The Reason I Love BMW's(especially E28's)
Imagine...a lonely, curvy road on a dark night. 100W headlights and highbeams shine so brightly, it actually hurts your own eyes driving. Imagine driving down this road, at a high rate of speed, with complete confidence and composure, Sure, you can drift the car here or there, but the amazing part is that you're already driving at twice the posted speed limit. You're taking the curves as if they didn't even exist - and those bright lights shine a good ways down the road so you don't have to worry about the odd furry creature running across the road.
Now, imagine driving your family to the local Blockbuster and grocery store to do some shopping and rent a movie or tow. These two seemingly counter situations are exactly what BMW's embody. There is no other car manufacturer out there that can combine the razor-sharp handling of a sports car, with the economy of a family car with room for five and their luggage. In my humble opinion, this is the epitome of BMW.
The five-series have always been the middle-of-the-road BMW's. A little larger and more luxurious than the 3 series, but no the heavy weight boats that the 7 series are. Thus, they offer the best compromise between size and handling. The E28 series BMW is espcially well-mannered because it is light compared to the newer fives, and has a huge 3.5 liter in-line 6 cylinder engine. These engines are so reliable and easily upgrade-able that these cars routinely make over 200bhp in modified form. Not to say that 182bhp and 214 lb ft of torque is something to snicker at. All of this, with an engine made in the 1980's, with the original designs dating back to the mid-1960's. What Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Cadillac, or for that matter, any car maker clain that? Only Mercedes or Jaguar can come close. And remember, that modified E28s can put to shame many a Lexus LS400, ES300, GS300, or even the new GS400! Not to mention that these geezer-mobiles out-handle and out-perform any US sports cat this side of a Corvette. All in complete comfort of a boxy sedan!
Think about it for a minute. What other manufacturer offers the levels of luxury, performance, and utility that BMW's do? The answer? None. They come close. Audi, Mercedes, Lexus, Acura, and many others are trying their hardest. Remember that. And remember, that it's always fun to embarrass a new GS400 owner, or E430 owner, or rice-racer owner. It is just sooo much fun...