I loved the BMW's of the 80's and early 90's. they seemed so much better built than other cars on the road. The 5 series from 1988 to 1996 in my opinion were classic - especially the M5. BMW's look like any other car now!
I owned a 1984 3 series Harge 2.7 - it rocked!
2006-09-29 03:56:41 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
They never had any appeal in the first place! Unless your a 17 yr old without any aspirations that is!
2006-09-29 04:04:36 · answer #1 · answered by Nick B 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Totally agree with you. As a BMW fan its very sad to say it but its true. I love the 90's design. A BMW was SO different than any other car. Best years for BMW were the 90s. Yes the 5 series E34 is and always will be a classic. When you think of BMW , the image that should come in mind is the 5 series E34. Classic, yet elegant, sporty, powerful. Once you slip into the interior its like you're in another world. So different from any other car. You start the engine and you hear the rumble.The straight 6 was always powerful. Even on the outside, the high quality paint is different from any other car on the road, best color is black. And the e34 looked gorgeous if you put some 5 spoke wheels on it. Truly an amazing vehicle. Yet today, the design is so japanese, in a sense, aggresive lines, too much i think. It doesn't stand out a lot. The interior is also a minus. The mid 90's 5 and 7 series interiors were gorgeous, and they still are. But the truth is that everybody will have a different opinion. It depends on your age, and whether you've owned BMWs before. Having owned many BMWs I know there is a difference. But i guess its a new generation, and to some... they might like the Bangle design better. The only BMW that i like today as a current model is the BMW ///M5 which is way out of my league for now. But BMW will still remain a BMW thats for sure, and they will come out of the Bangle era fortunately
2006-10-02 16:17:39 · answer #2 · answered by Kristian55 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have just acquired a 3 series 320i 1987 automatic with sunroof. I bought it because my previous nissan bought new crumpled at 10mph and was a right off and the insurance gave me the trade price which meant i could not replace with a similar vehicle. At least I have a good chance of survival if in a crash. It has proved to be an absolutely brilliant piece of engineering. Does 45miles to the gallon on the motorway journeys and hardly needs any attention as it was such a superb car when new and remains so. I do not care what anyone thinks it is a dream to drive quiet with superb road holding and not anymore expensive to service. The construction was so well made and so simple that the engine can go twice around the clock and still rolling and legal. Parts are not expensive and an old fashion mechanic can handle repairs because it does not have a system dependent on a computer.
2006-09-29 04:53:52 · answer #3 · answered by di d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they still have a lot of appeal - at least outside Europe where they are not the common person's car. I think their last design change was woeful, and I am allergic to the X5. Having said that, I would have given almost anything (except what it cost in 1989) for an 850i.
As far as buying one, I wouldn't consider the 3-series, because they are made for short people with small feet. The 5-series is still ok.
BMW has long survived on its unique look, its badge and its quality, but they are no longer alone. Recent road-tests between Mercedes, Audi and BMW show that BMW is no longer the pick of the bunch.
:-)
2006-09-29 04:22:05 · answer #4 · answered by Extemporaneous 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
BMW have made some fine cars over the years, like the original 6-series, the M3 range, Z1, M5, etc, but nowadays they've adopted some rather radical styling on their cars, probably too radical for some.
I think there's the stereotype of 'BMW driver' too, the sod who doesn't ever indicate.
2006-09-29 06:00:20 · answer #5 · answered by mr_carburettor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This debate could roll on and on. Chris Bangle, who designed most of the recent beemers has certainly put the cat amongst the pidgeons!
I would say he has had varying degrees of success.
His first 7 series was a disaster zone but the facelifted version with new rear looks very cool, especially on big rims.
5-series does not look that special but then compare the competition. E-Class - has been styled, not designed, A6 - too subtle. S-type - too old school. M5 must be the performamce bargain of a lifetime.
3-series...................utter garbage. I mean seriously...... who signed that off? On the plus side the new coupe looks much better and the 335i is supposed to be a beast and the M3 is yet to come...............
X3 - crap
X5 - quality
Z4 - mediocre - certainly no boxster
Z4 Coupe - looks like it could be good, would need to see it in the metal
Overall, I think the fact these cars inspire debate, is a good thing. It's like they say: there's no such thing as bad publicity!
Now to get saving for that 1999 330Ci in blue with cream leather..................
2006-09-29 05:50:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am not a fan of the newer models. I own a 85 635CSi 230k and a 91 525i 220k, both still original. These are tight, well built machines. I would not have a new one..............
So, the BMW's of the 80' and 90's have certainly not lost their appeal and most on the road today have over 200k, what does that tell you about quality and endurance.
2006-10-01 10:54:03 · answer #7 · answered by draka61 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
BMW has too much competition. the new Audis are rocking pretty hard..like the Rs6.
and the new Mercedes Benz e55 is also rocking it hard.
BMW hasn't kept up on the power end of the business and the looks are also not looking too hot lately thanks to that Chris Bangle dude who's been designing disasters.
but the price sure is still skyhigh.
another thing is that the BMW SMG tranny has alot of complaints along with that iDrive crap.
it's too much electronics and not enough power.
people lose interest.
plus Lexus is also coming on very strong. The new Lexus cars are really nice.
i like BMW, but they sure have alot of strong competition now.
2006-10-01 13:42:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I bought a brand new bmw in the 80's, drove real nice but acted up and quit in 18 below weather, had to get towed, sold car went back to beater dodges and havent looked back.
2006-09-29 04:27:45 · answer #9 · answered by done wrenching 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think they have totally lost the plot. I would not buy one they have some of the dullest looking cars on the road for their class. I gree that the 88 to 96 5 series were the best looking series they have ever made.
2006-09-29 04:15:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I agree.
Its seems the designers haven't finished designing the current 5 and 7. Did they finish work early on the day they drew the back ?
My wife had an early 90's 3. I was never a big fan,except for the 6 CSI, however I can't knock it for quality, it was great to work on.
2006-09-29 04:07:37 · answer #11 · answered by Michael H 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋