Is the e34 the best ever BMW?

[genphreak]

saw a brand new 530 today on the freeway, looked like a bucket of crap. My s1ut (Mil) asked what the _uck was it and I told her, she said theres no way id let you trade it for this. Female point of view and I couldnt agree more.

Yes, my gf acts the same way Jeff, she just wishes mine wasn't (so often in pieces) in her mum's driveway... from that pov, a new one would be nicer for her

The new designs have grown on my taste buds a bit. The new ones have a certain design alure which is of a boldly German nature (ie 'we don't care if its ugly, we like it like this (besides its so brilliantly functional you can get stuffed if you don't like it)'). This is refreshing from a cultural point of view as Germany so often has its tail between its legs despite leading the world in s many ways. But the new cars lost the grace in the bodyform dept, something the Italians always get right. Of course, the interiors make the car unlivable, with all that plastic gizmododry and fake chrome jewelery- its simply way OTT, I don't think I could get use to it- they are looking so plain- ie just like Mazda, GM and Ford interiors with more bells and whistles. Regardless of what it does or how well it does it (ie M5), it still looks that way and I would despise it.

I love wingman's suggestion that BMW build an enthusiast range, like most manufacturers (many of which are going back to their roots design wise in a desperate attempt to give their (otherwise) plastic monstrosities some style), which is of course a complete waste of time. That would be great! It really would be time to lease a car again if you could get an M10 powered e34 with side airbagsadn modern electronics... Nick

[Anthony (M5 in Calgary)]

E34 is nice but it's a bit too small. My fave for looks is a late E38 740i Sport with M-Parallels. Of course with slushbox only there's no chance I'd actually want to own one...

[dacoyote]

Best looking... nope....
easy to work on... kinda....
Most Modern BMW that doesn't look like a honda... YES

I love my e34.... wouldn't mind something older... wouldn't go newer on a bet....

Only think I wish it has was side curtian airbags... anyone ever retrofitted them?

[Tom Bombadil]

I have had an E34 525iT for a few weeks an love it so far.
I also have an E46 330i and a E30 325iX. Our first BMW was an E28 528e; wonderfull car that was...

The E30 is the most "fun", in visceral terms.
Th E46 is the car I want to drive the most.
The E34 is the best looking IMHO and I appreciate its quality feel the most.

[bimmerd00d]

I was anti anything newer than E34, until we got an E39. I believe the E39 is a great daily driver, i wouldn't consider it as much fun by any means. The e39 is much much more comfortable on a long trip in my opinion, and has a lot more creature comforts, as factory options at least. The E38 as well. I still have much love for the E34, and it will still be my favorite BMW to drive, and quite possibly my favorite car to drive of all-time. Even my lowly 525i 5-spd put a smile on my face no matter what i was doing in it. I still hold the opinion that the E34, in its right form, is the greatest looking BMW ever made....with the E30, E38, and E39 in close running to it.

[ryan roopnarine]

no.

this is the best bmw ever.


seen here rocketing past an e46, at between 540 and 600 MPH.

i tried hotlinking, it wouldn't let me. click on the link

damnit, i tried linking to the page, it still wouldn't let me.

click on this page, its the pic, second from the right, at the very top of the page

http://www.swisscarsightings.com/arc...bmwothers.html

its weird that somebody would get a juxtaposed action pic like that, other than at a bmw picnic or such.

[genphreak]

no. this is the best bmw ever. seen here rocketing past an e46, at between 540 and 600 MPH. http://www.swisscarsightings.com/arc...bmwothers.html

Ahhh yes the great Isetta. Such a fine automobile, nothing on 3 wheels can surpass it. We had one at a recent BMW meet in Sydney, the guy went home with 2 girls in it (from a show and shine day!!!) Nick

[rob101]

yeah, I don't know about being the best BMW ever, I hate to be diplomatic but not everyone wants a large sedan sized car these days. another thing that hasn't been mentioned is the front end suspension bushes problems that is a PITA. that said I hate e36's i think they are a poseur car for the most part (i see too many "fast" 318is's).... I might get an e39 one day not sure because alot of people on this board bagged them and also i want an M30 because i think they are one of the best engines ever made. so a manual 535i is on the cards in my future me thinks....... but not for a while
oh yeah i like my e28 better than my e34 but that is to do with other stuff (ie trip computer leather interior, not having to remove soo much plastic etc. to get to engine parts.) that said alot of people (even people who hate cars over 5 years old) have said they like the look of my e34.

[525SEI BRIT]

Yes!!! :d

[Mitch90535im]

I don't know about "best", but the E9 was the first BMW I ever drove, and I still have yet do drive anything that made that good of a first impression on me. For "best" I would probably vote for the E30, with the E28 a close 2nd and the E34 3rd:





This Cabrio looks identical to the one I had: