One of the most beautiful BMWs ever made, and one of the most beautiful sport coupes ever made, the BMW 3.0CSi from the 1970s, the classic graceful lines of the old sport coupes exhibited on this classic German beauty are timeless. And unlike modern cars, these old dames just keep looking better with age. Time has definitely not caught up with these classic cars. Produced in 1971, the E9 as it was called, was one of the most desirable cars of it’s time. It combined a powerful 200 Horsepower in-line6 with a light compact chassic, propelling the car from standstill to 100km/h in 7 seconds. Remember, this was in the 70′s!

For reasons unknown, my review of the E30 M3 has vanished off this site. I have no idea where it went and there is just no way for me to retrieve it. Which means, i’m going to re-write another review for this Minichamps E30 M3. I guess u guys can treat it as a 2nd opinion.

The E30 M3 was unlike it’s newer, younger siblings, this first generation M3 was a real race-bred homologation car born for the race track. With the race-going cars taking on Mercedes-Benz’s 190E EVO racers. The first E30 M3 had a 4-cylinder with 2.3 liters and 195 hp with a catalytic converter and 200 hp without. It was followed by a variety of Evolution models, highlighted by the Evo III with 2.5 liters and 238 hp in 1990, as well as by some special editions. This particular model by Minichamps is based on the first version of the E30 M3. Autoart also makes a model of the E30 M3, but that one is based on the EVO model. So some slight differences there, but do the differences between the cars make it a worthwhile idea to have both? I can’t answer that for you, but i hope this review will help with your decision should the need arise.

The latest BMW M5, powered by a 5 litre V10 engine, this unit pumps out a massive 507 Brake Horsepower and 520NM of torque. That’s ALOT of power! Mated to a 7-speed SMG Drivelogic transmission, the M5 goes from 0-100km/h in about 4.7 seconds and bangs on all the way to a limited top speed of 250km/h. Unrestricted, it will hit almost 330km/h. That’s just immensely quick. 330km/h for a car that can carry 5 passengers comfortably is pretty amazing in my book.

Style-wise, not so subtle hints show that this isn’t an ordinary BMW 5 series, the quad exhaust pipes, the wider tyres, the side vents with M5 emblazoned on them, the larger front air intakes and that slightly understated bodykit. To a casual observer, he or she might probably not be able to differentiate it from any other run of the mill 5 series, but to people in the know, this is the ULTIMATE. There’s where the cool part of this car comes in, you see, it’s Godly powerful, it’ll do over 300km/h if you let it. But, it doesn’t shout about it. It’s might have the power to smash most other road cars on the road, but, it just doesn’t want people to know about it. Understated cool.

The BMW M1, the first ever car to wear that much coveted M badge. It was a sight to behold. Designed by Giugaro and initially to be built by Lamborghini. It had the looks, the power and the pedigree. The development of BMW’s mid-engined M1 project began in 1976, though it was to be built by Lamborghini, the Italian supercar maker ran into financial difficulty and caused BMW to move production over to Baur. (Who made their convertibles) But by the time production resumed, the homologation rules for international Group 5 racing had been changed. Since BMW had not met the required sales figures of 400 cars in 24 months, the M1 went to the new Procar series instead. By the time BMW had sold enough cars, the M1 was no longer competitive for Group 5 racing. Quite a waste really.

“BMW Cars have always been sporty. But we regard sportiness as just another word for accelaration, speed, roadability, and agility. Another word for Performance and safety. As traffic becomes denser others too will be forced to realize how necessary these attributes are. And so they are forced to realize how right the BMW concept is.”
(statement from the original sales brochure)

The BMW 2002, the car that was the origin of the 3 series. In the late 1960′s and early 1970′s BMW released a compact, sporty and stylish coupe. It was small and lightweight, powerful and agile. Enthusiatic drivers lapped it up and the car entered many competitions with great success. It was a very elegant car and it remains a beautifully executed design till today. Truely one of the great classics.