Wanderlust

Tag: BMW

  • BMW M3 CS Touring: Racing DNA Meets Maximized Everyday Usability.

    BMW M3 CS Touring: Racing DNA Meets Maximized Everyday Usability.

    [source: BMW]

    With the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring (fuel consumption combined: 10.5 l/100 km [26.9 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 238 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G), BMW M GmbH is adding another special-edition model to its line-up in the high-performance sports car segment. The latest new addition to the manufacturer’s most popular range builds on the success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 10.4 l/100 km [27.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 235 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G) and blends that car’s very distinctive character profile with even greater potential for emotionally exhilarating performance. A 405 kW/550 hp six-cylinder in-line engine, bespoke chassis tuning, exclusive design features and weight savings resulting from the use of numerous carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components provide the ingredients for an unadulterated racing-car feeling. The on-board space of the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring can be used in a wide variety of ways, which ensures that its ultra-dynamic driving characteristics can be experienced both on the race track and in myriad everyday situations, during leisure activities and on trips away.

    The model-specific performance characteristics of the engine and power transfer via the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel-drive system serve up dynamic thrills and supreme traction. The BMW M3 CS Touring races from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds.

    The world premiere of the first-ever BMW M3 CS Touring will be hosted by the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, in the Australian state of New South Wales. The BMW M3 CS Touring will be revealed to the public for the first time on 30 January 2025 as part of the Bathurst 12 Hour race programme. Deliveries of the limited-run model to customers in Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea, among others, will begin in March 2025. The car’s home market of Germany is by a distance its most important sales region. The special edition will be produced alongside all other variants of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M3 Touring at BMW Group Plant Munich.

    Six-cylinder in-line engine adapts racing-car technology.

    The 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the BMW M3 CS Touring was designed from the outset to deliver high performance on the race track – and it features a multitude of technological details from racing-car design. These include an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged lightweight crankshaft and a cylinder head with a 3D-printed core. The likewise weight-saving cylinder bores have a wire-arc sprayed iron coating to reduce frictional losses. The cooling system and oil supply are also designed to handle the sustained heavy loads generated during hard driving on a track.

    The drive unit combines the high-revving characteristics for which M is renowned and linear power delivery into the upper reaches of the engine’s range with upgraded M TwinTurbo technology. Raising the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers to 2.1 bar and making model-specific tweaks to the engine management enable the maximum output of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive to be increased by another 15 kW/20 hp to 405 kW/550 hp. The engine develops its peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) between just 2,750 and 5,950 rpm, produces its maximum output at 6,250 rpm and tops out at 7,200 rpm.

    In addition, a specially designed engine mounting with increased spring rates creates an extremely rigid connection between the power unit and the vehicle’s structure. This leads to even sharper engine response and extremely direct transmission of its power to the drivetrain. Its instantaneous power delivery means the BMW M3 CS Touring can power from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.5 seconds, and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) is over in 11.7 seconds. The figures recorded using the “one-foot rollout” method* are 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.4 seconds. The mid-range sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) takes 2.7 seconds in 4th gear and 3.5 seconds in 5th gear. The top speed of the special-edition model – which comes as standard with the M Driver’s Package – is electronically limited to 300 km/h (186 mph).

    The car’s emotionally stirring engine note is the work of the M-specific exhaust system featuring electrically controlled flaps, a titanium rear silencer with weight-minimising design and – in customary M fashion – two pairs of tailpipes painted in matt Black. The engine’s acoustic presence varies according to the engine profile the driver selects from the M Setup menu. SPORT or SPORT+ mode produces a drive sound that injects real aural drama into proceedings, particularly through gear changes and the accompanying adjustments in rev speed.

    The engine under the bonnet of the BMW M3 CS Touring teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission including Drivelogic. The Drivelogic button integrated into the gear selector lever makes it possible to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with a choice of three clearly distinguishable settings available. As well as comfort-focused and sporty options, drivers can also engage a setting optimised specially for track driving. Both the selector lever and the carbon-fibre shift paddles on the steering wheel enable sequential interventions in the gear selection process.

    The BMW M3 CS Touring channels its power to the road through the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth distribution of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels, and serves up tireless all-wheel-drive performance, even during hard track sessions. In tandem with the Active M Differential at the rear axle – whose operation is also fully variable – the intelligent all-wheel-drive system’s rear-wheel bias enhances the M-typical handling dynamics. Added to which, 4WD Sport mode can be selected via the M Setup menu. This sends an even greater proportion of the engine’s power to the rear wheels. 2WD mode, meanwhile, delivers a driving experience for the ultimate purist, laying on classical rear-wheel drive with the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system deactivated.

    Model-specific tuning for the chassis technology and performance-focused stopping power.

    The chassis technology in the BMW M3 CS Touring has been tuned precisely to the engine’s performance characteristics, the overall vehicle concept and the specific weight distribution of this latest special-edition model. The settings for the DSC system and M Dynamic Mode have also been purposefully optimised for the specific demands of dynamically committed circuit driving. The electronically controlled dampers of the adaptive M suspension on the BMW M3 CS Touring likewise come in a model-specific setup, as do its M Servotronic steering and integrated braking system.

    Providing outstanding stopping power are M Compound brakes with callipers painted in a choice of Red or Black. There is also the option of M Carbon ceramic brakes whose brake callipers are available in Red or matt Gold. Also on the standard equipment list are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive double-spoke design with a matt Gold Bronze or matt Black finish. Measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear, the wheels are fitted as standard with track tyres (275/35 ZR19 at the front, 285/30 ZR20 at the rear). As an alternative to these tyres, customers also have the no-cost option of sport tyres with the same dimensions. And ultra-track tyres are also included on the options list.


    Exclusive carbon-fibre components and optimised body rigidity help to produce outstanding performance attributes.

    Together with the extremely powerful engine and model-specific chassis technology, intelligent lightweight design measures also play a major part in moulding the exclusive performance attributes of the BMW M3 CS Touring. Extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is particularly important when it comes to weight minimisation. The car’s bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps and rear diffuser are all made from CFRP.

    Inside the cabin, the M Carbon bucket seats and likewise CFRP steering wheel shift paddles, interior trim strips and centre console also do their bit to keep weight down. The various lightweight design measures bring about a total weight saving of some 15 kilograms over the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive. Body rigidity is further increased by specifying the optional M front end strut brace for the engine compartment that has also been engineered for lightness.

    Hallmark M performance and the versatility-focused body concept of a Touring model certainly make an unusual combination, and the latest special edition adds a special allure to the mix. In the BMW M3 CS Touring, a concentrated dose of M feeling meets a variable-usage interior whose storage capacity below the high-opening tailgate can be expanded from 500 litres to a maximum 1,510 litres. In addition, the dynamically stretched lines of the Touring model and the M-specific exterior details – crafted precisely to meet the technical demands of cooling air supply and aerodynamic balance – are complemented by exclusive design features whose striking appearance reflects the track-leaning instincts of the BMW M3 CS Touring.

    For example, the standard-specification exposed carbon fibre of the special-edition’s bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes and M exterior mirror caps creates an eye-catching contrast against the visually striking exterior colours available for the rest of the car. The BMW M3 CS Touring can be ordered with a paint finish in British Racing Green, Laguna Seca Blue, Frozen Solid White or Sapphire Black metallic. The roof and model-specific roof spoiler are in Black high-gloss and bring an impression of elegance to the bold exterior. Another exclusive design feature of the special-edition model is the red surround for the roof spoiler.

    The front end of the car is defined by the weight-minimised, ultra-stripped-back and frameless BMW M kidney grille. The black model lettering on the upper of the two horizontal grille slats is bordered by a red contour line, likewise the model badging at the front and rear. In a clear reference to motor sport, the LED headlights of the BMW M3 CS Touring glow with the same distinctive yellow light as GT racing cars.

    Driver-focused cockpit with exclusive racing-car aura.

    The interior of the BMW M3 CS Touring blends a sports-car cockpit designed to exude maximum performance with digital technology and exclusive design features. Electrically adjustable and heated M Carbon bucket seats are fitted as standard for the driver and front passenger. They have integral head restraints, an illuminated “CS” model badge and surfaces in Merino leather. Their exclusive Black/Red design is also adopted by the rear seats, while all the door panel trim is covered with black leather.

    The standard M Alcantara steering wheel in three-spoke design – with its flat-bottomed rim and red centre marker in the 12-o’clock position – brings authentic racing car flair into the cockpit,. Further M-specific details are the red “CS” badge on the centre console, M seat belts and door sill plates with model lettering.

    The M-specific Setup button on the centre console enables direct access to the settings for the engine, chassis, steering, brakes and M xDrive. Two individually configurable setup variants can be stored together with personal settings for the engine sound, DSC, Automatic Start/Stop function and the shift characteristics of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission – and these setups are then selected using the M buttons on the steering wheel. The BMW M3 CS Touring also comes as standard with the M Drive Professional system with track-optimised functions such as the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer. Added to which, the 10-stage M Traction Control delivers personalised driving fun on the track. Another feature of M Drive Professional is the M Mode button on the centre console, which can be used to configure the driver assistance systems and the content shown on the information display and Head-Up Display. Drivers can choose between ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings here.

    In the new BMW M3 CS Touring, the latest version of the display and control/operation system BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5 provides intuitive control of numerous vehicle functions and digital services. With the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Curved Display both on board, the car is based squarely on operation using touch control and natural language. The M-specific view on the 12.3-inch information display shows the familiar M Shift Lights at its upper edge, while the status of the driving stability systems, M xDrive and traction control can be found at the lower edge of the screen. The home screen of the 14.9-inch control display includes widgets for the vehicle setup, tire pressure and temperature.

    Sophisticated options for enhancing driving pleasure and comfort in everyday use.

    Standard specification for the BMW M3 CS Touring also includes BMW Live Cockpit Professional which, alongside the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content, brings the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps, smartphone integration, telephony with wireless charging and a WiFi interface. The BMW Drive Recorder can be added as an option.

    The BMW M3 CS Touring additionally offers customers a selection of comfort-enhancing features and driver assistance systems composed with the focus firmly on the enjoyment of unadulterated driving pleasure. Comfort Access, the alarm system, two-zone automatic climate control and the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System are all fitted as standard. Park Distance Control and the Parking Assistant, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and the Speed Limit Info system are likewise standard, while the Driving Assistant system can be specified as an option.

     Value with “rollout” subtracted. With this alternative measuring method, time measurement only begins after leaving a light barrier. The distance not taken into account in the measurement (the “rollout”) is 1 foot = 30.48 cm.

    All figures relating to performance, fuel consumption, emissions and range are provisional.

    All of the stated equipment features, technical data and fuel consumption and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. 

    Official figures on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were determined based on the prescribed WLTP measurement procedure and are in accordance with Pkw-EnVKV. For more information, go to www.bmw.de

    CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

    WLTP combined: Energy consumption 10.5 l/100km; CO2 emissions 238 g/km; CO2 class G.

  • Market Find: 2015 BMW Individual Grey Black 335i Sedan

    Market Find: 2015 BMW Individual Grey Black 335i Sedan

    What: 2015 BMW 335i Sedan
    Color: BMW Individual Grey Black (schwarzgrau; non-metallic uni; 7A1; Porsche)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 56,000 miles
    Price: $27,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Albany, NY
    Marketplace listing: Link

    Why We Love It:

    Individual builds on non-M BMW’s are uncommon for a number of reasons, so when an example shows up it’s important to take note. After all, special order vehicles generally are more of an aspirational pursuit generally reserved for the more aspirational models- think BMW M, Porsche’s 911, Audi RS, etc. But that’s a fairly elitist worldview- a BMW is still a BMW, and this one carried an original sticker price somewhere north of $50k, an amount that to most could be described as just that- aspirational. Now on offer for $27,000, this Tailored Driver is more attainable for most. And you can be certain that in a sea of Individual build F80 M3’s, it’ll one of few non-M Individuals you’ll encounter.

  • Guntherwerks Teases Updated Drawing of E30 M3 Remaster Project, Adding “Incignia” Name.

    Guntherwerks Teases Updated Drawing of E30 M3 Remaster Project, Adding “Incignia” Name.

    It’s not like the folks at 993-era Porsche 911 remasterers Guntherwerks dont’ have enough on their plate. Their restored and upgraded take on the 993 has definitely established a large following in the world of commissioned and upgraded 911 builds, though they’ve been playing with the idea of expanding on that for a while.

    A quick check on our part shows the earliest we find them talking about it is a social media teaser on Facebook back in July of 2019. Maybe they were bored and killing time during the pandemic.

    Fast forward to August of 2023 and a full car image was reportedly shared by Guntherwerks on Instagram and circulated amongst the press. It included some styling changes from the 2019 rendering, but it looked like a full car and suggested they hadn’t forgotten about the project.

    That was 2023, then… just today, something caught our eye in our stories. It seems Gutherwerks has shared another image, this time a drawing showing a further evolved design and a name “INCIGNIA” with the tag-line “BMW E30 M3 Remastered and Reborn by Gunther Werks”.

    We look forward to sharing more information when it becomes available.

  • Select Gear: OttoMobile with 1:18 Scale Specials at Nüremberg Toy Fair

    Select Gear: OttoMobile with 1:18 Scale Specials at Nüremberg Toy Fair

    The idea of gear goes hand in hand with car enthusiasm, whether that’s your run-of-the-mill car or something truly tailored. As we explore the world in and around tailored builds, factory specials and remasters of the automotive world, we’re beginning to add some other facets of the experience. So, we’re using this week’s opening of the annual Nüremberg Toy Fair to launch our own coverage of this space, beginning with a few scale models by OttOmobile of unique special editions from some of our favorite car marques.

    The Toy Fair in Nüremberg is a popular place for toy manufacturers of all types to show their upcoming product. In our opinion, chief among those companies are the model car manufacturers who tend to show up in force. Like a new car auto industry show in the halcyon days of such events, Nüremberg plays host to first reveals of new car models, even if they are models of classic cars and seen in miniature scale.

    OttOmobile has been busy making several social posts from the Toy Fair. Closely inspect shots from their booth and you can see a number of interesting cars coming, specifically in 1:18 and larger 1:12 scales that are their specialty. And while all of those are interesting to see depending on your favorite brands, we take particular interest in the specials. In this case, we’re talking special editions. Here are a few of our favorite from what they’ve shared.

    1.) 1:18 Scale 2001 BMW M3 GTR Strassenversion (type E46) in Titan Silver Metallic 354

    BMW M refers to the M3 GTR Strassenversion as the “unicorn” among the E46 range. About as racecar-for-the-road as you might get from the factory, the car had no air conditioning, no radio nor rear seat. What it did have, unlike other E46s, was a V8. At the time, BMW had planned a V8 version of the M3 GTR racecar to compete in sportscar racing, but was told they couldn’t because the engine didn’t exist in the roadgoing M3 range. That effectively made the car a prototype… unless BMW homologated a production car on which to base it.

    The result is what you see here, a road car using a version of the the P60B40 racing engine tuned to 350 horsepower and 365 Newton meters at 5,000 rpm. The 4-liter mill also shared dry sump lubrication with the race version, though the racecar’s sequential transmission was swapped for a 6-speed manual with two-disc motorsport clutch and variable limited slip differential. All this helped establish the M3 GTR as more worthy of the “racecar-for-the-road” claim we make above, and the icing on the cake is that the car’s V8 engine was never used in any other road car.

    In the end, BMW produced just ten M3 GTRs, with each of them painted Titan Silver Metallic like the model you see here. That was a short hurdle for BMW, making the car possible and the race version able to compete… at least temporarily. Competitors weren’t happy, lobbying for a more stringent change to 100 units. Unable or unwilling to comply, the M3 GTR racecar was retired from racing.

    2.) 1:18 Scale 1995 Volkswagen Golf Cooler concept (Mk3) in Salsa Green

    At the height of Volkswagen’s so-called “Mk3” era, Wolfsburg released a trim line of cars in eye-catching colors and called them “Color concept”. Centering around several unique paint colors (Jazz Blue Pearl Effect, Flash Red, Diamond Black Pearl Effect, Yellow and Salsa Green like you see here), the trim was available across both a vast spectrum of VW’s engine offerings and also across its Golf range including Golf, Golf Cabrio and Golf Estate. The kit included interior with bold matching color segmentation on the leather seats, the one-piece shift knob and boot, on the door cards, e-brake handle and even the VW emblem on the steering wheel.

    You’d be forgiven for missing Diamond Black examples, recognizable only by their badges and relatively distinct wheels. Red or yellow, colors at least, are also somewhat ubiquitous, and Jazz Blue (believed to be the same formula as Audi’s Nogaro Blue) is still pretty common in today’s automotive market and amongst factory tailors. Salsa Green though, that’s a different story. Salsa Green is already striking and remains highly unique, so the choice to manufacture the model in that color is one we applaud.

    Given this was largely a trim package, Color concept cars are not especially rare… at least in Europe where they were sold. These cars never came to North America via Volkswagen, so the only way you’ll find one here is to import one or find someone who has.

    3.) 1:18 Scale 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX STi WR1 Petter Solberg Edition (S203) in

    The S203-generation WRX STi was developed with input from Subaru factory rally team driver Petter Solberg. Celebrating Solberg’s 2023 World Rally Championship Driver’s Title of that year was this very rare special edition with 315 bhp 2.0-liter turbocharged EJ20 flat four boxer engine and paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. Part of this car’s kit was the Prodrive Performance Package, Prodrive exhaust, turbo timer and upgraded ECU. It also got a black interior, unique gear knob, commemorative dash plaque, the DRiver’s Control Center Differential (DCCD) and Prodrive-developed springs and bump stops with 25mm lower ride height. It was sold in only two colors – World Rally Blue and this model’s Ice Blue Metallic. Only 500 examples were produced worldwide. None were sold in North America, meaning you’ll have to wait until 2028 until you can import one legally.

  • EU Market Find: 1 of 1 BMW Individual 316ti Compact in Fiji Green

    EU Market Find: 1 of 1 BMW Individual 316ti Compact in Fiji Green

    What: 1997 BMW 316ti Compact
    Color: Fiji Green (fidschigrün; non-metallic; 413; Porsche)
    Interior: Black and Yellow
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 99,000 km / 61,515 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 18,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Erkner, Germany
    Private Party Listing: Link

    Why we love mention it:

    This color combination isn’t for everybody, but we suspect anyone who fully embraces automotive trends of the 1990s, particularly the quirkier German side of those trends, then we think you’ll love this car.

    The E36-generation BMW 3-Series “Compact” you see here is reportedly one-of-one. While exceptionally rare, the striking and more-saturated-than-mint-green Fiji Green paint doesn’t quite get it one-of-one status. However, that two-tone black and yellow interior likely does.

    We’ll share the car’s listing (translated to English by Google) below, and in that you’ll note the mention of its presence at the Essen Motor Show. Given this car is far from a tuner special, we’re guessing it was displayed there in period as part of a BMW brand stand. In that time period, the German manufacturers would often show up with some entirely stock but still radically built cars by their internal tailoring departments. BMW Individual appears to have had at it with this one, though curiously built in a relatively tame drivetrain configuration.

    For starters, there’s an automatic transmission. Next, the ad doesn’t confirm which motor it is by name, but the power figures suggest it’s a 316 (so drop us a note if we’re wrong on that one). Whatever, it’s still a very interesting car that’s been owned by the same owner since 2000. For the BMW collector who has everything, we’re guessing they don’t have one of these.

    This is one of our Euro market finds, so the usual caveats apply for our primarily North American readership. For Europe and other markets, we focus on cars older than 25 years, meaning a relatively easy import into the USA. This is often done by working with firms such as our friends at Orchid Euro, you can have the car purchased, transported to port, shipped to America and cleared through customs for clients seeking this sort of service.

    BEGIN TRANSLATED LISTING TEXT:

    This vehicle has been in our possession since 11/2000, and there have been plenty of documents since then.
    As well as all keys

    The vehicle is professionally polished and ceramic sealed.
    Original paint documented

    The vehicle was last exhibited at the Essen Motor Show.

    Connoisseurs know what this is.
    In very excellent condition.

    Proven to have been parked in the garage since 11/2000.

    In summer 2024, the original chassis was replaced by a Bilstein B6 with new standard springs, including strut mounts and coupling rods.

    09/24 air conditioning service, ~150g filled, full at over 800g filling weight

    Private sale, no emergency sale, happy to go to collectors or enthusiasts.

    The vehicle was actually invited to the 50th anniversary of the BMW 3 Series event at Lake Como in 2025, but I cannot attend due to a private appointment.

  • EU Market Find: 1996 BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic 320i Convertible

    EU Market Find: 1996 BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic 320i Convertible

    What: 1996 BMW 320i Convertible
    Color: BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic (madeiraviolett; metallic uni; 302; BMW)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 172,000 kilometers
    Price: €11,690
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Dessau-Roßlau, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
    Sales listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Differing ever so slightly from BMW’s Techno Violet, BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic is a visually stunning purple that can really play visual tricks depending on conditions. In some lighting, it almost appears to be BMW’s Cosmos Black due to the color’s blue and purple metallic flake. Whatever your interpretation of it, this BMW Individual Madeira Violet Metallic E36 ‘vert is the latest in European Market Finds that we feel represents good value for money, offering a way for the everyman or woman to dip their toe into the world of Tailored Driver. With the right importer like Orchid Euro, this could be landed, plated, and insured for well under $20,000.

  • Event: BMW Individual Cars & Coffee Hosted by the 490Club

    Event: BMW Individual Cars & Coffee Hosted by the 490Club

    It’s great to see tailored cars coming into their own as an impetus to have a gathering. Sometimes it’s something as large as Rare Shades or a simpler club gathering like the one we recently had the pleasure to attend. Held by the 490 Club and organized by Gabriel Roque, it was primarily a mix of BMW Individual owners who gathered on January 4th Buenas Cafe y Mas in Costa Mesa, CA.

    The gathering was open, meaning all makes and models were welcome at the gathering. However, designated parking went to the tailored BMWs.

    The mix of Individual cars was an enjoyable focus. First up were two M3s parked next to each other, one F80 and another G80.

    Some of the cars in attendance to highlight: two laguna seca M3s. one F80 and the other one G80, they later parked next to each other at the show. Another car you couldn’t miss was Liz Susitko’s Mint Green F80 M3 – one of four produced worldwide. More subtle, but no less notable was another F80 M3 in Moonstone Metallic.

    We’ve run a gallery from the gathering below. Check it out.

  • Market Find: 2000 BMW Individual Dakar Yellow 323ti

    Market Find: 2000 BMW Individual Dakar Yellow 323ti

    What: 2000 BMW 323ti
    Color: BMW Individual Dakar Yellow (dakargelb; non-metallic UNI; 337; BMW)
    VIN: : WBACT31040AW13508
    Mileage: 194,000 kilometers
    Estimate: $17,500
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Southampton, UK
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    For enthusiasts in the US, there’s often the opinion that while maybe we got a version, Europe ‘got the good one.’ While perhaps not the best representation of this sentiment, this Tailored Driver fits squarely into that category- bigger motor than was offered stateside, paired with a BMW Individual color. For those in the know, the 323i is a very interesting proposition in that it’s incredibly similar to the BMW Z3 coupe, albeit with a back seat. E36-generation from the firewall forward with an E30 rear subframe, this 323i will provide an exciting driving experience for whoever wins this Bring a Trailer auction. Please note, as this is a model year 2000 vehicle, it must be 25 years from the production date for trouble-free importation.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual E92 M3 in E46-era Phoenix Yellow

    Market Find: BMW Individual E92 M3 in E46-era Phoenix Yellow

    What: 2013 BMW M3 Coupé
    Color: Phoenix Yellow (phönixgelb; metallic; 445; BMW)
    VIN: WBSKG9C58DJ594555
    Mileage: 93,000 miles
    Estimate: $56,000
    AutoCheck Report: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Private Seller, Moreno Valley, CA
    Listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Heritage or iconic brand colors are always a solid choice when it comes to a tailored specification, so an E92-generation BMW M3 Coupé in Phoenix Yellow Metallic of the E46 M3 generation just makes a lot of sense. Now pair it with a 6-speed manual transmission and Fox Red Extended Novillo leather and you have an exceptional specification.

    Here’s what we know, via the owner’s listing on AutoTrader.

    “This 2013 BMW M3 Coupe is 1/2 Individual Phoenix Yellow e9X models produced for the US market. This M3 is a 6-Speed manual, the interior features Fox Red Extended Novillo Leather. It is 1/1 as a combo of Phoenix/Fox/Manual Transmission. It is a one owner car which I ordered through Steve Thomas BMW in Camarillo, CA received May 2013. (Carfax will say 2 owners but it was just refinanced through my bank, all one owner.) The odometer currently reads 93k miles, this car is in excellent condition for the mileage. The car is very well maintained and cared for, the look and drivability of the car don’t reflect the mileage. This car has never been tracked. This is a very rare and special opportunity for the right collector. 

    “The front bumper and side rockers look brand new and were just repainted in March 2024 by a Spectrum Collision(BMW certified paint center). Standard and selected features are Dynamic Damper Control, Heated Seats, Carbon Leather Trim, Navigation System, 19 359 style wheels, RD Sport Suspension Springs, Turner Motorsport Aluminum Undershield Kit, Carbon Fiber Rear Spoiler. The car features Shadowline trim and adaptive xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and many more standard features. Brand new stock steering wheel installed March 2024. It comes with the original Phoenix Yellow stock spoiler, stock suspension springs and any other original small parts on the side. All service records, the window sticker and 2 keys included. Car comes with clear California Title, currently in hand of the owner. It’s a been kept under careful care by a BMW enthusiasts, all preventative maintenance and parts replaced as soon as the car showed any read outs. All service done under warranty at Irvine or Crevier BMW, all service after warranty done at MRF Engineering.

    “Important maintenance info can be provided upon request, it wont fit here.

    “The car shows very minor rock chips/wear on the roof, spoiler and hood, appropriate for some milage but prob less than expected.“

    Worth noting, this isn’t the first time we’ve featured this car. It was listed on AutoTrader before, likely by the same (original) owner. This time around, there are more details and better photos, so we’re making sure to share it again.

  • EU Market Find: 1997 BMW Individual Aegean Blue Metallic M3 Coupe

    EU Market Find: 1997 BMW Individual Aegean Blue Metallic M3 Coupe

    What: 1997 BMW M3 coupe
    Color: BMW Individual Aegean Blue Metallic (ägäischblau; metallic; 336; BMW)VIN: WBSBG91000EW36422
    Mileage: 59,000 kilometers
    Price at Time of this Writing: €59,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: CarJager, Aix-en-Provence, France
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Say it with us- BMW Individual Aegean Blue Metallic over Cream Nappa Leather. In 1997 this particular Tailored Driver was the choice of an M3 connoisseur, choosing the classiest of color combinations at their dealer and achieving a jaw-dropping finished product. Understandably the former custodians of this car loved looking at it, but it seems they liked looking more than spending time behind the wheel as the car has covered just 59,000km in it’s 28 years of existence.