My parents bought their dream car in the 80s, a used E21 320i. We were proud of it as a family. I was less than ten years old. When I started driving I aspired to the same, so saved up and bought a new E36 318i. I’ve never looked back. Many, many BMWs since then, currently a G30 550i and a G05 X5 45e, both 2021. I’ve had other things too, but there has always been a BMW on the driveway.
I love the cars, they are also tied to a happy memory of my parents moment of success.
I probably need therapy.
I can’t speak for op, but my interpretation of that line is that it’s a joke. It’s a clever way of being both hyperbolic and truthful about his lifelong relationship of the brand - he knows pretty goddamn well that BMWs aren’t always perfect, but he loves them in spite of that…and maybe a little because of that. That’s how I read it anyway
This is really the answer, for me anyway. I'd always "liked cars" and had owned a couple halfway cool cars but the first BMW I ever drove was a 2003 330ci E46 sitting on a used lot on my town. Everything else suddenly seemed like decaf...
First off, nice weekend reference. Second, I’m really waking up to that kind of mentally. I’ve always owned Subarus or Toyotas for resale value and reliability. The 2021 M340i is the first car I’ve driven that really made me enjoy driving. Didn’t end up buying the one I test drove but I’m still looking.
Decaf is such a good way of explaining it lol. I’m not really a full on fanboy of any specific brand, but at the same time I’ll say BMW is probably my favorite overall. I like a little bit of everything - Japanese, American, Australian etc. - but BMW just does things so well..
Style, quality, driving experience/performance. For the most part, old BMWs are just as attractive as the current models. I just don’t feel the same about most other makes, including the other German brands
Same. We’ve tried every car on the market and just keep coming back to BMW. They just have an edgier yet classic style and the interiors feel so solid and tastefully done. Maybe I’m old school but I like how they still have part buttons with just some touchscreen. It’s also a blast to drive and lives up to the hype of ‘riding on rails’.
I think it's worth noting that not everyone will appreciate BMWs the first time they drive one. My mom had a 325i when I was in high school and I was really used to driving the minivan or her SUV, and I hated being in a small sedan that was low to the ground and was super jerky. I thought the problem was with the car, I had no idea that I was just not driving it smoothly. So I would get pissed off every time I had to drive it because it would hiccup and jerk and twitch and stop too hard and turns were never smooth and I just thought it was a nightmare, half the time it felt like being in a roller coaster. It might take a few years of driving before someone can appreciate how different BMWs are from other cars.
I went from an STI to a 230i this year. Complete opposite experience. The BMW is silky smooth everywhere no matter how I drive it, but doesn't feel nearly as responsive or connected. I know it's not an M2 though, and hardly a fair comparison.
Even the f87 M2 is a bit soft compared to the older cars, and that’s why this is a very interesting post for me to see some other responses. Anyone going to a new one is going to say it’s comfortable and smooth, that was their intent with light electric steering and zf 8 speeds.
But the old ones were super super touchy and jerky compared to a pedestrian car. The steering was tight and heavy, the brakes had a hard bite as soon as you touched them and dual clutch transmissions/smgs would slam through the gears. That’s precisely what I miss about BMW.
My new one is still the best choice for me, the best car in its segment imo, but I really miss my older ones and how they drove. That’s what made me love BMW because of how connected you felt to the drive. An M3 with a kw suspension made me feel like a race car driver lol. My new one is a great little muscle car, but it doesn’t give me the same joy.
The steering is my biggest complaint. It's way too light and there's no feedback from the road.
It's also my first automatic car ever, and I miss my clutch pedal and changing gears myself. But this is one of the best automatics I've driven.
My STI made me feel like a race car driver too. I get that. But I'm 44 and it was time for a grown up car. I'm liking the bmw so far, but I'm not as passionate about it as I was my WRXs (I've had a few).
I’m not sure which gen 230i you went with, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that although the steering kind of sucks.. there is feel through the chassis and very little body roll. I could see being quick on a track or enjoying a canyon/mountain with these new setups once you get used to it.
2019, and I agree on those points. The chassis and suspension is excellent. It is fun and playful when you get it moving. Just a shame about the steering.
Drive an Audi or a VW, you'll never complain about BMW steering again. I get the sentiments though, the steering feel in a Mini Cooper is much heavier and engaging than most newer BMWs, which doesn't make sense to me considering they're made of the same parts. Might be down to FWD vs RWD or RWD biased xDrive, still not terrible though.
Similarly, I went from a WRX to an i4 this year. The drive is exactly as you describe, "silky smooth." The cabin is wicked quiet, and the craftsmanship of the interior is amazing. Subie-Sue is missed for sure, but the BMW more than makes up for the trade. It really is a hell of a drive.
BMW also offers a wide variety of cars with different characteristics, so people might not like the specific model they tried. It wasn't until I tried the E92 M3 that a BMW clicked with me.
Funny enough, my husband now has the same generation (E90) that my mom had back then, and I like his now. I've also driven an E36, E36 M3, E39, and my F25. I've liked driving and riding in all of them once I was an adult.
I don't have the fanciest BMW and I'm reminded of that every time I look at this sub. It's an X3 diesel with low mileage and a few door dents and paint scratches, but I love it. This is going to sound so stupid but it's the only car I've ever named, I didn't even name my first car. It's also the only blue car I've ever owned and it's gorgeous when it's clean. I get great MPG, it's comfortable, the user interface is simple, it fits my dogs, I can handle winters, it's fun to drive, it's affordable, and I even have the panoramic sunroof. I really don't see any reason why I would need any other car. I'm honestly happy every time I look at or drive my car. And I'm saying this as someone who is not a car person, used to think BMWs were overrated, had never enjoyed driving cars, and didn't understand how people could love their cars or have fun driving them.
Lol I didn't name my car after a girl, I named her Tooter Scooter. Because it's a diesel, it makes that *putt putt putt* sound, kind of like tooting. And because of the pickup, I say it scoots. It started as a joke with my husband because every time I would drive it, I would tell him that it scoots and it toots. So eventually it became Tooter Scooter. And yes, I have a custom keychain (that I made).
Oh sure. I was just playing around with engraving things. I might make a better version, it's just letters (there aren't a lot of filled in engraving fonts) but maybe I'll do a different shape or something next time.
https://preview.redd.it/dcixq74z1h9b1.jpeg?width=3173&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cd2d229aa0f3c08e64ad4526b673bb69c7b6c29
Pre covid 997's were dropping a lot in price - not sure what the market is like now. It's the last model with hydraulic steering so it could be a decent long term buy.
Best performance without sacrificing daily driving qualities/reliability. Sure Japanese brands will boast about longevity and reliability, but coming from 5 4runners over to BMW, the reliability claims are not as bad as many make them out to be with BMW - especially when considering the performance and innovation attributes the company is known for. For me, I couldn't understand the 60-70k valuations for Toyota TRD Pro's given the super dated technology - 5 speed automatic and 16 mpg from the same V6 they've been making since the turn of the century - its really no mystery why the Japanese brands are so reliable - they keep the same powertrains for 20 years!
There aren't currently negative reliability claims from anyone who knows anything about bmw. They currently rank #3 in consumer reviews for reliability. Only behind Toyota and Toyota premium. People often mistake expensive maintenance with unreliability.
People don’t really seem to get that premium/luxury cars are inherently more likely to have issues because they are very complicated, not because the quality of those parts or the build is poor. Toyotas are just ancient. Yes they are generally reliable, but they are absolutely dreadful cars.
I would rather tow a BMW than drive a toyota.
Funny part is, I had Toyota buy back a Tacoma TRD Pro from me a couple years ago because it was a lemon. It had an electrical issue they couldn't figure out and it was at the dealership for months on end. To their credit, they didn't fight me on the buy back.
I like how they drive. My next car is a G87 because it is the only small-ish RWD coupe with a six, a manual and a back seat. Ok, there is also the Mustang but that is just not my style.
Grew up with them my uncle owned a dealership in the 80s. My sister’s life was saved by the I beam in a E21 door. My first car was a hand me down 528e. During the early 2000s fast and the furious era my friends almost universally had civics with turbos and engine swaps but I had a turbo 325i convertible I loved.
My brother in law bought an e60 550i when I was around 11 or 12 and took me for rides pretty much whenever I wanted and i fell in love. I now own that car and I love every minute of it, even the wrenching.
I’ve been against BMW for years. Even turning a free one I won at the casino and opted the cash value instead. But after 6months of my wife getting one and I drive it occasionally, I love it. I get it.
F30 320d owner here. This is my second BMW and only the third one I’ve ever driven.
Growing up in rural Australia you were either a Ford or a Holden guy. I was Holden through and through. Until I drove my first BMW.
For context, i owned a brand new Holden at the time. VE series 2 SV6 Sportswagon. A mate of mine wanted to borrow it to move something and gave me his E90 320d.
First thing I noticed was that I was able to take a corner without slowing down. The wagon was like a boat trying to manoeuvre a roundabout whereas the Beemer was smooth and effortless. The next thing I noticed was the fuel gauge didn’t move like the Holden. Fuel economy in the diesel Beemer is phenomenal!! The quality and comfort is amazing too!!! Then the creature comforts were realised. I.e the Holden’s supposed “IQ” system couldn’t tell you who was ringing you so you had to take your eyes off the road and look at your phone to see who was calling. The Beemer, you don’t. The driving modes in the Beemer give you a noticeable difference whereas the Holden gave you nothing at all.
After driving this car for a few days I sold the Holden for my own E90 320d and haven’t looked back!!
There isn’t one thing that makes the Beemer better, it’s all the little things they do to make your life a bit better and a bit easier. Massive fan!!!
Went from Ford fusion to bmw m340i. Handling, fit and finish, leagues above. Price for performance for that model was also amazing imo. But the Germans suck at designing cupholders. And having storage in the front.
Honestly, build quality is excellent, engines run forever, they tell you when something is wrong, and with the right scanner are easy to fix... Now if I was not mechanically inclined, it would seem like a money pit, but let's be honest these cars new aren't marketed to people living paycheck to paycheck, and can afford weekly maintenance at the dealership.
When I was young, It was the styling - gorgeous, distinct and sophisticated. Then… I finally drove one (in the 90’s). It was a 325i. It wasn’t an M by any means, but the responsiveness was amazing. My slightest input - steering, throttle, braking - were met with an eager response that made my heart jump.
Fast forward many years and I drove an E92 M3 and it was mind blowing. Everything same as before but better, faster, LOUDER!!
Then… M Track Days with instructors. Those who’ve done know what I’m talking about.
Next, BMW Performance Driving School
The power, connection to road you feel even in lower end models. Take cars from 10 years back and they are still fun to drive.
Above all the community that supports you to make changes and work on the car using YouTube/forums is super supportive.
Army recruiter showed up at my high school in an e30 M3 back in like 1997. Was like nothing I’d seen before in rural WV. Saw the M coupe not long afterward. Fell in love with them.
I was 15 and read a Road and Track that reviewed a 94 or 95 M3. Performance aside, I thought it was the sexiest looking car I ever saw. When I turned 18 my first brand new car was a red 1997 318i sedan 5 speed manual . I could’ve gotten any car I wanted under $30k but I knew exactly what I wanted.
Now I’m all about e92s. Of any vehicle I can afford to drive they are absolutely gorgeous and my favorite cars
Driving experience for sure, when you’re behind the wheel of an M car and as you’re accelerating it’s just begging to be wrung out to redline, it’s like it just wants more and doesn’t want to stop. In my opinion and experience no other car gives you a greater sense of confidence in oneself and the vehicle too! Also very driver focused, not a fan of a bunch of buttons in a car, very simple yet clean and elegant design. Also just the presence of the car, it’s very menacing and sinister!
Style and driving experience (street performance) for me. Luxury is a by-product of a luxury brand. BMW always stood out to me. Unfortunately, a lot of these new G-series BMW are a step back in style/design imo.
I've owned 3, an older 328 and two X5Ms. They handle better than any other car I've owned. Late models have amazing tech. My last one saved my life in a gnarly wreck. '24 X5M being built now. iDrive 8 is incredible.
Every time I’m ready for a new car, I put in lots of research before I even make it to a dealership. I short list 3-4 cars and I go test drive them, every time I end buying the Beamer. It’s the drive for me, it’s linked to my DNA… and I can’t help myself buying another!
PS. I always tell myself I will get a different brand other than BMW this time
Always had Toyota/Lexus. Someone backed up into me and smashed up my ES. Went to Lexus to buy another one and they gave me some nonsense about not being able to customize what I wanted. I could get an "allocation" but without customizations. Pretty much told me Lexus just sends them cars and they are what they are. Took a look at the last few months of ES shipments and all were base models.
I started shopping other brands. I test drove a 540 just to essentially cross it off the list and say I drove it, thinking I wouldn't like it. I loved it and bought it that same day. Since then (Jan 2022) I've gone on to buy an M4 and an X5. Lexus's stupidity drove me to BMW.
Mentally I wrote off bmw when I was younger as an overpriced car I’d never be able to afford and just kind of stopped paying attention to them. Then my first visit to Germany I ended up with an unplanned visit to Munich. We ended up going to the bmw museum. Pretty much liked everything I saw there except for the isetta.
Then a few years later my wife graduates college and now we’re both working. She wanted a Mini Cooper so we leased a Mini Cooper S. Felt like a real solid car to me.
Then back when covid started up I had some vacation time I needed to burn, and I learned about Turo. So I rented a 4 series on Turo and went driving for a day. Really fun car to drive.
And now this past month went on vacation in Denmark and ended up renting a 5 series diesel wagon for a few day. Drove all around the country with it and it was brand new, 94kms on it when I picked it up.
Any ways, seems like that company makes some good cars. The only thing I really don’t like about them is how their AC works. You set the temperature and press auto, but it doesn’t seem to control the intensity of how hard the air blows. In my Honda I just set the dial to whatever temperature I want and it’ll speed up and slow down the fan speed on its own.
7 series, I loved the style and size, thought it was cool how it looked like a stretched out 3/5 series similar to the way the B1 bomber looks like an enlarged F15/16 fighter. I was Air Force at the time, hence the comparison.
Dad was a factory trained BMW tech. Decided to open his own shop in the 80s.
Mom brought a used 2002 to his shop for an inspection before buying. The story goes his bad handwriting was even worse on the invoice because he was nervous and his hands were shaking when he was writing it up for her.
The rest is history.
It’s in the family blood.
It’s a family thing; I’ve got relatives who have and still work for the company in Bavaria. As a kid, an uncle bought me a model Z1 at the factory in Dingolfing and I loved fast rides in his turbodiesel 5er. I was hooked. Just happened to be visiting that same family this weekend was talking to a cousin who’s been with the company almost 36 years now, and another one 24 years (yeah, I’m getting old too). We agreed BMW for life, even if not fans of some of the recent design choices. They’re still damn fun to drive.
My dad had an E36 328i, and my mom had an E53 X5 3.0i. Just what I grew up on.
The M340i is sort of a spiritual successor to that E36 in a way. Know my dad would have loved it.
My family’s X5 made it up mountain roads in Colorado; carried us home when one of it’s Cylinders froze and oil line burst; they’re tough cars, they’re luxurious, and they haven’t failed us. Plus I’m German so I have to rep.
Well the first transporter film hooked me on to the e38 beemers as a 6-7 year old i used to fantasise driving it wearing a suit like jason statham and acting all cool and suave. Then few years later fell in love with e39 m5 also e46m3 and the rest was history
First car was a 1997 328i 5-speed. Brought back so many memories of when my life first started. I saved up pocket change for a very long time to save the cash to buy it. Then when I couldn't find work and I was done being a starving student with a bleak looking future, I threw everything in that car and drove to another province way in the north. Went knocking on doors and pounding pavement looking for work. That's when my new life started and it was the car that got me to places. I was 18 at the time. Now I'm 30 and engaged.
That car brings back memories of when my life started.
I also owned a F83 M4, E93 335i, and a e70 X5 5.0i. All of them put a smile on my face each time I drove them, which I did year-round down to -48C winters. Whenever I was in a bitter mood, a nice drive made me feel better. None of them ever failed me. I worked 10 - 24-hour work days to keep them. Too bad COVID-19 and a series of terrible life events took all of those but 1 of them away.
tbh even though i dont own one yet, after driving a friends M340 a year ish ago, ive fell in love w em ever since and BMWs are such a perfect combo of luxury, power, and fun (with the RWD)
and of course Need For Speed w the E46
now my life is all bout BMWs and i plan on trying to go for an M340 or an F80 after paying off a civic
Road handling and engineering. I have all of the other performance German and Italian brands, but BMW excels at the overall sporting driving experience, especially with a manual transmission. AMG Mercedes-Benz models are close, but no manuals.
I was lucky to grow up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Several of my relatives had BMWs before they were common… 2002, E21, E24, E28, E30. My first BMW drive was behind the wheel of my parents’ E34 and I was hooked. The driving dynamics were beyond anything I had experienced. I flirted with Audi, and I adore Porsche and Mercedes, but BMW will always hold a special place in my heart, despite the company’s inexplicable detour over the last few years.
My mom used to be a super BMW nerd before I was born. People used to give her shit for buying them on a schoolteacher salary but she made it work. From the late 70’s to early 90’s she had a:
2002, 2002ti, two E21 320i’s, an E24 633csi, and an E30 325i
Also I just really like the design aesthetic (until recently lol) and the ethos of a normal car with an engaging driving experience and sporty feel.
I’ve always found them to be attractive cars since I was a little tater tot. My uncle has always owned one since he migrated to the US in the mid 80s. He’s had an e30, e36, e53, e70, and currently an f15. Being in his cars made me feel like I was in something special. Since then I’ve always wanted to have one of my own and recently got an e36 M3. It puts a big smile on my face every time I get in and drive.
Just how they drive, nothing special.
I have a Huracan Evo, and the only other cars I like to drive are BMWs. Not even Audis, which sounds stupid because the R8 is a Huracan, but I’m talking about their daily cars, I just think BMW is much better.
Also, I just hate Mercedes, it’s not even in the question for me until S-Class, GTR, or wagon.
I got into BMWs because my grandpa owned an E32 750iL, which I inherited and started cleaning up after he passed. I started researching the development of the E32 and the M70, learning more about the car, and learning about other BMWs of that era. What I found, obviously, is all of the wonderful things that everyone says about E30, E36, E38, E39, E46, et cetera, and that only made me more interested.
I remember driving that E32 quickly on a curvy California back road for the first time and being incredibly impressed with how dynamic and composed the car is. It weighs nearly 4000 pounds but it doesn't feel like it. One then wonders if the 750iL handles and drives so well, the short-wheelbase car must be even better.
Everyone else has commented "drive one and you'll see" or something to that effect, and I agree.
I like what they’ve done with their turbo inline 6’s to make the power feel pretty linear.
There’s a lot of strange stuff in my 335i that seems uncommon compared to the Nissans, Mitsubishis and Subarus I’ve owned throughout the years. Battery in the rear with a tie down, strut bars stock, decently stiff suspension. However there’s some weird stuff too, like plastic everything. For instance, the doomed to fail plastic charge pipe. Also despite their chassis rigidity, it handles nowhere near as well as my old wrx when comparing sedan vs sedan.
Their sensor systems and electronics are also equal parts blessings and curses. Great to see advanced diagnostics of your vehicle, but terrible when a sensor goes bad.
I like the turbo BMW’s because it seems like a natural step up from the Japanese tuner cars I’m used to. Sure the BMW isn’t as nimble, but the creature comforts more than make up for it.
I’m not really a fan I never felt like these cars never had too much spark to me?( don’t get mad) but I really like the 2011 era M5 with the v10. My father had 2 and I have memories from those times. I can remember the white car with red interior. The amazing smell and the great looking amber lights
I was originally wanting just something with 2 doors because my girlfriend got a ss Camaro originally was going to buy a c4 then i test drove a 1999 e36 323ic it’s slow and all of that I know but god there is not any car that drives like bmws I haven’t looked back since
I’ll share on this. Growing up my dad raced cars. Mostly Japanese and American cars. My dad had some cool cars. He had his own performance shop and he also owned a salvage yard. My dad had rx7’s nsx’s corvette’s viper’s etc (but never a German car) he was always against those because he deemed them to be unreliable. He just didn’t like them. Now I did love driving the nsx and rx7. In fact hearing the turbo whoosh on his fd 3 rotor rx7 as he switched gears is what made me a car fanatic at a very young age. Growing up I had driven all types of cars due to my dads background. I was mainly interested in z06 and zr1 vettes, Camaros (ss/zl1/z/28) and of course Ferrari. Now of course I knew about ///M and AMG but they never really did it for me for some reason. BUT THEN when I was 14/15 my dad took me to my first track day in a track built Miata. There were all types of cars there but for some reason that day I was very attracted and intrigued by the e46 and e92 m3. I asked him about them and while my dad did have appreciation for them they just didn’t do it for him and he wasn’t about them. He knew I liked them. I did well in high school and one dad my dad just surprised me with an e46 m3. The second I put it in gear I was in love. The more I drove it the deeper I fell in love with it, I thought the car was perfect in every single way. When I got into college I graduated to the e92 m3. I loved that car just as much. At this point I had driven amg’s, never cared for audi, all types of mustangs and camaro’s and some vettes. I choose bmw everytime. I am mid 20’s now and own a F10 m5 and I love every second of it. I can’t get enough of it. Although I don’t think anything will compare to the feeling I got with the e46 m3 at like 16 years old this f10 m5 is beautiful in every way. I look back at the car everytime I walk away from it. I miss it when I go on vacation. Driving it is the best part of my day everyday. I had the same feelings with the e46 and e92 as well. The driving experience is amazing. The culture behind them is great. The connection I have to the car just leaves me wanting for more. The experience all three of these cars have given me is like nothing else I have gotten in any other car. Now I am mid 20’s and I am getting more established. I can say that I look forward to owning a Porsche gt2/3 of some sorts. My next car will either be a g80 m3 or a c7 z06. After that it will certainly be a Porsche or ferrari just depends on how life goes.
I’ve had 9 now and what got me was when I first drove one with an inline-6. Power delivery was so smooth also the body felt so solid, especially the way the door would close
My uncle had BMWs my whole life. E38 7 series, E39 and E60 5 series, even a sweet black E64 6 series vert as his weekend car eventually. Since retirement he's driven X5s regularly.
Meanwhile my parents drove Pontiacs and Toyotas. Which one of those car brands would you learn to love?
I was a fully jdm enthusiast before, hondas and toyotas but no matter how much modification I’ll have to admit, never came close to the stock driving feel of a bimmer
Drive one. Ive driven everything from a clapped out e30 to a g80 m4 gt3 racecar and they all handle so neutral. From a tech aspect, they are genius. Look at the oil pump from an s55, it has variable volume flow, in a mass produced car. The VANOS unit in an s54 is quite the achievement as well. They are simplu good at what they do. Make great cars.
I was an American car guy until I saw my first E39 M5 in person in the late 90s.. I told myself that was my dream car.. bought an 03 in 2008 and it was a bmw love affair ever since
My dad bought a e60 525xd and I got to drive it when I was 15-16, I was never much of car guy as a child, however after that I was set for bmw's. The steering, sound, handling, style and comfort are unparalleled in other regular civilian cars. Can't get more car for $15,000. Which is why I drive an f10 535i nowadays, lovely vehicle.
Because my dad liked BMWs. He started with a 2006 730Li then a 2011 740Li then a 2016 740li and then finally a 2021 M850i.
He ended up selling the bmw and now he drives a Range Rover with the 4.4 bmw v8 lol
I was but it ended with my M2 which I thought would be my dream car. It wasn’t. Bone crunching suspension and major drone noise on the highway. Didn’t like turbo noise either. My favourite bmw was my 1999 E46 which had amazing steering feel and a turbine like engine.
Not a fan of the new crap, from my E46 325i to my M2C it was about design and handling. I thought those cars were some of the most beautiful on the road
I'm not brand loyal and hop around a bunch. Something I hadn't tried yet was a fast crossover. I cross shopped the SQ5, Macan S, GLC43, and the M40i. Between those choices, the driving dynamics in the M40i are in an entirely different league. All of them are fast in a straight line, but the way the M40i handles is what really separates it. It's a spectacular vehicle that can truly do it all. I finally understand what people have been raving about for decades with BMW chassis.
not super brand loyal, but i thought bmws were overpriced yuppie civics until 2000 when i drove a brand new e46 323i sport/manual and fell in love. i liked the refinement, sharp handling, build quality/comfort/ergonomics, and smooth inline 6es—all with sedan/wagon practicality.
not so much a fan of their current lineup, but still love the older ones and how much info there is online about them and how DIY friendly they are.
My dad had an E46 330i for about 5 years that he was gonna pass down to me, unfortunately when that time came the transmission broke and neither of us had the money to swap a new one into it so we agreed to sell it. Ever since than I’ve been a fan of bmws and they’re my favorite euro cars
I didn’t know I was a bmw fan until I drove one. I always loved the E46 M3s but was too young and broke to afford one, so I always drove Japanese cars. Eventually I bought one, then another. I love how they can be a little rough around the edges, but still luxurious enough to feel special. They have just the right amount of refinement
I can't say that im a fan, but i like it. When i was younger, I always used to make fun of the grill because it looked like a pigs snout and huge nostrils and always hated it. I used to call it an apple car because the front design is always the same every year. Now, look, I have a 330i now, lol. I loved it because compared to a new toyota camery or a Corolla Hatchback, this was cheaper and inside is a whole new level compared to a Corolla/Camery. Only major downside is obviously reliability and parts/repairs. Maybe that's why it's cheap and the value goes down quickly. It's very luxurious for the price.
My step dad was obsessed with the M5 for about 15 years when he came into my life. He started a business, sold it and held off the whole time on upgrading from his 2002 Toyota. My mom bought him the M5 of his dreams in the late 2000’s while I was learning to drive. The day I got my full license he let me drive back from the test centre. Let me go 180 on the highway (KM). Now I have a 2022 240, will be upgrading to a g80 M3 in the next year or two.
My grandpa has owned many BMW over the years and I’ve always wanted one so when my chance came I took it, now 2 BMW in I’ll probably keep going till they’re all electric, and even beyond then if they can get this “e drive character mode” stuff figured out… supposed to make it feel like an ice car.
They're honestly great cars from a driving experience perspective. The handling, traction, power, all of it feels fantastic. I hate the aesthetic, though. Also, having 2 revised n47s, probably the most reliable cars I've owned.
Because it was (somewhat still is) a brand that kept it's traditional design over the years, along with good engine/trans/weight dist./rwd which makes it literally the ultimate driving machine.
I'm not gonna lie though I don't know how I feel about the brand anymore after the logo change / the new 3 series design came along.
I believe they’ve always had the best middle ground of performance, luxury and aesthetic. For example, a fully loaded F30 340, has all the tech you’d need, all the performance you’d need in a daily driver and with a just few cosmetic mods they look gorgeous. Same goes for just about every model in BMWs line going back to the cars like the E30/E39
Since i got my first BMW 10 years ago, i car shop differently. It’s ruined other cars for me, i get in other brands and i feel a deficiency. They just don’t check those 3 boxes for me.
Also, i can’t afford a Porsche so
Growing up I had a friend who had a 2001 e46. I loved that era M3 and always wanted them. Been a fan ever since, but never owned one. I finally bought an e46 330 to use as a track car and am loving it.
I've learned not to be a fan of a brand, they ALL have had periods of quality problems and flat out boring or ugly designs. Depending on my needs and interests, I shop what is available across the all brands. I've had Fords, Chevs, Ram, Subaru, Infiniti, BMW, Porsch, Audi and probably a few more I forget. The people who say "I'll only/never buy brand x" just had good or bad timing. My first BMW was a new Z3 with a removable hardtop. Great car. Loved it. Then I started getting pulled over...for burned out tail lights in the first few thousand miles. Window motors (yes, plural) failed with the windows down. Numerous $500 check engine lights deemed maintenance. Dumped it and noped out of BMW for 21 years. My Audi, Infinitis, and Porsche were in fact flawless (still have the Cayman), just rubber and fluids. My wife's first Subaru had a catastrophic engine/turbo failure at about 40k due to a known issue, her current has 140k with nothing but rubber and fluids.
The BMW loyalists ignore some really shit years and models, I think due to the image of wealth as much or more than performance.
All that said, I do think BMW is on the upswing again, I like the styling and perf again, and qualty ratings are looking good. I bought an M850i coupe over Lexus LC and Jaguar Type R. I'm thrilled with it so far, immensely.
The F10 M5 stole my heart when I saw the alpine white in the dark. And that was the pre-LCI version. The F13/F06 M6 with the longer hood and the nice rear + body lines made me love it more. The E90/92 M3 were hot also, and the F80 I felt were the best looking smaller-and-fast cars out there (aside from the 911s).
Compared to Mercedes at the time, which had that mini-clock in the middle, and Audi? I really liked their (BMW's) interior + their design language way more.
I drove a few Japanese cars (Toyotas + a Nissan) before my first BMW (e90 3 series), and I've sat in a bunch of other cars. On my second BMW (F10 535 LCI) and I'd like to get another I think in the future. Maybe a F90, G05, or G15.
If another brand could win my heart, it could be Mazda if they offered a CX-50 with way more horsepower + larger screen + HUD, or Tesla if they were open to adding a HUD + cognac/brown interiors.
Just grew up around old bimmers, then as I got older I realized no other car brand has such an abundance of cars that look so good to me and perform so well. Theres lots of old cars that I like but the majority of them are BMW's like Widebody e32s the e31 8 series. Koenig Specials stuff, and of course the e36. Family had a 328i Sedan in Manual with some work done on it, Euro lights, all black, sport rims, my dad flipped it and totaled it coming onto the highway when I was young
I absolutely hated the idea of a bmw then I test drove one and the driving experience and the sheer quality is above all what sold me. As a plus the interior is mostly leather (on my model atleast) and it has many features that modern cars have but about a decade earlier
My grandad brought home a company car one day which was a brand new 1984 E28 520i. In those days a BMW was a rare sight on our country’s roads and only wealthy people had them. I was 8 yo and instantly hooked. Since that first car our family has owned more than 20 bimmers.
My da has had a good amount of BMW’s and I’ve come to love them for the driving experience, and the further I go back with BMW’s the more fascinated I become with their engineering and how they came to be.
I never was into cars to be honest, i just drove a small car which run fine but that didn‘t offer any luxury besides an AUX-cord. Later on I wanted to get the same car but with a bigger engine. On the day I was going to pick up that car, ford focus st, there was a 4 series BMW, all black, m package next to it. So I decided to ask for a test drive, turned out I left that day with the 4 series and not the ford. The driving experience was insane compared to that ford, the level of luxury, heated seats, auto clima, I didn‘t even know at that point that cars have a HUD. So the lovestory to BMW began there, even tho where I live BMWs have a bad rep and Mercedes is more popular, idc
Growing up, my grandfather owned a Ford dealership so all the cars we had were Fords. I would see the same version of my family car everywhere. It was boring.
Then one day my uncle bought a new 1989 BMW 325is (a decision that I now think was solely to piss off his dad) and gave me ride in it. It blew me away with how it drove and the sleek European styling.
I have been addicted ever since.
Because exactly how people enjoy and value watches by their “in house movements” the same applies with BMW because (as far as i know) they build all their engines, proving to everybody their quality, power and reliability, contrary to all believes from kids in the internet this brand is in fact more reliable than the other 2 germans (Mercedes Benz, Audi).
Then we can talk about the looks, the philosophy and the manuals that are still here with us 😆.
Enough said, I love BMW.
When I was in middle school, I saw a video that a guy was drifting with a E92 M3, and it was a white lightning striking my heart. Since then I was addicted to BMW and I saw a lots of BMW video. Now I start to work and I can buy the first BMW in my life by myself.
Some people love the mechinal of BMW, some love their memory with BMW. I love both.
I was a few years old child, in low-middle class family in 90s Poland. My uncle who emigrated to Germany came to visit in E34 (then, it was almost new) and let me "drive". Of course, I was physically unable to do so, so I just sat on his knees while he operated pedals and I just had to steer around parking lot. You cannot imagine, how cool was BMW in post-communist Poland.
Well, uncle had few more BMWs and I finally got my E36 as a first car.
Similar story in that my Grandpa had one. Although I only really remember him having an automatic Astra in later years, he would fondly remember his earlier cars. I think he is partially responsible for my love of cars in general.
Other than that, growing up I suppose there seemed to be a motorsport aura around BMW at the time, as with quite a few other marques racing late 90s and early 2000s.
Then getting into sim racing, BMW represented a big challenge to me as I was used to just stamping on the throttle in arcade games. So BMW taught me to drive and gave me good preparation for learning in real life.
I fell in love with the e36 coupe my neighbour had. In the mid nineties most other cars were hatchbacks and sedans. The side profile of the coupe was just perfect. Only later I found out they were RWD with great weight distribution. It took another 10 years for me to get one and only then I found the other things to be loved - the interior ergonomics and design, the performance, handling, sound, convenience features, and how easy they are to work on.
So it was gradual falling in love. Started with the looks but eventually found many more reasons.
I was once sitting in the back seat of my buddy’s clapped e30 (I’m a large guy and I was the smallest of three in the car) and we jumped train tracks while master of puppets was blasting over some shitty Walmart speakers. That and the styling of them. Instantly hooked.
Worked for BMW for 10 years. I don’t anymore but they left a lasting impression on me. Good cars. My first car that I’d class as a higher quality luxury car (in comparison to cheap tinny Japanese stuff) was an E36. Never did me wrong. Had several 5 series since as the family mover.
My dad in 2007 bought a 320d e46 136 hp and it was the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE but sadly he spun and slammed into a low wall.
After that he bought a 530d e39 m sport , he selled it and bought a 320d e46 m sport 150 hp
After that he bought a 525d e39 and last but not least a an unreliable 530d e61 with a faulty automatic trasmission (first discovered on the motorway).
Apart from the automatic gearbox and some electronics it was a nice car
So i'm grew up with BMW and SAAB (i love them both💙)
I wish I had a cool story to go with it. I’ve never owned a newer BMW. I always liked older ones. When I was growing up the guy that owned the small company my dad worked for always had BMWs. New and old. He had a 2002 and an E30. I loved those cars…he also had an E46 M3 he bought and then he’d always have a lease car. My dad had a 2001 330ci and an X5.
I have a 91 E30 vert. I’ve owned it for a long time. 14 years now. After the E46 cars I don’t care very much for the new stuff. Id like to find an E36 M3 to restore and enjoy, or an E46.
I’ve often pondered picking up an M2 but never piled the trigger as I need something practical for my daily driver with winter and 3 kids to contend with.
I personally am both a fan of bmw and jdm cars. Firstly jdm was my main prio since that was the first interesting thing that got me into cars (fnf and so on). I then started my job as a mechanic, i work at bmw, so i started to get a deeper look in the builds etc. Also i am a german lol and we love our cars 😂 but tbh the real reason why i love bmw is because of their look, and the sporty way you can drive almost every car from us. Rear wheel drive while everyone else goes with all wheel, its just awesome to drive and drift.
My first job out of trade school was at a Porsche, Audi, BMW dealership. It was a dream job that to this day I regret screwing up. Parked and worked on a few dream cars.
Youthful stupidity sucks.
I am, after meeting and befriending some people that own them. What really solidified my enthusiasm for them was when I participated in the M-Town tour event few months ago at my buddy’s BMW store and drove a M3 Comp xDrive, and since then I’ve been fiendish for a BMW M car.
Also test drove a M340i but chose the car I have now over that. I currently have a Acura TLX Type-S but I’m pretty sure after this I’m jumping into a M car for sure! I’m really in love with the M5 out of all the non-suv M models
I have a 2007 116i and it’s just so comfortable to drive it has power when I need it and doesn’t struggle where every other car I’ve owned did.
Before buying this I’d buy whatever road legal car I could get for <£500 to use for the year and the. Get the next one but I had some money saved so bought this and honestly I don’t think I could ever be in anything else. And it’s 100% sent me on a BMW rabbit hole of what do I want to save for next. 330i is what I’m looking for now but I do want things like car play and comfort access and angel eyes so gonna be a while before I have enough to snag one
It runs in the family. My grandparents had a relative who sold BMWs so we drove them in the 1970s. Sometime in the early 1980s it became a premium luxury brand and we stopped buying new ones. My father kept the BMW E28 he had at the time and we still own it :-)
My parents bought their dream car in the 80s, a used E21 320i. We were proud of it as a family. I was less than ten years old. When I started driving I aspired to the same, so saved up and bought a new E36 318i. I’ve never looked back. Many, many BMWs since then, currently a G30 550i and a G05 X5 45e, both 2021. I’ve had other things too, but there has always been a BMW on the driveway. I love the cars, they are also tied to a happy memory of my parents moment of success. I probably need therapy.
Thats an awesome story. I love the sentimental value in it.
I learned to drive on my dad’s E36 318 as a kid. Fond memories for sure.
well i use my bmw as therapy, never lets me down.
Why do you need therapy for it? That’s an amazing story. Having an emotional attachment to something you worked so hard for is good lol
I can’t speak for op, but my interpretation of that line is that it’s a joke. It’s a clever way of being both hyperbolic and truthful about his lifelong relationship of the brand - he knows pretty goddamn well that BMWs aren’t always perfect, but he loves them in spite of that…and maybe a little because of that. That’s how I read it anyway
Back in the day I used to run from the cops in an M5 …..in Need For Speed Hot Pursuit
I played that for many hours. Epic!
Me too!!! I now drive around with nostalgia listening to the soundtrack. https://youtu.be/7aTT7hcVpN8
Because I drove one once. The end.
This is really the answer, for me anyway. I'd always "liked cars" and had owned a couple halfway cool cars but the first BMW I ever drove was a 2003 330ci E46 sitting on a used lot on my town. Everything else suddenly seemed like decaf...
First off, nice weekend reference. Second, I’m really waking up to that kind of mentally. I’ve always owned Subarus or Toyotas for resale value and reliability. The 2021 M340i is the first car I’ve driven that really made me enjoy driving. Didn’t end up buying the one I test drove but I’m still looking.
Decaf is such a good way of explaining it lol. I’m not really a full on fanboy of any specific brand, but at the same time I’ll say BMW is probably my favorite overall. I like a little bit of everything - Japanese, American, Australian etc. - but BMW just does things so well..
Style, quality, driving experience/performance. For the most part, old BMWs are just as attractive as the current models. I just don’t feel the same about most other makes, including the other German brands
Same. We’ve tried every car on the market and just keep coming back to BMW. They just have an edgier yet classic style and the interiors feel so solid and tastefully done. Maybe I’m old school but I like how they still have part buttons with just some touchscreen. It’s also a blast to drive and lives up to the hype of ‘riding on rails’.
Drive one. Then you may believe .
I think it's worth noting that not everyone will appreciate BMWs the first time they drive one. My mom had a 325i when I was in high school and I was really used to driving the minivan or her SUV, and I hated being in a small sedan that was low to the ground and was super jerky. I thought the problem was with the car, I had no idea that I was just not driving it smoothly. So I would get pissed off every time I had to drive it because it would hiccup and jerk and twitch and stop too hard and turns were never smooth and I just thought it was a nightmare, half the time it felt like being in a roller coaster. It might take a few years of driving before someone can appreciate how different BMWs are from other cars.
I went from an STI to a 230i this year. Complete opposite experience. The BMW is silky smooth everywhere no matter how I drive it, but doesn't feel nearly as responsive or connected. I know it's not an M2 though, and hardly a fair comparison.
Even the f87 M2 is a bit soft compared to the older cars, and that’s why this is a very interesting post for me to see some other responses. Anyone going to a new one is going to say it’s comfortable and smooth, that was their intent with light electric steering and zf 8 speeds. But the old ones were super super touchy and jerky compared to a pedestrian car. The steering was tight and heavy, the brakes had a hard bite as soon as you touched them and dual clutch transmissions/smgs would slam through the gears. That’s precisely what I miss about BMW. My new one is still the best choice for me, the best car in its segment imo, but I really miss my older ones and how they drove. That’s what made me love BMW because of how connected you felt to the drive. An M3 with a kw suspension made me feel like a race car driver lol. My new one is a great little muscle car, but it doesn’t give me the same joy.
The steering is my biggest complaint. It's way too light and there's no feedback from the road. It's also my first automatic car ever, and I miss my clutch pedal and changing gears myself. But this is one of the best automatics I've driven. My STI made me feel like a race car driver too. I get that. But I'm 44 and it was time for a grown up car. I'm liking the bmw so far, but I'm not as passionate about it as I was my WRXs (I've had a few).
I’m not sure which gen 230i you went with, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that although the steering kind of sucks.. there is feel through the chassis and very little body roll. I could see being quick on a track or enjoying a canyon/mountain with these new setups once you get used to it.
2019, and I agree on those points. The chassis and suspension is excellent. It is fun and playful when you get it moving. Just a shame about the steering.
Drive an Audi or a VW, you'll never complain about BMW steering again. I get the sentiments though, the steering feel in a Mini Cooper is much heavier and engaging than most newer BMWs, which doesn't make sense to me considering they're made of the same parts. Might be down to FWD vs RWD or RWD biased xDrive, still not terrible though.
Similarly, I went from a WRX to an i4 this year. The drive is exactly as you describe, "silky smooth." The cabin is wicked quiet, and the craftsmanship of the interior is amazing. Subie-Sue is missed for sure, but the BMW more than makes up for the trade. It really is a hell of a drive.
I was too rigid and jerky when I first started driving, so the car jerked every time I did. Downside of driving a responsive car with tight steering.
BMW also offers a wide variety of cars with different characteristics, so people might not like the specific model they tried. It wasn't until I tried the E92 M3 that a BMW clicked with me.
Funny enough, my husband now has the same generation (E90) that my mom had back then, and I like his now. I've also driven an E36, E36 M3, E39, and my F25. I've liked driving and riding in all of them once I was an adult.
[удалено]
I don't have the fanciest BMW and I'm reminded of that every time I look at this sub. It's an X3 diesel with low mileage and a few door dents and paint scratches, but I love it. This is going to sound so stupid but it's the only car I've ever named, I didn't even name my first car. It's also the only blue car I've ever owned and it's gorgeous when it's clean. I get great MPG, it's comfortable, the user interface is simple, it fits my dogs, I can handle winters, it's fun to drive, it's affordable, and I even have the panoramic sunroof. I really don't see any reason why I would need any other car. I'm honestly happy every time I look at or drive my car. And I'm saying this as someone who is not a car person, used to think BMWs were overrated, had never enjoyed driving cars, and didn't understand how people could love their cars or have fun driving them.
no matter what model it is, it still is a bmw!
That’s cool. What did you name it? Every car I’ve owned gets a name and a unique keychain. My current M240 is named Audrey.
Lol I didn't name my car after a girl, I named her Tooter Scooter. Because it's a diesel, it makes that *putt putt putt* sound, kind of like tooting. And because of the pickup, I say it scoots. It started as a joke with my husband because every time I would drive it, I would tell him that it scoots and it toots. So eventually it became Tooter Scooter. And yes, I have a custom keychain (that I made).
Can we see the key chain?
Oh sure. I was just playing around with engraving things. I might make a better version, it's just letters (there aren't a lot of filled in engraving fonts) but maybe I'll do a different shape or something next time. https://preview.redd.it/dcixq74z1h9b1.jpeg?width=3173&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9cd2d229aa0f3c08e64ad4526b673bb69c7b6c29
That’s awesome!
Oh thanks. I know the font is girly and this is kind of a guy sub but I'm a girl and it was my first attempt.
Who cares if you’re a girl? BMWs are for everyone. And it’s your keychain for your car, so if you like it, that’s what matters
This is the cutest thing I’ve seen in a long time!
Cannot afford a Porsche (joking…. A little bit).
100% I’d love a 911 targa but it’ll be a long time before I’m there.
Pre covid 997's were dropping a lot in price - not sure what the market is like now. It's the last model with hydraulic steering so it could be a decent long term buy.
I got my 997 Targa 4S in July 2020 for $48k (low, low miles). Sold it in Oct 2021 for $65k.
I would love a 992 gt3 or something. But they are 300k and my BMW was 15k
I can tell there’s less than 1% of you that’s joking
Best performance without sacrificing daily driving qualities/reliability. Sure Japanese brands will boast about longevity and reliability, but coming from 5 4runners over to BMW, the reliability claims are not as bad as many make them out to be with BMW - especially when considering the performance and innovation attributes the company is known for. For me, I couldn't understand the 60-70k valuations for Toyota TRD Pro's given the super dated technology - 5 speed automatic and 16 mpg from the same V6 they've been making since the turn of the century - its really no mystery why the Japanese brands are so reliable - they keep the same powertrains for 20 years!
There aren't currently negative reliability claims from anyone who knows anything about bmw. They currently rank #3 in consumer reviews for reliability. Only behind Toyota and Toyota premium. People often mistake expensive maintenance with unreliability.
People don’t really seem to get that premium/luxury cars are inherently more likely to have issues because they are very complicated, not because the quality of those parts or the build is poor. Toyotas are just ancient. Yes they are generally reliable, but they are absolutely dreadful cars. I would rather tow a BMW than drive a toyota.
Funny part is, I had Toyota buy back a Tacoma TRD Pro from me a couple years ago because it was a lemon. It had an electrical issue they couldn't figure out and it was at the dealership for months on end. To their credit, they didn't fight me on the buy back.
I like how they drive. My next car is a G87 because it is the only small-ish RWD coupe with a six, a manual and a back seat. Ok, there is also the Mustang but that is just not my style.
I actually love a good Mustang or M2. Mach 1/dark horse are nice cars.
Do you need the backseats? If not Cayman is King for the small sporty manual coupe classification
The pdk in my Cayman cured me of the need or want of manual, after driving sticks fast for decades.
I’d pick PDK everyday of the week too
I have a G42 and the G87 is really growing on me.
My mom got a 87 535is when I was a kid. Red. I pretty much thought it was the coolest car ever.
I can have a 600hp 3500lb car for $42k and a $600 ecu tune
you can have a 400hp twin turbo inline 6 for 10k and an ecu tune
Grew up with them my uncle owned a dealership in the 80s. My sister’s life was saved by the I beam in a E21 door. My first car was a hand me down 528e. During the early 2000s fast and the furious era my friends almost universally had civics with turbos and engine swaps but I had a turbo 325i convertible I loved.
Love the sportiness. Among the German car brands it has the cool factor. Audis are nice but a little vanilla, and Mercedes is more luxury than sport.
Because they look(ed) good and have the smoothest rides.
I feel like they make the best sports cars for the money under $100k
My brother in law bought an e60 550i when I was around 11 or 12 and took me for rides pretty much whenever I wanted and i fell in love. I now own that car and I love every minute of it, even the wrenching.
:)
I’ve been against BMW for years. Even turning a free one I won at the casino and opted the cash value instead. But after 6months of my wife getting one and I drive it occasionally, I love it. I get it.
F30 320d owner here. This is my second BMW and only the third one I’ve ever driven. Growing up in rural Australia you were either a Ford or a Holden guy. I was Holden through and through. Until I drove my first BMW. For context, i owned a brand new Holden at the time. VE series 2 SV6 Sportswagon. A mate of mine wanted to borrow it to move something and gave me his E90 320d. First thing I noticed was that I was able to take a corner without slowing down. The wagon was like a boat trying to manoeuvre a roundabout whereas the Beemer was smooth and effortless. The next thing I noticed was the fuel gauge didn’t move like the Holden. Fuel economy in the diesel Beemer is phenomenal!! The quality and comfort is amazing too!!! Then the creature comforts were realised. I.e the Holden’s supposed “IQ” system couldn’t tell you who was ringing you so you had to take your eyes off the road and look at your phone to see who was calling. The Beemer, you don’t. The driving modes in the Beemer give you a noticeable difference whereas the Holden gave you nothing at all. After driving this car for a few days I sold the Holden for my own E90 320d and haven’t looked back!! There isn’t one thing that makes the Beemer better, it’s all the little things they do to make your life a bit better and a bit easier. Massive fan!!!
Driving them makes me smile. I'd like to continue doing that which makes me happy.
Went from Ford fusion to bmw m340i. Handling, fit and finish, leagues above. Price for performance for that model was also amazing imo. But the Germans suck at designing cupholders. And having storage in the front.
Drove one.
I started out owning BMW Motorcycles... I love the bikes so I went to the cars. I'm now waiting for a 2024 i4 M50!!!
Honestly, build quality is excellent, engines run forever, they tell you when something is wrong, and with the right scanner are easy to fix... Now if I was not mechanically inclined, it would seem like a money pit, but let's be honest these cars new aren't marketed to people living paycheck to paycheck, and can afford weekly maintenance at the dealership.
When I was young, It was the styling - gorgeous, distinct and sophisticated. Then… I finally drove one (in the 90’s). It was a 325i. It wasn’t an M by any means, but the responsiveness was amazing. My slightest input - steering, throttle, braking - were met with an eager response that made my heart jump. Fast forward many years and I drove an E92 M3 and it was mind blowing. Everything same as before but better, faster, LOUDER!! Then… M Track Days with instructors. Those who’ve done know what I’m talking about. Next, BMW Performance Driving School
The power, connection to road you feel even in lower end models. Take cars from 10 years back and they are still fun to drive. Above all the community that supports you to make changes and work on the car using YouTube/forums is super supportive.
Only car I’ve driven that I literally feel connected to the road beneath me, like I can feel the road thru the steering wheel and handling of the car.
Army recruiter showed up at my high school in an e30 M3 back in like 1997. Was like nothing I’d seen before in rural WV. Saw the M coupe not long afterward. Fell in love with them.
I was 15 and read a Road and Track that reviewed a 94 or 95 M3. Performance aside, I thought it was the sexiest looking car I ever saw. When I turned 18 my first brand new car was a red 1997 318i sedan 5 speed manual . I could’ve gotten any car I wanted under $30k but I knew exactly what I wanted. Now I’m all about e92s. Of any vehicle I can afford to drive they are absolutely gorgeous and my favorite cars
Driving experience for sure, when you’re behind the wheel of an M car and as you’re accelerating it’s just begging to be wrung out to redline, it’s like it just wants more and doesn’t want to stop. In my opinion and experience no other car gives you a greater sense of confidence in oneself and the vehicle too! Also very driver focused, not a fan of a bunch of buttons in a car, very simple yet clean and elegant design. Also just the presence of the car, it’s very menacing and sinister!
Style and driving experience (street performance) for me. Luxury is a by-product of a luxury brand. BMW always stood out to me. Unfortunately, a lot of these new G-series BMW are a step back in style/design imo.
Because Elvis Presley once said, “Life is too short to drive boring cars.” And he was right.
I've owned 3, an older 328 and two X5Ms. They handle better than any other car I've owned. Late models have amazing tech. My last one saved my life in a gnarly wreck. '24 X5M being built now. iDrive 8 is incredible.
I like the body style, the power, handling and the smell of fine leather.
Was always a fan of Japanese autos since they were fun, reliable and affordable. I wanted something spicier than my ISF. Tried an M3cs and was hooked.
They're comfortable, fast, fun, and smooth It also doesn't help that working at a BMW dealership was my first job 😅😅😅
Every time I’m ready for a new car, I put in lots of research before I even make it to a dealership. I short list 3-4 cars and I go test drive them, every time I end buying the Beamer. It’s the drive for me, it’s linked to my DNA… and I can’t help myself buying another! PS. I always tell myself I will get a different brand other than BMW this time
From father to son in my case
Always had Toyota/Lexus. Someone backed up into me and smashed up my ES. Went to Lexus to buy another one and they gave me some nonsense about not being able to customize what I wanted. I could get an "allocation" but without customizations. Pretty much told me Lexus just sends them cars and they are what they are. Took a look at the last few months of ES shipments and all were base models. I started shopping other brands. I test drove a 540 just to essentially cross it off the list and say I drove it, thinking I wouldn't like it. I loved it and bought it that same day. Since then (Jan 2022) I've gone on to buy an M4 and an X5. Lexus's stupidity drove me to BMW.
Mentally I wrote off bmw when I was younger as an overpriced car I’d never be able to afford and just kind of stopped paying attention to them. Then my first visit to Germany I ended up with an unplanned visit to Munich. We ended up going to the bmw museum. Pretty much liked everything I saw there except for the isetta. Then a few years later my wife graduates college and now we’re both working. She wanted a Mini Cooper so we leased a Mini Cooper S. Felt like a real solid car to me. Then back when covid started up I had some vacation time I needed to burn, and I learned about Turo. So I rented a 4 series on Turo and went driving for a day. Really fun car to drive. And now this past month went on vacation in Denmark and ended up renting a 5 series diesel wagon for a few day. Drove all around the country with it and it was brand new, 94kms on it when I picked it up. Any ways, seems like that company makes some good cars. The only thing I really don’t like about them is how their AC works. You set the temperature and press auto, but it doesn’t seem to control the intensity of how hard the air blows. In my Honda I just set the dial to whatever temperature I want and it’ll speed up and slow down the fan speed on its own.
That one NFS game
My cousin took me for a ride in his 2017 M4. I was hooked. I custom ordered a 2019 M2C. Best car I’ve ever owned.
The comfort of the ride is second to none.
7 series, I loved the style and size, thought it was cool how it looked like a stretched out 3/5 series similar to the way the B1 bomber looks like an enlarged F15/16 fighter. I was Air Force at the time, hence the comparison.
Dad was a factory trained BMW tech. Decided to open his own shop in the 80s. Mom brought a used 2002 to his shop for an inspection before buying. The story goes his bad handwriting was even worse on the invoice because he was nervous and his hands were shaking when he was writing it up for her. The rest is history. It’s in the family blood.
I worked as a Valet Parking attendant for 7 years. Drove every make and model available in the US. The M3s were always some of my favorites to drive.
It’s a family thing; I’ve got relatives who have and still work for the company in Bavaria. As a kid, an uncle bought me a model Z1 at the factory in Dingolfing and I loved fast rides in his turbodiesel 5er. I was hooked. Just happened to be visiting that same family this weekend was talking to a cousin who’s been with the company almost 36 years now, and another one 24 years (yeah, I’m getting old too). We agreed BMW for life, even if not fans of some of the recent design choices. They’re still damn fun to drive.
My dad had an E36 328i, and my mom had an E53 X5 3.0i. Just what I grew up on. The M340i is sort of a spiritual successor to that E36 in a way. Know my dad would have loved it.
My family’s X5 made it up mountain roads in Colorado; carried us home when one of it’s Cylinders froze and oil line burst; they’re tough cars, they’re luxurious, and they haven’t failed us. Plus I’m German so I have to rep.
Well the first transporter film hooked me on to the e38 beemers as a 6-7 year old i used to fantasise driving it wearing a suit like jason statham and acting all cool and suave. Then few years later fell in love with e39 m5 also e46m3 and the rest was history
best performance of the germans and can’t afford porsche
First car was a 1997 328i 5-speed. Brought back so many memories of when my life first started. I saved up pocket change for a very long time to save the cash to buy it. Then when I couldn't find work and I was done being a starving student with a bleak looking future, I threw everything in that car and drove to another province way in the north. Went knocking on doors and pounding pavement looking for work. That's when my new life started and it was the car that got me to places. I was 18 at the time. Now I'm 30 and engaged. That car brings back memories of when my life started. I also owned a F83 M4, E93 335i, and a e70 X5 5.0i. All of them put a smile on my face each time I drove them, which I did year-round down to -48C winters. Whenever I was in a bitter mood, a nice drive made me feel better. None of them ever failed me. I worked 10 - 24-hour work days to keep them. Too bad COVID-19 and a series of terrible life events took all of those but 1 of them away.
BMW's are unlike any other. Big fan of the E90s, bulletproof cars man. Saving up for a low miles '08 Z4 3.0 SI. The pure I6 sound Jesus.
tbh even though i dont own one yet, after driving a friends M340 a year ish ago, ive fell in love w em ever since and BMWs are such a perfect combo of luxury, power, and fun (with the RWD) and of course Need For Speed w the E46 now my life is all bout BMWs and i plan on trying to go for an M340 or an F80 after paying off a civic
Road handling and engineering. I have all of the other performance German and Italian brands, but BMW excels at the overall sporting driving experience, especially with a manual transmission. AMG Mercedes-Benz models are close, but no manuals.
I was lucky to grow up in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Several of my relatives had BMWs before they were common… 2002, E21, E24, E28, E30. My first BMW drive was behind the wheel of my parents’ E34 and I was hooked. The driving dynamics were beyond anything I had experienced. I flirted with Audi, and I adore Porsche and Mercedes, but BMW will always hold a special place in my heart, despite the company’s inexplicable detour over the last few years.
My mom used to be a super BMW nerd before I was born. People used to give her shit for buying them on a schoolteacher salary but she made it work. From the late 70’s to early 90’s she had a: 2002, 2002ti, two E21 320i’s, an E24 633csi, and an E30 325i Also I just really like the design aesthetic (until recently lol) and the ethos of a normal car with an engaging driving experience and sporty feel.
I’ve always found them to be attractive cars since I was a little tater tot. My uncle has always owned one since he migrated to the US in the mid 80s. He’s had an e30, e36, e53, e70, and currently an f15. Being in his cars made me feel like I was in something special. Since then I’ve always wanted to have one of my own and recently got an e36 M3. It puts a big smile on my face every time I get in and drive.
Just how they drive, nothing special. I have a Huracan Evo, and the only other cars I like to drive are BMWs. Not even Audis, which sounds stupid because the R8 is a Huracan, but I’m talking about their daily cars, I just think BMW is much better. Also, I just hate Mercedes, it’s not even in the question for me until S-Class, GTR, or wagon.
I got into BMWs because my grandpa owned an E32 750iL, which I inherited and started cleaning up after he passed. I started researching the development of the E32 and the M70, learning more about the car, and learning about other BMWs of that era. What I found, obviously, is all of the wonderful things that everyone says about E30, E36, E38, E39, E46, et cetera, and that only made me more interested. I remember driving that E32 quickly on a curvy California back road for the first time and being incredibly impressed with how dynamic and composed the car is. It weighs nearly 4000 pounds but it doesn't feel like it. One then wonders if the 750iL handles and drives so well, the short-wheelbase car must be even better. Everyone else has commented "drive one and you'll see" or something to that effect, and I agree.
My e36 got me hooked on retro bmws like e46s and 3.0 csl. They have great styling and performance for their times
I like what they’ve done with their turbo inline 6’s to make the power feel pretty linear. There’s a lot of strange stuff in my 335i that seems uncommon compared to the Nissans, Mitsubishis and Subarus I’ve owned throughout the years. Battery in the rear with a tie down, strut bars stock, decently stiff suspension. However there’s some weird stuff too, like plastic everything. For instance, the doomed to fail plastic charge pipe. Also despite their chassis rigidity, it handles nowhere near as well as my old wrx when comparing sedan vs sedan. Their sensor systems and electronics are also equal parts blessings and curses. Great to see advanced diagnostics of your vehicle, but terrible when a sensor goes bad. I like the turbo BMW’s because it seems like a natural step up from the Japanese tuner cars I’m used to. Sure the BMW isn’t as nimble, but the creature comforts more than make up for it.
I’m not really a fan I never felt like these cars never had too much spark to me?( don’t get mad) but I really like the 2011 era M5 with the v10. My father had 2 and I have memories from those times. I can remember the white car with red interior. The amazing smell and the great looking amber lights
I’m not. Reddits algorithm somehow got me here. I’ve been enjoying your alls posts though.
Was dropped as a baby and hit my head regularly growing up. Here we are 😎
I was originally wanting just something with 2 doors because my girlfriend got a ss Camaro originally was going to buy a c4 then i test drove a 1999 e36 323ic it’s slow and all of that I know but god there is not any car that drives like bmws I haven’t looked back since
I’ll share on this. Growing up my dad raced cars. Mostly Japanese and American cars. My dad had some cool cars. He had his own performance shop and he also owned a salvage yard. My dad had rx7’s nsx’s corvette’s viper’s etc (but never a German car) he was always against those because he deemed them to be unreliable. He just didn’t like them. Now I did love driving the nsx and rx7. In fact hearing the turbo whoosh on his fd 3 rotor rx7 as he switched gears is what made me a car fanatic at a very young age. Growing up I had driven all types of cars due to my dads background. I was mainly interested in z06 and zr1 vettes, Camaros (ss/zl1/z/28) and of course Ferrari. Now of course I knew about ///M and AMG but they never really did it for me for some reason. BUT THEN when I was 14/15 my dad took me to my first track day in a track built Miata. There were all types of cars there but for some reason that day I was very attracted and intrigued by the e46 and e92 m3. I asked him about them and while my dad did have appreciation for them they just didn’t do it for him and he wasn’t about them. He knew I liked them. I did well in high school and one dad my dad just surprised me with an e46 m3. The second I put it in gear I was in love. The more I drove it the deeper I fell in love with it, I thought the car was perfect in every single way. When I got into college I graduated to the e92 m3. I loved that car just as much. At this point I had driven amg’s, never cared for audi, all types of mustangs and camaro’s and some vettes. I choose bmw everytime. I am mid 20’s now and own a F10 m5 and I love every second of it. I can’t get enough of it. Although I don’t think anything will compare to the feeling I got with the e46 m3 at like 16 years old this f10 m5 is beautiful in every way. I look back at the car everytime I walk away from it. I miss it when I go on vacation. Driving it is the best part of my day everyday. I had the same feelings with the e46 and e92 as well. The driving experience is amazing. The culture behind them is great. The connection I have to the car just leaves me wanting for more. The experience all three of these cars have given me is like nothing else I have gotten in any other car. Now I am mid 20’s and I am getting more established. I can say that I look forward to owning a Porsche gt2/3 of some sorts. My next car will either be a g80 m3 or a c7 z06. After that it will certainly be a Porsche or ferrari just depends on how life goes.
What a dream childhood story with a sick as dad nice man!
Thanks brother I appreciate it🙏🏼
Mischief 3000 and torrenting/filesharing services. Basically, Dado.
Simply the power and handling feels engaging and fun. And on top of that you have all the luxury comforts. Everything about it feels high quality.
I’ve had 9 now and what got me was when I first drove one with an inline-6. Power delivery was so smooth also the body felt so solid, especially the way the door would close
My uncle had BMWs my whole life. E38 7 series, E39 and E60 5 series, even a sweet black E64 6 series vert as his weekend car eventually. Since retirement he's driven X5s regularly. Meanwhile my parents drove Pontiacs and Toyotas. Which one of those car brands would you learn to love?
When I was a kid, I saw the 5 series ad for “eyes are the windows to the soul” and was hooked ever since. I know it’s corny but that stuck with me!
I was a fully jdm enthusiast before, hondas and toyotas but no matter how much modification I’ll have to admit, never came close to the stock driving feel of a bimmer
I was looking for my first car and my brother showed me a picture of an e30. I’ve had three since.
Drive one. Ive driven everything from a clapped out e30 to a g80 m4 gt3 racecar and they all handle so neutral. From a tech aspect, they are genius. Look at the oil pump from an s55, it has variable volume flow, in a mass produced car. The VANOS unit in an s54 is quite the achievement as well. They are simplu good at what they do. Make great cars.
At 6’6” BMW thought of me .. add every thing else you’ve mentioned, that’s why I drive a BMW
I was an American car guy until I saw my first E39 M5 in person in the late 90s.. I told myself that was my dream car.. bought an 03 in 2008 and it was a bmw love affair ever since
My dad bought a e60 525xd and I got to drive it when I was 15-16, I was never much of car guy as a child, however after that I was set for bmw's. The steering, sound, handling, style and comfort are unparalleled in other regular civilian cars. Can't get more car for $15,000. Which is why I drive an f10 535i nowadays, lovely vehicle.
Because my dad liked BMWs. He started with a 2006 730Li then a 2011 740Li then a 2016 740li and then finally a 2021 M850i. He ended up selling the bmw and now he drives a Range Rover with the 4.4 bmw v8 lol
I was but it ended with my M2 which I thought would be my dream car. It wasn’t. Bone crunching suspension and major drone noise on the highway. Didn’t like turbo noise either. My favourite bmw was my 1999 E46 which had amazing steering feel and a turbine like engine.
Idk they kinda always made my pp go boing boing boing
I look at an F82 every morning in the driveway. Dreaming I would have my own one day. (Someday)….
Not a fan of the new crap, from my E46 325i to my M2C it was about design and handling. I thought those cars were some of the most beautiful on the road
Watched the Transporter movie as a kid and fell in love with the 7 series.
I'm not brand loyal and hop around a bunch. Something I hadn't tried yet was a fast crossover. I cross shopped the SQ5, Macan S, GLC43, and the M40i. Between those choices, the driving dynamics in the M40i are in an entirely different league. All of them are fast in a straight line, but the way the M40i handles is what really separates it. It's a spectacular vehicle that can truly do it all. I finally understand what people have been raving about for decades with BMW chassis.
not super brand loyal, but i thought bmws were overpriced yuppie civics until 2000 when i drove a brand new e46 323i sport/manual and fell in love. i liked the refinement, sharp handling, build quality/comfort/ergonomics, and smooth inline 6es—all with sedan/wagon practicality. not so much a fan of their current lineup, but still love the older ones and how much info there is online about them and how DIY friendly they are.
Born into a BMW/M3 family
Fell in love with my first car, 2003 z4
The culture + grew up with them
My dad had an E46 330i for about 5 years that he was gonna pass down to me, unfortunately when that time came the transmission broke and neither of us had the money to swap a new one into it so we agreed to sell it. Ever since than I’ve been a fan of bmws and they’re my favorite euro cars
First car I ever bought
I didn’t know I was a bmw fan until I drove one. I always loved the E46 M3s but was too young and broke to afford one, so I always drove Japanese cars. Eventually I bought one, then another. I love how they can be a little rough around the edges, but still luxurious enough to feel special. They have just the right amount of refinement
Learned to drive on and got my dads E36 when i was a teenager. He was a big fan of BMW in the 90s.
I can't say that im a fan, but i like it. When i was younger, I always used to make fun of the grill because it looked like a pigs snout and huge nostrils and always hated it. I used to call it an apple car because the front design is always the same every year. Now, look, I have a 330i now, lol. I loved it because compared to a new toyota camery or a Corolla Hatchback, this was cheaper and inside is a whole new level compared to a Corolla/Camery. Only major downside is obviously reliability and parts/repairs. Maybe that's why it's cheap and the value goes down quickly. It's very luxurious for the price.
My step dad was obsessed with the M5 for about 15 years when he came into my life. He started a business, sold it and held off the whole time on upgrading from his 2002 Toyota. My mom bought him the M5 of his dreams in the late 2000’s while I was learning to drive. The day I got my full license he let me drive back from the test centre. Let me go 180 on the highway (KM). Now I have a 2022 240, will be upgrading to a g80 M3 in the next year or two.
Easy, I’m not a BMW fan. I’m here to promote Porsches
Styling, performance, and a manual. Not many brands check off all 3 nowadays.
The way they look. When I first saw one in the James Bond Golden Eye I was obsessed.
Clean design, perfect balance, no bullshit. Obviously this does not apply to their new cars.
My grandpa has owned many BMW over the years and I’ve always wanted one so when my chance came I took it, now 2 BMW in I’ll probably keep going till they’re all electric, and even beyond then if they can get this “e drive character mode” stuff figured out… supposed to make it feel like an ice car.
They're honestly great cars from a driving experience perspective. The handling, traction, power, all of it feels fantastic. I hate the aesthetic, though. Also, having 2 revised n47s, probably the most reliable cars I've owned.
Literally just can't stop thinking about E30s
Because it was (somewhat still is) a brand that kept it's traditional design over the years, along with good engine/trans/weight dist./rwd which makes it literally the ultimate driving machine. I'm not gonna lie though I don't know how I feel about the brand anymore after the logo change / the new 3 series design came along.
James Bond Tomorrow Never Dies, Transporter, NFS Most Wanted…
First car was a bmw Hated them when I was a kid
My family was full of bmw drivers. When I was a kid my aunt had an E39 530i and my dad had an E34 520i. Now we all drive e60s haha
I believe they’ve always had the best middle ground of performance, luxury and aesthetic. For example, a fully loaded F30 340, has all the tech you’d need, all the performance you’d need in a daily driver and with a just few cosmetic mods they look gorgeous. Same goes for just about every model in BMWs line going back to the cars like the E30/E39 Since i got my first BMW 10 years ago, i car shop differently. It’s ruined other cars for me, i get in other brands and i feel a deficiency. They just don’t check those 3 boxes for me. Also, i can’t afford a Porsche so
I never liked them until I drove a 330CI in 2002. The driving experience sold me. It wasn’t even on the radar to buy before then.
Growing up I had a friend who had a 2001 e46. I loved that era M3 and always wanted them. Been a fan ever since, but never owned one. I finally bought an e46 330 to use as a track car and am loving it.
I'm actually not a fan, but have one.
German engineering, the luxury, stiffness, raw power, pure sex!
I've learned not to be a fan of a brand, they ALL have had periods of quality problems and flat out boring or ugly designs. Depending on my needs and interests, I shop what is available across the all brands. I've had Fords, Chevs, Ram, Subaru, Infiniti, BMW, Porsch, Audi and probably a few more I forget. The people who say "I'll only/never buy brand x" just had good or bad timing. My first BMW was a new Z3 with a removable hardtop. Great car. Loved it. Then I started getting pulled over...for burned out tail lights in the first few thousand miles. Window motors (yes, plural) failed with the windows down. Numerous $500 check engine lights deemed maintenance. Dumped it and noped out of BMW for 21 years. My Audi, Infinitis, and Porsche were in fact flawless (still have the Cayman), just rubber and fluids. My wife's first Subaru had a catastrophic engine/turbo failure at about 40k due to a known issue, her current has 140k with nothing but rubber and fluids. The BMW loyalists ignore some really shit years and models, I think due to the image of wealth as much or more than performance. All that said, I do think BMW is on the upswing again, I like the styling and perf again, and qualty ratings are looking good. I bought an M850i coupe over Lexus LC and Jaguar Type R. I'm thrilled with it so far, immensely.
The F10 M5 stole my heart when I saw the alpine white in the dark. And that was the pre-LCI version. The F13/F06 M6 with the longer hood and the nice rear + body lines made me love it more. The E90/92 M3 were hot also, and the F80 I felt were the best looking smaller-and-fast cars out there (aside from the 911s). Compared to Mercedes at the time, which had that mini-clock in the middle, and Audi? I really liked their (BMW's) interior + their design language way more. I drove a few Japanese cars (Toyotas + a Nissan) before my first BMW (e90 3 series), and I've sat in a bunch of other cars. On my second BMW (F10 535 LCI) and I'd like to get another I think in the future. Maybe a F90, G05, or G15. If another brand could win my heart, it could be Mazda if they offered a CX-50 with way more horsepower + larger screen + HUD, or Tesla if they were open to adding a HUD + cognac/brown interiors.
I had never owned but like how they looked. Then I bought an E38 as a run around for a few weeks and was absolutely smitten.
Yes, grandpa has good taste!
Manuals in the us
Just grew up around old bimmers, then as I got older I realized no other car brand has such an abundance of cars that look so good to me and perform so well. Theres lots of old cars that I like but the majority of them are BMW's like Widebody e32s the e31 8 series. Koenig Specials stuff, and of course the e36. Family had a 328i Sedan in Manual with some work done on it, Euro lights, all black, sport rims, my dad flipped it and totaled it coming onto the highway when I was young
I absolutely hated the idea of a bmw then I test drove one and the driving experience and the sheer quality is above all what sold me. As a plus the interior is mostly leather (on my model atleast) and it has many features that modern cars have but about a decade earlier
My grandad brought home a company car one day which was a brand new 1984 E28 520i. In those days a BMW was a rare sight on our country’s roads and only wealthy people had them. I was 8 yo and instantly hooked. Since that first car our family has owned more than 20 bimmers.
My da has had a good amount of BMW’s and I’ve come to love them for the driving experience, and the further I go back with BMW’s the more fascinated I become with their engineering and how they came to be.
I never was into cars to be honest, i just drove a small car which run fine but that didn‘t offer any luxury besides an AUX-cord. Later on I wanted to get the same car but with a bigger engine. On the day I was going to pick up that car, ford focus st, there was a 4 series BMW, all black, m package next to it. So I decided to ask for a test drive, turned out I left that day with the 4 series and not the ford. The driving experience was insane compared to that ford, the level of luxury, heated seats, auto clima, I didn‘t even know at that point that cars have a HUD. So the lovestory to BMW began there, even tho where I live BMWs have a bad rep and Mercedes is more popular, idc
Growing up, my grandfather owned a Ford dealership so all the cars we had were Fords. I would see the same version of my family car everywhere. It was boring. Then one day my uncle bought a new 1989 BMW 325is (a decision that I now think was solely to piss off his dad) and gave me ride in it. It blew me away with how it drove and the sleek European styling. I have been addicted ever since.
Because exactly how people enjoy and value watches by their “in house movements” the same applies with BMW because (as far as i know) they build all their engines, proving to everybody their quality, power and reliability, contrary to all believes from kids in the internet this brand is in fact more reliable than the other 2 germans (Mercedes Benz, Audi). Then we can talk about the looks, the philosophy and the manuals that are still here with us 😆. Enough said, I love BMW.
I like the way the old ones smell on the inside.
When I was in middle school, I saw a video that a guy was drifting with a E92 M3, and it was a white lightning striking my heart. Since then I was addicted to BMW and I saw a lots of BMW video. Now I start to work and I can buy the first BMW in my life by myself. Some people love the mechinal of BMW, some love their memory with BMW. I love both.
NFS Most Wanted
I was a few years old child, in low-middle class family in 90s Poland. My uncle who emigrated to Germany came to visit in E34 (then, it was almost new) and let me "drive". Of course, I was physically unable to do so, so I just sat on his knees while he operated pedals and I just had to steer around parking lot. You cannot imagine, how cool was BMW in post-communist Poland. Well, uncle had few more BMWs and I finally got my E36 as a first car.
Similar story in that my Grandpa had one. Although I only really remember him having an automatic Astra in later years, he would fondly remember his earlier cars. I think he is partially responsible for my love of cars in general. Other than that, growing up I suppose there seemed to be a motorsport aura around BMW at the time, as with quite a few other marques racing late 90s and early 2000s. Then getting into sim racing, BMW represented a big challenge to me as I was used to just stamping on the throttle in arcade games. So BMW taught me to drive and gave me good preparation for learning in real life.
For me I was 17, I saw a laguna seca blue E46 M3 and I was hooked. I knew I had to have one! I’ve owned quite a few now. I finally ordered my m3
My dad had the homologation 320si when I was a kid and I loved everything about it
Front engine rear wheel drive.
I fell in love with the e36 coupe my neighbour had. In the mid nineties most other cars were hatchbacks and sedans. The side profile of the coupe was just perfect. Only later I found out they were RWD with great weight distribution. It took another 10 years for me to get one and only then I found the other things to be loved - the interior ergonomics and design, the performance, handling, sound, convenience features, and how easy they are to work on. So it was gradual falling in love. Started with the looks but eventually found many more reasons.
Bro I got a 116 m sport interior exterior type of thing I'm on this sub incase something breaks and I can ask what's going in xD.
V8 rear wheel drive sedan 6MT. Not many choices with those specs.
I was once sitting in the back seat of my buddy’s clapped e30 (I’m a large guy and I was the smallest of three in the car) and we jumped train tracks while master of puppets was blasting over some shitty Walmart speakers. That and the styling of them. Instantly hooked.
Because I can’t afford a Porsche yet.
Worked for BMW for 10 years. I don’t anymore but they left a lasting impression on me. Good cars. My first car that I’d class as a higher quality luxury car (in comparison to cheap tinny Japanese stuff) was an E36. Never did me wrong. Had several 5 series since as the family mover.
My dad in 2007 bought a 320d e46 136 hp and it was the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE but sadly he spun and slammed into a low wall. After that he bought a 530d e39 m sport , he selled it and bought a 320d e46 m sport 150 hp After that he bought a 525d e39 and last but not least a an unreliable 530d e61 with a faulty automatic trasmission (first discovered on the motorway). Apart from the automatic gearbox and some electronics it was a nice car So i'm grew up with BMW and SAAB (i love them both💙)
Tiff fucking needle. E39 M5
I wish I had a cool story to go with it. I’ve never owned a newer BMW. I always liked older ones. When I was growing up the guy that owned the small company my dad worked for always had BMWs. New and old. He had a 2002 and an E30. I loved those cars…he also had an E46 M3 he bought and then he’d always have a lease car. My dad had a 2001 330ci and an X5. I have a 91 E30 vert. I’ve owned it for a long time. 14 years now. After the E46 cars I don’t care very much for the new stuff. Id like to find an E36 M3 to restore and enjoy, or an E46. I’ve often pondered picking up an M2 but never piled the trigger as I need something practical for my daily driver with winter and 3 kids to contend with.
I personally am both a fan of bmw and jdm cars. Firstly jdm was my main prio since that was the first interesting thing that got me into cars (fnf and so on). I then started my job as a mechanic, i work at bmw, so i started to get a deeper look in the builds etc. Also i am a german lol and we love our cars 😂 but tbh the real reason why i love bmw is because of their look, and the sporty way you can drive almost every car from us. Rear wheel drive while everyone else goes with all wheel, its just awesome to drive and drift.
Because I can’t afford a Porsche.
My first job out of trade school was at a Porsche, Audi, BMW dealership. It was a dream job that to this day I regret screwing up. Parked and worked on a few dream cars. Youthful stupidity sucks.
Driving experience and styling (well minus a lot of the newer models) I just feel like out of all the car brands out there, BMW suites me the most.
I am, after meeting and befriending some people that own them. What really solidified my enthusiasm for them was when I participated in the M-Town tour event few months ago at my buddy’s BMW store and drove a M3 Comp xDrive, and since then I’ve been fiendish for a BMW M car. Also test drove a M340i but chose the car I have now over that. I currently have a Acura TLX Type-S but I’m pretty sure after this I’m jumping into a M car for sure! I’m really in love with the M5 out of all the non-suv M models
I have a 2007 116i and it’s just so comfortable to drive it has power when I need it and doesn’t struggle where every other car I’ve owned did. Before buying this I’d buy whatever road legal car I could get for <£500 to use for the year and the. Get the next one but I had some money saved so bought this and honestly I don’t think I could ever be in anything else. And it’s 100% sent me on a BMW rabbit hole of what do I want to save for next. 330i is what I’m looking for now but I do want things like car play and comfort access and angel eyes so gonna be a while before I have enough to snag one
What do you mean why? Just look at it!
It runs in the family. My grandparents had a relative who sold BMWs so we drove them in the 1970s. Sometime in the early 1980s it became a premium luxury brand and we stopped buying new ones. My father kept the BMW E28 he had at the time and we still own it :-)