In what ways are BMWs of old better than today

[hownnq]

In a recent conversation with a friend, we started discussing how, despite the notable technological improvements, BMW may have lost some of its ethos of being the ultimate driving machine in the past decade or so. My friend took the position that the E30 and E34 era cars had a lot more soul to them. They were better engineered, sturdier and more driver-oriented vehicles than what is produced today.

I countered with the point that BMW cannot be faulted for equipping its cars with technology and relying upon the latest cutting edge design techniques to build its vehicles. Yes, they may be more complicated but the technology adds real benefits to the driving experience.

I'm just curious to hear where other BMW owners fall on the continuum of past vs. present cars. If they think one era was better than today or vice-versa.

[witeshark]

Personally. I think it's more relative; older Bimmers were so much better than nearly all other cars of the same time. Now the whole field is so much more similar...

[Jack Dabsy]

IMHO, I think the older BMW's are much better CARS as they don't have to rely on technology which makes them a better driving experience...
Men like "Gadgets" but in the car, we like to feel !!

[drz]

I agree with witeshark. As the entire field has been playing catch-up, BMWs don't stand out as much as they used to. People also have this idea that sturdier means better. Many of the material choices made nowadays are based on low weight and safety.

Lastly, I think that BMW keeps improving their cars. The thing is, most of their sales are for the general public that perhaps doesn't appreciate the sportier ride. I think if you take the sport package version of each generation, you can easily see the improvements through the years.

[///M Power]

They're not better. They're simpler and more mechanical in the past, which makes them easier to understand for enthusiasts.

[drz]

Originally Posted by ///m power

they're not better. They're simpler and more mechanical in the past, which makes them easier to understand for enthusiasts.

+1

[Steam]

As every one know that old is gold that is the best way to express old BMW's as compare to new one.
Old BMW's are have their great features with nice quality.

[Turbohugh]

Define better? .

[rajendersingh90]

mileage
stereos
tubeless tyres
modern foglights

[rclark]

Hard to say. As others have mentioned, the older models are easier to repair and reassemble on your own because they lacked the multitude of high-tech gadgets inside that we see today. Conversely, today's models are often safer (from a collision point-of-view) and boast a lot of technological features that simply weren't possible 10, 20 years ago. It's a trade-off that every car company has made.

[benjamindean]

BMW is an excellent driving machine, as it’s based on a classic rear-wheel drive platform with accent on handling and performance. If you are familiar with BMW products from the past, you can attest that today’s BMW’s haven’t changed much in terms of basic design and style compared to the Bimmers from 80′s and 90′s and why should they? Even then it was a great car to drive. BMW didn’t have to invent the wheel, but rather build on what was working before adding new models and features, which is a clear formula for success.

[mikemellowz]

It's hard to decide between the two. But I think Today's BMW's are much better in terms of suspensions and engines compared with those of 10 years ago. It is true that they are easier to repair but today these cars are coming with new technologies and gadgets and those are really very awesome.