The best days of BMW - when were they?

F32Fleet · 07-04-2020, 05:01 PM

IMO this topic is only relevant when comparing BMW to the competition at any point in time.

By that metric I would say their heyday was 1998-2005.

-EndOfAnEra- · 07-07-2020, 03:11 PM

In response to Sedan_Clan 's comments and others though, I am genuinely curious when "same sausage/different lengths" became a bad thing. It is generally accepted that the three most beautiful BMW designs were the E46, E39 and E38:

While I understand there are many who want the status associated with a particular brand image, be it sport or luxury or style, to me that's one of the beautiful things about these three that only the driver can appreciate. They are classically beautiful and everyone beholding them can appreciate their designs as works of art or if that's too pretentious, symbols of elegance.

The driver knows for sure by the interior and the drive which car they have. No one else needs to appreciate that more than they do. It's that combination of competence and subtlety that earned BMW its reputation in both sport and luxury.

Ultimately, I wish we could have the all the modern advancements with the classic styling. Oh wait, maybe we can?

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -EndOfAnEra-

In response to Sedan_Clan 's comments and others though, I am genuinely curious when "same sausage/different lengths" became a bad thing. It is generally accepted that the three most beautiful BMW designs were the E46, E39 and E38:

While I understand there are many who want the status associated with a particular brand image, be it sport or luxury or style, to me that's one of the beautiful things about these three that only the driver can appreciate. They are classically beautiful and everyone beholding them can appreciate their designs as works of art or if that's too pretentious, symbols of elegance.

The driver knows for sure by the interior and the drive which car they have. No one else needs to appreciate that more than they do. It's that combination of competence and subtlety that earned BMW its reputation in both sport and luxury.

Ultimately, I wish we could have the all the modern advancements with the classic styling. Oh wait, maybe we can?

It was a criticism BMW was subjected to since the mid/late 90's.

solstice · 07-07-2020, 03:27 PM

Looking at the generally still handsome E46, you know what the only eye sore is through today’s looking glass? The tiny little kidneys...funny isn’t it

It’s main beauty lies in the extremely tidy packaging. To fit an in-line six under that short low hood, yummy.

stein_325i · 07-07-2020, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

Looking at the generally still handsome E46, you know what the only eye sore is through today’s looking glass? The tiny little kidneys...funny isn’t it

It’s main beauty lies in the extremely tidy packaging. To fit an in-line six under that short low hood, yummy.

The words eye sore and E46 simply should never be paired together.

530iDriver · 07-07-2020, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jstein55

The words eye sore and E46 simply should never be paired together.

Perhaps, but the E46 just looks what it actually is: A 20 year old BMW.

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 05:36 PM

I actually think we're in the best days now. Having owned BMW's for the last 20 years (...multiple E46/E9X/F8X M3/4's, regular E46/E9X/F3X 3-Series cars, E70 and F15 X5's, 1-Series, etc.) and having experienced many others that I didn't personally own, I feel like the cars are only getting better. I appreciate the evolution. I wouldn't go back to any of the older cars.

solstice · 07-07-2020, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I actually think we're in the best days now. Having owned BMW's for the last 20 years (...multiple E46/E9X/F8X M3's, regular E46/E9X/F3X 3 Series cars, E70 and F15 X5's, 1-Series, etc.) and having experienced many others that I didn't personally own, I feel like the cars are only getting better.

And I suspect many would agree with you if given the option to replace their F8X competition with a newly produced E46 or E30 with full factory warranty etc. How many would actually go for it? Not many is my guess...

stein_325i · 07-07-2020, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

And I suspect many would agree with you if given the option to replace their F8X competition with a newly produced E46 or E30 with full factory warranty etc. How many would actually go for it? Not many is my guess...

I would 100% take the E46 or E30. Currently looking for a used Z4 M actually, but a warranty and new production of an old car would be icing on the cake.

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I actually think we're in the best days now. Having owned BMW's for the last 20 years (...multiple E46/E9X/F8X M3's, regular E46/E9X/F3X 3 Series cars, E70 and F15 X5's, 1-Series, etc.) and having experienced many others that I didn't personally own, I feel like the cars are only getting better.

And I suspect many would agree with you if given the option to replace their F8X competition with a newly produced E46 or E30 with full factory warranty etc. How many would actually go for it? Not many is my guess...

I don't think many would either, otherwise they would've picked up the cleanest old BMW they could find today and be hanging out on E46Fanatics instead of here. I have asked myself that same question before, and every time I found myself passing on a newly produced E46 or E9X in place of my current F82. There's just no way I could go back to that.

With that said, the ONLY car I would consider in place of my F82 is a brand new E46 M3 CSL (...with the SMG swapped out for a manual). That would be cause for pause even though I would be losing a lot in terms of functionality and day-to-day performance (...yes, I am aware their Nurburgring times are about the same).

solstice · 07-07-2020, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

And I suspect many would agree with you if given the option to replace their F8X competition with a newly produced E46 or E30 with full factory warranty etc. How many would actually go for it? Not many is my guess...

I wouldn’t but for a brand new factory warranted of this I would in a heartbeat....

solstice · 07-07-2020, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

I don't think many would either, otherwise they would've picked up the cleanest old BMW they could find today and be hanging out on E46Fanatics instead of here. I have asked myself that same question before, and every time I found myself passing on a newly produced E46 or E9X in place of my current F82. There's just no way I could go back to that.

With that said, the ONLY car I would consider in place of my F82 is a brand new E46 M3 CSL (...with the SMG swapped out for a manual). That would be cause for pause even though I would be losing a lot in terms of functionality and day-to-day performance (...yes, I am aware their Nurburgring times are about the same).

Yep, CSLs are the specials among specials.

-EndOfAnEra- · 07-07-2020, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

It was a criticism BMW was subjected to since the mid/late 90's.

Oh, I'm aware of that. Audi faced the same with the B6 A4 and C5 A6 I recall. They managed to break free of that to a point thanks to LED signatures and similar styling details. I felt BMW was doing a good job with slightly different headlight and taillight treatments since those days but I guess too subtle for them.

I do have a sneaky suspicion though that this bold look will sell better than I expected. But I am curious how many who jump on board for the new look will stay after the new look is passe?

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -EndOfAnEra-

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

It was a criticism BMW was subjected to since the mid/late 90's.

Oh, I'm aware of that. Audi faced the same with the B6 A4 and C5 A6 I recall. They managed to break free of that to a point thanks to LED signatures and similar styling details. I felt BMW was doing a good job with slightly different headlight and taillight treatments since those days but I guess too subtle for them.

I do have a sneaky suspicion though that this bold look will sell better than I expected. But I am curious how many who jump on board for the new look will stay after the new look is passe?

Cars only continue to become more and more futuristic looking. Eventually even the G8X will look tame.

The Automotive Enthusiast · 07-07-2020, 06:54 PM

I'd take a Le Mans Blue e39 M5 in a heartbeat.

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Automotive Enthusiast

I'd take a Le Mans Blue e39 M5 in a heartbeat.

The E39 is a really nice looking M5. Sterling Gray or Lemans Blue look great on that body style.

solstice · 07-07-2020, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The E39 is a really nice looking M5. Sterling Gray or Lemans Blue look great on that body style.

It’s one of the best examples of the sum is more than the parts. The styling is kind of soft, the engine is nothing overly special compared to the E60 or today’s monster in the G30, the steering is so-so for the era with recirculating ball and on it goes but somehow it manages to feel very special behind the wheel. Just an awesomely well working package.

Sedan_Clan · 07-07-2020, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solstice

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

The E39 is a really nice looking M5. Sterling Gray or Lemans Blue look great on that body style.

It’s one of the best examples of the sum is more than the parts. The styling is kind of soft, the engine is nothing overly special compared to the E60 or today’s monster in the G30, the steering is so-so for the era with recirculating ball and on it goes but somehow it manages to feel very special behind the wheel. Just an awesomely well working package.

I agree with you 100%. Clive Owen and Madonna made it look like a blast way back when eh?

07-04-2020, 05:01 PM	#45
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3918 Rep 10,624 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	IMO this topic is only relevant when comparing BMW to the competition at any point in time. By that metric I would say their heyday was 1998-2005. __________________ "Drive more, worry less. " 435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line
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07-07-2020, 03:11 PM	#46
-EndOfAnEra- First Lieutenant 699 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i RWD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 "Christy& ... [0.00]	In response to Sedan_Clan 's comments and others though, I am genuinely curious when "same sausage/different lengths" became a bad thing. It is generally accepted that the three most beautiful BMW designs were the E46, E39 and E38: While I understand there are many who want the status associated with a particular brand image, be it sport or luxury or style, to me that's one of the beautiful things about these three that only the driver can appreciate. They are classically beautiful and everyone beholding them can appreciate their designs as works of art or if that's too pretentious, symbols of elegance. The driver knows for sure by the interior and the drive which car they have. No one else needs to appreciate that more than they do. It's that combination of competence and subtlety that earned BMW its reputation in both sport and luxury. Ultimately, I wish we could have the all the modern advancements with the classic styling. Oh wait, maybe we can? __________________ "Christy" - 2020 BMW M340i 8AT BSM / Black&BlueStitching Gone! "Edna" - 2011 BMW 335i 6MT TiAg / BlackOyster - M-Sport, Premium, Comfort Access, Navigation, Heated Seats, Rollerblinds R.I.P. "Heidi" - 2005 BMW 330xi 6MT BSM / Black - Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Harmon Kardon, Navigation
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07-07-2020, 03:27 PM	#48
solstice Major General 5523 Rep 7,082 Posts Drives: 2015 M3 6MT Join Date: May 2013 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Looking at the generally still handsome E46, you know what the only eye sore is through today’s looking glass? The tiny little kidneys...funny isn’t it It’s main beauty lies in the extremely tidy packaging. To fit an in-line six under that short low hood, yummy.
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07-07-2020, 05:36 PM	#51
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 27129 Rep 22,712 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	I actually think we're in the best days now. Having owned BMW's for the last 20 years (...multiple E46/E9X/F8X M3/4's, regular E46/E9X/F3X 3-Series cars, E70 and F15 X5's, 1-Series, etc.) and having experienced many others that I didn't personally own, I feel like the cars are only getting better. I appreciate the evolution. I wouldn't go back to any of the older cars.
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