This is it, the very car I dreamed of during my 1990s early adulthood: 1992-98 BMW E36 coupe, and it had to be black. This aging E36 belongs to someone who works for my company. I see it every day in the parking lot. If he or she ever puts a For Sale sign in the window, I’m probably a goner, because old dreams die hard.
Until recently, if you asked me what car I’d own if money weren’t at issue, I would have said BMW 3 series. (And I was thinking sedan, because I’m a family man now.) But the truth is, I was saying so less enthusiastically with each passing 3-series generation. Of them, I like the E36’s immediate successor, the E46, best for its clean design and airy greenhouse. But with the current generation, the F30, I’ve lost my lust entirely. This car doesn’t do it for me. I’m sure it’s still a blast to drive, but more and more the BMW 3 series seems to me like a Camry for the guy who wants to flaunt his upper-middle-class lifestyle. So now I’m a man without a modern dream car. I feel unmoored.
But this leads me to ask: what is your ultimate Ultimate Driving Machine? That is: if you were buying BMW, which one would you want, old or new? Let us know, preferably with photos, in the comments.
Any rust-free E24 would suit me just fine…black with red leather would be my preference.
Nissan GODZILLA RB26DETT manual AWD .. a very very very quick, fast machine
Jeep cj-8 scrambler
Are we confined to BMWs? Fantasy would say the 507, reality would dictate a Z3 M Coupe.
When I was contemplating my first car, I fell hard in love with the 1985 325i (E30, I believe). I had it all figured out – maroon paint, 2 doors, beige leather, and a stick. It was a car I was sure I could drive for 20 years. Unfortunately, it ran about $20K when the VW GTI cost about $12K, so practicality (and the need to eat and live somewhere, as well as drive) won out. But that car I wanted in 1985 would be the perfect answer to your question today.
I would have rocked one of those upon college graduation if I had the money.
While there may be a few others if I give it some thought, but since you mentioned it, I never forgot the amazing feel of an E30 325is with a stick. I borrowed a friend’s car, I forget the year, but probably a 1987, pre-facelift version. Perfect in so many ways.
Funnily enough, I also had a friend with VW GTI Mark II, red with black leather, and even then, it felt like a 7/8 scale BMW to me. Fantastic car.
Any 2 door coupe with a manual gearbox and M spec performance, if I gotta go BMW.
Outside of that…
Dan nailed it with Scrambler. I had one, and even though it was rough I regret selling it. Best damn rig I ever owned and easily the most versatile.
As an everyday driver, give me a 2 door Mopar A body. Prefer a Duster up to ’72 but really any Mopar A body will do. Make it a 340 with all the go fast bolt-ons, either a A-833 4spd or a modern 5spd and dial in the suspension for a ‘pro touring’ type of setup. A truly well rounded muscle car that isnt super rare, its one of the most solid and dependable platforms out there, plenty of mods and replacement parts and plenty stylish. Oh and it MUST have Ansen style slot mags!
M sport doesnt add up to much sometimes it can mean Recaro seats in some trim packages and nothing else, it must the most over rated badge in automotive history
It meant something when BMW meant something. AMG has become the same way sadly.
I’ve always had a thing for the E3 3.0Si. Or of course the 3.0Csi E9 coupe. Hard choice.
I also am a big fan of the E3 and E9 “Senior Sixes”, and would own one in a heartbeat, but in the real world, I actually do own and really enjoy an E36-based Z3 (E36/7, IIRC). I’d love to have a Z3 M Coupe, which is somewhat attainable and perhaps more practical now that I’ve moved to the PNW.
The stubby E36 Compact (318ti in the US) doesn’t get a lot of love, but I can see a properly-modded version being a lot of fun, and it’s sort of an oddball, which I like.
Same here. I used to know someone who had a 1973 BMW Bavaria (3.0S). I also like the 2002 of the same era.
“The stubby E36 Compact (318ti in the US) doesn’t get a lot of love, but I can see a properly-modded version being a lot of fun, and it’s sort of an oddball, which I like”
So true. Europe actually got inline-6 versions from the factory. You also refreshed my memory of the early 70’s 2002tii Touring. I think one of those would be a lot of fun:
I love 02 Tourings, I think that body style should’ve replaced rather than joining the notchback, with the 3-series that followed being all-hatchback all the time (except ragtops of course).
Yep, this is one of my favourites too.
I like the coupe version as well.
i had the genuine pleasure to own a clapped out wreck (body wise) of a 2500 for nine months, two beautiful carbs, 4 on the floor. still greatest experience of ownership so far, despite its tendency to violently steer to the right while breaking. apart from this bad habit i was never willing to adress, i only had to weld the downpipe once, thats it with repairs. sold it even for a nice return shortly before the next federal inspection was due, no way it would manage to pass it (and i know it didn’t, it kept popping up in classifieds all over germany for years, in ever declining condition, as if it was ever possible).
sadly the body will manage to rust terminally in desert conditions, let alone southern bavaria, plus the value of usable survivors reaches 5 digits over here, so no revival in sight.
I agree. I love the E3 BMW. If nothing else, I find it the best looking BMW since the Baroque Angel BMW of the 1950s.
There are many Bimmers, particularly from the ’90s, that I’d love to own. If I were to describe my “ultimate”, it would be the 8-Series.
Ooooooh, pretty.
Of the current models, a 220i.
It’s hard to say. For a while, I lusted after the E24 6-series…particularly a 635CSi from the late 1980s. It was nothing more than a dream, though…and nowadays I think that an MN12 Thunderbird would offer most of the same looks and thrills with few of the pains. I kind of like the mid-’90s 318ti for its hatchback and the way it challenged the BMW “luxury cars for yuppies” narrative…but do I like it enough to actually want to buy one? No.
My problem with BMWs is that, in addition to being expensive to repair and maintain, they (like Jaguar) wore out the same styling to death. Most of their ’80s and ’90s cars do nothing for me…they seem like dull retreads of the E3 and 2002, made by a company going through the motions. Maybe I’d take a 2002 Touring from the mid 1970s: It’s old enough to hail from an era when what they were doing was still reasonably fresh, the proportions look reasonably good, and you can actually fit stuff in the back.
For ultimate driving cars I struck BMWs I could afford off my list several years ago after test driving a 318, 320 and a 525, I like cars with good turn in not understeer which is what led me to the PSA stable, All you can do in the Bavarian money waster is flick the tail out to point the front and yeah they do that great but with only one lane available in traffic thats useless, fine on a track but not legal on our highways.
I’d stick with my K1300R thanks. Their cars have never really done it for me.
If we’re talking BMW, E38 7-Series. I like that era of BMWs, great design and performance, and tend to like the flagships.
Outside BMW, Dodge Challenger, old or new. Roomy and comfortable, with insane, savage power. A nice drive, if you treat it right, but sort of scary, as it could get out of hand quite quickly.
For me it would come down to E24 (specifically, an M635CSi with the smaller Euro bumpers) or E9 (3.0 CSi). One of them a childhood dream car, the other (in my humble opinion) the most beautiful car BMW has ever produced. Both would be fantastic drives, both would probably cost a pretty penny to keep running. But I’d be very happy with either.
If I had to pick a new car that is particularly lust-worthy? Off the top of my head, and keeping it (sort of) resaonable, an ATS-V coupe might do the trick.
I’ve always wanted an E28 M5. Either that or an E39 530i. The former for being awesome, the latter because it was the best version of the best 5-series ever made
Edit: Bugger, I forgot for a moment I also have a serious case of the wants for an E38 750il.
I’d have to go with the 2002 BMW. Easy to work on, huge fan base and lots of parts support.
You obviously have never tried to replace the driveshaft U-joints then!
1977-89 GM B-Body
1969-73 Fuselage style Chrysler C-Body
1977-89 Chrysler M-Body
I love the soft, comfortable rides each of these have, and am just a diehard RWD V-8 American sedan lover, despite the lack of any real handling or fuel economy.
Looking forward to the drive home in my Caprice here shortly.
+1
1997-2003 E39 5 Series (540i Sport Package with manual transmission) – Black on Black
Snowflake wheels a must
As I’ve mentioned on CC before, I am a big BMW fan and I have enjoyed owning them through the years. Of the ones we’ve had, my favorite platforms were the E36 3 Series and the E39 5 Series. I have always lusted after M cars, so one of those would be my pick. For the E36 M3, make mine Dakar Yellow. For the E39, I’ll take an Avus Blue M5.
Two other thoughts to share on the Bimmers, to echo some of the comments above:
1) I will never, ever, EVER have an out-of-warranty BMW again. Seemingly the day after the car hits the 50K mileage limit, all Hell breaks loose with leaking head gaskets, blown hoses, coolant leaks, failing airbag sensors, etc., etc., etc. I’ve even had an automatic transmission fail!! It’s particularly galling since I take excellent care of my cars, drive them well and religiously exceed recommended service schedules including more-frequent-than-required oil and fluid changes.
2) We do have a current generation F10 5 Series, and I don’t love it. The car is nice, comfortable, loaded with technology, blah, blah, blah. Zero passion though, and almost hard to believe it is a BMW.
Dakar Yellow E36 M3
Avus Blue E39 M5
At one time I was thinking about a 5-series wagon but with no local dealer I gave up on that. My current ultimate driving machine is in the body shop
This side got the worst
There’s only a few BMWs I like but I really really like the ones that I do. Probably an E24 M6 would edge the rest out, maybe the M1.
As for MY ultimate driving machine, a 440+6 E-body Cuda or Challenger with the 4 speed/pistol grip, no center console, and houndstooth seats. I really can’t think of another car I’d enjoy more in the 8 or so miles a gallon will take it.
I feel sacrilegious saying this on a car enthusiast site, but I have driven 3 series from 1985, 1996 and 2003 and wasn’t particularly fond of how any of them drove. The clutch and throttle feel was stiff yet somehow a bit rubbery, handling seemed at the limit of control too often, and the controls were hard to find and use. Too bad really, as I loved the performance (at least on the newer two) and styling of them.
Some of my favorite cars from an engaging driving experience standpoint have been a 1990 Accord, 1991 Spirit R/T, 2013 Camaro SS, 1985 Regal T-Type, 2014 CTS VSport, and 1994 Cutlass Supreme, all manuals except the last three. I know the last one seems out of place, but I have always thought that the W-bodies handle surprisingly well.
Porsche 924/944/968. Maybe even a Porsche 928, if I thought I could afford the maintenance. While I’ve owned an E30 (325is) and an E36 (M3), my love of anything BMW died after the E46’s, and absolutely nothing newer is even vaguely on my radar.
The the attitude and reputations of the newer ones have severely damaged the earlier ones for me.
I feel the same. What BMW has done since 2001 has diminished my ability to appreciate the great cars they made when they were a West German company. After reunification, quality took a nose dive as they pursued idiotic green initiatives at the cost of galvanizing and durable materials, but at least the designs and dynamics were still excellent. All that changed starting with Chris Bangle doing interviews as a BMW official.
3.0 CSL please.
Yeah a CSL would tempt me but since I cant afford one getting one has never entered my head.
I’d take this one.
Such a hard call.
Imported E34 M5 wagon.
E34 M540i — sold only in Canada; something like 37 made. For all intents and purposes, an M5 with the 540i V8 and 6spd manual. The 540i M-Sport served the same purpose.
E38 740i M-Sport, in Biarritz Blue with Parchment leather and the M-parallel alloys.
E39 540i 6 speed — enough said
E60 535i 6 speed — a modern analogue to everything listed above.
Cars, a 3.0csl “batmobile” and an E39 M5.
But my real ultimate BMW is the R1200RT sports touring motorcycle.
In a recent production car: Mercedes-Benz CLS550 four door coupe.
In a collector car: 1946-47 Packard Custom Super Clipper Touring Sedan.
Prefer the type represented by the later, though the former has an appeal as a daily (if expensive) driver.
I am driving my 1996 red 328ic hardtop/soft top convertible every day – top down in the summer and then with the hardtop on Nov–May – 5 speed, original paint and always draws a comment – truly my ultimate driving machine
I kind of have a thing for the E-36/7 (M Roadster) and E-36/8 (M Coupe) myself.
Twenty-four seven (24/7) as they’re what I drive, as well as what I spend my days working on for other enthusiasts.
I like them stock/unmolested, and also with tasteful (functional!) modifications and upgrades. Not much a fan of aero or body kits, but I love forced induction, and improved suspension and brakes.
For the enthusiast (or insomniac…) visit my online gallery for over 50,000 pictures of the work I’ve done on some one hundred (100) examples (link not posted out of courtesy to curbside classics).
Any 3-series wagon with a stick. There are only 18 listed on sale on cars.com.
For BMW, a Z4, preferably something with a warranty. I like the classic long hood, short deck look, and find the styling elegantly different. But I’ve no need for that as I already have my own ultimate driving machines: to go fast and for long distances, my Challenger; for top down fun and shorter trips, my MG TD.
In 2001 my friend traded her aging Porsche 911 for this new E46. It still performs beautifully at 100K+. The interior is gorgeous wood and leather. While the inline six doesn’t have today’s expected levels of HP/torque, the car is smaller and lighter than the current 3-Series and moves along nicely. The taut suspension allows for a supple ride. I really prefer this car to the current models.
Yup, I had a black E36 328is coupe just like the one in the pictures and I currently drive a Topaz Blue E46 325Ci with 268K miles. I’ve always had a thing for BMW coupes, and a rust-free E9 is on my wish list. Unfortunately those are difficult to find. While many came with carburetors and 4-speeds, any M30-based injected six will bolt right in, as will a 5-speed.
How much does your friend want for that 3-Series?
She loves the BMW and decided to keep it rather than buy a new one. The car needed $4K of service at 100K (nothing out of the ordinary) and once she determined there was nothing any better on the market, she had the work done. She keeps all of her cars a long time. Prior to the E46 and the Porsche she had a 60’s Jag XKE that was kept on the road for a long time!
I’m sure I’d enjoy most any older 3 series with a straight six and a manual. But still, I just can’t see myself in one. Maybe it’s because it seemed to me that when I graduated from college in the mid-80s, they were the car of choice for the typical coke-nosed yuppie, and that definitely wasn’t me. More recently, at least here in coastal SoCal, they seem to often be the mark of a type-A CEO (or CEO wannabe) – again that’s not me. Of course I realize that I’m probably cutting my nose off to spite my face, but at the moment I’m pretty happy with my older 6 cyl Subie instead.
(Though I suppose there are parts of the country where the Subie would be the poseur’s car…)
3.0 CSi coupe, 5 speed, small bumper in Bronzit color, please. Along with a security shield to keep people from screwing it up.
I never liked these, I always thought they were bitter nasty little cars. The Triangular air vent irked me to no end. That is not to say the w202 was any better either. They both had that poor quality feel.
As a point of fact we try not to even take 3 series where I work anymore as they all piss oil from the rockers and have electrical gremlins.
Ultimate driving machine would have to be a mint 1997 R129 SL500. Superbly engineered and the performance is staggering, even with all the emission chokes.
DD would have to be what I have now, a fully and laboriously restored W140 S500.
I’ve never really been a fan of BMWs. I have always been a staunch lover of (all non-trucks I have owned have been) Mercedes-Benz products. At least after I owned one for the first time (my first car was $250 and fell into my lap, it happened to be a Mercedes-Benz, but like all $250 cars I’d think, the key components were “Runs” and “$250”). That being said, thinking back into my knowledge of BMWs- my mom owned an ’81 320i – I think I’d say the best one I’ve ever driven, and probably one of the best period, was the 745i, must have the manual transmission. I’m not talking about the modern model- first generation, 3.0 lire turbo I-6.
That car is, I swear, the closest a full on luxury sedan ever came to a Caterham. (not to say its that close… lol)
It would have to be a long wheelbase 7 series since that’s the only one I could find over 200 inches long so I assume it must have some interior room. Honestly I find BMWs uncomfortable to sit in, ride in, get in and out of, etc. I never “got” them.
My best BMw…87 528e automatic…28MPG, great.little.car…my worst, 88 735iL…nightmare money pit. Oddly enough, same ligbt blue color with Pacific Blau leather.
I’d have an Audi S6 Avant. I currently drive an A6 Avant- the handling is superb, but a 4.2 stuffed in there would make a rocket.
I have the same problem as the author- really, none of the newer cars interest me. I kind of like the newer Lincolns, so if it has to be a newer car, I’d probably go with an MKZ, but I just don’t have the interest towards newer cars that I do towards the older ones….
635 CSI
Oddly enough I just bought my current dream car today. A 1989 Jaguar V12 convertible. Black top over bright red body with tan leather interior. It looks like a pretty good original example. The adventure begins!
BMWs never really did it for me, however, if I were to choose from newer Bimmers, I wouldn’t do anything less than a 7 series preferably a 760 Li with the V12. I like that they offer white leather. However, I don’t like how the middle console opens up and how it feels on the arm. I also don’t like that plain black steering wheel. For how much those things cost, you really ought to be able to customize them more. Same with the Benz S class and its underwhelming range of colors.
For old models, an E23 7 Series.
Ahh, but you can! BMW’s Individual Program; I expect you can have anything that’s technologically possible.
Do you want it bulletproof? Just check the anti-ballistic’s box!
I’m certain that you could get a center console cover specially crafted that fits your arm only. Perhaps even tied to the Drive Away Protection (EWS Module) that would disable starting (and call the authorities) if it sensed anyone else’s arm.
Now THAT’s personal!!
The only problem I had during an all by myself test drive of a 760iL, was that I couldn’t figure out how to turn off the butt-massager. I suspect there was probably a button that would take my shoes off and caress my feet too. But alas, I-Drive was a completely new feature at the time, and I was more concerned about keeping the car out of the ditch, than cracking the code to the instrumentation and controls.
If you have the money, it’s just like Alice’s Restaurant: you can get anything you want…
True, but I was going off the “build your own” thing on BMW’s website. Yes, I suppose if I went in there with enough money they’d gold plate the thing for me, but I’m just commenting on how they offer it.
These are my ultimate driving machines –
Any Volvo 740 with the naturally-aspirated redblock engine and automatic
Any Volvo 850 that’s a 5-speed manual and a naturally-aspirated model
As you can see I’m not much of a turbo guy. I prefer basic, low-tech cars.
I really really like:
The M635 CSi, which I believe was called the M6 in some markets. The one with the M1 engine.
The South African 745i which came with that same M1 engine and a manual is well up there as well. (RHD sadly)
The first generation 1-series M135i coupé
The one I’d probably be most inclined to buy, though, is one of the last E34 M5’s with the 3.8.
Autobianchi A 112 Abarth. light nimble and forgiving
Innocenti Cooper 1300 same as above but stiffer suspension
Alfa Giulia 1300 just for the art of driving
Early M5 the only BMW I’d live with
Ow, for the autobahn, hard noise the highway, nothing beats a big Citroen
After:
E30 325i Convertible
E34 520i
E24 628 CSi
E46 318 Ci
E36 325i Convertible
this is now my favorite Bimmer as its sportly and utilitarian:
330ix
I drove a hired car, 2013 BMW 525d xDrive Touring, for a week. It was equipped to the hilt with all of options and latest technology. I was besotted by diesel motor and technology, including head-up display, cruise control adjusted by reading the speed limit sign, and so forth. That car made my road trip through former East Germany so enjoyable.
The worst BMW we ever owned was 1984 318i with a long laundry list of everything going wrong. Next was 1989 325e whose appetite for fuel is more frightening than alcoholic stuck in the liquor store.
I would go for 1M, the pocket rocket, since it reminded me a lot of my father’s first BMW, 1968 2002.
For me it would be the E34, better yet if it’s an M5 with turbine wheels. Otherwise, a manual 540i. Had the 5 series inherited the flush mounted glass of the 7 series, it would be perfect.
Then, E36 and the E90 335i or M3.
“That is: if you were buying BMW, which one would you want, old or new?”
Late 1930’s 328 roadster. I’d even settle for one of the Sbarro replicas.
No one wants one of these?
How about one of these? I actually owned one.
I’ve always liked the Isetta. I’d actually preferred the four passenger version, with the side door.
I’m late to the party but my BMW of choice would be the Z1, if I’m remembering the name correctly. The sweet little roadster with the retractable doors anyways.
I’d have to save for me, it would be the E38 740iL with the sport package. I just love a big highway cruiser, hunkered down and gobbling up the miles.
My 2005 Park Avenue.
How many window regulators have you replaced so far?
My 2001 Lesabre is now up to 3 (and both of the back regulators failed and those windows are rarely ever used).
For me, it was my 1988 Electra T-Type. Owned it for 16 years and it had over 221K miles on it when I sold it on the original drivetrain, axles, and exhaust. And it was quiet, handled reasonably well, got good fuel economy, and was a great road car.
Sadly, the 2001 Lesabre has proven to be FAR less reliable than my 1988, with almost a dozen electrical component failures that never happened on the 1988.
1975 – 1979 Lincoln Town Car. Nothing ever rode better.
Make mine a ’63 Avanti R3 with a four speed. Make it black and throw on a set of Torque Thrust wheels.
For luxury, how about a ’55 Chrysler Imperial , sedan, hardtop, or limo with factory air and wire wheels and wide whites.
And just for kicks how about a Jim Rockford Firebird, in gold, of course.
Never before has a comment summed up my thoughts more appropriately: “So now I’m a man without a modern dream car. I feel unmoored.” I still drive my ’94 525ia mostly because I haven’t found a car that I like better (and I’m tight).
My brother and I test drove a 1994 325is five speed in pristine condition circa 2001 and I’ve wanted when ever since. I still feel like my dream cars have mostly matched up with what I ended up buying:
First car: 1988 Prelude Si 5sp
1990 Honda Accord Ex 5sp
1994 LS400 Silver
1994 BMW 525ia (wish it were 5sp)
1988 560 SEL (gifted car, nothing more expensive than a cheap Merc!)
I don’t know what my next move should be. I keep thinking E39 with manual transmission. I also like the base Subaru Impreza but CANNOT find a used one with a manual transmission. What to do!?!
https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.hagerty.com/vehicle/web/1964%20Jaguar%20E-Type.jpg
3 letters:
X. K. E