[vbb]

This is a thread for those of us that switch cars regularly, to the amazement of our family, friends and neighbors. I'm a fan of cars (and trucks) and between my wife and I, we've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 different vehicles over the course of the last 18 years or so. This is not a source of pride or a badge of honor... it is just how it has worked out. Our family and neighbors think we're crazy, and reckless with our money. I've stopped trying to explain or justify why we've sold yet another vehicle and bought something new. For the most part we've made good deals, but of course we've made some bad ones as well. The truth is, as much as I like the variety, I also kind of admire those that have had their vehicles for 5 years or more. Maybe the G82 is going to be the one?

Anyway, for those of you that have owned a lot of different vehicles, I'm curious as to which ones have stuck around the longest for you?

I've had everything from two-seater sports cars to lifted trucks, and across all makes and models (including 4 different Porsches, which of course many view as the holy grail). That said, the two cars that have stuck around the longest for me are:
1. 2007 BMW 335i - This was the first vehicle I configured and ordered from the factory just the way I wanted it. It was my daily driver for 2.5 years.

2. 2009 Lexus ISF - Of all the vehicles I've ever had, this is the one that I feel like I've missed the most. Sure, it wasn't the fastest and it had flaws, but I really enjoyed it. I sold it for my first Porsche (a 997.2 911).

My current G82 hits a lot of the notes that the two cars above hit, which leads me to believe this may be one that I actually keep for more than 2 years, which would be a long time for me. We'll see!

[rick504]

I am the exact same way. I've been through 40 cars in the last 18 years. Somehow I always end back up in BMW. I really like my 23 Jahre. I went through quite a few sedans this year trying to find the right one and they all had quirks that made me move on quickly. Alfa Guila quadrifoglio, two F90 M5s, and a new RS7. I believe I've found what I was looking for. (For now) the mixture of new tech(idrive 8 is amazing), handling, speed, luxury and available mods is unmatched. Plus the car is just plain aggressive looking. I really think I will keep this one for a while. There is nothing else I've driven that comes close. A few cars I've kept for some time were

My 610-4 Huracan- I still have this one. No plans on ever selling.

My prior design widebody C63s. Kept that car for almost 3 years. Had pure stage 2 turbos and it Was slower than a G80 with a JB4.

Had a highly modded ghibli I got when they first came out. Kept it almost 4 years.

One I miss to this day was my B8.5 RS5. I loved that car. I kick myself for selling it. I haven't found one optioned like it yet or I would have one in my garage.

I've had so many vehicles I can't even remember some of them. F-pace SVR was a standout too along with Panamera turbo and e60 M5.

The Alfa quad was probably the best driving car I've ever had next to my 488, but fell short in so many other areas. The G80 picked those shortcomings up and drives almost identical to that. So it's definitely a winner.

[Llarry]

I don't normally go through cars quite as fast as the above posters, but my friends and family think I switch way too often. The standouts for me were (1) my 1994 BMW 325is, just because it was my first taste of BMWness, (2) my 2004 325iT with SMG, which I hated at first and then loved once I mastered the SMG. The color combo (Electric Red with Natural Brown leather and maple wood trim) also resonated with me; I only sold it -- after 5 years -- due to fears of SMG reliability (3) my 2005 M3 coupe, which I kept for seven years and which was my favorite to date, (4) my Porsche 981 Boxster S, which was probably the best-handling car I've even owned and I kept for eight years. I've only owned my G80 M3 for 11 months so far, but it's up there in the running; more time will tell. A runner-up is my 2021 Porsche Macan GTS, which is a great car and the most expensive one I've bought -- it is primarily driven by my wife.

[Mfg83]

Ok. I'll play but I've generally been a convertible guy that likes performance. Only going back to 2007 cause I'm pretty sure you don't want to hear about the TAs (think Knight Rider), Firebirds, Mustangs or the Lexus before then.

1) 2007 MB CLK63 AMG Cab - loved this car. Probably a future collectible as it was only made in '07 and '08 (with about 350 made for the US). It was raw with no launch control. Was the only car that was really hairy/on the edge while pushing it. Sold it based on a hell of a deal on a new 2015 981 Boxster S.
2) 2015 Boxster S - was truly like driving a go cart. Would corner like nothing else but at 6'4" and 225 it was cramped feeling all the time. Also had almost zero excitement outside of pushing it while cornering. Really felt restrained and slow when accelerating by comparison. Sold it for 2018 911 991.2 base cab.
3) 2018 911 991.2 base cab - also a wonderful car but was a rattling machine. 0-60 was fun with launch control but overall acceleration was also constrained/restrained feeling … better than the Boxster but still left me wanting something more akin to the 63 cab. Got looks like no other car, except maybe my C3 that I still have. Just was not exciting enough and with prices on the 992 911S and GTS going through the roof, research led me to the 2022 M4 convertible.
4) 2022 M4 convertible - while I haven't had it very long, it feels more raw and is more powerful than the 991.2 in anything below a true turbo. It is more like the CLK 63 than anything else I've driven but with AWD it can corner like 911 base at least and perhaps more and at the end of the day it makes me smile like nothing else I've had. Steering is not as good as the 981 or the 991.2 but it's not as bad as some journalists have made it out to be imo. Much more comfortable than the 981 and 991.2 and certainly more raw than either of them when pushing it. Love it but like I tell others - I have a car problem and there isn't a 12 step program that can help me. We'll see where it goes but I'm very happy with it.

[Mowe]

I've owned over 50 cars between daily drivers and "fun" non daily's. I wrote up something a few months back but will simplify here. I'd say this car is in my top 5.

1. Handling - 4/5
2. Looks / appearance- 5/5 IMO
3. Steering feel - 2/5
4. Thumbs up appeal - 5/5. Attention driver.
5. Braking - 5/5. Ceramics are amazing.
6. Interior - 5/5
7. Radio - 2/5. I know but I like sound.
8. Electronics - 3/5. Only car I needed a manual for lol.


It's probably number 4 out of my favs. Here are the other 4 of my top 5 in no order.

[vbb]

When I look back over my car ownership, it's funny to see the overlaps with some of you guys.

I have had some version of just about all of the non-exotic cars that routinely find themselves on everyone's list...Corvette, 911, Miata, S2000... and while there's something to like about each of them, the sport coupe/sedan is what I seem to keep coming back to as opposed to the pure sports car. I'm trying to identify a theme here and figure out why it is that I switch vehicles so often. I want something that delivers a top notch driving experience, but also something I can live with everyday without making many compromises. The sports cars offer the highest level driving experiences, but at a compromise for passenger space, storage space, creature comforts or tech. And since I don't love the concept of having a fun (and often expensive) vehicle that I rarely drive, I guess that's why I eventually sell them. I'm wary of the fact that driving a car every day can eventually take some of the excitement away, but I never really got bored with my old 335i or ISF. I just fell victim to the "grass is always greener" thing.

I'd be curious if anyone here has owned a Panamera GTS or Turbo. That was perhaps the only other vehicle that was in any true competition with my decision to buy my M4.

[vbb]

Originally Posted by Mowe

I wrote up something a few months back but will simplify here. I'd say this car is in my top 5.

I'd like to read what you wrote as I've either owned or considered 4 of the 5 cars on your top 5 list. I'd like to see your more detailed take.

[luckylingy]

Hi, I'm Mike and I have AADD (automotive attention deficit disorder).

The G82 is the 40th BMW in our household, though I've dallied in other brands. The longest-running BMW was an E39 M5 (~5.5 years) which served as garage queen / weekend pleasure. The shortest-running BMW was an E36 M3 convertible slushbox (4 weeks); bought low and resold at a profit.

After 11 months with it, the M4 has the makings of a long-term relationship. It combines a sense of occasion (performance, looks, interior trappings) with everyday, all-weather practicality.

But I won't jinx myself by making any declarations too soon -- been there, done that!

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

The G82 is the 40th BMW in our household, though I've dallied in other brands.

40! This is an AMAZING number!

[jpichardo91]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

Hi, I'm Mike and I have AADD (automotive attention deficit disorder).

The G82 is the 40th BMW in our household, though I've dallied in other brands. The longest-running BMW was an E39 M5 (~5.5 years) which served as garage queen / weekend pleasure. The shortest-running BMW was an E36 M3 convertible slushbox (4 weeks); bought low and resold at a profit.

After 11 months with it, the M4 has the makings of a long-term relationship. It combines a sense of occasion (performance, looks, interior trappings) with everyday, all-weather practicality.

But I won't jinx myself by making any declarations too soon -- been there, done that!

Dammm lol

Will your household be issuing 50 Jahre Anniversary badges when you reach household vehicle number 50?

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by jpichardo91

Dammm lol

Will your household be issuing 50 Jahre Anniversary badges when you reach household vehicle number 50?

Hopefully BMW will still be building M3s/M4s, and I'll still be spry enough to drive them, by then. #10 and #30 were E46 M3s; #20 was an E90 M3. So there's a pattern underway ...

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

Hopefully BMW will still be building M3s/M4s, and I'll still be spry enough to drive them, by then. #10 and #30 were E46 M3s; #20 was an E90 M3. So there's a pattern underway ...

Did you own either an E30 M3 or an E36 M3?

[luckylingy]

A new E36 M3 was my second BMW (upgrade from a 325is); fine car, at the time. Years later an E30 M3 shared a garage with a Dinan E92 335i. Given roads around home then were all straight and level, the E30 suffered by comparison and didn't stay long.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

A new E36 M3 was my second BMW (upgrade from a 325is); fine car, at the time.

Interesting -- my first was a '94 325is and it was the beginning of a love affair with BMWs. In late '97 or early '98 I got a notice from BMWUSA promoting special pricing on E36/4 M3 Sedans. That got me thinking about an E36 M3 but it turned out the 4-doors were all gone by the time I got to a dealership. That put me in a coupe and I thought the E36 M3 was wonderful except for the (manual) seats, which were killing my back on any drive over an hour. Had I only bought a sedan or spec'd power seats... I regretfully sold that M3 after just 2 1/2 years and bought an E46 330Ci because with 225 hp it was surely "almost as good as an E36 M3." Yeah, right; Not! I sold the 330Ci when I moved from Maryland to Oregon -- and ordered an E46 325iT SMG long-distance from the local Oregon BMW dealer. Loved that car almost as much as the M3 once I figured out how to drive the SMG. Then bought an manual E46 M3 coupe and I was in heaven with two of my favorite BMWs ever.

[luckylingy]

Originally Posted by Llarry

Then bought an manual E46 M3 coupe and I was in heaven with two of my favorite BMWs ever.

I've had (6) E46 M3s over the years, all 6-speeds. You might say I have a "thing" for them. #4 was a garage queen I wish I still had: ideal (to me) color combo, pristine, coupe, near stock.

[jmg]

The G82 is my 16th car, 3rd M car, and my 9th bimmer. It stacks up pretty high, right next to my F80 M3 CS. These were my two nicest cars though, no Porsche/Ferrari/Lambos yet, so take that into consideration. It's the second most expensive, but the most powerful and fastest.


Leased cars: 9
Purchased cars: 7
Longest ownership: Audi B7 S4 25Quattro - 6 years
Shortest ownership: 2019 Bmw i3 REx - 6 months owned, 3 of those were in the shop. Drove an 5 series loaner for 3 months. Bought back by BMW, replaced with another i3
Repeat cars: Bmw i3 - I've leased 3 of them. F80 M3 - I've leased 2, Honda Civic - I've owned 2.
Worst/Most boring/Biggest regret buying: 2000 Mitsubishi Galant V6
Most memorable: MKII GTI
Most reliable: Honda Civic
Least reliable: B5 Audi A4 and B7 Audi S4 - nothing but problems for both
Most tickets: BMW 328i - 3 tickets
Most powerful: G82 M4 500+hp
Least powerful: e21 BMW 318i. I have no idea but it took at least 10-15 sec to get to 60.

[vbb]

I'm biased, but owning a range of cars really helps a person understand what they like. BMW has always had a very distinctive steering feel compared to all of the other vehicles I've driven. They just get it right. Of course it was better before electronic power steering, but even with that being the norm now, they do it better than the other manufacturers... yes, even including Porsche. Porsche nails the chassis and handling, but I prefer BMW steering feel. This is really important given that the steering gives you so much of your driving feedback.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by vbb

I'm biased, but owning a range of cars really helps a person understand what they like. BMW has always had a very distinctive steering feel compared to all of the other vehicles I've driven. They just get it right. Of course it was better before electronic power steering, but even with that being the norm now, they do it better than the other manufacturers... yes, even including Porsche. Porsche nails the chassis and handling, but I prefer BMW steering feel. This is really important given that the steering gives you so much of your driving feedback.

Interesting -- that is my one minor complaint with my G80 M3 -- the steering. A bit of wandering on center. Not a major deal but not as good as my former Porsche 981S or current Macan GTS. YMMV...

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by luckylingy

I've had (6) E46 M3s over the years, all 6-speeds. You might say I have a "thing" for them. #4 was a garage queen I wish I still had: ideal (to me) color combo, pristine, coupe, near stock.

I've always admired Carbon Black but never been brave enough to actually own and maintain it. Now, with ceramic coatings, I think I could learn to love Tanzanite -- dark, but not quite as dark as CB.

[Bimmerfun82]

Originally Posted by vbb

This is a thread for those of us that switch cars regularly, to the amazement of our family, friends and neighbors. I'm a fan of cars (and trucks) and between my wife and I, we've had somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 different vehicles over the course of the last 18 years or so. This is not a source of pride or a badge of honor... it is just how it has worked out. Our family and neighbors think we're crazy, and reckless with our money. I've stopped trying to explain or justify why we've sold yet another vehicle and bought something new. For the most part we've made good deals, but of course we've made some bad ones as well. The truth is, as much as I like the variety, I also kind of admire those that have had their vehicles for 5 years or more. Maybe the G82 is going to be the one?

Anyway, for those of you that have owned a lot of different vehicles, I'm curious as to which ones have stuck around the longest for you?

I've had everything from two-seater sports cars to lifted trucks, and across all makes and models (including 4 different Porsches, which of course many view as the holy grail). That said, the two cars that have stuck around the longest for me are:
1. 2007 BMW 335i - This was the first vehicle I configured and ordered from the factory just the way I wanted it. It was my daily driver for 2.5 years.

2. 2009 Lexus ISF - Of all the vehicles I've ever had, this is the one that I feel like I've missed the most. Sure, it wasn't the fastest and it had flaws, but I really enjoyed it. I sold it for my first Porsche (a 997.2 911).

My current G82 hits a lot of the notes that the two cars above hit, which leads me to believe this may be one that I actually keep for more than 2 years, which would be a long time for me. We'll see!

The longest for us were our Mercedes GL450 and E550 coupe and our X5s. I plan on keeping this G80cx and X5 for a long time and either adding a Porsche - although deciding on a Porsche is extremely difficult with the multitude of options, would lean toward 911 GTS or Boxster GTS 4.0 - or replacing it with another of the same, perhaps reaching for the CS. Pinnacle M car, although I do still miss the e93. We have tried other brands like Audi, VW, Honda, Acura, Tesla… but always gravitate back to BMW. Love what they've done with the X5 and the M3 in current form.

[2011ninja]

Originally Posted by jmg

The G82 is my 16th car, 3rd M car, and my 9th bimmer. It stacks up pretty high, right next to my F80 M3 CS. These were my two nicest cars though, no Porsche/Ferrari/Lambos yet, so take that into consideration. It's the second most expensive, but the most powerful and fastest.


Leased cars: 9
Purchased cars: 7
Longest ownership: Audi B7 S4 25Quattro - 6 years
Shortest ownership: 2019 Bmw i3 REx - 6 months owned, 3 of those were in the shop. Drove an 5 series loaner for 3 months. Bought back by BMW, replaced with another i3
Repeat cars: Bmw i3 - I've leased 3 of them. F80 M3 - I've leased 2, Honda Civic - I've owned 2.
Worst/Most boring/Biggest regret buying: 2000 Mitsubishi Galant V6
Most memorable: MKII GTI
Most reliable: Honda Civic
Least reliable: B5 Audi A4 and B7 Audi S4 - nothing but problems for both
Most tickets: BMW 328i - 3 tickets
Most powerful: G82 M4 500+hp
Least powerful: e21 BMW 318i. I have no idea but it took at least 10-15 sec to get to 60.

Yeah; I'm probably going to get another GTI and keep the mileage down on the G80 6MT.

I'm definitely getting another GTI

[wowwitsgau]

Originally Posted by rick504

I am the exact same way. I've been through 40 cars in the last 18 years. Somehow I always end back up in BMW. I really like my 23 Jahre. I went through quite a few sedans this year trying to find the right one and they all had quirks that made me move on quickly. Alfa Guila quadrifoglio, two F90 M5s, and a new RS7. I believe I've found what I was looking for. (For now) the mixture of new tech(idrive 8 is amazing), handling, speed, luxury and available mods is unmatched. Plus the car is just plain aggressive looking. I really think I will keep this one for a while. There is nothing else I've driven that comes close. A few cars I've kept for some time were

My 610-4 Huracan- I still have this one. No plans on ever selling.

My prior design widebody C63s. Kept that car for almost 3 years. Had pure stage 2 turbos and it Was slower than a G80 with a JB4.

Had a highly modded ghibli I got when they first came out. Kept it almost 4 years.

One I miss to this day was my B8.5 RS5. I loved that car. I kick myself for selling it. I haven't found one optioned like it yet or I would have one in my garage.

I've had so many vehicles I can't even remember some of them. F-pace SVR was a standout too along with Panamera turbo and e60 M5.

The Alfa quad was probably the best driving car I've ever had next to my 488, but fell short in so many other areas. The G80 picked those shortcomings up and drives almost identical to that. So it's definitely a winner.

Curious to hear your thoughts on the quadrifoglio, as getting a quad to replace my G80 has been a repeat feeling I've not been able to shake off during the past year or so of ownership.

I just love the way the car drives, much more so than the G80. I have a strong urge to make a GTA clone, it's just so beautiful