Quote:
Originally Posted by TriumphTim
Well, I maintained one for its owner for a few years, a 1991 850i automatic with around 80k miles. He bought it as kind of a project and we put it back to stock.
I see you are a 3 series guy, the 850i has the steering box, not rack and pinion, so it doesn't have razor sharp steering. The V12 pulls pretty hard but doesn't "sing" and rev like a Ferrari V12, I have a 2000 Maranello from the same collection to compare.
850i is definitely more of grand tourer than a sport car, which sounds like what you are looking for. It is0 big coupe that is comfortable and fairly soft, great for highways, less so for tight back roads at speed.
I don't remember running into issues with parts availability, except for 8 series only pieces like interior trim and headlights which can usually be glued and fixed. Brakes and such seemed easy to source. I think the V12 parts like ignition wires and stuff got pricey.
Check out this guy's site - https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Index.htm
My personal collection for reference is a 1955 TR2, 1988 325is, 2005 325ci, and 2008 328xi, various pre-1991 motorcycles.
My opinion is the 850 would likely be the best option of what you listed. I think the parts and enthusiast support will be the best for the BMW, we had a 2003 DB7 Aston V12 manual that was thrilling to drive but parts were a pain and a steeper learning curve to work on, would really require a commitment to maintain.
Let me know if you have any questions, looks like there are a few on FB when I search the Atlanta area. |
Thank you! I went to that bloke's website... And WOW! Information overload! This guy knows E31s!!
This is a SUPER help!
I would love to have an Aston, but as you said, a steeper learning curve and parts availability is difficult. I have found that out as well. British cars are my first love, and what really got me into really liking cars. I've had a long list of Triumphs, mainly Spitfires and other small chassis Triumphs.
Thank you again! That is a ton of info!