Because BMW seems obsessed with nomenclature.... Remember when 325 actually meant--3 series, 2.5 liters... now everything is a hot mess with them.. M3/M4 is the least of their problems. However, I don't understand how you are defining "modern BMW" For me, the demarcation point for "modern BMW's" in the sense that they followed BMW traditional formula is E46/E39. I agree that the E90 and E60 in some ways were better than what followed, I look at them as the break point. ESPECIALLY the E60. It's been largely a forest of disappointment with the occasional tree of hope ever since. Of course, that doesn't mean, I can't pick and chose particular modern BMWS that I personally believe are excellent, even if they don't ascribe to traditional BMW values.
2001 was the last year of BMW for me. E38, E39, E46, and Z8 were the best designs then and now imo. 2001 X5 and Z3 are ok, but not ugly by any means. The 2002 7 series was a joke that started the end. E60 doesn't even look like a BMW to me at least from the front.
Have to agree, theres nothign compelling they make now. The new 7 series rental I had was nice and plush, but one could say that about nay luxury car, nothing special BMW about it. the rest of the lineup is bland to drive and look at, IIhink their 4 cyl turbo motors are not as good as others, most of the x series have crappy ride and so so steering. I guess maybe a loaded x5 is the best choice in the misize/big suv category, but thats about it.
I'd agree except I prefer the e36 to the e46. Not that I don't like the e46, but I passed up a couple of e46 m3's to get an e36. I feel like the e46 was when they started to get a little 'fat' for lack of a better word. Of course, the next gen is where they got really fat and then the F series started to dial that back a little, at least styling wise. I've had 3 e38's and now have an e36 m3. Hope to get an e39 m5 at some point, but I may have missed the boat on those.
It's the heat that kills them - the e38 has an awful cooling system that starts to, literally, disintegrate at 120-140k miles. Then the engine gets hot and the timing chain guides get brittle and fail. Like clockwork, I had it happen to me twice. If you get a low coolant warning or you see the temp gauge move from dead center, shut the car off and get it towed and replace whatever the issue is immediately, and they will run for a really long time. Let it get hot and you'll be changing the guides or possible worse. Somebody really needs to come up with replacement cooling system parts for these cars that gets rid of all of the plastic, then they'd run forever with just fluid changes as the base engine and trans are really good (well, except for the part where they call the trans fluid 'lifetime'). I'm on the lookout for a nice 740i sport, but they're getting more and more difficult to find.
The E36 is a better chassis even though they have strut tower failures. The E46 rear subframe support panel was a botched design and can't be fixed. They all fail eventually because the subframe has no real structural mount points. I will never buy an E46 because of that.
I broke out the 135i 6spd from winter storage (3 weeks) to drive the next two days now that my driveway had sufficient melt to make it easy. I really love this car though it lacks that taut M suspension. A little more snow is coming, but spring is too, and jaunts will become more frequent until I can daily drive it. Currently on the winter wheel provided by the previous owner.
I had the E38 radiator replacement routine down to 45 minutes. The radiator had plastic bowls on the side that after a while would swell and pull away from the rows/core. The other issue with the M62TUB44 was crapping sparkplugs out of the head. Some people had tranny issues with a hard shift on the freeway. Aside from that, I have issue with the impact sensor for the airbags on the tranny tunnel where one good rock blew all my bags but that was an edge case. Right now my 2012 X6M with the Racechip (660hp+) pulls like a monster and I really enjoy the long roadtrips more so than the E38 but I'd love to have another 2001 Steel Blue 740iL.
I used to work for Dan, and this seems pretty cheap. bring an engine! https://rapleyclassiccars.com/product/1995-bmw-m3-factory-lightweight-project/
Just picked up a 740i m sport for my wife. Really amazing car. Great tech. Great ride. Great daily. I’m thinking I want one also.... maybe a 750 or 760. Robb
Was bored yesterday and went and bought a 2020 550 with close to a 90K sticker, BMW #58 (I recounted recently). So far I am impressed, but I have not started playing with it yet.
That engine is moderately tunable. 600hp depending on which trim level you got. Not that you'd even want that much, it is no slouch.
I have two E46 M3s. One 04 and one 05. I track the 05 and keep a close eye on the subframe issues. So far, no evidence of any cracking or failures. But even if (when) it happens it's not a difficult upgrade.
old boss's latest, this one I hadn't even heard of before lol James Bond Edition Z3. Pretty cool little rig! https://rapleyclassiccars.com/product/1996-bmw-z3-roadster-007-edition-1-of-100/
I worked for the production company during the time they were filming Goldeneye and the exec producer's wife was all about making BMW the new Bondmobiles. It was a lucrative partnership to help launch the Z3. I had the interesting task of bringing a check to the US Marine Corps to pay for their involvement and consultation fees. The envelope was sealed but the captain I delivered it to had a smirk on his face and we tried guessing at how much was in there.
Got myself another project two weeks ago, 2008 535xit with all the bells and whistles (except soft close doors and night vision). The seller claimed the engine was seized, but it just needed a new starter to turn. Did a bit of preventive maintenance, now waiting for all the missing parts to arrive (turbo-related, mostly). Should be fun. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Always been a BMW fan. E46 325 starter E46 M3 - put about $100k into the car including a HPF Turbo. (favorite). Had about 750 whp. E60 M5 2008 X3 (wife) X5 (wife) X5 (wife) F10 M5 - great car, sold after I bought my first Ferrari F10 550i current DD Not crazy about the design of some of the newer models. Will have to see what they have when it's time for something new. I have a really good relationship with my BMW dealer and makes it hard to look at other brands.
Yeah, that sounds like fun...got myself a manual trans to go in it though, so it'll have that going for it at least.
I’ve had several, bit of a fan. 330i 335i M3, then M3 CS (both F80)- the CS is massively under appreciated. Way better than the standard M3 on track. Took European delivery of the standard M3 which was a great experience and an amazing deal (basically the wife and I got a free trip for 5 days) BMWCCA /NASA: SE30, Spec E36 Currently own BMWCCA: IP (modified E36 M3) But, I really don’t like the current direction. Might not buy another. Gaudy grills, more weight, less “ultimate driving machine” more flash over substance.
Picked up a '17 F80 M3 Jahre edition (6spd) to go along side the '95 F355 GTB and '01 Ducati 996 SPS.