Photo Gallery: Is this Restomod BMW 2800 CS worth $60,000?

Prices for classic BMWs have been going up lately but only for some of the more desirable versions out there. While M1 models can go close to $1 million these days, a random E21 from the same era won’t be near that. Then again, one of the most beautiful cars ever to come from Munich was sold under the E9 codename and it’s called the 2800 CS. A coupe with classic proportions, which was also quite fast off the line back then, beautifully maintained models are now worth more than you’d expect.

Collectors are interested in them but as is the case with most collectible classic cars, they prefer them to be featuring the original parts, but what we’re checking out today doesn’t really come close to that. This is a claimed restomod BMW 2800 CS according to the seller, Gas Motor Cars from Georgia. The seller doesn’t go through all the changes that were done to the car but a restomod usually means a classic car is brought into the 21st century not only by bringing it back in shape visually but also by adding some features that were missing, like a good sound system or AC, for example.

While the guys from Gas Motor Cars claim the changes were too many to list, we can instantly notice the new paint, new wheels and the bagged suspension which should allow you to raise and lower your car to your preference. Inside the cabin the dash was completely redone as was the center console. You now have a new instrument cluster in front of you and new window switches which are color matching the exterior of the car. I’d prefer the originals but then again, this is a restomod.

I’d also have to point out that the sound system was drastically improved, with a big subwoofer installed in the boot, basically reducing the loading capacity by a lot, while the engine bay seems to have been completely left out. The engine doesn’t look like it received a lot of love during the restoring process which apparently took four years.

That said, the seller wants $60,000 and my question is: would you be willing to pay that much?

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Video: F90 BMW M5 Goes to Taipei for Some Fun

Deliveries of the new F90 M5 have already begun and customers are starting to take delivery of their dream cars right about now. BMW however is not showing any signs of taking any sort of break in promoting the new model and the latest video published by the BMW M division on their Youtube channel shows exactly how a BMW M5 should be enjoyed. This time around, the guys traveled to Taipei to film a couple of interesting shots featuring the brand new M5.

The video shows the new uber-sedan from Munich playing in what looks like a shipyard, tail happy and everything. Thanks to the new M xDrive system, the car is now offering the best of both worlds to its drivers. First of all, the launch problems have all been solved and, thanks to all-wheel drive, the new M5 is one full second faster than the older model, even though the power output went up by just 40 HP.

Yet, a lot of people were afraid that sending power to all four corners of the car would turn the sharp M5 into an understeering behemoth, no matter how much power it had. That’s not the case though as the new M xDrive system allows you to choose from a few different driving modes when it comes to where the power is being sent. Just like the video shows, you can choose the standard 4WD mode, 4WD Sport or simply the 2WD mode.

The latter sends the power to the rear axle alone, allowing you to simply drift your way into oblivion and through various sets of tires thanks to the 600 HP under the hood. Needless to say that the video does show some not so careful driving and you definitely shouldn’t try to replicate what you see here on public roads. This was all done under strict supervision, with professionals behind the wheel, on closed roads.

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All BMW Petrol Engines Will Have Particulate Filters Starting this Summer

BMW announced a couple of interesting changes being done to their line-up starting this summer. From offering the brilliant 8-speed ZF gearbox on a couple more models as standard to offering more customizing options and a brand new M Performance model, the line-up is getting reshaped once again. However, the biggest change we need to be aware of is the addition of a so-called Otto particulate filter to all of its petrol-powered engines.

The move is in line with the ever tightening EU regulations about emissions in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the do apply to all petrol-powered cars, including hybrids like the BMW 530e iPerformance and others. This will make all new BMW cars be Euro 6d-TEMP compliant, which is the new emissions standard rolled out by the EU legislators. Diesel engines haven’t been left out either, the new models also being Euro 6d-TEMP compliant.

BluePerformance Technology including SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection has been a standard feature of all BMW diesel models since March 2018. This means they all offer highly efficient, multi-stage exhaust gas treatment consisting of NOx storage catalytic converter and SCR system (Selective Catalytic Reduction). Due to the particularly effective reduction of particulate emissions achieved, these comply with what will then be the most rigorous exhaust standard, namely Euro 6d-TEMP. In addition, another 39 diesel models will be going on the market with Euro 6d-TEMP rating.

The new BMW X3 M40d will also be Euro 6d-TEMP compliant, using a 3-liter straight six B57 engine under the hood. The new mill uses two turbochargers to get 326 HP and 680 Nm of torque sent out to all four corners of the car. While its emissions are well within the legal limits, the M40d is also one of the fastest cars in the X3 range now, reaching 62 mph from standstill in just 4.9 seconds, marginally slower than the petrol-powered alternative, the X3 M40i.

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Former BMW M Boss Albert Biermann criticizes M Division

Former BMW M Boss Albert Biermann spent decades at the Bavarian brand and helped create some truly iconic cars. Now, though, he’s working for Hyundai/KIA, which is a bit of an odd jump. However, it’s actually a very interesting project for Biermann, as he’s heading the Korean brand’s N Division (see what they did there?) and it’s a performance subdivision if Hyundai that’s showing some real promise. Surprisingly, though, it seems as if Biermann is a bit bitter about his time at BMW M and is much happier at Hyundai N.

One of his first projects is the Hyundai i30N, a small hot hatchback that focuses more on driving fun and dynamics than it does on power. It’s a very promising little car and one we’d very much like to drive. Biermann has taken his expertise from working at BMW and poured it into the i30N, creating what he says to be a very fun, very driver-focused hot-hatch. What’s interesting, though, is that Biermann has now said that he’s offered more freedom at Hyundai than BMW, even taking a shot at the M Division.

When speaking with Top Gear, Biermann recently said “My degree of freedom here is much bigger than at BMW,” he tells us. “Now M badges go everywhere in the BMW range, but when I was there I had to fight like crazy for every car. Here I am more than welcome to do whatever I think we need to do.”

That criticism about M badges being on everything is not unique to Biermann. The introduction of M Performance models, and M badges on normal cars with even just M Sport packages on them, has drawn the criticism of journalists and enthusiasts alike.

Now, in terms of pure performance and driving thrills, you can’t compare Hyundai’s N Division with BMW M. Though, that’s not to say that can’t change. “You cannot compare Hyundai performance cars to those from brands like Mercedes or BMW… yet,” said Thomas Schemera, another former BMW M employee who worked with Biermann during his time in Bavaria.

What Hyundai’s N Division is doing is very impressive stuff and we’re excited to see what becomes of it. It’s also interesting to note that Albert Biermann seems happier where he is now than when he was with BMW M.

[Source: Top Gear]

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VIDEO: Carwow drives the BMW 6 Series GT

When I first drove the BMW 6 Series GT a few months back, I was surprised by its impressive ride comfort and capacious trunk. However, there was nothing about the 6er GT that made me feel like I was driving a BMW. It was a car for the brain, not for the heart. Though, sometimes I feel as if I judged it too harshly, thanks to my preconceived notions creeping in. So I’m always curious to see what other journalists think of the 6 Series GT, such as in this new video review from Carwow.

The BMW 6 Series GT, rightly explained by Carwow’s Mat Watson, is basically a ‘tweener, stuck in between the BMW 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and X5. It sort of wants to be a wagon, sort of wants to be a luxury car and sort of wants to be an SUV. So it has the same basic looks as a 5 Series but with the lifted ride height and bulbous rear end of an SUV and the back seat of a 7 Series. But can it deliver on all of those wants?

Well, in terms of luxury, yes. The ride on its air suspension is really quite lovely, absorbing bumps without ever feeling floaty or nervous. BMW has done great work with the 6 Series GT’s suspension so as to make it comfy while remaining perfectly composed. It’s also quiet inside, with very little wind noise coming through the cabin, even at high speed. However, as Watson points out, BMW should really opt out of using run-flats, as they create too much road and tire noise in a car that’s supposed to be luxurious.

It’s also surprisingly practical, more so than even the 5 Series Touring, a fact that really shocked me. Inside, the cabin very typically BMW at the moment, so it packs rich materials and solid build quality, even if it isn’t exactly stunning. You can’t fault the tech, though, which is at the top of its game.

As far as driving dynamics go, though, it’s  just not exciting in any way, shape or form. It’s comfortable and relaxing but BMW is called “The Ultimate Driving Machine”, so there needs to be some life in it. And don’t get me wrong, I fully understand that there are varying degrees of the ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ ethos, as some BMWs are going to be more dynamic and thrilling than others. However, there needs to be at least some life in a BMW, regardless of what it is. There’s none in the 6 Series GT. Watson describes the steering as “almost like playing a computer game”. Also, it’s so big and tall that it feels overly top heavy and sloppy when trying to drive quickly.

The BMW 6 Series GT is a good car for the brain, as it does a lot of things well. It’s comfortable, practical, luxurious and well made. It’s just trying to wear too many hats and, because of that, it struggles to feel like something truly worth getting. Which is why Watson gives it a “Consider It” rating, rather than “Shortlist It” or “Buy It”. It can really work out for some people and many customers may love it. But it’s hard to justify it over cars like the new, stunning Audi A7 or the sporty Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

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