Feb 17th, 2010
With the spectacular success of the New Class and the 02 Series, BMW had come off the ropes to reach new heights of prosperity. In the early seventies, a new plant was set up in Dingolfing to help spur sales. BMW wanted to produce 1000 cars a day. In 1972, it introduced the replacement to the 1800/2000. This new offering was a traditional mid-size model designed by Marcello Gandini and reintroduced the now-familiar nomenclature. It was called the 520 (E12).
BMW chairman Eberhard von Kuenheim described the company’s product plans through the 1980s as a program of “refinement in all areas.” He had expressed his concern over not being able to economically produce cars smaller than the 1502. The 5 Series was the first step towards the intended market. It featured a refined body design and great interior comfort. Due to its extra weight over the New Class sedans, it however was not a particularly brilliant performer.
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Nov 11th, 2009
Having had a half dozen new or late model BMW products over the last 10 years plus the opportunity to test pretty much every new model released this decade, I’ve had my share of experience with modern BMW products. As much as some would argue the lack of dipsticks and the introduction of iDrive has harmed them, they are exceptional automobiles that are faster, safer and more efficient than what came before. To go further I would argue that many represent the best in their respective classes when it comes to what the enthusiast wants and needs. But that doesn’t mean they are more enjoyable than what came before them. In fact as our society has demanded bigger, safer transportation, automobile companies have had to adapt and create cars that cater the whims of customers that don’t reflect our own as enthusiasts. Granted BMW and other car companies have been doing this for decades. However with the increase in sales in the US specifically, I can’t help but feel like some of the intrinsic character in my dad’s ’74 2002 has been lost in a 2009 335i.
It’s that 2002 that has stuck in my head over the years in a way that no modern BMW has. And the ’89 535i that introduced me to German luxury or the ’86 325es that I used to drive (before handing it off to my sister). These cars had character that (for better or worse) made driving them an event.
That’s not to say I don’t love the rough idle of a cold morning with a E92 M3 or even a blast to the grocery store in my E46 ZHP. But neither give you the sense of occasion that these earlier BMWs effortlessly exude.
And that brings me to my point. I am the new owner of an old car. An Alpine White 1988 E28 535is chalk full of European OEM mods, hot cams, hotter headers, no catalytic converter and an interior finished in Pacific Blue leather. It is my new automotive love.
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Oct 27th, 2009
It’s 5 Series week on the BimmerCast. Along with the normal news of the week we spend some time walking through the range from the E12 to the upcoming F10. Does the E34 look better than the E39? Are the seat controls as ridiculous in the E28 as we remember? We cover it all in our longest show to date.
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Apr 12th, 2009
Our friends at Jalopnik are featuring the venerable M10 4 cylinder as their Engine of the Day. As you may or may not know the M10 was designed by noted engineer and race driver Baron Alex von Falkenhausen. Yes (as Jalopnik mentions) that is a helluva a name. In between designing engines you’d expect someone named Baron Alex von Falkenhausen to fly zeppelins and slay large game. What he did do was to go against BMW bosses and design a 1.5L (instead of the asked for 1.3L that was eventually expanded to 2.0L. Here’s more from Wikipedia:
As BMW M12, the engine is also one of the most successful engines in racing. Starting with the European Touring Car Championship, it was also used in Formula 2 and in the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, where it was turbocharged by Paul Rosche according to FIA Group 5 rules.
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Mar 28th, 2008
Official BMW Press Release: BMW Group Mobile Tradition stands on the threshold of an eventful year. In June the BMW Museum in Munich will reopen its doors; the legendary BMW M1 sports car celebrates its 30th anniversary this year; and BMW Group Mobile Tradition models will again be lining up at a wide range of major events. As ever, Mobile Tradition will be attending the traditional start of the classic calendar – Techno Classica, held from 26th to 30th March 2008. At this, the world’s largest classic car show, visitors to Hall 12 will once again find an array of classic models sporting the BMW and MINI badges. This year’s novelty is that practically all the cars and motorcycles displayed on the BMW stand will be the property of club members. “I am delighted that we have gone down a route with the clubs that will convey to visitors the fascination and enthusiasm generated by our products,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Mobile Tradition.
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