Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

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  • TBH I've just been watching a chap who restores the 90's 8 series, I don't think I've really got a requirement for one, the next vehicle for me is probably a van or a motorcycle.

  • The German dude, m539 guy?

  • Bingo

  • Alpina or...

  • Until I can buy the XJ220 Goodwood van, I'll find it easy to resist the allure of vans. To date I've managed to convince myself that given my history riding bikes (crashy) and driving cars (enthusiastic) I shouldn't get a motorbike. However, I'm starting to think that a Vincent Rapide 1000 would be jolly good fun. If I did get one, that would mean that of the five things I promised my mother I'd never do, when I was a child, there'd be only one I haven't done.

  • only one I haven't done

    Folk dancing?

  • Get a BMW GS1250 - it’s enviable. It will happen. Just ask @Soul

  • Ha, almost chucked a link in myself.

    His videos are so helpful yet off putting. Seriously involved maintenance. The last 8 series he did was bonkers, especially considering it seemed like he wasn’t gonna make that much profit on it.
    Still, nice to know what proper maintenance looks like.

  • Ideal first bike?

  • That was more or less the 850CSI with the S70 engine 380bhp produced from an M8 prototype

    Wikipedia ;
    *As a top-of-the-range variant of the 8 Series, the 850CSi took over from the prototype M8 variant. The 850CSi used the same engine as the 850i, which was tuned so significantly that BMW assigned it a new engine code: S70B56. The modifications included Bosch Motronic 1.7 fuel injection, a capacity increase to 5,576 cc (5.6 L) and power increase to 280 kW (381 PS; 375 hp) at 5,300 rpm[11] and 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.[12] Road & Track recorded a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) time for the 850CSi of 5.9 seconds.[13]

    The 850CSi's modified suspension included stiffer springs and dampers that reduced the car's ride height. The recirculating ball steering ratio was dropped 15% over the standard E31 setup. The model also sported staggered throwing star wheels. The front and rear bumpers were reshaped for improved aerodynamic performance. Four round stainless steel exhaust tips replaced the square tips found on other models. The 6-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission option. In Europe, all 850CSi's came with four-wheel steering (AHK - Aktive Hinterachs-Kinematik, Active rear axle Kinematics), upgraded and ventilated brakes with floating front discs, rear differential oil cooler, engine oil cooler, two-tone interior, sports seats, and reshaped mirrors. In the United States, the cars instead received "BMW Motorsport" writing on the door handles.

    Production ended in late 1996 because the S70 engine could not be modified to comply with new emission regulations without substantial re-engineering.

    Powertrain and production data*

  • Ah the Wizard kits. The roadster conversion was actually ok proportionally, shame the hood was terrible.

  • Popped my folk dancing cherry before I even made the promise. 'Country Dancing' was part of the curriculum at school. No, the one remaining haven't-done would be getting a tarroo, as Gen Lucifer would put it.

  • Nah, the CSi had 375bhp. The M8 had 550. That's a lot of missing ponies.

  • A brace of turbos would resolve that, but M cars should always be NA.

  • Ducati Multistrada 1100 is surely more on brand no?

  • I love mine so much.

    Just need a tiny sports bike to complement it.

  • Think Port Talbot is still running but thats about it. Even the massive (I mean genuinely huge, almost sure I saw it had its own indoor clouds) Alcan facility near Blyth has gone now,so alloys must go overseas.
    Ferrous the Welsh can deal with some.

  • That’s not a notion that has its origins in logic. Therefore I think you should pursue it.

    However I’ve heard that 850s make Jaguar XJ-S V12s look reliable. I know you would eschew the reliability and elegance of a V12 Aston Martin for trouser-related reasons, so have you considered a Ferrari?

  • The principle not the practice :D

  • I have said before - Ferrari FF. v12 AND shooting brake. Double dammit win.

  • Yeah, but my principle is that if it doesn't have 500bhp (if it weighs more than 500kg) it's not worth it. Unless it's a Moggie Trav. OK, it's not much of a principle...

  • Still prefer the 412. #childofthe70s

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Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

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