Market Finds: Fun BMWs Available Now

Fun BMWs Available Now

By Petrolicious
January 14, 2015

Last week we featured the Caccavo family and their stable of BMW E28 5-series. And if nothing else, it just proves that there are still affordable, obtainable, AND desirable Bimmers from the ‘80s and ‘90s available. Of course, if your budget allows, there are also some even more amazing BMWs to suit your taste. Cars like the M1, M3, and M5 were much more than transportation and remain coveted today. Along with our Your Car features, multiple ‘80s and era BMWs have graced our “pages” and all have an underlying theme: they don’t just sit in the garage. If you’re searching for an E30 or E28 chassis you know that these cars commonly exceed 200,000 miles. That may be attributed to the level of engineering but more importantly shows the commitment and bond between the owner and machine. If you’re looking to start your own story you may consider one of these BMWs available now from Hemmings, ranked from good to better to best.

Good:

The car: 1993 BMW 850Ci

Price: $9,900

Location: Collingwood, Ontario, Canada

Seller’s Info: Click here

The 8-Series captured car lovers’ imaginations everywhere with a V8 or V12 engine available with a six-speed manual transmission. Given the weight of the car the 8-Series, it isn’t quite as nimble as an M3 or M5, but it’s not intended to be a sports car–it’s a grand tourer. BMW spared no expense designing and implementing new technology on what was their flagship. The extravagant design corresponded to an extravagant sticker price. Yet today, the 850 can be obtained for less than ten thousand dollars but be aware that the ownership cost can be steep. The seller of this 850Ci emphasizes the “amazing” condition of the paint and interior.

Better:

The car: 1988 BMW 635CSi

Price: $18,000

Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

Another grand tourer, although roomier, the E24 6-Series is one of the more underappreciated cars of the 1980s. Since BMW sold nearly 100,000 units and inventory levels remain high, the cost of entry for an E24 6-Series is relatively low. This 635CSi has only 54,000 original miles and is described as “close to mint” condition. The seller’s family purchased the car new and has kept it in a climate-controlled garage. With a negotiable price, this 635CSi could make a fantastic cruiser.

Best:

The car: 1988 BMW M5

Price: $29,900

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

The M5 first appeared in North America for the 1988 model year. Based on the 535i the M5 was powered by the S38 power plant derived from the engine in the M1. As a result it was the fastest production sedan to date. The E28 M5 was only available in black and most came with a tan interior with few produced in black leather. This M5 has been cared for by a BMW enthusiast and comes mostly original. The car was recently serviced and has new tires ready for some spirited driving. It may not adhere to the Caccavo’s $10,000 rule, but we wouldn’t blame you if you were tempted anyway.

If you know of a great, stylish car for sale and would like us to feature it, please let us know!

Petrolicious makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information contained in the car’s original listing, nor will it be held responsible for any errors in said information. If you’re interested in any of these cars, do your homework and research extensively before you buy.

Join the Conversation
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Wade Devers
Wade Devers
9 years ago

Always loved the 635CSi. In the late 80’s I used to frequently find myself communing to school alongside a guy who drove a green one. I drove an Austin Mini at the time and that car just dwarfed my little straight 4. It was long and lean and had that super sporty coupe cabin. It looked like something Bind should be driving.

Also love that 540i posted here by D.J Hite. I once got to drive an auto version of that car. Almost identical with the sports package. Super fun to drive, yet really comfy. it was a friends car. He had purchased it use from his mom to do her a favor of sorts and wasn’t sure what to do with it. I wish I had bought it from him at the time.

M I
M I
9 years ago

Ah, the first two are automatic. Still want them though.

On a side note, why aren’t guests allowed to post comments anymore?

Todd Cox
Todd Cox
9 years ago
Reply to  M I

Because of one particularly abrasive poster.

D.j. Hite
D.j. Hite
9 years ago

I just bought a loaded, 2002 540i with the sport package and proper 6 speed with 85k miles for $9k. The car is amazing. V8, 6 speed, all the options, and drives beautifully. It is fast and smooth. The E39 has aged very well and the 540 is a great compromise if you can’t swing an M5 or don’t want the more complex engine and maintenance.

Todd Cox
Todd Cox
9 years ago

I’m not really a BMW enthusiast. I like them, but I’m not nearly as into them as most folks seem to be. With that said, I’ve always found the 635csi to be the most engaging and most desirable of any BMW ever offered (just inching out the 1800/2002 cars, which I also love). Of the three, my money would go to that gorgeous red machine over the other two, purely because it is (in my eyes) the most beautiful of the lot.

Petrolicious Newsletter