Quote:
Originally Posted by Efthreeoh
So, if we can get off the ///M train for a second. Having spent a decent amount of time with a variant of every non-M 3-Series from the E21 to the F30, I'd say the E90 was the last of the classic BMW 3-Series sports sedan, which most 3-Series aficionados describe as a rear-wheel drive chassis with a naturally aspirated in-line 6 engine and a manual transmission. The F30 did not drive like a 3-Series, the G20 is not offered with a manual in the US Market; both those cars went soft and lost focus, while the Cadillac ATS/CTS 4 captured the classic BMW 3-series driving dynamics.
Yet I don't think I ever claimed "the E90 was the pinnacle of BMW or the last good car they made" (that'd be the E86 Coupe...). But I think the E90 has a better base in-line 6 engine and a better suspension than the E46. While most young BMW enthusiasts wax on poetically about the E30 as the most reliable and durable 3-Series, I'd argue the E90 was even better. I have a combined 670,000 mile and 34-year seat/wrenching time with both. In my fleet at this moment, I have a variant of the E36, E46, and E90. I still say the E30 had the best suspension design and is still the most engaging to drive.
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Agreed that e90 was the last (though not best) classic 3 series. This was accentuated by being followed up by the worst driving 3 series ever (F30).
Last NA engine, last HPS, last you could get without idrive, last where manual was available across the line, etc.
It may be (in NA trim) be the most reliable, but it also SUCKS to work on compared to earlier cars. We got rid of our e91 primarily because I couldn’t stand working on it, and it just made me hate the car. First 3 series where they didn’t feel like they designed it with serviceability in mind.