BMW depreciation

I was thinking E21, maaybe early E30. BMW as luxury vehicle is newthink that gave rise to things like the horrible steering in the E46-up vehicles (the "Ultimate Parking Machine" - BMW made the steering lighter/more numb because of people who wanted a roundeled Mercedes instead of a BMW)

Not that the steering in the earlier cars was much better, BMW has a kind of corporate fetish for extremely slow and light steering. And when BMW fans complain that a car's steering is too light and numb, you KNOW it's gotta be bad.

In reply to The Hoff:

Good to know they abandoned that ridiculous idea in the N62.

Hmmmm... I've never felt light steering in a BMW. Slow, yes, but never light. In fact, the newer 3-series have this sort of fake heavy feeling steering. It's awful. Or maybe I'm just losing my muscles! :)

Either way, BMW changed its direction years ago, and aside from a few models (1 M Coupe, M2, and that's just guessing since I haven't driven them), seems disinterested in being the Ultimate Driving Machine. They've moved on, and so have I. And this is coming from a former BMW fanatic (subscribed to Bimmer, Roundel, wrenched on my E36, drank the kool aid, etc.) Now? Just not interested.

In reply to The Hoff:

Thanks for making me happy that I have hung on to the GS430.

Timely.

Few marques command as much respect from people who crave performance as BMW, and the M line of cars in particular are some of the most desirable and most powerful vehicles around. However, there’s a closely guarded secret that no respected publication would ever broach, and it’s that all BMW engines are monumental piles of unreliable garbage.

It is difficult/impossible to get a used car loan for something over 7 years old, older than that and you generally get a personal loan or pay cash.

In the last year i've taken out a used car loan for a 6 y/o vehicle with 118k and.. a 17 y/o vehicle with 113k. Both are actual 'car loans' and not unsecured/signature loans etc.

Tom_Spangler wrote: Timely.

Few marques command as much respect from people who crave performance as BMW, and the M line of cars in particular are some of the most desirable and most powerful vehicles around. However, there’s a closely guarded secret that no respected publication would ever broach, and it’s that all BMW engines are monumental piles of unreliable garbage.

I was about to post the same link.

Robbie wrote: If I was looking for a lot of BMW for the money I would probably look for one of the rarer e38 740i sport packages. There is one on this board and it is beautiful.

Thank you. Daily driver and about the newest BMW I would own out of warranty.

I think it has been well stated that the cost to drive new and the cost to drive a cheaply bought Euro Luxury car are really the same. Yeah, you might save some cash-flow by doing your own work, but really, your time is NOT free.

What is missing from the old car is the value proposition of driving a current model prestige car with the peace of mind that comes with a warranty; even though your out of pocket is the same.

Edit:

By the way, reading a lot of these post, I did not realize that BMW had abandoned the "Drivers Car" branding. I guess that seeing the dinosaurs who drive them around here I should have realized that they had morphed into a German Camry or Buick.

Robbie wrote: If I was looking for a lot of BMW for the money I would probably look for one of the rarer e38 740i sport packages. There is one on this board and it is beautiful.

Awesome car, not really relevant to most of our race-oriented interests though.

Chris_V wrote:

Robbie wrote: If I was looking for a lot of BMW for the money I would probably look for one of the rarer e38 740i sport packages. There is one on this board and it is beautiful.

Thank you. Daily driver and about the newest BMW I would own out of warranty.

They should call those MMMMM Parallels. That's a beautiful color too!

Also, what speed would your say you get your highest fuel efficiency? My 540iT was (indicating) 40+ mpg at 90 MPH last weekend

Knurled wrote: Not that the steering in the earlier cars was much better, BMW has a kind of corporate fetish for extremely slow and light steering. And when BMW fans complain that a car's steering is too light and numb, you KNOW it's gotta be bad.

With the older cars I couldn't disagree more. My E36 M3 has wonderfully communicative steering---it's one of the car's best traits. I'd agree that the newer BMW's don't have the same feel--- once they went with the electric steering, it killed the direct communication between steering wheel and road. While our M235i was faster, more comfortable and better by every measurable way than my 97 M3, my car is more FUN and satisfying to drive. This was mainly due to the steering, and the way the old BMW six revs enthusiastically towards the redline. The new cars produce lots of thrust, but they don't seem to enjoy reaching for the higher revs....the new cars are less like partners in crime, they are more like servants.

sobe_death wrote: They should call those MMMMM Parallels. That's a beautiful color too! Also, what speed would your say you get your highest fuel efficiency? My 540iT was (indicating) 40+ mpg at 90 MPH last weekend

I would say about 75, where it gets about 27mpg. My old 740iL with it's taller rear end gearing would get 30+ at that speed, but it does drop off after that.

I'm glad I have a dd so I don't have to keep on fixing my E36 autocross car.

That Jalopnik article paints a pretty grim picture. I think it's a little hyperbolic.

I think of BMWs as "relationship cars." If you have one, you're in a relationship with it. That's fine if you're young and single, or retired, and thus have time for a relationship with your car, but if that's not what you want, then it's a lot to handle.

In reply to CyberEric:

I am in that "it's a lot to handle." with my Z3 coupe right now. Health issues for my wife and me (both doing good now) have taken the joy out of maintenance and the work has fallen way behind. It might be time to breakup with it.

Mister Fister wrote:

Robbie wrote: If I was looking for a lot of BMW for the money I would probably look for one of the rarer e38 740i sport packages. There is one on this board and it is beautiful.

Awesome car, not really relevant to most of our race-oriented interests though.

I beg to differ. My e32 750il posted the fastest autox times (and I don't think it was beat in the drag either) of all the bmws at the challenge last year. An e46, an e36 m3, and a supercharged e30 were all in attendance.

BMW put their best engineers on the flagship sevens. Suspension included.