Automotive

bchankai
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Thanks for sharing

The E28 M5 probably doesn’t get the credit it deserves. While one could argue that the 2002tii started the “sports sedan” segment, this M5 opened eyes by being comparable (performance-wise) to Ferraris in that generation. Then look at the cars that followed—AMG Hammer, MB (And Porsche)E500—clearly the competition took notice(and those cars of course have their own fascinating stories).

BMW M in that first generation of cars (M1/E28 M5/E24 M6/E30 M3, maybe even put the E34 M5 in there) was really special. I get a sort of “startup” feel when I think of that era since they were really just trying to survive by putting out the best possible niche product. No disrespect to the cars that followed, but by then, they were making money, leading the pack, and had a lot more corporate obligation as a result. A bit like when the iPhone first hit the scene vs going from iPhone 12 to iPhone 13. The performance envelope obviously continued to develop, but it’s no longer revolutionary.

In our eventual evolution to electric, I wonder if today’s Tesla plaid or Taycan Turbo S will be able to generate the same nostalgia. The major criticism I have about electric, from an enthusiast’s perspective, is the power delivery is really all the same—instant torque with amazing low end push, weak at the top. It’s just a question of how the delivery is programmed and distributed among the four wheels. I have a hard time thinking that we’ll wax poetically about any of those power plants compared the the BMW M88/S88 engine in the M5 or a Ferrari V12. Plus, with EVERYTHING controlled by wire, the skill set needed to drive is sort of rendered less relevant. Lastly, I’ll be curious to know how cars with tons of screens will age. Car seem to be going the way of the disposable consumer electronic device. It will be fun to see it unfold!

Thanks, Brian

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