What's the most underrated BMW?
Discussion
I can't say that I'm massively keen on any of their recent output but historically BMWs have been a favourite of mine, as they have of many a PHer. For me that reputation was forged in the 1980s with the "ultimate driving machine" tagline and the E30 3-Series (still one of my favourite BMWs, especially in 325i trim), the E34 5-Series and the E32 7-Series. These vehicles were truly a cut above most other mass market cars in terms of quality, durability, engineering and as a driving experience. If you wanted something nicer, quicker and more grown up than a hot hatch in the 1980s, an E30 325i was the next logical step.
I'm not so sure if a BMW is the "ultimate driving machine" any more but maybe they are no longer pretending to be that. The unique combination of a straight six motor, RWD and a manual transmission in a practical, everyday car that appealed to many a driving enthusiast, isn't really what BMW offers any more, they're more luxury cars with a "premium" badge and some of the best tech available in the industry. Don't get me wrong, a RWD/xDrive 3-Series still offers a nice RWD-led balance over something like a FWD Audi and BMW still have some of the best straight six petrol/diesel engines in the business but you're only getting that if you go with the top spec cars and in all honesty, an Alfa Giulia or even some of the FWD hot hatches (Golf/Focus/Megane/Civic/i30N) probably offer a more enjoyable driving expereience.
I get why the E46 3-Series/E39 5-Series/E38 7-Series era is so fondly remembered because the cars still look elegant and feel relatively modern but even by this point, perhaps the depth of engineering/quality had slipped a little in the pursuit of profit?
Despite being a fan of BMWs, I would have to say (and total disclosure, I have never driven a BMW M Car), that BMWs are some of the most overrated cars that I have driven ie there are many with average engines, numb steering, a crashy ride and disappointing build quality but which BMWs do you feel are the underrated ones and why?
For me, 3 come to mind:
1) Original (E87?) 1-Series. Now some would say that these are a little unsophisticated compared to the 3-Series of the era (E90?) but in period, I always quite enjoyed them and found them more fun to drive than the 3-Series of that era. Nice hydraulic steering and a nice chassis balance, if a little compromised in terms of practicality compared to a FWD rival such as a Golf. I worked for Volkswagen at the time and on new product launches, they oftern benchmarked the latest version of the Golf (GTI/R32 for example) over the equivalent 1-Series and I have to say that I found the 1-Series a bit more enjoyable to drive. The GTI was obviously significantly quicker than the 120i but I liked the handling of the BMW better and the 130i was just a blast compared to the R32, even though that VR6 engine sounded amazing and the Golf was the more accomplished all-rounder. I have a soft spot for the 1-Series Coupe of that era too, as it felt like the spiritual successor to the 2 door E30 3-Series and looks so much better than the 2-Series coupe that followed it (which looks like an upturned bath tub with diddy wheels)! It also lead to one of my favourite and one of the coolest M cars (1M). I don't know if 10+ years on, a used 1st gen 1-Series is still a good car but at the time, I really liked them.
2) BMW Z3. At the time, the 2 seater sports car market was kind of bookended by the MX5 and the Boxster (MX5 offering the most fun on a budget and the Boxster being the best if you could afford one), so the Z3 sat rather awkwardly in the middle with some said, slightly awkward retro looks. However in a modern context, I think they're fantastic-looking cars (particularly post-facelift cars), less rust-prone than MX5s and with the straight six engines in particular, more reliable than a Boxster. I'm sure that the suspension is a little unsophisticated compared to the Boxster but you have a relatively light weight compared to a modern car, just enough power, not too much grip, a nice front engine, RWD balance and something that's a bit more luxurious and easy to live with than an Elise. Z3M coupe is also in my opinion one of the coolest and one of my favourite M cars and although these seem to be going up in value now, the Z3M roadsters are still one of the cheapest ways into an M car. The later Z4 may have handled a bit better but was uncomfortably stiff IMHO.
3) BMW i3. I'm not sure if this was a huge commercial success for BMW but for me it's still very innovative, cool and one of the most desirable EVs? You might have suspected a product like this from Audi or Mercedes but this was very unlike a typical BMW ie they do what they do very well but don't tend to take risks/think out the box but they did on this occasion and possibly created one of the only EVs destined for future classic status?
So what do you think are the most underrated BMWs and why?
I'm not so sure if a BMW is the "ultimate driving machine" any more but maybe they are no longer pretending to be that. The unique combination of a straight six motor, RWD and a manual transmission in a practical, everyday car that appealed to many a driving enthusiast, isn't really what BMW offers any more, they're more luxury cars with a "premium" badge and some of the best tech available in the industry. Don't get me wrong, a RWD/xDrive 3-Series still offers a nice RWD-led balance over something like a FWD Audi and BMW still have some of the best straight six petrol/diesel engines in the business but you're only getting that if you go with the top spec cars and in all honesty, an Alfa Giulia or even some of the FWD hot hatches (Golf/Focus/Megane/Civic/i30N) probably offer a more enjoyable driving expereience.
I get why the E46 3-Series/E39 5-Series/E38 7-Series era is so fondly remembered because the cars still look elegant and feel relatively modern but even by this point, perhaps the depth of engineering/quality had slipped a little in the pursuit of profit?
Despite being a fan of BMWs, I would have to say (and total disclosure, I have never driven a BMW M Car), that BMWs are some of the most overrated cars that I have driven ie there are many with average engines, numb steering, a crashy ride and disappointing build quality but which BMWs do you feel are the underrated ones and why?
For me, 3 come to mind:
1) Original (E87?) 1-Series. Now some would say that these are a little unsophisticated compared to the 3-Series of the era (E90?) but in period, I always quite enjoyed them and found them more fun to drive than the 3-Series of that era. Nice hydraulic steering and a nice chassis balance, if a little compromised in terms of practicality compared to a FWD rival such as a Golf. I worked for Volkswagen at the time and on new product launches, they oftern benchmarked the latest version of the Golf (GTI/R32 for example) over the equivalent 1-Series and I have to say that I found the 1-Series a bit more enjoyable to drive. The GTI was obviously significantly quicker than the 120i but I liked the handling of the BMW better and the 130i was just a blast compared to the R32, even though that VR6 engine sounded amazing and the Golf was the more accomplished all-rounder. I have a soft spot for the 1-Series Coupe of that era too, as it felt like the spiritual successor to the 2 door E30 3-Series and looks so much better than the 2-Series coupe that followed it (which looks like an upturned bath tub with diddy wheels)! It also lead to one of my favourite and one of the coolest M cars (1M). I don't know if 10+ years on, a used 1st gen 1-Series is still a good car but at the time, I really liked them.
2) BMW Z3. At the time, the 2 seater sports car market was kind of bookended by the MX5 and the Boxster (MX5 offering the most fun on a budget and the Boxster being the best if you could afford one), so the Z3 sat rather awkwardly in the middle with some said, slightly awkward retro looks. However in a modern context, I think they're fantastic-looking cars (particularly post-facelift cars), less rust-prone than MX5s and with the straight six engines in particular, more reliable than a Boxster. I'm sure that the suspension is a little unsophisticated compared to the Boxster but you have a relatively light weight compared to a modern car, just enough power, not too much grip, a nice front engine, RWD balance and something that's a bit more luxurious and easy to live with than an Elise. Z3M coupe is also in my opinion one of the coolest and one of my favourite M cars and although these seem to be going up in value now, the Z3M roadsters are still one of the cheapest ways into an M car. The later Z4 may have handled a bit better but was uncomfortably stiff IMHO.
3) BMW i3. I'm not sure if this was a huge commercial success for BMW but for me it's still very innovative, cool and one of the most desirable EVs? You might have suspected a product like this from Audi or Mercedes but this was very unlike a typical BMW ie they do what they do very well but don't tend to take risks/think out the box but they did on this occasion and possibly created one of the only EVs destined for future classic status?
So what do you think are the most underrated BMWs and why?
Edited by white_goodman on Monday 16th March 20:10
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 17th March 08:28
have owned a multitude of Beemers over the years..... I can see where you're going with the first gen 1-series - has a 11d sport when new - was a fun car! Also, the i3 - truly a one-off from BMW - am on my second one now as a runaround.
couple of other contenders....
first gen x5 4.6/4.8 is --improved looks, great engines and handling for a suv. Some nice unique touches. first unofficial M-suv. limited numbers
f10 5 series GT - had one pre-reg. loved it. comfortable, spacious, practical, fun to drive. an oddball from bmw, but somehow it worked.
couple of other contenders....
first gen x5 4.6/4.8 is --improved looks, great engines and handling for a suv. Some nice unique touches. first unofficial M-suv. limited numbers
f10 5 series GT - had one pre-reg. loved it. comfortable, spacious, practical, fun to drive. an oddball from bmw, but somehow it worked.
isleofthorns said:
have owned a multitude of Beemers over the years..... I can see where you're going with the first gen 1-series - has a 11d sport when new - was a fun car! Also, the i3 - truly a one-off from BMW - am on my second one now as a runaround.
couple of other contenders....
first gen x5 4.6/4.8 is --improved looks, great engines and handling for a suv. Some nice unique touches. first unofficial M-suv. limited numbers
f10 5 series GT - had one pre-reg. loved it. comfortable, spacious, practical, fun to drive. an oddball from bmw, but somehow it worked.
Yeah I had a 5 GT - absolutely bang on. Wish I still had it tbhcouple of other contenders....
first gen x5 4.6/4.8 is --improved looks, great engines and handling for a suv. Some nice unique touches. first unofficial M-suv. limited numbers
f10 5 series GT - had one pre-reg. loved it. comfortable, spacious, practical, fun to drive. an oddball from bmw, but somehow it worked.
white_goodman said:
I can't say that I'm massively keen on any of their recent output but historically BMWs have been a favourite of mine, as they have of many a PHer. For me that reputation was forged in the 1980s with the "ultimate driving machine" tagline and the E30 3-Series (still one of my favourite BMWs, especially in 325i trim), the E34 5-Series and the E32 7-Series. These vehicles were truly a cut above most other mass market cars in terms of quality, durability, engineering and as a driving experience. If you wanted something nicer, quicker and more grown up than a hot hatch in the 1980s, an E30 325i was the next logical step.
I'm not so sure if a BMW is the "ultimate driving machine" any more but maybe they are no longer pretending to be that. The unique combination of a straight six motor, RWD and a manual transmission in a practical, everyday car that appealed to many a driving enthusiast, isn't really what BMW offers any more, they're more luxury cars with some of the best tech available in the industry. Don't get me wrong, a RWD/xDrive 3-Series still offers a nice RWD-led balance over something like a FWD Audi and BMW still have some of the best straight six petrol/diesel engines in the business but you're only getting that if you go with the top spec cars and in all honesty, an Alfa Giulia or even some of the FWD hot hatches (Golf/Focus/Megane/Civic/i30N) probably offer a more enjoyable driving expereience.
I get why the E46 3-Series/E39 5-Series/E38 7-Series era is so fondly remembered because the cars still look elegant and feel relatively modern but even by this point, perhaps the depth of engineering/quality had slipped a little in the pursuit of profit?
Despite being a fan of BMWs, I would have to say (and total disclosure, I have never driven a BMW M Car), that BMWs are some of the most overrated cars that I have driven ie there are many with average engines, numb steering, a crashy ride and disappointing build quality but which BMWs do you feel are the underrated ones and why?
For me, 3 come to mind:
1) Original (E87?) 1-Series. Now some would say that these are a little unsophisticated compared to the 3-Series of the era (E90?) but in period, I always quite enjoyed them and found them more fun to drive than the 3-Series of that era. Nice hydraulic steering and a nice chassis balance, if a little compromised in terms of practicality compared to a FWD rival such as a Golf. I worked for Volkswagen at the time and on new product launches, they oftern benchmarked the latest version of the Golf (GTI/R32 for example) over the equivalent 1-Series and I have to say that I found the 1-Series a bit more enjoyable to drive. The GTI was obviously significantly quicker than the 120i but I liked the handling of the BMW better and the 130i was just a blast compared to the R32, even though that VR6 engine sounded amazing and the Golf was the more accomplished all-rounder. I have a soft spot for the 1-Series Coupe of that era too, as it felt like the spiritual successor to the 2 door E30 3-Series and looks so much better than the 2-Series coupe that followed it (which looks like an upturned bath tub with diddy wheels)! It also lead to one of my favourite and one of the coolest M cars (1M). I don't know if 10+ years on, a used 1st gen 1-Series is still a good car but at the time, I really liked them.
2) BMW Z3. At the time, the 2 seater sports car market was kind of bookended by the MX5 and the Boxster (MX5 offering the most fun on a budget and the Boxster being the best if you could afford one), so the Z3 sat rather awkwardly in the middle with some said, slightly awkward retro looks. However in a modern context, I think they're fantastic-looking cars (particularly post-facelift cars), less rust-prone than MX5s and with the straight six engines in particular, more reliable than a Boxster. I'm sure that the suspension is a little unsophisticated compared to the Boxster but you have a relatively light weight compared to a modern car, just enough power, not too much grip, a nice front engine, RWD balance and something that's a bit more luxurious and easy to live with than an Elise. Z3M coupe is also in my opinion one of the coolest and one of my favourite M cars and although these seem to be going up in value now, the Z3M roadsters are still one of the cheapest ways into an M car. The later Z4 may have handled a bit better but was uncomfortably stiff IMHO.
3) BMW i3. I'm not sure if this was a huge commercial success for BMW but for me it's still very innovative, cool and one of the most desirable EVs? You might have suspected a product like this from Audi or Mercedes but this was very unlike a typical BMW ie they do what they do very well but don't tend to take risks/think out the box but they did on this occasion and possibly created one of the only EVs destined for future classic status?
So what do you think are the most underrated BMWs and why?
I've had a few Golfs but had BMWs continuously since 2005. I'm not so sure if a BMW is the "ultimate driving machine" any more but maybe they are no longer pretending to be that. The unique combination of a straight six motor, RWD and a manual transmission in a practical, everyday car that appealed to many a driving enthusiast, isn't really what BMW offers any more, they're more luxury cars with some of the best tech available in the industry. Don't get me wrong, a RWD/xDrive 3-Series still offers a nice RWD-led balance over something like a FWD Audi and BMW still have some of the best straight six petrol/diesel engines in the business but you're only getting that if you go with the top spec cars and in all honesty, an Alfa Giulia or even some of the FWD hot hatches (Golf/Focus/Megane/Civic/i30N) probably offer a more enjoyable driving expereience.
I get why the E46 3-Series/E39 5-Series/E38 7-Series era is so fondly remembered because the cars still look elegant and feel relatively modern but even by this point, perhaps the depth of engineering/quality had slipped a little in the pursuit of profit?
Despite being a fan of BMWs, I would have to say (and total disclosure, I have never driven a BMW M Car), that BMWs are some of the most overrated cars that I have driven ie there are many with average engines, numb steering, a crashy ride and disappointing build quality but which BMWs do you feel are the underrated ones and why?
For me, 3 come to mind:
1) Original (E87?) 1-Series. Now some would say that these are a little unsophisticated compared to the 3-Series of the era (E90?) but in period, I always quite enjoyed them and found them more fun to drive than the 3-Series of that era. Nice hydraulic steering and a nice chassis balance, if a little compromised in terms of practicality compared to a FWD rival such as a Golf. I worked for Volkswagen at the time and on new product launches, they oftern benchmarked the latest version of the Golf (GTI/R32 for example) over the equivalent 1-Series and I have to say that I found the 1-Series a bit more enjoyable to drive. The GTI was obviously significantly quicker than the 120i but I liked the handling of the BMW better and the 130i was just a blast compared to the R32, even though that VR6 engine sounded amazing and the Golf was the more accomplished all-rounder. I have a soft spot for the 1-Series Coupe of that era too, as it felt like the spiritual successor to the 2 door E30 3-Series and looks so much better than the 2-Series coupe that followed it (which looks like an upturned bath tub with diddy wheels)! It also lead to one of my favourite and one of the coolest M cars (1M). I don't know if 10+ years on, a used 1st gen 1-Series is still a good car but at the time, I really liked them.
2) BMW Z3. At the time, the 2 seater sports car market was kind of bookended by the MX5 and the Boxster (MX5 offering the most fun on a budget and the Boxster being the best if you could afford one), so the Z3 sat rather awkwardly in the middle with some said, slightly awkward retro looks. However in a modern context, I think they're fantastic-looking cars (particularly post-facelift cars), less rust-prone than MX5s and with the straight six engines in particular, more reliable than a Boxster. I'm sure that the suspension is a little unsophisticated compared to the Boxster but you have a relatively light weight compared to a modern car, just enough power, not too much grip, a nice front engine, RWD balance and something that's a bit more luxurious and easy to live with than an Elise. Z3M coupe is also in my opinion one of the coolest and one of my favourite M cars and although these seem to be going up in value now, the Z3M roadsters are still one of the cheapest ways into an M car. The later Z4 may have handled a bit better but was uncomfortably stiff IMHO.
3) BMW i3. I'm not sure if this was a huge commercial success for BMW but for me it's still very innovative, cool and one of the most desirable EVs? You might have suspected a product like this from Audi or Mercedes but this was very unlike a typical BMW ie they do what they do very well but don't tend to take risks/think out the box but they did on this occasion and possibly created one of the only EVs destined for future classic status?
So what do you think are the most underrated BMWs and why?
Edited by white_goodman on Monday 16th March 20:10
My first was a 320td Compact that was one of the more powerful turbo-diesels in that era, but the 123d that replaced it was so much better in every way. No other 4 cylinder turbo-diesel got near to 200bhp.
Then I discovered N/A straight 6 petrols and had a 325ti Compact that was actually better to drive than the 123d.
My current fun car is a Z4M Coupe which is cheaper than a Z3M Coupe, but the Z4M Roadster has to be the cheapest way into M ownership so may be the most underrated BMW?
Cheaper than an E46 M3 with potential boot-floor issues!
Stick Legs said:
E23 7 Series.
Everyone fawns over the E28 5 & E24 6 but the E23 is a charming and enjoyable car for less than half the money now.
Underrated compared to the S-Class when new, depreciated like a stone, underrated by the classic car scene now.
Didn't George McFly have one of those in Back to the Future?Everyone fawns over the E28 5 & E24 6 but the E23 is a charming and enjoyable car for less than half the money now.
Underrated compared to the S-Class when new, depreciated like a stone, underrated by the classic car scene now.
Not sure, but Steve in Stranger Things did. My daughter now wants an E23!
I think the Op had it for me, with the most underrated BMWs. Some great suggestions in this thread. Another underrated one for me, the 326i E30- the car that made a BMW a possibility for a wider audience. Not for performance or handling, but for widening the aspirational reach. An article in Car back then said “it doesn’t matter if it’s a 316i or a 750i on the driveway, it signals that you’re upwardly mobile”.
Personally, it’s much more about 6 cylinders and performance for me, but that was underrated in its impact.
Shame that it’s basically gone to s
t now.
I think the Op had it for me, with the most underrated BMWs. Some great suggestions in this thread. Another underrated one for me, the 326i E30- the car that made a BMW a possibility for a wider audience. Not for performance or handling, but for widening the aspirational reach. An article in Car back then said “it doesn’t matter if it’s a 316i or a 750i on the driveway, it signals that you’re upwardly mobile”.
Personally, it’s much more about 6 cylinders and performance for me, but that was underrated in its impact.
Shame that it’s basically gone to s
t now. Edited by E-numbers on Tuesday 17th March 09:07
For me, it s E9 CSi. Owned multiple E46 M3, E39 M5, and a E36 M3 and various E30 s, but that E9 CSI is underated to my eyes, think a sympathetic resto mod version would just be the ticket for me. Would prefer this to any 911 restomod which has been saturated.
Edited by JJ77 on Tuesday 17th March 09:30
Edited by JJ77 on Tuesday 17th March 09:32
Heavily biased, but I have a 125i, which is my nomination. Lovely straight six engine, manual, more than enough power for everyday, Mine's a cab, which is not to everyone's taste, but I vastly prefer the cab/coupe silhouette over the hatch. It's small, engaging, not on the radar of morons who want to ruin it and has just the right amount of useful options, without being drowned in tech that will go horribly wrong.
Happy to join the voices suggesting the E8x range - great little things to drive and generally very reliable as long as you avoid the 4 Cylinder petrols. I'm one of the rare few who loves the styling as well, wouldn't say they were pretty but you couldn't mistake them for anything else, and obviously I love the styling of the Coupé 
This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
bodhi said:
Happy to join the voices suggesting the E8x range - great little things to drive and generally very reliable as long as you avoid the 4 Cylinder petrols. I'm one of the rare few who loves the styling as well, wouldn't say they were pretty but you couldn't mistake them for anything else, and obviously I love the styling of the Coupé
This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
Was the 2nd gen 1-Series (F20?) not as good? I haven't actually driven one, obviously the M135i/M140i got the headlines for the fantastic engine, being a bit of a performance bargain and being a bit of a unique proposition in the "hot hatch" class and obviously the M2 based on that platform was a bit of a "banger" but people often say that the M135i/M140i were a bit weak dynamically?This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
E30 318is for me.
I’ve had probably twenty different BMWs, E30, E36, E46, E90 and F30 in different engine sizes, coupe and touring in petrol and diesel but the E30 318is was the most fun. I’ve owned three, the last about four years ago was mint and I regret having to sell it due to being made redundant. To me the 3 series was always the perfect size car, found 5 series a bit big for my needs. The 318is although not the fastest just had such a wonderful balance and was a joy to drive around the relatively deserted roads in Portugal where I now live.
Maybe I m an old fart but I deplore everything currently in the BMW range.
I’ve had probably twenty different BMWs, E30, E36, E46, E90 and F30 in different engine sizes, coupe and touring in petrol and diesel but the E30 318is was the most fun. I’ve owned three, the last about four years ago was mint and I regret having to sell it due to being made redundant. To me the 3 series was always the perfect size car, found 5 series a bit big for my needs. The 318is although not the fastest just had such a wonderful balance and was a joy to drive around the relatively deserted roads in Portugal where I now live.
Maybe I m an old fart but I deplore everything currently in the BMW range.
Edited by SR on Tuesday 17th March 18:34
Having owned an E81 130i LE (albeit for not a very long time; but did a lot of work to it to build it to the spec I wanted); it was a superb car and that N52 is such a superb engine...!
And I know the E39 has a superb following still; I still think they're often overlooked and underrated - if only folk paid attention to them more and actually drove them
And I know the E39 has a superb following still; I still think they're often overlooked and underrated - if only folk paid attention to them more and actually drove them
Having tired of spending more time fixing classic cars than driving them, we ordered this car in October 89. It was built on 23 Dec 89 and deliver on 10th January 1990. It’s now done about 130,000 miles and we have enjoyed every one of them. By no means is it a quick car, but it is very comfortable and does a 6-8 hour drive with ease.
It is currently SORNed but looking forward to having it back on the road on 1st April. Long holiday planned in France in June. It is still a great car and now attracts more attention than it did when it was new.
rdjohn said:
Having tired of spending more time fixing classic cars than driving them, we ordered this car in October 89. It was built on 23 Dec 89 and deliver on 10th January 1990. It s now done about 130,000 miles and we have enjoyed every one of them. By no means is it a quick car, but it is very comfortable and does a 6-8 hour drive with ease.
It is currently SORNed but looking forward to having it back on the road on 1st April. Long holiday planned in France in June. It is still a great car and now attracts more attention than it did when it was new.
white_goodman said:
bodhi said:
Happy to join the voices suggesting the E8x range - great little things to drive and generally very reliable as long as you avoid the 4 Cylinder petrols. I'm one of the rare few who loves the styling as well, wouldn't say they were pretty but you couldn't mistake them for anything else, and obviously I love the styling of the Coupé
This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
Was the 2nd gen 1-Series (F20?) not as good? I haven't actually driven one, obviously the M135i/M140i got the headlines for the fantastic engine, being a bit of a performance bargain and being a bit of a unique proposition in the "hot hatch" class and obviously the M2 based on that platform was a bit of a "banger" but people often say that the M135i/M140i were a bit weak dynamically?This is mine (as most know), had it 12 years now and still no plans to get rid. It's on 188k miles now so no spring chicken, still makes me grin like an idiot though.
My other suggestion would be the E36 325i. The 328i got all the glory but imo the 325i was more fun, as all the power was at the top end, as it should be, and it sounded better than the 328i as well.
In fact I'd suggest the E36 in general was underrated - doesn't seem to get the same interest as the E30 or E46 (both great cars), but they seemed to be the generation that launched BMW from a slightly niche choice to the default one - admittedly for better or worse.
And my last one will be controversial, as it's stretching the definition of a BMW and doesn't have an engine, but the Mini Cooper Electric. I'd still say it was a BMW as the previous gen was an i3 in reverse. Ok the range is terrible, but it's a brilliant thing to punt around town. Well out together, loads of kit and reliable, I'd love one as a runaround.
Might be a problem having two 2 door cars however, so it will have to wait.
One thing I would say is that in sales terms the hot versions of the F20 dwarfed the E8x range, so 130i vs M135i/M140i, 135i Coupé vs M235i/M240i and the F20 got plenty of acclaim so I'd struggle to count it as underated.
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