed up with improved models, too – the E38 and D2 are as much fan-favorites (if not moreso) than their predecessors. And while I’m not as much of a die-hard fan of the 3-pointed star, universally the W140 is seen as a worthy successor to the legendary flagship at Mercedes-Benz, too. All around, it was hard to go wrong with these super-executives in the 90s.
While I did own a V8 quattro and pine over the innovative Ingolstadter, my formative driving years were spent with an E32 in the household. It was a great car; the Claus Luthe styling was refined and carried the size and weight of the new 7 much better than the E23 did. It was more potent, too, with the punchy 3.5 liter M30 rated at 208 horsepower, while you could go upscale to the new 5.0 V12 750i kicking out 295 horses. Both could be specified in long wheel base, too – something Audi did pull off with the V8 quattro, but not for the U.S. market.
Yet, like the Audis, the large BMWs don’t have quite the following or the market appeal of the Mercedes-Benz. Perhaps it’s because they’re more finicky, or that parts are harder to find. More likely, it was that they didn’t have quite the same ‘old money’ buyers originally and were more disposable than the inheritance-quality Benz models. Certainly it’s the case that in the economically hard times of the late 80s and early 90s, they just didn’t sell as well as the competition. Those factors combine to make finding one like today’s example extra special:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1990 BMW 735i on eBay
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After yesterday’s 996 Turbo S Coupe I thought it might be worthwhile to look at an obvious alternative. As some readers noticed quite quickly, with Turbo S prices moving up that brings into play a few other cars. The two most obvious are the 996 GT3 and the 997.1 Turbo. Because it’s the much closer comparison I’ve chosen the Turbo for this post. Also because I’ve featured the GT3 quite a bit over the past year. I love them and have thought prices were quite good considering what you’re getting. It’s ultimately what I would choose were I in the market. But the GT3 isn’t a Turbo (obviously) and for those looking for that combination of luxury and performance that only a 911 Turbo can provide the 997 makes the better choice.
Here we have a Basalt Black Metallic 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe, located in Ohio, with Sand Beige leather interior and 26,483 miles on it. It has sport seats, the sport chrono package, and a 6-speed manual. With 480 hp on tap you’re getting more power than the Turbo S and arguably a much better looking 911 both inside and out.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe on eBay
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I’m never one to turn my nose up at an interesting engine swap. Usually, they are pretty predictable with throwing a giant V8 into where ever one will fit then calling it a day. Nothing really wrong with that formula, but it is always cool to see different things. Today’s car, a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E from all the way in New Zealand, is one of the most interesting engine swaps into a Mercedes, or any car really, that I’ve seen in a long time. This W201 now sports a turbocharged 13B Mazda rotary engine with a handful of modifications putting down over 300 horsepower. That seems different enough for me.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: Rotary-powered 1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E on New Zealand Trade Me
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The D2 Audi S8 is no stranger to these pages, as it’s one of my favorite designs from Ingolstadt – and considering my devotion to the brand, that’s actually saying something. So it’s no surprise that here I come with another. But this one tests my love of the model in several ways. First, it’s one of my least favorite color combinations on the S8. Light Silver Metallic over black, while classically understated and perhaps in keeping with the model’s character, is just plain boring considering some of the beautiful tones offered on the short production run. The mileage isn’t super low, either – while not the highest I’ve seen, with 138,000 miles on the odometer this is no spring chicken. It shows in several condition issues; worn seats, slightly scruffy bumper covers, and a few tack-ons like the rear spoiler and Brembo caliper stickers that are a little too boy-racer for the model. Though OEM wheels, the TT RS stock also seem out of place here to me.
So I really shouldn’t like this car, right?