Oh well, as the saying goes, they don’t make ‘em like they used to. I love ‘ol skool Bimmers. These are the coolest, sexiest and most provoking driving machines you’ll ever encounter. Bear in mind that these cars were born when rock n roll was pure and not contaminated by hip-hop and rap. Much like the music, these cars were not contaminated by unnecessary driver’s aids (Airbags, ABS, EBD, Traction Control, Stability Control etc). They were serious machines demanding serious involvement from serious drivers.
In no particular order, they are:
The 2002 Turbo
Unveiled at the ’73 Frankfurt autoshow, the 2002 was an evolution of the 2000 that began production in January 1966. Some say it was the beginning of the popular 3-series. Whatever it was, the 2002 helped BMW become the undisputed champion of sports sedan. The 2002 Turbo was the model to have, but with only 1,672 made, it would only remain a dream to some. The car was fast, mean and offensive. When your grand dad was dreaming of Triumph and MG sportcars, the 2002 Turbo whacked them all off the streets. If Jimi Hendrix was a car, he would be the BMW 2002 Turbo.
The 3.0 CSL
Dubbed the batmobile, those spoilers and wings were actually necessary to keep the car planted on earth, unlike present boyracers who have wings only for show. But that didn’t stop the CSL from flying. The nickname “sharknose” had never been so aptly given. Yes it looked like a shark. It behaved like one too. It attacked corners like it preyed on them. If the CSL was a rock band, it would be Led Zeppelin.
The E30 M3
That legendary go-kart-like handling…nobody knew how it was achieved. Even BMW is still puzzled how the car became the best handling and most enjoyable car, something BMW failed to re-create with the E36 and the E46 M3. Approach a corner. Brake. Downshift. Turn into the apex. Throttle it. The back end snaps out. Rear tyres scratching and struggling for traction. Counter steer and keep your right foot down. The back end straightens by itself. Traction regained. Upshift. Upshift. Look at the speedometer – 240 km/h! If the E30 M3 was a guitar player, it would be Edward Van Halen. Scratching for notes. Struggling to stay in tune, but always get back in control. Melodious, nonetheless. Only 2 units spotted in this country.The E28 M5
Also known as the 4-door sports car, the E28 M5 was the art of deception. It looked like a normal 520i, but wait until it passed you by at 250km/h. Its engine too was a work of art. It was showroom-standard, but it looked as if it came direct from a race-car. It actually did. Hand-assembled, only 2180 were built. Out of those, only 1235 came to the US, and none into this country. Would you drive a Porsche only to be beaten by a four door saloon? Some racers would swear blind they could lap the Nurburgring track faster in one of these than in the new more powerful M5. If this car was a rock song, it would be Sultan of Swing – relaxed melody but with the ability to launch into a blistering guitar solo.
The M635CSi
This car marked the end of the “sharknose” era. Shared the same racing engine as the E28 M5, but embodied in what was probably the most elegant shape of the Eighties. When this car came out, it became the direct contender for the likes of Porsche 928, Mercedes SL and Jaguar XJS. The XJS just rusted and died. Nobody remembers how the 928 looked like. And the SL was outdated by its own successors. But the M625CSi was pampered with tender, love & care and simply became a desirable classic that stood the test of time. If it was an electric guitar, it would be a Gibson Les Paul – at home playing blues and jazz, yet appropriate to churn out a rock solo piece when the need arose. 
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