Had a number of E21's in the distant past, none Alpinas. It warms my heart that there are people keeping these cars on the road. Absolutely fantastic!

Is it a four-pot?

(Shame about the X3 in the background spoiling the picture).

Fantastic looking motor. Any hints on where to look out for cars like this?? I have been thrawling the classic sites that I know of but nothing really catching my eye!

Larzy: Yes its a four cylinder.

Ballina: See pics below

Paddy: I can put you in touch with the guy I deal with in Holland who sources unusual BMWs for me. The cars are not cheap. PM me details of what you are looking for, how much you want to spend and I will ask him for you. Does Left hand drive bother you?

And now for some engine porn.

Hi Andy

PM sent! Thanks

Paddy

Hi Andy,

nice motor and best of luck with it man, 4 pot Alpinas hmmm !!!!

Paddy, was looking at an Irish e21 323i for restoration if you're interested in going down that road it would be a good project. Dublin/Kildare area.. 087-2765958. 

Curley

Hi Andy and other classic car owners.

Early Christmas present to yourself? :))))  Very evil looking car with oldschool sportcar colours. Very good combination!

But I always wondered how is to drive one. No ABS, ESP, ASC etc etc... How comfort old cars are? Oldest car I drove was max 20 year old soviet union crap. And this experience was just bad.

What about German car industry? Alpina of course have sporty and rought suspension, but what about others? Ride comfort? Can compare with modern cars? High speed corners are probably scary? No overtaking on the higway? Noise inside the car? How about parts? Alpine parts are probably so rare, that your beauty have to stay in garage to prevent any damage? Cant enjoy classic cars too often? Have to be careful like with expensive Ming vase?

Andy

Another in a long line of tasty motors to have passed your way.  It really is lovely.  Enjoy!

Maniac wrote: What about German car industry? Alpina of course have sporty and rought suspension, but what about others?  Ride comfort? Can compare with modern cars? High speed corners are probably scary? No overtaking on the higway? Noise inside the car? How about parts? Alpine parts are probably so rare, that your beauty have to stay in garage to prevent any damage? Cant enjoy classic cars too often? Have to be careful like with expensive Ming vase?

Lots of questions, you can't really compare new and old alike, safety being the big advantage of the modern car and I'd have to say not all classic cars are equal, the 2002 were well ahead of the time and most importantly a well set up 2002 is a great drivers car giving you good positive information back from the road, if you've driven an e30 the 2002 is similar. I do an average of 10k a year in the 2002, 5k in the e28 and about another 10 to 12k in the e34. What I like about the 02 / e28 is the lightness agility of both cars. high speed corners are not scary (actually quite enjoyable), yes there's more wind noise at 80mph in the 02, the heater is slower than a modern car and no power steering but driver involvment is second to none, your brain is the dsc abs esp.

bmw parts supply is fantastic plus a few indy specialist can get you the rest. Best thing for you is to drive a decent 70's or 80's BMW and make your mind up yourself. You're an e39 owner so try an e12/ e28 you might be surprised..

Hi folks,

Thanks for the nice comments. Hopefully the roads are a bit dry over the Christmas and I get a chance to give it a good drive.

Hey Curley, see you Wednesday night.

Andy very nice car hope to see it in 2009.may be up north with Curley.

Lovely car Andy, well wear with it!

I Must get the act together and come up for one of these spawell meets.

Best of luck with her Andy,

She looks lovely.

Regards,

Nick

Andy Butler wrote: Hey Curley, see you Wednesday night.

Looking forward to it man, another huddle between turbos and tourings...