New E34 M Dealership thoughts - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

legacy260 · 20th October 2009, 01:56

I have been in discussion with somebody about possibly funding a specialist garage for E34 M5's based in Hertfordshire, along with the possibility of dealing in 'rare Alpina's, 635 CSi's, E28 M5's and the odd E39 M5'. No E30's and no new cars!

As many of you know Munich Legends as was is no more, some would say 'Great', others would be a little sadder.

My question is, would a specialist buyer / seller, with contacts for servicing, retrimming, respraying and keeping an accurate database on UK cars with photos and real history if known be attractive as a business. Would you contemplate using this service and help us market ourselves, even if not located nearby?

This idea is not to 'rob' specialists of their business but to help future clients appreciate the benefits and pitfalls of M ownership before destroying the reputation and value of our cars.

There is no one successful older M specialist dealership here in the UK to my knowledge and maybe it is time to create a single buying / selling showroom / garage run by owners and with some of the best mechanical knowledge close at hand.

We may if successful start buying ALL of the 3.6's and many of the 3.8's out there on the web and elsewhere and restoring these if people are interested in what we offer.

I am NOT looking at this to make real money, but more of a passionate hobby that will NOT cost silly money to begin but may make buying and restoring these rare cars somewhat more simple, honest and reliable.

Any thoughts are welcome.

erikm54life · 20th October 2009, 03:00

Up late planning world domination ?

I'm not in the U.K. but think it's a very good idea.

When I was in the market for my car I used to troll through all the usual websites looking for a good buy...Faz and I ( well, more Faz than I actually ! ) can write a book on how to buy an M5 at a distance.

If there were a reliable cost effective alternative...like the specialist dealership you mention.....it would have made the whole task a lot easier. All we would have had to do was point, inspect, and buy !......rather than contemplating criss-crossing the whole continent.

I'm all for anything that will ease the pains of M5 ownership and should you go ahead I wish you all the best !

gwm635 · 20th October 2009, 07:58

Hi Richard,
long time no chat...

As someone who bought a UK M car from a long way away, (& got burnt) I think it would be great!!

PS: what happen to ML??

davidoli · 20th October 2009, 10:32

Great idea Richard .

Let me know if I can assist in any way .

D

Lantz · 20th October 2009, 14:44

I think it is a wonderful idea, I just hope that it is financially viable!

I'm currently doing my final year of studies in London, and post study job permitting, will be bringing my M5 from Sweden to London next year.
I would therefore need a suitable place for GOOD service and possibly storage.

I really hope you get this project of the ground!

Lantz

legacy260 · 20th October 2009, 22:58

The concept is still a 'seed' but any cars restored / sold can be inspected on our ramps prior to purchase, all restoration work will be extensively photographed and all mechanical work fully documented. With this NOT being a business to pay a mortgage / feed a family / support an overdraft etc, prices will be fair for what we offer. Its time a proper retailing operation started buying and selling good cars to upfront passionate owners.

vadas1 · 21st October 2009, 09:42

Sounds a very good idea.

What happened to Munich Legends? I bought my M from there in 2002.

ralph (vadas1)

legacy260 · 21st October 2009, 10:29

Munich Legends still exists, I was driving passed yesterday. Tony and Barney Halse have moved on to pastures new and the company has now expanded to work on Mini's, much newer BMW's and is somewhat more of a mainstream independent than a pure M specialist. Chasing cash not building a niche is where it all fell down and the original passion from Tony and Barney became diluted.

Ratty · 21st October 2009, 20:04

Excellent idea, but I'd include e30 M3's as well

legacy260 · 21st October 2009, 21:22

The problem with E30's is that too many are now over priced and the one's that do come onto the market are either 'shed's' or without decent history...ie European Imports. We want to buy and sell cars that have full or very nearly full history and will not bankrupt us when buying. I have seen a few E30's selling for upwards of £40,000.