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Journal: What Is Your Favorite BMW?

What Is Your Favorite BMW?

By Josh Clason
May 14, 2013
59 comments

Some people dream big, others even bigger, but ultimately I am what you would call a realist. For myself, my dream cars are always ones that I feel that I could realistically own at some point in my life. Is that to say that I don’t dream or fantasize about owning a warehouse full of cars? No, but unless I win the lotto or come up with the next big internet thing my mind always reverts back to the cars I could fit into a standard two-car garage and can be attained within my own personal budget.

What does this have to do with my favorite BMW? Well as much as I would love to say my favorite BMW is the M1 with the 10,000 angels that emanate from the exhaust as it tears through winding roads, I cannot. My favorite BMW is the E30 M3.  With its boxy flares, incredible intake noise, and the grip of dreams, the E30 M3 is the ultimate realistic driving machine. While prices have shot up in the past two years it is still obtainable and one that I hope to find parked in my garage one day.

What is your favorite BMW?

Photo Sources: dtmpower.net, germancarsforsaleblog.com

Tags BMW/ Favorite/ Question
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Klais
Klais
2 years ago

I had to explain it. This is why ordering such support to write this homework is better than sitting down and trying to create a project from nothing. I don’t think those works require homework https://homework-writer.com/ in general. Although professionals can, of course, draw from every even pathetic poem, some projects that examine the behavior of characters and other moral values, it is safer to rely on them at once.

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AutoDataNet
AutoDataNet
5 years ago

I will never forget my 5er E12 – loved everything about her.

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Marshall Hilfman
Marshall Hilfman
6 years ago

My favorite Bimmer would have to be the E63-E64 BMW M6 (’05-’10). The screaming V10 and the advanced technology, at least in those years, are my deciding factors. One of the authentic BMWs of all time in my opinion.

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Wayne Marlow
Wayne Marlow
10 years ago

One of the cars I own is a 1998 BMW E36 318i Auto Saloon, and I have to say its one of my favourite cars, let alone BMW’s, is this car! Sure its not a performance car, but what is its is a beautifully made, elegant, super reliable and economical vehicle I’ve experienced! For me the E36 range is generally undervalued in comparison to cars like the earlier E30, or a Mercedes-Benz 190E, however, I think that will change.

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Lamond Jack
Lamond Jack
10 years ago

Well I would have to say the 850 CSI touring coupe is my favorite BMW.

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Marios Pappas
Marios Pappas
10 years ago

Well, I would say that BMW M3 E30 is the ideal car for me. Classic, an original racing car which, in my opinion, is still superior to it’s newer versions.

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marktrank
marktrank
10 years ago

E46 M3

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Derek Jarman
Derek Jarman
10 years ago

I love my E46 Touring but my dream BMW would be an e28 M5 or an e30 M3. In reality my next one will be a 2002ti.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Derek Jarman

We have very similar tastes. I am currently looking for an e46 Touring for my wife and I have a 2002 in the garage. I would love the e28 M5 or e30 M3 to be my next car.

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favio
favio
10 years ago

PHOTO

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favio
favio
10 years ago

MY FAVOR BMW, IT IS BMW Z8 ALPINA, I OWN ONE, FOR MANY YEARS AND I KEEP IN MY STUDIO IN MIAMI, I LOVE THE LINES OF THIS CAR, IS REALLY A PIECE OF ART FOR ME, I LOVE TO LOOK AT IT EVERY DAY WHEN IAM WORKING, IT IS REALLY AMAZING DESIGN

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AJ429
AJ429
10 years ago

I feel like I should give a shout out to the Z1 🙂 . I think it is a good looking roadster and was built at an interesting time in BMW’s history when innovation and design were more experimental.

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Leucea Alexandru
Leucea Alexandru
10 years ago

Perhaps one of the most commented articles on this website. The E36 M3 Coupe is my favorite Bmw of all time, because of its simplicity, design and handling. The 3.2l engine, combined with the Getrag 6 speed transmission are the perfect driver’s package.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Leucea Alexandru

Dakar Yellow is my favorite in the E36. I hope to own one some day.

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Brennan Kuhn
Brennan Kuhn
10 years ago

The E9- 3.0’s and 2800’s.

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japanophile25
japanophile25
10 years ago

The M1, one of my favorite cars ever, not just my favorite BMW

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stevethecurse
stevethecurse
10 years ago

E36 M3 Sedan…because it’s mine, and because even in my very short commute to work, it is always a blast to drive.

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Thomas Hamilton
Thomas Hamilton
10 years ago

“Its alot like nothing else”

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Redman853
Redman853
10 years ago

e46 M3 CSL (ideally the manual one you guys got in the States).

One of the most capable and beautiful cars in history.

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jinglebuddy
jinglebuddy
10 years ago

Do you remember that 2-seater M-bread van? What was it called, M-coupe, or something? That’s may all time favorite BMW. That thing was nutty.

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pldas
pldas
10 years ago

My E86 Z4 coupe! Definitely a future classic…

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Shane Elliott
Shane Elliott
10 years ago

Since we all love the classics, I’ll pick something a bit more modern. The E31 is my favourite BMW. Here it is in possibly its ultimate production form, the Alpina B12 5.7 coupe.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Shane Elliott

I would love to get my hands on one to drive….or film…or both.

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Shane Elliott
Shane Elliott
10 years ago
Reply to  Josh Clason

If you ever find yourself in Germany, look up Wolf Ganssauge! I’ve attached a photo of his 850i. http://www.wokke.de/

Or make a post on the E31 section on Bimmerforums. They’re a great community and I’m sure you’ll have more than a few offers willing to oblige you.

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Andreas Lavesson
Andreas Lavesson
10 years ago

There are so very many.. M1, 507, M3 CSL, 3.0 CSL etc. etc. but at this point in life, I’m afraid I find those completely unavailable. I’d like to think that a BMW M3 E30 would be an option, but you’ll have to shell out 40 grand for one of those in good nick over here and by the time I’ve accumulated that kind of money for a “toy”, they’ll be even more out of reach. I guess that a more realistic dream would be E36 M3, E34 M5 or E9 3.0 CS(i). At this particular time, I’d say out of the three I’m leaning more toward the M3, but I’m changing my mind on a regular basis.

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Anthony Gerbeck
Anthony Gerbeck
10 years ago

e28 535is. Its M30 Big Six engine has to be one of the best power plants of all time, and the styling keeps getting better with age. With that enormous air dam countered by the subtle trunk mounted spoiler, one has the impression that this flavor is the one the designers had in mind from the beginning. Much more purposeful appearance and presence than the e30. Because of its relative commonality at time of sale and now comparatively scarce numbers, one even has the basis of an argument as to its greater exclusivity than an M5.

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Randy Hartmann
Randy Hartmann
10 years ago

Had my sister not accidentally rolled my E30 M3 and totaled it, I would say that was my favorite BMW. My dream will always be a red M1 but alas, I have been happily living my E28 M5 for 24 years. Looking forward to another 24!

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David Dang
David Dang
10 years ago

My wife thinks I’m nuts but I’ve got 6 cars, 3 of which are BMW’s and hopefully more. My daily is a 2003 E39 540i touring and I never thought I would say this but I’ve come to love these wagons. My previous E39 was a ’00 M5 but for some strange reason my 540it feels faster and stronger. My dream family mover would be a E61 M5 wagon! While I’m still dreaming I’ll take a M1 or 507 as well!

As for my other BMWs, I still have my first BMW that my dad handed down to me during high school, a 1981 320i. It may not be the prettiest or fastest but it’s been in my family since new. It has a special place in my heart and I have a hard time parting ways with it.

Lastly, my pride and joy is my 1971 E9 2800csa. I was very fortunate to find this beauty from a friend of mine who grew tired of it. I don’t know how anyone can grow tired of the beautiful lines of an E9. It’s heart has been transplanted with a Euro 3.0csi with a 4-speed manual but everything else is still original except for the paint. Every time I turn the ignition, it puts a nice big smile on my face. As you can see, it’s kinda hard to just pick one.

Here’s my baby.

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Sid Widmer
Sid Widmer
10 years ago

My old ’95 E36 M3. I bought it for a dedicated autocross car and successfully ran it in street prepared for 3 seasons. It is still the benchmark for what I feel is the perfect handling vehicle. I felt like I was one with that car and have never driven or owned anything since that made me feel as connected with a car as it did.

[url=”http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp32/Sid-X/DSC00736.jpg”]Your text to link…[/url]

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Shankster
Shankster
10 years ago

My favorite is the E28. I absolutely adore them. So last week I spent all my seventeen year-old earnings on this gorgeous ’88 535is. Was it a smart investment? No. Is it a headturner? Not quite yet. Is it “bitchin”? Most definitely

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Shankster
Shankster
10 years ago
Reply to  Shankster

Woops. Forgot to attach the pic

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Vincent P
Vincent P
10 years ago

My 2000 E39 Touring 5speed. 🙂

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mattdogg02
mattdogg02
10 years ago
Reply to  Vincent P

How about an e39 M5 Touring!?

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Kevin Fitzpatrick
Kevin Fitzpatrick
10 years ago

E28 M5. Hand-built, subtle yet aggressive design, and a beautiful sounding straight-6 all come together in a 4-door sedan with supercar-level performance for the era. The rarity factor is a kind of cool too, with only about 1200 brought to the US. I don’t see many come for sale, but when they do they aren’t nearly as expensive as a similar condition E30 M3.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Kevin Fitzpatrick

Stay tuned for our E28 M5 video coming in June.

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Matthew Lange
Matthew Lange
10 years ago

I have a soft spot for the E36. I owned two back when they were new and they are great cars if not as cool as the E36. more recently a mate had an E36 328i Touring, lowered slightly and on Alpina alloys. It was still as tight as a drum despite having 250,000 miles on it.
Of the M cars I would love an E28 M5.

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Nicholas LaGreca
Nicholas LaGreca
10 years ago

I started collecting BMW’s just last year, and let’s just say “self-control” has been locked in a cage and tossed to the bottom of the lake. Hands down, if I had the means, I’d trade my girlfriend for an E9, but since we aren’t day dreaming, my E34 M5 has a living soul. Next to it, the e36/7 M Roadster sounds like a sissy little girl.

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Nicholas LaGreca
Nicholas LaGreca
10 years ago
Reply to  Nicholas LaGreca

I meant to attach these…

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Niklaus Gingro
Niklaus Gingro
10 years ago
Reply to  Nicholas LaGreca

Totally agree on the E34 M5. Although my favorite is the touring model which we sadly never officially got in the US.

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mattdogg02
mattdogg02
10 years ago
Reply to  Niklaus Gingro

There have been a handful imported over though. I own an e34 Touring, and can’t imagine it being the M5. Attaching one of the few pics I’ve got on this computer.

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Nicholas LaGreca
Nicholas LaGreca
10 years ago
Reply to  mattdogg02

I must show my wagon love. It’s hard to find them with manuals, but it is worth it every time you find one. (e34 530it, e46 325xit)

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Edwin Verhaagen
Edwin Verhaagen
10 years ago

I now have a ’85 E30 325e as a daily driver and I love it. Although I haven’t driven one, a ’72 BMW 3.0 CSI in Ceylon Gold is my favorite!

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Jeff Knoespel
Jeff Knoespel
10 years ago

Ohh this is tough. I’m split. I guess I’d have to say the E9, 2002, or E30 M3? I don’t know. They’re all great. Yeah. I think I’ll go with the 2002.

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john tolle
john tolle
10 years ago

This is a trick question, right:;) You didn’t expect me to say anything except an E9 CSS coupe did you?

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Terrence Dorsey
Terrence Dorsey
10 years ago

The e30 chassis in all its various forms is a future classic in the same vein as the Alfa 105/155 coupe or Datsun 510 (less the rust). I could see owning several: a convertible for that pseudo-Pagoda experience, a hot-rod coupe for track days, and an Alpina with a big 6 for exclusivity and go go go.

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Terrence Dorsey
Terrence Dorsey
10 years ago
Reply to  Terrence Dorsey

Typo: make that Alfa 105/115.

Addendum: I think it would be hard to go wrong with any BMW sporting an S38 engine.

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Harps Sahota
Harps Sahota
10 years ago

Although I’m a huge fan of the E30s and the M-coupe, I gotta go with the E39 M5. I was in university when this car came out, and I remember thinking “WOW 400 hp!!!!” And the thing handles. The M5s keep getting more and more powerful and advanced, but for me it’ll always be the E39.

Beautifully designed, and with THAT motor. The car already looks classic, IMO.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Harps Sahota

Lately I keep wondering if the E39 M5 would make for a good all around car. I am not sure my wife could handle the 400hp of it though.

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Terrence Dorsey
Terrence Dorsey
10 years ago
Reply to  Josh Clason

We own an e39 540 wagon, and I’ve heard from others that the V8 cars are most of the performance you’d get from an M5 in a much cheaper package. It’s a great car. But it’s also a big, heavy car, so performance is not 2002-sharp. I would expect the M5 to be more and better, but MB AMG more and better, not Porsche GT* more an better.

Which is not to besmirch the 5er. As a daily driver, I prefer it to the 3ers we had before. Far more comfortable and accommodating, and a great highway cruiser. The extra power, while not needed for daily cruising (bad enough gas mileage already), is nice when wanted or needed. The main thrust of the 540 vs M5 debate probably comes down to low-down torque vs high-end HP. And probably far easier to find a manual transmission in an M5.

Yours truly, former 5 series hater, converted by experience.

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Horaţiu Lazăr
Horaţiu Lazăr
10 years ago

The E46 because I’ve been living with it for a while and it grew on me like no other car. I’m just saying that if i had enough money I would go for a mint 325Ci or a 328Ci to replace my 320 rather than a newer one. And at some point, I would also like to own a Z4 ( 2.5 M54 )

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das323
das323
10 years ago

I’m sure I’ll catch some flak for the relatively lowbrow choice, but my favorite is the 1991 e30 318is. Not exactly sure why, but perhaps it has something to do with the fact that it is relatively lowbrow, as well as light and nimble, with enough power (if only barely) to have fun on everyday roads. 1987 e28 535is also really appeals, pretty much for the same reasons.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  das323

No flak here. I used to own a 1991 e30 318is and to this day is the car that I miss the most. It met its tragic end in accident far too soon.

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Dan Woodward
Dan Woodward
10 years ago
Reply to  Josh Clason

My 1990 example also met an untimely end before I was ready to part with it. The only car I’d ever go back to.

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Afshin Behnia
Afshin Behnia
10 years ago
Reply to  das323

When I was in college, a friend of my uncle had a used car dealership that I visited once. He told me I could take either a recent model Corvette or an E30 318i out for a day and return it the next day. I thought for about a minute and chose the 318i.

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Josh Clason
Author
Josh Clason
10 years ago
Reply to  Afshin Behnia

Wise choice.

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Dan Woodward
Dan Woodward
10 years ago

I actually dreamt that I had a stripped-out M1 last night, so it’d have to be that.

Another day it’d be a tweaked E9. Or i’d miss the simplicity, usability and fun of my old E30 318is.

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bmeyer
bmeyer
10 years ago

I would have to say the E46 M3. For me, it was truly the pinnacle of design (both exterior and interior) for BMW. It was also the first series to house an engine which met the performance of the chassis. I know that some will argue that you always want the chassis to out-perform the engine, but for day-to-day driving, I still love being able to put my foot down to capitalize on an opening ahead.

It truly is my dream car, and I feel extremely privileged to be able to keep one in the stable.

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Afshin Behnia
Afshin Behnia
10 years ago

It’s not vintage yet, but the S54 engined M Coupe is my favorite. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a car as long as I owned this one, and I regret selling it. Yes, the looks are very divisive, and I like that. And the handling was simply superb.

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Paer Pettersson
Paer Pettersson
10 years ago

503 coupé/convertible! Design and exhaust note is all i’ve come across yet, but i do like both. Not that i have the funding, but fundings aren’t always what dreams are made of..

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