Tag: BMW
-
BMW 600 “Limo” With Needs
This is technically NOT an Isetta – this is the “limo” version, which has a conventional side door and back seat. Otherwise, it is similar to an Isetta, though it has double the cylinders and double the power. The 600 was only made for the 1958 and 1959 model years, so there are fewer of…
-
An Oddimotive-Worthy Crossover?
Why, yes, this is Oddimotive-worthy. Here we have an unusual, manual-transmission-equipped BMW X3 3.0i. Did your family recently expand to the point that you need a little more kiddo and cargo space? If so, this could be a cool daily driver. You’ll even have AWD should you need it. It’s true you can get a…
-
M Coupes are the Stuff of Legend. This isn’t One.
Most enthusiasts know about the BMW Z3 M Coupe, which is a performance legends known for amazing handling and superb, M3-based engines. What some don’t realize is that there were more pedestrian versions of the Z3 Coupe. Today’s feature is a 3.0i, which means it has 330i performance in a lighter, smaller coupe. This…
-
Der alte BMW
Most enthusiasts are well aware of the BMW 2002, which has always been sought out for its driving experience. The 2002 was basically the ultimate version of the “BMW New Class”, which started with the 1500 in 1962. Before that, though, BMW had the 700, which was a rear-engined, near-microcar. Despite the rear engine, the…
-
Lowest-Value Isetta Currently Available?
We’ve commented many times recently that microcars have been hot, especially since the Bruce Weiner auction in 2013. BMW Isettas, once only curiosities, and generally available for $20K or less in any condition, suddenly can bring more than twice that in perfect condition. So, why does this Isetta have a buy-it-now price of $2,850? Well,…
-
V12 + 6MT = Greatness
Many of you could guess what this is by the title, but I should specify that it’s not a modified XJS or an expensive Italian car. It was once an expensive German car and now it’s in the category of temptingly cheap, yet frightening, from a maintenance perspective. The 850 was the replacement for BMW’s…
-
Almost as cool as an M5: E34 540i 6-Speed
Every enthusiast knows the manual trans-equipped BMW 540i is among the best sedans ever made. Yes, the M5s ramped things up, but 540s offer more than ample power in a true sleeper package. The E39 is still seen fairly often with low-ish miles, but the E34 example has become pretty rare in good shape, and…
-
The Badge that Lies: BMW Z3 “2.3”
For a few years after the four-cylinder version was killed and the base Z3 gained the 2.5L I6, the car wore an exterior badge reading “2.3”. Why did BMW lie about the displacement, you ask. Well, they spewed forth a couple of lies after the demise of the four-cylinder and, frankly, Bimmer naming has gone…
-
Another rare BMW X5??
Recently, we posted the high performance X5 4.8is, which was essentially an X5M before its time. That’s not the only rare X5. Enthusiasts will also remember that the X5 was once available with a manual transmission. The manual was never offered with a V8, but the smooth inline six should provide good, clean, shift-it-yourself crossover…
-
A Whole Lotta SUV Performance for Not a Lotta Dough
The BMW X5 4.6is, and later and 4.8is, was essentially the X5 M before the M division sold its soul and decided to make an official M version of its SUV/crossover vehicles, known only to BMW as Sports Activity Vehicles. Most enthusiasts, and us in the industry, considered this an unofficial M, and it lived…