I think it’s fair to say BMW has a mixed history when it comes to aesthetic car design, think Bangle-era flame servicing and, more recently, beaver teeth. Well everything frankly.
This thread is a super subjective view of the best looking BMWs of all time. It’s based solely on styling not on how they might or might not perform. And it’s sort of in order or at least as good as I could get. So, what are they and why?
First is the Z8. We all know its background and what it looks like. And they look fabulous. My local dealer has two on display and the finish and execution is spot on both inside and out. As is often the case with BMWs, they were derided at launch because journos couldn’t work out if it was a sports car or a cruiser. It’s neither - it’s a hot rod. Now they are all well over six figures and have a devoted following. It has to be said, the Z8 doesn’t look so good with the roof raised or the hard top on but as they are rarely seen as such, it still holds on to top place.
Second is the Z3MC. I had one of the last off the line so I might be biased but again this has a hot rod vibe which has aged very well. Super chintzy and cheap inside but you can not go wrong with four pipes and deep dished wheels.
Third is its sibling, the Z3MR. I dismissed this completely at the time but the years have been kind to it. It’s a real stunner especially in a colour such as Oxford Green. It has to be an M though as the number plate above the bumper really makes it. A modern(ish) Austin Healey 3000 Mark 3.
Fourth is the Z4 3.5iS. And I am being specific here with 296 wheels (the ones that crack anyway) and in white or mineral grey with coral red interior. The two ladies designed this did a cracking job with a good look with the roof up or down (rarely achieved) and a very smart, clear and unique interior. I look at mine all the time (and yes it’s white/red)!
Fifth is the i8 Coupe LCI. This car remains futuristic even 12 years after launch and while edgy it isn’t at all contrived as the cutaways etc are there for airflow not for show. It also has a unique interior. Forget the trolls who say it needs a S54 etc and that’s it’s slow. Not at all. And now because it has been left behind in the hybrid stakes it’s a currently a comparative bargain.
Sixth is the E46 M3 CSL in view of its subtle but ever so slightly menacing three box look. BMW really could do subtle really well but there is enough new in it for us petrolheads to notice it as something special.
Seventh is the original generation M2 (F87). It has just enough of the E46 in its profile to remind us of earlier years even though it should be four inches longer and two inches lower. Why did they have to compress it in a vice? And it edges it over the M2 Comp because it has better wheels.
Eighth is the 850CSi. Again this passed me by in the nineties but you just cannot get this sort of low and wide look anymore so it has to be included.
And for me those are the only ones that make the cut. Those that just fail are the i8 Roadster which I still like in profile but the rear deck is unresolved. I know I have one. And (sorry Mr Tidy et al) the E86 zed emm is a good effort from the rear three quarters but I still find the front all wrong. And yes I have one…. As for the E85 and G29, let’s just say that the former is too quirky and the latter just too generic modern - I would rather have a Supra!
Now before I get loads of opinion ,welcome of course) please remember this is just a bit of fun for a Monday afternoon. What is telling though there is no car here which was designed after 2014 (the F87 being the last in this list). And it’s even more telling that the car I look at most in my garage and it’s the E89.
This thread is a super subjective view of the best looking BMWs of all time. It’s based solely on styling not on how they might or might not perform. And it’s sort of in order or at least as good as I could get. So, what are they and why?
First is the Z8. We all know its background and what it looks like. And they look fabulous. My local dealer has two on display and the finish and execution is spot on both inside and out. As is often the case with BMWs, they were derided at launch because journos couldn’t work out if it was a sports car or a cruiser. It’s neither - it’s a hot rod. Now they are all well over six figures and have a devoted following. It has to be said, the Z8 doesn’t look so good with the roof raised or the hard top on but as they are rarely seen as such, it still holds on to top place.
Second is the Z3MC. I had one of the last off the line so I might be biased but again this has a hot rod vibe which has aged very well. Super chintzy and cheap inside but you can not go wrong with four pipes and deep dished wheels.
Third is its sibling, the Z3MR. I dismissed this completely at the time but the years have been kind to it. It’s a real stunner especially in a colour such as Oxford Green. It has to be an M though as the number plate above the bumper really makes it. A modern(ish) Austin Healey 3000 Mark 3.
Fourth is the Z4 3.5iS. And I am being specific here with 296 wheels (the ones that crack anyway) and in white or mineral grey with coral red interior. The two ladies designed this did a cracking job with a good look with the roof up or down (rarely achieved) and a very smart, clear and unique interior. I look at mine all the time (and yes it’s white/red)!
Fifth is the i8 Coupe LCI. This car remains futuristic even 12 years after launch and while edgy it isn’t at all contrived as the cutaways etc are there for airflow not for show. It also has a unique interior. Forget the trolls who say it needs a S54 etc and that’s it’s slow. Not at all. And now because it has been left behind in the hybrid stakes it’s a currently a comparative bargain.
Sixth is the E46 M3 CSL in view of its subtle but ever so slightly menacing three box look. BMW really could do subtle really well but there is enough new in it for us petrolheads to notice it as something special.
Seventh is the original generation M2 (F87). It has just enough of the E46 in its profile to remind us of earlier years even though it should be four inches longer and two inches lower. Why did they have to compress it in a vice? And it edges it over the M2 Comp because it has better wheels.
Eighth is the 850CSi. Again this passed me by in the nineties but you just cannot get this sort of low and wide look anymore so it has to be included.
And for me those are the only ones that make the cut. Those that just fail are the i8 Roadster which I still like in profile but the rear deck is unresolved. I know I have one. And (sorry Mr Tidy et al) the E86 zed emm is a good effort from the rear three quarters but I still find the front all wrong. And yes I have one…. As for the E85 and G29, let’s just say that the former is too quirky and the latter just too generic modern - I would rather have a Supra!
Now before I get loads of opinion ,welcome of course) please remember this is just a bit of fun for a Monday afternoon. What is telling though there is no car here which was designed after 2014 (the F87 being the last in this list). And it’s even more telling that the car I look at most in my garage and it’s the E89.
Attleborough, Norfolk
North West Surrey
