Few things in our atomized corner of the car hobby generate as much controversy as Cincinnati, Ohio-based dealer Enthusiast Auto Group. Regardless of how you feel about them, they have proven that BMW enthusiasts, perhaps more than any other automotive subculture, are willing to pay a substantial premium for quality.
Years ago, when I worked at a high-end muscle car dealership just before the Great Recession, my boss taught me an important lesson about collector car values: The price guide may say one thing, but what’s the nicest one in the world worth?
The team at EAG seems to be turning a profit by focusing on selling only the nicest examples of desirable BMWs in the country. While they charge a premium, buyers can rest assured that the car has no underlying issues, mechanically or otherwise. They tend to focus on M cars as well, although occasionally, other notable models come up for sale, like this E91.
What we’re looking at may be the single most desirable E91 in the United States: a 328i (non-xDrive), manual, M-Sport package car. Oh yeah, and it’s the right color, too: LeMans Blue. According to the ad, it’s one of just 429 six-speed, rear-wheel drive, M-Sport E91s sent to America—making it a rare bird indeed.
Incredibly, this lifelong California car has just 36,000 miles on its odometer, and a clear bra was applied to the frontal area of the car (bumper, leading edge of the hood, mirrors) when it was new. Coupled with EAG’s meticulous pre-sale service, this is as close as you’re likely to get to a brand new rear-drive, manual 3 Series wagon.
Given that this is EAG, though, that privilege is likely to come with a price similar to that of a new car, too. Nonetheless, we’re certain that it will find a buyer, and fast.—Cam VanDerHorst
[Photos via Enthusiast Auto Group.]