Bayerische Motoren Werke, (previously BFW) started off in 1923 making
aero engines, and later motorbikes (1928). The first car they built
was an Austin 7, under licence. Since then some good designs, and good
engineering, have come out, but body quality is sometimes questionable.
Although still not as good as Mercedes in the quality stakes, BMWs are
better in the design arena. However, I’ve seen 1980s BMW engines
that have had regular service and oil changes still showing the honing
marks in the bores at 300,000 miles plus.
Anyway, things in the body area have got better since the ‘70s, but the problem is that BMW now build Euro cars, just like so many others today. Current models have lost their exclusivity. There are too many of them about - even young reps have them these days (or am I getting old?). So if you want something with a unique, classy style, buy something ’88 or earlier.
5 Series E28 saloon. The best model BMW ever made - not yet fashionable, but getting there! To those of us who know our BMs, the E28 is excellent value, and very reliable. Bodies seldom rust, unless they’ve been badly repaired or seriously neglected, but if there’s any welding on the sills, forget it! Check rear wheel arches too before putting in your bid!
The “eta” is a must, delivering power, economy and speed. Get one of these with a switchable box (or stick one in over the weekend) and you have the best of both worlds - power when you need it and economy when you want it. The eta is a car in a million (in my humble opinion). Nominally 2.5 litres, but actually 2.7, why BMW don’t make them now I don’t know. This car is so economical, even for its size, that it should be considered for a lower taxation class. It does just 2,200 revs at 80 mph - just think what that means to petrol consumption. There’s no rapid acceleration at the bottom end, unless somebody specified a switchable box at the time of purchase, but at the top end you have so much torque it’s unbelievable. The eta is also superb tow car. I’ve had them with switchable boxes, on-board computer, and the one I’m running now has Recaro seats.
So, what other goodies do BMW have? Nothing after 1988,
that’s for sure. No, not even that Z something or other “Noddy
goes to Town” car (although it will become a classic). For something
reasonable that will appreciate, you could go for an Isetta
(why not ?); a 600 or 700 saloon;
1500/1800 saloon; 2000AC/CS coupe;
2800CS coupe; 1600-2/1602/1502;
2002; 2002tii; 2002 turbo;
2500/2800; 3.0S; 3.0Si;
3.3L; 3.0CS/Csi; 635Csi;
M535i (E28) or M3(E30). Remember that
bodies around the ‘70s can be generally poor. Get the carpets
out and check for bodged welding all round. Don’t forget that
hatch and cabriolet bodies will be valued higher, possibly up to 25%.