BMW – Vintage Car Collector

In the realm of automotive marvels, one cannot help but be captivated by the breathtaking elegance and awe-inspiring performance of the BMW 320i. It stood as a testament to the artistry and engineering prowess that BMW came to embody, a symphony of metal and ingenuity crafted to perfection.

Source: Classic Cars Today Online

The BMW 320i exhibited nimble handling that was nothing short of extraordinary. With each turn of the wheel, drivers experienced an intuitive connection, a fusion of man and machine working in perfect harmony. Moreover, the precise steering and responsive suspension ensured that every movement was met with grace and agility, transforming even the most mundane journey into an extraordinary experience. Moreover, the 320i served as a sanctuary of cutting-edge technology. From its intuitive infotainment system to the driver assistance features that added an extra layer of safety, this remarkable machine seamlessly integrated innovation into every aspect of its design.

The origins

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In the annals of automotive history, the incredible story of the creation of the 320i unfolds like a captivating tale of innovation and engineering brilliance. It all began in the late 1970s when the brand set out to develop a successor to its iconic predecessor, a car that had become a symbol of driving pleasure. In 1977, the company initiated the ambitious project internally known as “E21,” aiming to craft a compact executive car that would embody the brand’s commitment to performance and luxury. Moreover, the team of visionary engineers and designers, led by Paul Bracq, meticulously worked to bring their collective vision to life. The year 1978 marked a milestone in the development of the 320i. The iconic “E21” code name was replaced with the official designation of “320i”. In addition to its nomenclature set, the team embarked on refining every aspect of the car to perfection. Under the hood, appeared a remarkable engine. As a result, the engineering brilliance of Alex von Falkenhausen and his team came up with the creation of the legendary M10 engine. This powerhouse delivered exhilarating performance while maintaining fuel efficiency. This masterstroke of engineering prowess set the novelty apart from its competitors. As 1982 arrived, the iconic automobile was ready to make its grand entrance at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With bated breath, automotive enthusiasts and critics alike gathered to witness the birth of a legend.

With its sleek lines and distinctive design, the model left onlookers spellbound. Moreover, its compact yet commanding presence exuded confidence and sophistication. The meticulous attention to detail was a hallmark of BMW. In addition to the stunning exterior, the vehicle boasted its technical characteristics, as well. As the engine roared to life, the world could feel the power and precision that lay within. The fusion of man and machine became apparent as drivers experienced the nimble handling and exhilarating acceleration, an experience like no other. In the following years, the automobile became an icon in the automotive landscape. Its influence transcended generations, and its legacy continues to inspire and shape the automotive industry to this day.

The 1980 model year

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The 1980 model year brought significant enhancements and updates, solidifying its position as an exceptionally compact executive car. It retained the reliable and spirited 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, delivering a balance of performance and efficiency with 110 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed manual as standard, with the availability of a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, the 1980 edition boasted improved comfort and convenience features. Crafted with high-quality materials, the interior exuded luxury and showcased meticulous attention to detail. As a result, passengers enjoyed plush seating and ample space, while the driver-oriented dashboard layout ensured easy access to controls. On the outside, the 1980 version featured a timeless design with subtle refinements. The iconic kidney grille and stylish headlights adorned the front, while clean lines and a well-proportioned silhouette reflected an understated elegance. However, what set the 1980 model year apart from its predecessors were notable updates to meet safety regulations. Impact-absorbing bumpers were seamlessly integrated into the design, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. Additionally, improved fuel injection technology contributed to enhanced fuel efficiency and performance.

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Source: AutoTrader Classics

One notable film that prominently featured the 1980 edition of the model, was the iconic coming-of-age movie “The Breakfast Club” released in 1985. In this beloved John Hughes film, the character John Bender, played by Judd Nelson, arrived at Shermer High School in a sleek and eye-catching silver BMW 320i. The car became an emblem of his rebellious nature and added a touch of coolness to his character.

The E24 “Sharknose” or M6, as it was known in the United States, was unlike any existing sports models of the time. It was launched in 1983 to replace the outdated New Six (E9) family coupe. This stylish sports vehicle became the second-fastest BMW built.

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The legendary German automaker had always been distinguished by taste, cutting-edge technology, and now-classic automotive design. Created in 1983, the M635 CSI or M6 was intended for the European and North American markets. The new model combined luxurious features and sporty character like no other. It was developed by the sports division of the German BMW, taking as a base the E24 platform. M6 was equipped with a 3.5-liter BMW M1 inline-six engine, but with improved power to 282 hp. The automobile differed from its counterparts from the E24 series (more precisely, the 630CS and 633CSi) with a redesigned bumper and a new set of wheels. The company modernized it continually, but the most striking update was the design changes in 1988: the 1988 model received a completely unique bumper and redesigned headlights.

The origins

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Almost 30 years have passed since the release of the first series of BMW sports vehicles. Revolutionary for its time, the 6-series was developed by the Sports Division of the German company and was distinguished by high manufacturability. As expected, the automobile combined a unique, catchy style, exceptional comfort, and sportiness. A two-door luxury sports coupe was based on the E24 and released in 1983 for the European market and in 1986 for the North American market. The American M6 and the European BMW M635 CSI had an inline six-cylinder engine under the hood, initially developed for the legendary M1 supercar. The transmission was the same for both: a five-speed Getrag transmission, which was a surprise considering the Americans’ preference for automatic transmissions. Both versions also had a differential lock and ABS. The vehicle was incredibly handsome and stood apart from the entire model range. Because of its aggressive design, it received the nickname “Shark,” attracting the attention of fast and stylish driving fans. After restyling in 1988, the creation of the headlights was changed in the model, and the front bumper was updated. After the release of the eighth series in 1989, production was discontinued.

The 1988 model year

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As mentioned above, in 1988, the vehicle was restyled: the changes included headlights and the front bumper. It was the fastest BMW, with a top speed of 254 km/h, second only to the M1 supercar. From zero to hundreds, coupe models of 1988 accelerated in 6.4 seconds. Fuel consumption in the city was 16.5 liters per 100 kilometers. The overall length of the automobile was 4754 mm, width – 1724, height – 1353, and the wheelbase was 2623 mm. The 1632 M6 series appeared in the US market and was wildly popular there. It even appeared in the TV series “Moonlighting,” a detective story starring Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. It was pretty expensive, costing $58,720. To compare, the 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Convertible cost $5,000 less. Today, this vehicle can be purchased from 25 to 95 thousand dollars! This version was produced until 1989 and was discontinued along with the standard modification. During this period, 5855 automobiles were sold.

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Source: The Classic Car Trust

“Luxury meets motorsport” was the slogan used by BMW to advertise its new M6 luxury coupe in 1988. The car was trendy in the USA, where the clientele appreciated the vehicle, which proved to be an exquisite travel companion on the one hand and a sports car on the other.

Makes and Models: BMW

1980 BMW 320i: Sleek, Powerful, Exquisite

The origins

The 1980 model year

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1988 BMW M6: Grand tourer with a “shark nose”

The origins

The 1988 model year

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