Why we love old BMWs

[demas]

This video was great. I was recently watching some BMW repair videos so this found its way into my feed. Not E82 specific but still applies...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr71bsyNK1M


Somewhat related and funny was I came across a channel where a chick shows off her 911 manual driving around town. She was rev-matching the downshifts perfectly - I was like damn, that's smooth - till I realized she had auto-rev match doing it. Still fun to watch, not bashing her at all, cool car and videos but glad we still got the analog/synchro ones.

[Fishee]

LOL - do we all have the same feed?

[ShocknAwe]

Line in the sand for computers controlling everything vs humans controlling inputs based on expected physical feedback from the machine.

[chaz1294]

Couldn’t agree more. This one was in my feed a while back. Dedicated to the 135i.

[Houranimd49]

I’ve noticed the 1er getting more attention on social media and a huge part of me wants it to stop so that they stay a our little secret, keep the youngins from tearing up clean examples and then asking for way too much money for resale.

Edit: never felt so seen by a video. Through and through absolutely correct for me.

[MParallel]

Must be a generation thing, but I don't consider the E8x an old BMW.

Having said that, I love my E88 135i DCT. Coming from (and still having) E36 for 20 years, this feels anything but an old car.

[blue135]

Sold my E88 last year. Bought a Z4 the year before that. Sure made the 135i seem "old". But really only when it came to Electronics (did not have iDrive). Also was a Dinan Stage 3 and that makes the two closer together performance wise. Not a fair comparison, but I now prefer the Z4.
Having said that, the 135i was probably the best looking car I have ever owned.

[ShocknAwe]

E82/88 are old now, but they are modern cars. Less than a decade from being able to register them as classic/antiques!

That said they are the last generation that used analogue tech, and why they probably should be lumped in with all those older cars. Why? Hydraulic steering and ability to turn off all the nannies/assists. Even ABS can be disabled pretty easily, though imo that's one of the one improvements I'd never trade out.

[Fishee]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

E82/88 are old now, but they are modern cars. Less than a decade from being able to register them as classic/antiques!

That said they are the last generation that used analogue tech, and why they probably should be lumped in with all those older cars. Why? Hydraulic steering and ability to turn off all the nannies/assists. Even ABS can be disabled pretty easily, though imo that's one of the one improvements I'd never trade out.

They really are on the cusp between analogue / digital.
Probably the best balance of both worlds?
Just enough tech to make them modern, and just enough analogue to make them enjoyable to those of us who prefer more connection to the "doing" of driving.

The e46 might strike this balance a little bit better, but it's close.

[demas]

I think the E8x's are pinnacle in terms of just enough tech/modern a car needs to have.

'Old' is probably more like E28 and back. One cool thing I remember on my first BMW, the E36 318ti (the hatch-back) was that unlike a standard E36, instead of the rotary headlight switch it instead used a pull out knob. One pull was the parking lights, second pull, headlights. You could then twist the knob to adjust the brightness of the interior orange dash lights. So simple, effective.

I recall hearing later on that the ti being the lowest grade BMW made used parts left over from the E30 which was where that light switch came from. I think it also used the E30 suspension or something similar. It wasn't simply a chopped down E36. I loved that car..

[MParallel]

Nah, E46 is just as old. Maybe one with MK4 navi makes it feel *somewhat* modern.

But yeah I agree, the E8x is right there at the cross-over point.

It has the cool modern stuff, BT streaming, iDrive, which itself will be modernized when I have time to install my Mr12Volt box), Comfort Access, Active Steering, High Beam Assist, auto dimming outside mirrors, DAB+ radio, cool active/adaptive Halo headlights and rear leds. And more.
Oh and DCT (with XHP). I can't praise it enough.

I never have a feeling I'm missing out on modern tech. Maybe the only option I wish to have and wasnt available is a blind spot monitor. Specially with the huge softtop C-pillars.

[MParallel]

Originally Posted by demas

..

I recall hearing later on that the ti being the lowest grade BMW made used parts left over from the E30 which was where that light switch came from. I think it also used the E30 suspension or something similar. It wasn't simply a chopped down E36. I loved that car..

The whole dash was 'nearly' E30 style. And yes, it was a bit of a partsbin special and yes, has the E30's semi trailing arm rear suspension.

[Houranimd49]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

E82/88 are old now, but they are modern cars. Less than a decade from being able to register them as classic/antiques!

That said they are the last generation that used analogue tech, and why they probably should be lumped in with all those older cars. Why? Hydraulic steering and ability to turn off all the nannies/assists. Even ABS can be disabled pretty easily, though imo that's one of the one improvements I'd never trade out.

Agreed. I think they’re probably the latest analog feeling cars bmw has made so far. I have had (and still have) many bmws mainly pre LCI F chassis and none of them felt as analog as an E8x. They’re getting old, and soon they’ll be the e46 of our generation and beyond.

[chaz1294]

The “ultimate driving machine” moniker had me hooked as a kid. The e30 is really where my love for BMW began, but never owned one. Later in life I bought an f22 M235i which I enjoyed, but sold it after a few years. It was fun, but no real connection.

A year or so later I spotted an alpine white over corral red e82 and it was calling my name. After a test drive I was hooked. DCT and all - which maybe pushes the e82 to the modern side (and agree MParallel with xHP this thing is a beast).

The analogue nature and feel both inside and handling is what does it for me. I get “progress” but I guess I’m old school as I prefer analogue gauges too. I just can’t get into the tacked on screens.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by Houranimd49

Agreed. I think they’re probably the latest analog feeling cars bmw has made so far. I have had (and still have) many bmws mainly pre LCI F chassis and none of them felt as analog as an E8x. They’re getting old, and soon they’ll be the e46 of our generation and beyond.

They're definitely in their slump value wise. It's slowly becoming a prized chassis for builders, swappers etc and I wouldn't be surprised to see them used as a restoration special in 10y because of the parts availability thanks to it sharing almost everything with a 3 series.

I'm sure people griped about the change from manual/gear assisted mechanisms to hydraulic power, but the change from hydraulic to electric isn't a good one IMO. Its electric assisted everything. Braking is automatically augmented, suspension is electromagnetic and computer augmented, steering quickens or slows based on computer input and adjusts for speed, cars shift on their own, power is added or removed automatically even down to each wheel of the car depending on weather and slip conditions. Even the radio adjusts volume automatically.

It's a big yawn driving a new car. Very little stimulation.

Last time I owned a newer car I immediately started planning modifications. When I realized every mod was aimed to effectively make the car less refined, make it rattlier and louder, and disable infotainment/assists I sold it.

[demas]

Originally Posted by MParallel

The whole dash was 'nearly' E30 style. And yes, it was a bit of a partsbin special and yes, has the E30's semi trailing arm rear suspension.

Talking about my old E36 prompted me to dig up some 'analog' pictures - the paper kind.

You are right, the whole dash is different. It had cylindrical air vents something I remember not being the same when I drove my sisters E36 sedan. I do recall not liking her steering wheel which didn't have the blue and white BMW emblem - it was just embossed in the material.

Gotta update my 'garage' listings...

[ShocknAwe]

Cool car. Didn't know those existed. TBH I bet that was the basis for the E36 LTWT

[demas]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Cool car. Didn't know those existed. TBH I bet that was the basis for the E36 LTWT

It was a cool car - I loved BMWs since very young but when I finally owned one, it drove completely different than the Japanese cars.


Maybe our E36 expert MParallel could chime in re the lightweight but I imagine it was more of a budget focused strategy.


Interestingly Wikipedia states that the 1 Series succeeded these E36 and E46 hatchbacks. Cool to know it has bloodline to our E8x’s.

[parameter416]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

Line in the sand for computers controlling everything vs humans controlling inputs based on expected physical feedback from the machine.

Road & Track: Study Claims Driving Stick Keeps Brains Healthy
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a7...healthy-study/

[demas]

Originally Posted by parameter416

Road & Track: Study Claims Driving Stick Keeps Brains Healthy
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a71770670/driving-manual-transmission-keeps-your-brain-healthy-study/

In addition to that I think stick makes you a better driver. Just being much more aware of surrounding cars anticipating their moves etc. I do this with auto as well but more so in the 6MT.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by parameter416

Road & Track: Study Claims Driving Stick Keeps Brains Healthy
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a7...healthy-study/

Both of my kids will learn to drive stick and will drive old slow cars. I think a nice 2000s Honda will do.

[brake-fade]

Always been a firm believer that a manual forces you to be more attentive.