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I’ve recently been on a bit of a kick enjoying the looks of the BBS Mahle wheels. I’m not entirely sure why they appeal more to me today than they did last week, or last year, or even when my father had a set on his 1982 BMW 633CSi two decades ago. Then, I felt they looked outdated and undersized and really preferred the looks of the RS wheels he later placed on the CSi; but there’s a certain purity about the original design that I really like. Generally associated with the E9 and E24 models, the BBS Mahle wheels also made an appearance on the E21 320is. Today’s example is stunning in Henna Red with claimed original condition and lower mileage; but does that support the high asking price?
When people think “E28”, they immediately think “M5” – those two combinations of letters and numbers are both magical and intertwined in the history of performance sedans. Indeed, like the original GTi defined the hot hatch segment and has always been at the forefront since, the M5 has similarly defined fast executive sedans. However, I’m going to let you in on a little secret – 20 years on, it’s pretty expensive to own and run the S38 motor in the M5. There is no doubt it’s a screamer, but for most people, a warmed over 535is is probably a better option; they look nearly identical to the M5, they get better fuel mileage, around town they’re practically as fast as the M5, and critically they’re usually had in good condition for less than half the asking price of the M5 and are cheaper to run, to boot. On top of that, you could get them in colors other than black – not something everyone wants, but for those not really into the Model T scene it’s a welcome addition. Today’s 535 is a excellent case in point; looking quite catching in red with Euro bits complementing the original shape of the E28 and with a very inviting looking black sport interior, this 1987 535is sure is a looker:
As I find myself knee deep in an expensive bout of repairs for my E28 M5, I’m reminded of the appeal in the flexibility and relative ease of replacement/improvement with the 535is. While I feel beholden (and am often required) to buy M5-specific parts, if it were a 535 it’s much easier to rationalize replacement seats in a new color, or using repairs as an opportunity for some OEM+ modification. The description of today’s 535is leaves some details to be desired, it appears to be a good-looking E28 that could be the basis for a beautiful car.
The E21 is a funny little beast, but some nice examples have cropped up over the last year or two. Today’s is about as odd…
Around the turn of the millenium, German car companies flipped out and decided they had to make SUVs too. Â Mercedes went first, then BMW, then…