Thoughts on current model BMW cars?

[Reli]

The 2 series is pretty interesting

Eh....IMO it looks stubby and wimpy compared to a proper 3 series.

Looks like a teenager or 20-something nerd car

 

[NorCalAthlete]

4 series > 3 or 2 series imo. Absolutely love the 435/440/M4. For the sedans, 6-series gran coupe or M5. Not a huge fan of the 7 series.

Yeah yeah what everyone else said on maintenance.

But if you're a DIY type, and mechanically inclined, and have the space and tools to work on it...a 5 year old BMW is a labor of love. Or so I'm told. Never had one myself lol.

 

[Reli]

4 series > 3 or 2 series imo. Absolutely love the 435/440/M4.

If you want a 2-door, sure.

But the 4-series 4-door (the "gran coupe") is very ugly compared to a regular 3-series IMO

 

[ScarySpikes]

Eh....IMO it looks stubby and wimpy compared to a proper 3 series.

Looks like a teenager or 20-something nerd car

4 series > 3 or 2 series imo. Absolutely love the 435/440/M4. For the sedans, 6-series gran coupe or M5. Not a huge fan of the 7 series.

Yeah yeah what everyone else said on maintenance.

But if you're a DIY type, and mechanically inclined, and have the space and tools to work on it...a 5 year old BMW is a labor of love. Or so I'm told. Never had one myself lol.

The problem is competition. There aren't that many 3 box compact coupes and within that, the 2 is the best one available that I can think of. But, for me at least. I would take the Alfa Giulia or the C class over the 3 series, and the Audi A/S5 or C class coupe over the 4. (or if I were sensible I would take the cheaper and much more reliable Lexus/Acura/Infiniti options.) With the BMW's, except for the very lightweight 2 series, they only really seem exciting close to the top of the range, and IMO, they aren't as pretty as the competition.

 

[Johndicezx9]

An observation from the outside of 3's... the Start/Stop function really hi-lights a weird low RPM clatter (for lack of better term) from the motors. It kinda makes the gas engines sound enough like a diesel that I start looking for the D on the car.

What is that?

 

[stan23]

4 series > 3 or 2 series imo. Absolutely love the 435/440/M4. For the sedans, 6-series gran coupe or M5. Not a huge fan of the 7 series.

Yeah yeah what everyone else said on maintenance.

But if you're a DIY type, and mechanically inclined, and have the space and tools to work on it...a 5 year old BMW is a labor of love. Or so I'm told. Never had one myself lol.

Get the m4, found out the motor is pretty under rated. Stock cars are hitting 11s in the quarter mile! The motor is bulletproof too!

 

[fast4d]

all you need is octane/E85 mix and or meth spray to get 500rwhp

and a JB4

 

[TerryM]

An observation from the outside of 3's... the Start/Stop function really hi-lights a weird low RPM clatter (for lack of better term) from the motors. It kinda makes the gas engines sound enough like a diesel that I start looking for the D on the car.

What is that?

Yeah, can't imagine how they get the 4 cyls to sound like diesels. I had one on loaner and found the clatter and start/stop function irritating. Surely those starters will go out sooner.

 

[Abacinator]

Yeah, can't imagine how they get the 4 cyls to sound like diesels. I had one on loaner and found the clatter and start/stop function irritating. Surely those starters will go out sooner.

Direct injection

 

[Johndicezx9]

Yeah, can't imagine how they get the 4 cyls to sound like diesels. I had one on loaner and found the clatter and start/stop function irritating. Surely those starters will go out sooner.

Whew, it's not me just hearing things...

 

[NorCalAthlete]

[1]I would take the Alfa Giulia or the C class over the 3 series

[2]the Audi A/S5 or C class coupe over the 4.

[3]With the BMW's, except for the very lightweight 2 series, they only really seem exciting close to the top of the range

1. You're out your damn mind

2. You're out your damn mind

3. 'splain. Only exciting close to the top of the range how? Driven at the limit? More expensive options like M4 / M5 / M6 vs 435/440 and 550 / 650?
(annnnnnnd still out your damn mind )

Stan, I'd love an M4, but can't swing that anytime soon. The next big purchase I make is hopefully going to be a house, not another car. I do fucking love the M4s though. Sexy beast of a coupe.

 

[ScarySpikes]

1. You're out your damn mind

2. You're out your damn mind

3. 'splain. Only exciting close to the top of the range how? Driven at the limit? More expensive options like M4 / M5 / M6 vs 435/440 and 550 / 650?
(annnnnnnd still out your damn mind )

Stan, I'd love an M4, but can't swing that anytime soon. The next big purchase I make is hopefully going to be a house, not another car. I do fucking love the M4s though. Sexy beast of a coupe.

Ok, I think that especially the 3 and 5 series are kind of boring in terms of styling, they aren't ugly, but they definitely aren't particularly attractive. When shopping for base models, I honestly think that exterior looks and interior goodies, and reliability matter more then nominal performance differences. To me, the Alfa wins on looks, the merc wins on interior stuff, and pick whichever Japanese brand you want for the best reliability. When you get into M cars, where performance is a key feature, they are much more appealing because they are always exceptionally well reviewed.

 

[AbsolutEnduser]

Audi's have always looked better than BMWs for like 12-18 years. With the exception of some M3s, or some 335 coupes (and still an A5 or S5 might look better )

Engine or dynamics, that's a different thing.

But looks like the poster simply wants *taht* brand name (as compared to wanting for M - performance) , so... doesn't matter

 

[madsen203]

Ok, I think that especially the 3 and 5 series are kind of boring in terms of styling, they aren't ugly, but they definitely aren't particularly attractive. When shopping for base models, I honestly think that exterior looks and interior goodies, and reliability matter more then nominal performance differences. To me, the Alfa wins on looks, the merc wins on interior stuff, and pick whichever Japanese brand you want for the best reliability. When you get into M cars, where performance is a key feature, they are much more appealing because they are always exceptionally well reviewed.

You know...places like Car and Driver review the Accord well. It's because it is sportier than the Camry. I think the Camry is a better car. If you're into performance then BMW M cars are great. If you want a luxury sedan...look elsewhere.

Personally if I ever got a BMW it would be a 750. Otherwise I'd prefer a LS460L. Both are uber expensive and impracticable unless you are toting people around for a profession.

 

[Reli]

Audi's have always looked better than BMWs for like 12-18 years.

The first A4 (the B5) was a classic, but after that? Meh.....boring and uninspired IMO

Particularly the horrid "waterfall" grills on the B7 and B8

 

[asdfghwy]

Those audis are so boring. I could kinda dig the a7 but anything else, no way. I'll take the 4 series or even a 3 series over them all day

 

[NorCalAthlete]

 

[AbsolutEnduser]

I know right? Totally Alfa!!!

 

[ScarySpikes]

You know...places like Car and Driver review the Accord well. It's because it is sportier than the Camry. I think the Camry is a better car. If you're into performance then BMW M cars are great. If you want a luxury sedan...look elsewhere.

Personally if I ever got a BMW it would be a 750. Otherwise I'd prefer a LS460L. Both are uber expensive and impracticable unless you are toting people around for a profession.

It depends on priorities. Some people like to go fast, some people don't mind going slower if the car wooshes along without any notice of potholes, practically drives itself, and massages your ass for good measure.

Nice

Beige

Sweet

More Beige

Thanks for proving my point

 

[TerryM]

I know right? Totally Alfa!!!

I'm just glad they're back in the American market. Curious as to reliability and dealer support, though.