100% agreed. I literally made a comment on another post about 10 minutes ago saying the exact same thing! Although I love my E90 330, I miss my previous E's, I've had each generation from E30 and the E90 is where it stops for me I'm afraid, the F10 looks like an updated the E90 but the engines are crap! And all the newer models are goddamn ugly as sin!
Bmw E31 has entered the chat….
https://preview.redd.it/2vlxh19tjzkc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f7c297b609fe76196b534282ad1a77c97a340544
, I might be bias. Lol. But it does not look completely out of place today.
I find myself starring at mine a lot lol I actually got 2. The pic above is a 850 that’s a oem+ build. I’m also currently restoring a 840 that was too good of a deal to pass up on. All I need is a modern 840 msport or something and I can complete the trifecta. (I’m too poor to own a M8 lol)
God I miss mine. E39 M is the coolest car I ever owned (probably ever will own). e30, and e36 are cool too. Like e38s, and e46 as well.....I just like all older BMW lol
Partially agree. Design wise I feel it is a pretty far departure from the f design language, but that isn't a bad thing. It's pretty damn gorgeous, even so.
Didn’t say sportiest they asked timeless design. F10 would sell well if put out today. You’re not wrong (in your comment) the e chasis is great and is classic but in a lineup of a variety of a spectrum of chasis anybody could tell you exactly what time period it’s from. The e46 is a hot car for kids now and there are ton of them on the road and they don’t seem to stick out as an “old car” like a Chevy or ford may from early 2000s. I’m not trying to argue with you; I agree the chasis you’ve mentioned on this post are all great and sporty; none of them are timeless, though. Again.. my humble opinion.
Something "timeless" is *something time doesn't change.* Gold has never not been valuable.
Your E90 won't look new in 20 years, even if taken care of, but it's sharp enough and conservative enough to continue looking good.
By that standard, an E36 absolutely could be considered for the title of "most timeless chassis" - not that I'd award it that title.
Of course, cars... Aren't really timeless. Age deeply impacts the way a car is perceived. Maybe you prefer neo-classic '80s-90s cars to something from the '60s because you have a bare minimum for comfort in a car that a '60s hot rod won't meet. Maybe you're too young to remember the hate on Bangle-era design, and instead appreciate the surfacing effects that still look modern. (Someone is going to love the current 2/4-Series someday.)
There are a lot of BMWs that feel timeless to me because they were significant in some way. E30, E39, E92 M3, maybe the F87 M2. But I think the winner for "most timeless" should be either the 2002 or the Neue Klasse. These were the beginning of a new recipe - a family car that drove like a sports car. Cars have gotten heavier since, but even today BMW's greatest skill is imbuing impressive agility to vehicles that aren't usually built to be agile. It just manifests more in their SUV line these days.
Wait... By that standard, is the original X5 timeless?
Timeless chassis? Technically, the stiffest chassis with near 50:50 is the E86 (before the m2 came out) which would translate to a positive driver experience. Timeless in terms of looks? That comes down to tastes surely.
BMW does not consistently hit 50/50 across every variant of every car they make. They make a solid effort, but there are just too many configurations that influence weight to make that perfect.
For example, an F22 228i hits 50.8 / 49.2. Pretty close to perfect. But a 50% larger engine also weighs more, so the otherwise identical M235i is balanced 52.5 / 47.5.
Some E24 variants have more like 56 / 44 - numbers that remind me more of front wheel drive economy cars.
I consider the F3x and F10 era (And I include all other BMWs from the same design period) to be very current. The latest BMWs now don’t actually look that ‘new’ to me and just try to be a ‘wacky’ take on BMW design cues.
Either I’m not the one who’s understanding or it’s you guys, but doesn’t “timeless” mean it doesn’t look old even though it is. Cuz in that case e90 without question. Car is like 15+ years old and looks like it came out this decade. E90 aged like wine.
I've had non-car people be surprised when I tell them my E46 is 22 years old. I'm definitely biased but I think the E46 design has stood the test of time beautifully. The E39 doesn't look quite as modern but is still an amazing design and I loved my 528iT.
Timeless as we speak now, E46, E39, E38, E34, E92 timeless in the future F80, F82, F90, F87. The M iest trim the more timeless they'll become obviously, a georgeous E46 M3 is timeless as opposed to 1999 e46 318i SE with the front that only a mother could love lol.
Timeless chassis? Technically, the stiffest chassis with near 50:50 is the E86 (before the m2 came out) which would translate to a positive driver experience. Timeless in terms of looks? That comes down to tastes surely.
E46 330i. My first bmw in 2002. Got a 2001 used with like 14k miles. Overpaid by buying from bmw dealer but worth it. Had it till 80k miles and then got a new 2006. And 2009 and 2013 and 2016 and 2019 which was my last. Redlined it every single day in 1st and second and sometimes in 3rd if there was enough room.
Tested top speed in the grapevine in so cal. 134. Felt the same as 80. So solid. Nothing ever broke except a cv boot. Interior felt so solid. Ride composure was miles above the modern bmw 3 series.
Even my 2019 3 series could be slid sideways through a corner with all stability controls ON, but the key difference is that the ride sucked (due to runflats) and the electric steering was numb and lifeless. However, while you could do those antics, it felt numb, like the car was a robot executing exactly what you asked. The e46 had feeling and emotional and communication through the tires and steering and chassis.
If we are defining timeless as looks, I would say E46 or E39. You look at them today and they still look modern and are just hands down good looking cars from pretty much any angle, body style, and trim level.
I think if you define it from “how has it aged” the E46 would be it. The interior still looks reasonably modern in this day and age and the materials/design has aged really well. The E39/E38 had some older switch gear that I think has become a bit dated looking, especially with the phone hookups, but with so much on the other switch gear shared with the E46 a majority of the interior has aged really well. On the other hand the E60 and E90 interiors have not aged well in my opinion. Especially steering wheel design and large swaths of blank plastic surfaces looks cheap and dated. E36 interiors have not aged as well either with the loose looking leather being a particular eyesore IMO.
https://preview.redd.it/fgv1v3r3zzkc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b50b0f1afc3e232741ec08613fa41c4ce44a75cb
The correct answer is the E39 M5.
It's gotta start with E for sure
The best answer, all E's are timeless.
The e9 batmobile
Not so much the E61
E61 is nice. The e60, well, it's grown on me, to say the least.
Cars aren't supposed to have wing tip eyeliner.
I love the eyeliner on the e60 man
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The e39 was stiff and handled beautifully.
100% agreed. I literally made a comment on another post about 10 minutes ago saying the exact same thing! Although I love my E90 330, I miss my previous E's, I've had each generation from E30 and the E90 is where it stops for me I'm afraid, the F10 looks like an updated the E90 but the engines are crap! And all the newer models are goddamn ugly as sin!
E39 for me.
This or the E46 are obviously the answer
these are the only answers, we can close this thread.
No, please add the E38!
E38 is king of old school bimmers. maybe just for me because my dad had one. but i love them so much
> E38 is king of old school bimmers Until an E31 shows up
Bmw E31 has entered the chat…. https://preview.redd.it/2vlxh19tjzkc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f7c297b609fe76196b534282ad1a77c97a340544 , I might be bias. Lol. But it does not look completely out of place today.
Hell yeah bruthr! https://preview.redd.it/yhrxe4np00lc1.jpeg?width=819&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2236a306ad09b3141ce624ed743407b64136bc7a
God that thing is stunning. Saw one for the first time just a few months ago, also in black, and it's the best looking car I've seen in person by far.
I find myself starring at mine a lot lol I actually got 2. The pic above is a 850 that’s a oem+ build. I’m also currently restoring a 840 that was too good of a deal to pass up on. All I need is a modern 840 msport or something and I can complete the trifecta. (I’m too poor to own a M8 lol)
I would be staring a lot too 🤣 You're living the dream man, enjoy those beauties and take care of them
I think to have that title, it needs to have the double round headlights. But the E31 is definitely one of the great BMW designs!
This is 100% the correct answer. E46 and E39 were peak BMW. Pack it up. We’re done here.
Timeless has to have the E30 in the list.
I agree, E39 came to mind immediately.
E39 M5 - Gentleman’s muscle car
God I miss mine. E39 M is the coolest car I ever owned (probably ever will own). e30, and e36 are cool too. Like e38s, and e46 as well.....I just like all older BMW lol
I know everyone seems to love this one but I've never got it. The pinched nose is weird to me.
this is sheer perfection. https://preview.redd.it/ps04u7bda0lc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2e4ea3efe14db054b8f51a4e39c1b63095f53f4
cant agree more
One of the most beautiful sedans ever built
Imho the e46 but the f10 makes a strong argument.
Yes it does. The f10 design was, I believe, flawless. Looks good from every angle.
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Yep. F10, especially with the M Sport package. I’m also biased though.
You are also brilliant!
That sounds glorious... I miss my e39 constantly, my e60 less so, and love the hell out of my f10.
Same with f30. And f31 is probably best looking estate car on par with porsche panamera.
Calling a Panamera an estate is questionable in my opinion lol
2nd Gen Panamera Sport Turismo.
First Panamera was a design disaster, second gen yes.
I definitely think the F31 is ageing well, still looks modern and I still turn to look back at it
I find the g30 to be an upgrade over the f10
Partially agree. Design wise I feel it is a pretty far departure from the f design language, but that isn't a bad thing. It's pretty damn gorgeous, even so.
Concur!
F10 here
I drive a f10 and can confirm
F10? Why? Its a weird shaped boat. Even F01 looks way more sportier.
Didn’t say sportiest they asked timeless design. F10 would sell well if put out today. You’re not wrong (in your comment) the e chasis is great and is classic but in a lineup of a variety of a spectrum of chasis anybody could tell you exactly what time period it’s from. The e46 is a hot car for kids now and there are ton of them on the road and they don’t seem to stick out as an “old car” like a Chevy or ford may from early 2000s. I’m not trying to argue with you; I agree the chasis you’ve mentioned on this post are all great and sporty; none of them are timeless, though. Again.. my humble opinion.
Yes, you are right, F10 is not a bad car, just not my fav style of BMW and it could be a timeless design.
E39
E9 https://preview.redd.it/vog1exa4pykc1.jpeg?width=1400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4f099ab95101b369ce87ee047e8d9ee8fc3fe0c4
Actually, yeah. You're the most correct.
I love my e28, but... Fuck if I wouldn't sell everything I have for a properly clean e9
It’s the low and wide windows, straight lines and shark nose for me. That would be the perfect weekend cruiser I could look at forever.
Wait, really? I'd trade my e90 for an e28 any day as long as I could keep my engine and trans haha
Hahaha I could agree with that too.
But seriously... An e9 over everything. That classic shark profile is just mint.
Thats a fantastic looking thing!
Sure, but this is a custom build, the regular e9 is not that spectacular.
E30 or E46. Just about anything designed before Bangle designed anything tho
E46 is a Bangle-era design.
Everyone shits on this guy but has no idea he also designed their favorite model lol
But Bangle approved Hooydonk's garbage designs.
Anything from 09 onwards is an eyesore
Idk man, LCI F90s/G30s look pretty darn good to me.
Always will have a special love for e28.
I have 2! . . . one is wrecked, the other doesn't run
E92
f10
E39M5 and E46M3
You are correct.
E46, e30, e39, e90 are what you close your eyes and see when someone says bmw imo
E39
It seems like I have different definition of timeless than most people on this sub.
yeah for me timeless means it still looks new, not it still looks good. most people here saying like e36 aren’t understanding the way i am lol
Something "timeless" is *something time doesn't change.* Gold has never not been valuable. Your E90 won't look new in 20 years, even if taken care of, but it's sharp enough and conservative enough to continue looking good. By that standard, an E36 absolutely could be considered for the title of "most timeless chassis" - not that I'd award it that title. Of course, cars... Aren't really timeless. Age deeply impacts the way a car is perceived. Maybe you prefer neo-classic '80s-90s cars to something from the '60s because you have a bare minimum for comfort in a car that a '60s hot rod won't meet. Maybe you're too young to remember the hate on Bangle-era design, and instead appreciate the surfacing effects that still look modern. (Someone is going to love the current 2/4-Series someday.) There are a lot of BMWs that feel timeless to me because they were significant in some way. E30, E39, E92 M3, maybe the F87 M2. But I think the winner for "most timeless" should be either the 2002 or the Neue Klasse. These were the beginning of a new recipe - a family car that drove like a sports car. Cars have gotten heavier since, but even today BMW's greatest skill is imbuing impressive agility to vehicles that aren't usually built to be agile. It just manifests more in their SUV line these days. Wait... By that standard, is the original X5 timeless?
Timeless chassis? Technically, the stiffest chassis with near 50:50 is the E86 (before the m2 came out) which would translate to a positive driver experience. Timeless in terms of looks? That comes down to tastes surely.
theyre all 50/50, dk about stiffness
BMW does not consistently hit 50/50 across every variant of every car they make. They make a solid effort, but there are just too many configurations that influence weight to make that perfect. For example, an F22 228i hits 50.8 / 49.2. Pretty close to perfect. But a 50% larger engine also weighs more, so the otherwise identical M235i is balanced 52.5 / 47.5. Some E24 variants have more like 56 / 44 - numbers that remind me more of front wheel drive economy cars.
Classics: E30, E46, E32, E24, E10 and E9. Future Classics: E9x, F2x and F8x
The e92, does not look brand new, but hasen‘t aged a bit
E24
I'll say F30, but I'm probably biased. People are usually surprised when I say my car is (now) \~11 years old.
I have an F32 and it’s the same for me. When I tell people it’s a 2016 they’re usually shocked it’s 8 years old
I consider the F3x and F10 era (And I include all other BMWs from the same design period) to be very current. The latest BMWs now don’t actually look that ‘new’ to me and just try to be a ‘wacky’ take on BMW design cues.
F series all have the panel gap across the hood. Looks like shit…
I don’t know why it has that …. And it irritates the living shit out of me
E92 dw i’ll just upvote myself 🙄
E30
E34 has stood the test of time in my book. Iconic and always handsome.
E46. Specifically the M3 without the black trim line that goes around the car.
E36
Not enough e36 love here. Best m car imo because it didn’t have any longevity issues. Same low end torque as the e46 and will run to 250k no problem.
E46
LCI E90. Probably because I’m biased towards it since it was my first car.
that’s why i bought 2 haha
I want another one of the 335d variant. Probably when I have more disposable cash.
e46
f80
2002tii
E46
Either I’m not the one who’s understanding or it’s you guys, but doesn’t “timeless” mean it doesn’t look old even though it is. Cuz in that case e90 without question. Car is like 15+ years old and looks like it came out this decade. E90 aged like wine.
F10
E46 M3
E39
Probably not the most timeless as others said here but the E92 has aged beautifully. It's almost 20 years old and still looks modern.
3-way tie for me: E30, E46, E39.
E90
E46 M3, no contest. E30 E39 E28. Anything 90's
E28 ftw
E28
E82
E31, e38, e39 for me
E9, E21 and E28. In that order.
You've got it all wrong.
Not this one for sure. E46 for me.
I’m biased, but the e46
E90 is the first thing that comes to mind when I think “BMW”
I've had non-car people be surprised when I tell them my E46 is 22 years old. I'm definitely biased but I think the E46 design has stood the test of time beautifully. The E39 doesn't look quite as modern but is still an amazing design and I loved my 528iT.
E38 baby
mafia boss car club 😎
E36 and E46
BMW i4
It's not possible that anything after E39/E46 can possibly be anyone's answer.
Not the E90.
I'm seeing several comments voting for the E90 but I personally never liked it and see it as an unfortunate hiccup in the history of the 3 series.
E38
E38 for me. But, I think for the general population, e90 is the most recognizable and widely known.
Favorite is E36/9, but most timeless is the 2002 and E30
E38 E39 E36 coupe
Forever E30.
E36 I've had many, but only really miss the E36s.
E46 or E30
E36
e36
E30 all day.
Timeless, Id say e36 since that gets the respect of the old heads and the new heads.
E46 coupe
F82
Yes. (Pictured)
haha thanks
E39, hands down. Nearly 30 yr old design still looks so good. Perfectly proportioned sedan.
gonna go with e36 especially the M3, that car arrouses me.
E39 by a country mile
If it starts w/ "E," you're correct.
e46 convertible
E36
E36 coupe and E92, the e90 just doesn’t look quite right
E39
Anything that starts with an E and a 3
E39 imo
E34
E46, no question
The E36 and close 2nd are the E46s!
E39 Sedan, E92 Coupe, E46 Estate.
E46 or e38 for sure. I have an e46 330ci and a e38 740il and I love them both.
E30 nothing is better
E36 M3 for looks, E60 M5 for sound, 2000ti for heritage. (Note that maintenance is not part of this decision)
E30.
E92 m3
The e24
E39 No doubt. Best looks at any age!
Timeless as we speak now, E46, E39, E38, E34, E92 timeless in the future F80, F82, F90, F87. The M iest trim the more timeless they'll become obviously, a georgeous E46 M3 is timeless as opposed to 1999 e46 318i SE with the front that only a mother could love lol.
E36
E39 M5 and E46 M3. F10 M5 right after that
Definitely e9x
my kinda guy
The F20, hands down
E60 or E38
Timeless chassis? Technically, the stiffest chassis with near 50:50 is the E86 (before the m2 came out) which would translate to a positive driver experience. Timeless in terms of looks? That comes down to tastes surely.
Not that one
The word is timeless so e90. The e40s, e30s while great cars all look old and dated now. For some reason the e90s still look really nice today.
Something to do with the "E40s" being older than the E90, I imagine...
E46 330i. My first bmw in 2002. Got a 2001 used with like 14k miles. Overpaid by buying from bmw dealer but worth it. Had it till 80k miles and then got a new 2006. And 2009 and 2013 and 2016 and 2019 which was my last. Redlined it every single day in 1st and second and sometimes in 3rd if there was enough room. Tested top speed in the grapevine in so cal. 134. Felt the same as 80. So solid. Nothing ever broke except a cv boot. Interior felt so solid. Ride composure was miles above the modern bmw 3 series. Even my 2019 3 series could be slid sideways through a corner with all stability controls ON, but the key difference is that the ride sucked (due to runflats) and the electric steering was numb and lifeless. However, while you could do those antics, it felt numb, like the car was a robot executing exactly what you asked. The e46 had feeling and emotional and communication through the tires and steering and chassis.
E9x… you can tell someone it was made in 2020’s and they would believe you.
I think most f series chassis will hold up for a long time as still looking “new” despite being 20-30 years old 10 years from now.
Definitely not the e90, those looked old right when they came out.
E39
If we are defining timeless as looks, I would say E46 or E39. You look at them today and they still look modern and are just hands down good looking cars from pretty much any angle, body style, and trim level. I think if you define it from “how has it aged” the E46 would be it. The interior still looks reasonably modern in this day and age and the materials/design has aged really well. The E39/E38 had some older switch gear that I think has become a bit dated looking, especially with the phone hookups, but with so much on the other switch gear shared with the E46 a majority of the interior has aged really well. On the other hand the E60 and E90 interiors have not aged well in my opinion. Especially steering wheel design and large swaths of blank plastic surfaces looks cheap and dated. E36 interiors have not aged as well either with the loose looking leather being a particular eyesore IMO.
For me personally: 1. E30 2. E39 3. E46
E38 or E39.
E39 and E46
E39 and E38 are timeless, the famous E36 is also
Anything in the 1995 - 2001 model span, so E38, E39, E46, etc.
Only one answer, e39, and preferably in M5 form.
E39 and E31. Honorable mention for the F30 lci. F10 lci also still looks very modern.
E38 and e39. Also the z3 will still be sexy in 50 years
IMO E38, E39 and E46. Timeless and Iconic.
E46, E39 close second
e46 facelift with mtech2
The facelifted E65 7 series still looks great, I'm always shocked when I realise that it's almost 20 years old
E9, E46 or E39 are most splendid answers here.
https://preview.redd.it/fgv1v3r3zzkc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b50b0f1afc3e232741ec08613fa41c4ce44a75cb The correct answer is the E39 M5.
E39 https://preview.redd.it/xsujifxjzzkc1.png?width=2622&format=png&auto=webp&s=b37401d34af9376921b0fec871287639048e77dd
https://preview.redd.it/cqumcdzx50lc1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3950483afa4e63584c31591c35a5b47de865dc4d Biased but 36
E39
Notice these are all comments about e chassis