Owning an e9 has made me appreciate this car:

Markos

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For me it is the e12 and the e24. Prior to purchasing an e9 and studying them exhaustively, I wasn’t into either 70’s sibling. I have grown to love the e12 inteior and the e24 body lines…

How about you? BMW or otherwise!

M535i interior:
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M635i Exterior:
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JMinPDX

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Nice topic! I’ve had three e23’s over the years. Two automatics and one five speed. Needless to say the 5 speed was a lot of fun. 745i turbo had an AT. I drove to The Vintage in 2017. Brought both my kids home from the hospital in my first back in the 90’s. They’re very comfortable and great highway cruisers. Pretty bullet proof. Except for the vacuum actuated HVAC system.
Would like to have another 5 speed some day.

The only e12 I’ve owned was a euro 518, m10 with a four speed. I wish I hadn’t sold it.

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Markos

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I’ve always liked e28’s, but was never fond of the e12. Now I think I would rather own an e12 in a funky 70’s color.

The e9 has warped my perspective on what is reasonable to pay for things that I want. :D A euro spec e12 is still a reasonable purchase even at the top of the market.

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rsporsche

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i have always liked the e12. i had a '79 e12 auto, if it had been a stick, i would probably still have it. i also had an e28 533i. i like both cars. i actually prefer the way both drove compared to the e24. looks is a whole 'nuther thing.

another old BMW that i wish i had bought when i had the opportunity was an e21 - 323i. it was a fun drive.
 

Krzysztof

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For many people living behind Iron Curtain (including me) E9 was not a real car - only poster car but not popular in any case (Corvetter or Ferraris were much more popular between teenagers as dream cars).

They were not appearing on the streets as far as I remember.

Some were driving E10 or E21 which you can buy having someone in the US or Western Europe or having $ from different sources.

First BMW I remember was silver E21, used by doctor living in the same quarter. This car was so different (especially at the rear) - like a shoap or candy.

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there was also red 2002 around, owned by BMW mechanic
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E12 were not common. Most of them have been eaten up by rust before they could be imported to Poland but I remember one rusting in the garden in the quarter next to mine. I was dreaming to make it new, riding my bike reqularly next to it, but it was impossible that time. There was no spare parts and even if they were - just to expensive for repair. The car has disappeared rapidly (probably taken to the scrapyeard).
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E12 was on my " bike road trip" together with BMW Isetta. Being in really poor condition (painted with brush) but movable, in use. Also dissolved in year or two after.

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Once I was able to buy a car I become E23 fan. I have even decided to drive few hundred kilometres with my father for one for sale (in my budget) which appear a bucket of rust with almost no A-pillars. The car was complete but I was looking something for driving, not for restoration that time.

In the end - from practical reasons - I've bought E30 from last production time. It was so called "Design Edition" in very nice color: Daytona Violett Metallic:
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It was old but I was able to drive it daily and repair. I coverted it to LPG to make the riding cheaper. It was the best car I have had over years. I drove it over 9 years and sold to my Friends.

In the meantime E9 appeared imported from Germany, Belgium, Holland and they were as nice as rusty ... To much for my time and budget these days. But from many models I really like they looks to be the most classical shark, still with plenty oh shiny metal and almost no electronic (carb. ver. of course).

In summary - due to geopolitical reasons - E10 and E12 were models which created BMW style in me and made me love E9 in the end
 

Belgiumbarry

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i see there are many "lovers" for the 850i.... :D

Car is for sale.... 25.000 €.... of course located in Belgium.
 

Stevehose

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For me a euro e12 would be just right. Next a euro e28. e24’s don’t move the needle for me.
 

adawil2002

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I'm all goo-goo-ga-ga over the 1988 E28 M5. Had wanted one since 1987. Very fortunate to have this one now. The best modern BMW ever made, it does everything well with little to no compromise. Makes an awesome Husky Chariot too.

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Krzysztof

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I'm all goo-goo-ga-ga over the 1988 E28 M5. Had wanted one since 1987. Very fortunate to have this one now. The best modern BMW ever made, it does everything well with little to no compromise. Makes an awesome Husky Chariot too.

From unknown reason E28 in general is still in the shadow of E24, E30 and of course E9 but more than E12.

So many E28 has just been a donor cars for engines (almost the same as for M1). What a pity!

For me early version with chrome looks more classy than M535i or US bumpy style but engine is so gooooood!

Nice!
 

RMP

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Dick Steinkamp

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I think this e12 that just sold on BaT was well worth the money. Great entry level car to the hobby...


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JMinPDX

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coupedegrace

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For many people living behind Iron Curtain (including me) E9 was not a real car - only poster car but not popular in any case (Corvetter or Ferraris were much more popular between teenagers as dream cars).

They were not appearing on the streets as far as I remember.

....

In summary - due to geopolitical reasons - E10 and E12 were models which created BMW style in me and made me love E9 in the end
Thank you for sharing your experiences of growing up behind the iron curtain. I'm very glad they're now memories and not your everyday reality. Such a different life than most of us had.
 
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