BMW M4, X5, and E92 M3 Driving Impressions
Automotive

BMW M4, X5, and E92 M3 Driving Impressions

By patrick_y · Sep 26, 2014 · 30 replies
patrick_y
WPS member · Automotive forum
30 replies4675 views58 photos
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Patrick_y shares his experience test-driving various BMW models, offering a candid comparison with Porsche and exploring the practicalities and pleasures of German engineering. His post delves into the nuanced appeal of BMWs, from their handling on winding roads to their everyday usability, sparking a lively discussion among automotive enthusiasts.

PuristSPro moderator Patrick_y gets a quick look and test drive of some BMWs on the airstrip and in the real world.  

I have a thing for cars.  And especially German cars.  And BMWs are one of my personal favorites.  I like BMWs so much, that I actually own and drive one on a regular basis.  

It's amazing what BMWs can do.  They drive so incredibly well on twisty and windy mountain roads that I sometimes think (here come the letters from my readers) I wouldn't need a Porsche, the BMW 3-series handles so well and so subliminally that it's simply not necessary to have a Porsche.  Plus, BMWs are usually significantly larger than Porsches, so they're more practical and safer in every day usage and shopping runs.  Yes, a BMW fulfills my wants and my needs.  But why do I still want a Porsche?  I guess that's a deep conversation that I should probably have with a psychiatrist or other professional help.  



Cool Color, this is the latest BMW M4... Drool...

Cool Color, this is the latest BMW M4... Drool...


An empty air strip + an almost unlimited reserve of tires=FUN

An empty air strip + an almost unlimited reserve of tires=FUN


Jungle Gym for BMW's X5

Jungle Gym for BMW's X5


Passengers, this is your captain speaking, please prepare for takeoff.

Passengers, this is your captain speaking, please prepare for takeoff.






Is it going to make it?

Is it going to make it?










What goes up must come down.

What goes up must come down.


20 seconds later...

20 seconds later...


Uh oh, it's stuck...

Uh oh, it's stuck...


Metal is groaning. What's wrong?

Metal is groaning. What's wrong?


Tumbling down the hill.

Tumbling down the hill.


Touchdown!

Touchdown!






San Francisco in the background.

San Francisco in the background.


Hello, My Name is... (This car has a name badge on the front)

Hello, My Name is... (This car has a name badge on the front)


















Carbon roof

Carbon roof














BMW i8

BMW i8


Lamborghini doors...

Lamborghini doors...


Did you know, Lamborghini and BMW worked together on the M1 car?

Did you know, Lamborghini and BMW worked together on the M1 car?










































That's what life should be...

That's what life should be...


White convertible on the water...

White convertible on the water...














I should've worn my IWC Top Gun

I should've worn my IWC Top Gun






Black interior convertibles are HOT. Literally, like warm.

Black interior convertibles are HOT. Literally, like warm.


This is the BMW 650i

This is the BMW 650i














BMW INDIVIDUAL Color

BMW INDIVIDUAL Color














The interior is completely covered in leather and alcantara

The interior is completely covered in leather and alcantara






This rear view mirror isn't covered in leather.

This rear view mirror isn't covered in leather.


Beautiful stitching, alcantara, and leather everywhere. Golden parachute of leather.

Beautiful stitching, alcantara, wood trim, and leather everywhere. Golden parachute of leather.


Thanks for viewing!  What's your favorite BMW?

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
JE
JerryW
Sep 26, 2014

Just not sure why I have not owned one since 2007 although my favorite was my 1994 850Ci. JerryW

DE
dedestexhes
Sep 26, 2014

My wife and I had 7 BMW's (1, 3 and 5 series often with 6cyl engines)... So suppose we like them ;-) The most fun was a 130i. Always have loved their ride compared to the other cars in the segment. Having said that, never owned a BMW M. Although I think that the M4 you're presenting looks quite good, I've the impression that their cars, with some exceptions, not age well. The thing is, if I would buy a M4 now, I would like to keep it, and in 20 years have a youngtimer. And I don't see that happe

AM
amanico
Sep 26, 2014

But the line is awesome, and I am convinced that the engines are top. The new 4 series is very intersting and pleases me a lot. The line of the body is even more balanced than the 3, in my opinion. But would the engine of the M4 be as exciting as the M3??? That is THE question! Best, my friend. Nicolas

PA
patrick_y
Sep 27, 2014

Would an i8 look good in your garage? It'd be very green.

PA
patrick_y
Sep 27, 2014

Keep in mind, when the designers build these things; the design of certain BMWs have aged well though. My favorite, the E39 5-series has aged fairly well. I still like it when I see it on the road. In fact, I wouldn't mind owning a 2002-2003 530i in perfect condition. Some would argue that the Chris Bangle cars (which were overly modern and looked like spaceships when they first came out) have actually started to age quite well, staying fairly relevant. So it's hard to say. I can imagine the 130

PA
patrick_y
Sep 27, 2014

Starting with the 650i. That was a very luxurious car, felt much more like a BMW 7 series than a BMW 5 series. Even though I think it has a 5 series chassis. The quietness, the smoothness of the suspension (it felt more like an air suspension), and the luxurious BMW INDIVIDUAL interior with all the leather, alcantara, and stitching was really a transport to another world. A world that felt more luxurious than performance. Performance wasn't lacking, but in hard acceleration runs, the car never f

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