bronto

I don't have any idea. I really loved my 325; it was an odd beast without a letter designation after it, just "325". But apparently BMW felt it needed to be special in some way, so instead of a letter designation after it they put a 2.9 liter into it (meaning it was really a 330?). I suspect that they would have had to go through all the DOT approvals if they called it a 330, so they just called it a 325. But it was well built, I abused it and it went all the way to 200k miles before I traded it for the newer, bigger, lower mileage 525. Things went wrong with the 525 at 100k that weren't an issue in the 325 until 200k. And some that were never an issue in the 325.

I still have a high opinion of BMWs, I just wouldn't get one that's underpowered. For a 5 series, it needs to be the 540 I think. And regardless of model I'd talk to a few who own them to find out about the build quality.

Mark SF

"I still have a high opinion of BMWs, I just wouldn't get one that's underpowered. For a 5 series, it needs to be the 540 I think. And regardless of model I'd talk to a few who own them to find out about the build quality.[/QUOTE]

I had a 2003 525iT wagon, quite a good car in some ways but the ride quality was awful and so were the seats. They need to learn that a premium car needs to be comfortable on a long trip.

The 6 cylinder is a truly great engine though, turbine smooth and very reliable. The Aisin auto trans is a peach too. I'd go for a 530 but the wagons only available with the 2.5 or V8.

Replaced that with a 2001 Jaguar XJ8 which is a better car than the BMW in every possible way, except for high speed handling though it's still pretty good. Still have the Jag.

On the freeway you can relax and point the Jag at the horizon, and it'll go there. The BMW had to be constantly steered and corrected.

bronto

Yes, I forgot how bad the seats were. I take a fair number of multi-hour road trips through the year and my back and behind would be sore after each leg. The 928 is pure joy on these trips.

velocipus

First Hot Rod was a '69 Pontiac Tempest back in "86. Didn't buy another hot rod 'til last year when I bought the 928. Focused on motorcycles for speed... Jeep Wrangler for playing, BMW 528 for traveling (wife's DD) and MBZ 300E for my daily driver, but I drove it into the ground (nearly 350k miles) It is currently collecting leaves. Considering a beat up toyota 4 banger pick up or a reasonably sorted 944 as the next DD. Pick up= practical, 944... well, just another car to sink money into

safulop

You might say I'm a Porsche purist. In my youth I drove a series of hand-me-down cars from my mother, or no car at all. The first car I ever bought for myself was my 1985 944; I bought it in 1999 when I got my PhD and I still have it. It is for sale dirt cheap, because I just graduated to my 1988 S4. This is the second car I have ever bought for myself (not counting family vans and such that I have bought with my wife). I plan to keep it at least ten years. It's going well so far, but I haven't even used the first tank of gas.

John Speake

Opel Manta GTE with stroker 2.4 litre engine, Blydenstein big valve heads..

Nicole

When I purchased my first 928, my daily driver was a maroon 89 Ford Probe LX (2.2 Liter Mazda engine, manual, digital dash).

UKKid35

My previous car parked out side where I used to live. I owned a V6 Capri for ten years and 100,000 miles. I've now owned the 928 for nine years and 65,000 miles. I'm not very good at change....

Nicole

^^^ It looks like you enjoy cars with long hoods...

Mike Frye

I didn't see that one coming.
AH! The Ford Capri Ghia! A friend of mine had a '71 for his first car (in '85) and it was the first time any of us had ever even seen one. It was painted gumby green and it was a great little car. Weird, but a great little car.

My past cars include (not in this order):
'77 280z (loved that car)
'71 VW Kharmann Ghia (that was fun)
'69 VW bus
'71 Fiat 850 Sport Spider (ahem. A fun car. No really )
...then a string of family cars for about 20 years including minivans and compacts to suit the hauling of stuff and people until I got my 928.

M. Requin

'91 XJ40, bought it in 2002, put 100K on it, loved it.

UKKid35

And this is my daily driver, a Smart Cabrio, so don't read too much in to your original observation

M. Requin

good ones, guys...

BigAl1

Recent fun cars were a 2002 Subaru WRX (a few mods ), and Ultima GTR that I almost finished building, then sold before driving it . Enjoying the rebuild of the 928, and looking forward to touring with it.

Jadz928

My first sports car before my first 928 was a '78 280Z

Now keep in mind I was from Michigan, so of course I had a "winter beater" too.
That was a '88 Olds Cutlass Ciera GT. It was actually a really good car!
I've owned a few 928s, so there was a winter beater or two peppered in - another Ciera and Olds 98 (can't beat those 3.8 Litres)!

Now remember, it's Michigan, so not only do you one Summer car (the 928), you own two. That was a '88 325iC. <---- had that car 'til about 3 years ago. One of my all-time favs!

---------
Re BMW's - I've had a few. Aside from what I mentioned there was also an '85 525, '00 323i, '07 X3
The 323 was only so-so with reliabilty on par with a Ford Tauras - not bad, but not BMW.
The X3 was a huge giant turd. No other way to say it.
I was so happy to drop off the keys to that one. I tried to get in and out the BMW dealer as fast as possible when the salesman caught me and asked if he could put me in another BMW.
I told him sorry, we already bought a VW CC and plan to keep it for a while, though I said, the new 5 series has promise.
...and I drive and Audi A3
Lastly, I've driven my friend's '08 335 - not impressed. Feel heavy, looks heavy, interior looks decent but already rattles at 30k.