[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Had several E30's, 318is, 325i, 325is. Agree that they are the top. But now they feel antique.

I have driven all of the above with the G20 cars.

I'd substitute the 128 in the line up as a logical 3 series successor after the e46 went away. The E9* series cars left the design ethos of the 3 behind and the car lost its way . a bit. The e8* really was the logical three series extension (bar the lack of 4 doors).

That car I'd put as first on the list. Above the E30.

I've always maintained that the 128i sport/ m sport was what the E30 325is would have been if it grew up and the modern 330i. Proper Hp to weight with emphasis on handling but no compromise in terms of ride or daily function.

Where does that car fit on that list for you.

100% agree with your opinion on the 1 series. I would even add the 2 series in there as well, as I really do feel like the 1 and 2 series are the proper size of a 3er and have better road handling and agility than any modern 3er. Anytime someone asks me what is the best 3 series to buy right now, I always tell them to just look at a 2 series (if they don't need four-doors).

[Tuxedo]

Originally Posted by joshuastein55

100% agree with your opinion on the 1 series. I would even add the 2 series in there as well, as I really do feel like the 1 and 2 series are the proper size of a 3er and have better road handling and agility than any modern 3er. Anytime someone asks me what is the best 3 series to buy right now, I always tell them to just look at a 2 series (if they don't need four-doors).

I agree also and in addition to 2-series would add the M35 X2 for the 4door need. I know I know it's fwd bias not a perfect suggestion, it'll do and it's a surprise to drive. Now when the 2gc M35 arrives I'll reserve my suggestion until I've driven but imo will be heir apparent to e46-e90 size BMW. If the same surprise in drive- will be fast, modern, under warranty and lease special potential.

the size of the g20 3 is e39-e60 5 sized, the g20 is like the well educated older sister at this point and not like she used to be e46 party at night wild child, commute all day in a suit.

[Moflow]

I'd agree with others and the original writer when they state that the E46 was kind of the last traditional 3-series in the lineup. The cars got much bigger with the E90 generation and started getting a lot more luxurious as well. Not that that's a bad thing necessarily, since they introduced the 1-series to take up that torch.

The last few 3-series generations are luxury cars that are reasonably sporty and wont fall apart dynamically when pushed.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Had several E30's, 318is, 325i, 325is. Agree that they are the top. But now they feel antique.

I have driven all of the above with the G20 cars.

I'd substitute the 128 in the line up as a logical 3 series successor after the e46 went away. The E9* series cars left the design ethos of the 3 behind and the car lost its way . a bit. The e8* really was the logical three series extension (bar the lack of 4 doors).

That car I'd put as first on the list. Above the E30.

I've always maintained that the 128i sport/ m sport was what the E30 325is would have been if it grew up and the modern 330i. Proper Hp to weight with emphasis on handling but no compromise in terms of ride or daily function.

Where does that car fit on that list for you.

Yeah, the E82 is even smaller than the E36 (albeit heavier with today's features,) so it could almost be argued that it's the logical successor to the E30.

That being said, the E82 is a 2+2 without the option of a rear middle seat, so that makes things a little different. The E82 also doesn't have that plain, boxy, Teutonic design that Chris Bangle was trying to get away from. With its sweeping lines, 2+2 arrangement, tall green house, yet still muscular appearance, the E82 kind of reminds me of the modern incarnation of an Alfa 105 series coupes, which isn't all that crazy, since Bangle has a history in designing cars for Fiat and Alfa.

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by duder13

Yeah, the E82 is even smaller than the E36 (albeit heavier with today's features,) so it could almost be argued that it's the logical successor to the E30.

That being said, the E82 is a 2+2 without the option of a rear middle seat, so that makes things a little different. The E82 also doesn't have that plain, boxy, Teutonic design that Chris Bangle was trying to get away from. With its sweeping lines, 2+2 arrangement, tall green house, yet still muscular appearance, the E82 kind of reminds me of the modern incarnation of an Alfa 105 series coupes, which isn't all that crazy, since Bangle has a history in designing cars for Fiat and Alfa.

Too funny....I have a client with a REAL GTA and I told him recently that my BMW e82 128i was the modern incarnation of his GTA. He is looking for one for his son as a first car.

I've gone so far to think about putting White triangles on the fenders with four leaf clovers.

[duder13]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Too funny....I have a client with a REAL GTA and I told him recently that my BMW e82 128i was the modern incarnation of his GTA. He is looking for one for his son as a first car.

I've gone so far to think about putting White triangles on the fenders with four leaf clovers.

Ha! And here I thought everyone would think I was nuts...and I've also looked at triangle stickers before for my 135i, although I was at least going to be subtle and get some kind of design without the clover.

[Ric in RVA]

Originally Posted by duder13

Ha! And here I thought everyone would think I was nuts...and I've also looked at triangle stickers before for my 135i, although I was at least going to be subtle and get some kind of design without the clover.

Notice how the cut line on the front bumper matches the white nose on the GTA. Coincidence?

I really want to put some chrome driving lights up front.....

[duder13]

Originally Posted by Ric in RVA

Notice how the cut line on the front bumper matches the white nose on the GTA. Coincidence?

I really want to put some chrome driving lights up front.....

Man, we are speaking the same language. I’ve considered a black bumper and/or driving lights many times.

This car was actually the inspiration for my color scheme and black door handles: