Future shock
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Future shock
I brought my e30 to the shop today (they're trying to figure out why the ABS isn't working.) They gave me a 2019 330i xdrive as a loaner car...I feel like I've been transported into the future. I've never driven a car this new, it took a while to figure out how to just start the thing and put it in gear, never mind all the other modern features. I guess it's a pretty nice car but it seems pretty soulless, just a form of transportation.
Re: Future shock
If it's a dealer, they're likely just as confused with your E30!
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Re: Future shock
No, it's my local indy shop. They're well versed in older cars.
Re: Future shock
The newer cars are certainly a lot different than the cars we gush over in this page. There are some that are still very fun to drive, but many are soulless, as you described. The biggest difference from my point of view is how fast new cars are. If you ever have some idle time, test drive a few vehicles that pique your interest and you may be amazed at what is available to the buying public nowadays.
Re: Future shock
Your description of newer BMW cars being soulless is spot on. I owned a e92 328xi, sport package, manual tranny, and while it was a very nice car it gave you no sensation of how fast you were going or that you actually had to drive the car. I would be going faster than I thought but the car never told me that.
It’s one reason why I’m going back to an e28.
It’s one reason why I’m going back to an e28.
Re: Future shock
You've described the vast majority of new cars.stuartinmn wrote: ↑Oct 04, 2022 2:35 PMI guess it's a pretty nice car but it seems pretty soulless, just a form of transportation.
On the whole, people see cars as merely transportation. They are always plugged-in with modern tech and don't know what it's like to drive something that connects you to the road.
Often my commute in an older/classic car is the highlight of my day.
It's the reason why the newest I own is a 2004 (but was designed in the mid 90s).
IMO even a slow "featureless" old car is engaging to drive if it's got a manual transmission.
Also, you have to ring out something with 100HP just to keep up with modern traffic.
My taste seems to be gravitating to even older cars as of late. Playing with the idea of a 70s era BMW 2002 project. But the cost of entry is pretty steep, so it may be a while before that happens.
AWEDFGHJ MK, MKNJBHCFDXESZAWQaghjkm,., mcdfxsz
not sure what you mean by steep but you can find roundies that need help/restoration for under $5k
Re: Future shock
I'm not really sure what's meant by soulless, but I do know I find them exasperating to drive. Climate control in particular is a frustration, it always seems to know just how to make it uncomfortable for me and if I change settings, it will revert in time, because clearly I'm too stupid to know what is comfortable and some guy in a cubical in Japan or elsewhere does, and is so sure of himself I shouldn't be allowed to control things. A/Ts that are mandatory, perhaps reliable, but function so poorly it's dumbfounding.
I will give credit to some impressive engines and fuel efficiency, but so far as driving them, eh, no thanks.
I will give credit to some impressive engines and fuel efficiency, but so far as driving them, eh, no thanks.
Re: Future shock
Having owned 2002s since the were new, I'd suggest you try a stick E82 128i. My 2013 M-sport 6-speed is close to exactly the same size as a 2002 but with twice the power of a 2002tii with working a/c, bluetooth, no valve adjustments, better brakes, better rust protection, etc. Makes every commute an event. Destined to become a future classic and prices have nearly doubled since Bring-a-Trailer dropped their prohibition for hosting E82s other than the 1M. Grab one while you can.Panici wrote: ↑Oct 05, 2022 10:38 AMOften my commute in an older/classic car is the highlight of my day.
It's the reason why the newest I own is a 2004 (but was designed in the mid 90s).
My taste seems to be gravitating to even older cars as of late. Playing with the idea of a 70s era BMW 2002 project. But the cost of entry is pretty steep, so it may be a while before that happens.
I had the opportunity to take a short turn behind the wheel of a 2002turbo I've known for decades, just after its $100k+ restoration and turbo improvements. Nice trip down memory lane but honestly, the 128i Msport drive home assured me I had the right car, for 1/20th the current price of the turbo. I know, not the same, but that depends on why you drive what you drive. Is it to have fun and make the drive more engaging and enjoyable?
Last edited by BMWCCA2 on Oct 06, 2022 8:19 PM, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Future shock
I've heard good things about the 1-series. They can be had for less money then a 2002 in this area for sure.BMWCCA2 wrote: ↑Oct 06, 2022 8:14 AM Having owned 2002s since the were new, I'd suggest you try a stick E82 128i. My 2012 M-sport 6-speed is close to exactly the same size as a 2002 but with twice the power of a 2002tii with working a/c, bluetooth, no valve adjustments, better brakes, better rust protection, etc.
Is it to have fun and make the drive more engaging and enjoyable?
If I needed to have a single vehicle to be a reliable daily then it would be a good choice.
Part of the reason I like classics is to make the drive engaging and enjoyable as you've said. But the other part is restoring/modifying and bringing back cars that haven't been cared for properly.
Things like bluetooth have zero interest to me. When I'm driving the phone goes away, and music is provided by radio DJs.
I will admit that A/C would be nice on some hot days, but I have adapted to windows down and cold water on a hot summer's day
With regards to power, my E30 makes enough to blow the tires off in 2nd when it comes on boost. My Miata can hit the revlimiter in top gear with the speedo pegged (at the track of course). And that is to say nothing of my R6 which demands way more then I can provide as an occasional track rider these days.
But it is often more fun to drive a slow car quickly, then baby a fast car to keep it legal on public roads.
Sometimes knowing that the car is trying it's best just to keep up with traffic
I'm reminded of my late father's old 1973 Yamaha RD250. Two-stroke 250cc with a 6-speed box. Had to ring the thing out just to get going, but boy was it fun! I still have it in the shed, will make it sing again some day.
Plus old cars have quirks. Even something that has been gone through will always have those little issues which make it endearing to me.
Here is the RD250 in 2008, when I stopped for a break.
Re: Future shock
My tii is slow by today’s standards, but is still a blast to drive, and still a challenge to drive properly.
Re: Future shock
Only for wifey if she wants it.
Her current daily is a '97 ZJ that she searched for and purchased all on her own.
Well, she did need someone to go with her to check it out.
Now if she only could/would .
Her current daily is a '97 ZJ that she searched for and purchased all on her own.
Well, she did need someone to go with her to check it out.
Now if she only could/would .
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Re: Future shock
I have my '74 2002tii and an '06 330ci ZHP 6-speed for the fun times. E39 auto for my daily driver. Got my wife an F22 228i 6-speed M-Tech for her daily - I never get to drive it!
Re: Future shock
It does, but you’ll realize quickly how small a 2002 is by today’s standards, and that all a 2002 is is a sheet metal box, no protection in case of an accident. And in reality an e28 is a small car as well, but beefier.
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Re: Future shock
I actually test drove a '75 2002 on Friday! Same tin can feeling as my miata, but with better visibility.
I did quite like the unpowered steering through the thin-rimmed wood Nardi wheel.
It was a local Bring A Trailer auction. Unfortunately it went for more then I was willing to spend.
As for crash safety, I'd rather die driving something I love then be bored driving something I hate.
LadyCosmos5 wrote: ↑Oct 09, 2022 12:16 PM I had that happen with my E30, they couldn’t figure out how to open the hood
Have to love the reverse opening hood!
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Re: Future shock
I definitely understand and agree in a way about how it is soulless, yet I am considering a 330xi actually. For my commute and lifestyle including where I live and having a new born I think it'll be nice to not have to be constantly working on something and gain some features like all wheel drive. Better safety rating, brakes, things like no valve adjustments like mentioned above, etc. Yes it doesn't provide the same driving pleasure as older cars but I think they're still enjoyable and fun to drive. If you can have the best of both worlds I would say go for it. In my state/city it is really difficult to have multiple cars.
Re: Future shock
Only so much room
2004 Jeep TJ i've owned since 2007. Had big plans for it initially but then other cars/motorcycles got in the way.
Still would like to do a long-arm suspension lift some day!
http://jeep.panici.ca
Just put new door seals in it last week actually.
Last edited by Panici on Oct 13, 2022 4:11 PM, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Future shock
Well I just put my order in for a my23 330xi lol. I’m excited to give my impression of the car when it arrives. I miss my e28 and hope to replace it one day but this should hold me over for a while.