General Car Conversation 2024 - part 2
#1291
Lexus Champion
BMW also used to have that kind of Teutonic-Tank-solidity, but their products also went noticeably downhill in the solidity department when Chris Bangle came along. He not only introduced the complex/annoying I-Drive and what was (IMO) goofy-looking body styling, but also thinner/lighter construction that was apparently done to cut costs, although the lighter weight might have also helped with CAFE averages,.
The newer ones finally feel like the S and A8 and it has extended down the line, I wouldn't and didn't consider anything older than the 7 series prior to current due to how cheap and frail they felt vs their contemporaries.
/end rant
#1292
Lexus Champion
See that's what I mean - the newer BMW's used more aluminum than the ones from the 90's especially on areas like doors and body panels which made them feel lighter. But aluminum costs much more than steel to manufacture, and now the newest BMW's also use carbon composites which are even lighter and another level up in expensive manufacturing. But because of the tactility and heft of the old ones from the 90s, you feel like you are getting a more expensive, better product than the new one even though the opposite is true.
#1293
Lexus Test Driver
a brit would go "well mental" at the idea of such an expressive, consequence free environment
#1295
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Cleetus and his friends have built/raced some impressive cars/trucks over the years. He owns a race track.
random stupid british comedy video:
as far as cars, carwow (british) has had some pretty stupid videos.
and even top gear may have been dumb in many ways, but it was surely more entertaining to many than cletus.
#1296
Lexus Fanatic
See that's what I mean - the newer BMW's used more aluminum than the ones from the 90's especially on areas like doors and body panels which made them feel lighter. But aluminum costs much more than steel to manufacture, and now the newest BMW's also use carbon composites which are even lighter and another level up in expensive manufacturing. But because of the tactility and heft of the old ones from the 90s, you feel like you are getting a more expensive, better product than the new one even though the opposite is true.
I'm not referring to aluminum.....I know aluminum usually costs more than steel. I'm referring to thinner, less-durable sheet steel.
#1297
Lexus Fanatic
This excellent article from Motor trend is a couple of years old, but IMO sums up the controversy over the early versions of the I-Drive very well.
https://www.motortrend.com/features/...-years-idrive/
#1298
Lol don't dump a 200 you'll regrettttt it. Everyone who sells them does, or lots of people. Just knowing it's there outside is comforting. End of the world and need to get off the trail? No problem. Less dramatic---I had so much fun with it when we got the 10" of snow, winter 2024 will never be forgotten.
Trust me. I know the gas mileage is horrible but it won't be any better, anything significant at least, in any other BOF around the city.
edit: What hybrid??
Trust me. I know the gas mileage is horrible but it won't be any better, anything significant at least, in any other BOF around the city.
edit: What hybrid??
10” of snow?? We won’t step foot outside let alone drive anywhere unless there’s an emergency.
you're entitled to your opinion about whether i'm a 'car guy'. but yes i couldn't care less about watching racing / build videos. the two aren't automatically connected.
cletus - not even his real name - does what he does to make money, and it seems like his staff does most of the work. he's more video producer and 'star'. but again more power to him, he's found a very successful niche.
#1299
Lexus Champion
Lexus TX hybrid or Grand Highlander hybrid max. Our LX is a pavement princes. My wife DD it. Gas mileage isn’t an issue. My wife wants something with newer tech and little more cargo/3rd row space. I personally like the LX and not opposed to keeping it. We average little over 300 miles per tank in town. We haven’t taken a roadtrip in it in couple years.
10” of snow?? We won’t step foot outside let alone drive anywhere unless there’s an emergency.
There’s more to it.
https://youtube.com/shorts/x2Xm2hz12...Q9_XQ85uiIo-4l
I know him from building and racing cars/trucks.
https://youtube.com/shorts/4HfWnPR2l...fHCuMYarwgexnh
10” of snow?? We won’t step foot outside let alone drive anywhere unless there’s an emergency.
There’s more to it.
https://youtube.com/shorts/x2Xm2hz12...Q9_XQ85uiIo-4l
I know him from building and racing cars/trucks.
https://youtube.com/shorts/4HfWnPR2l...fHCuMYarwgexnh
#1300
Pole Position
BMW also used to have that kind of Teutonic-Tank-solidity, but their products also went noticeably downhill in the solidity department when Chris Bangle came along. He not only introduced the complex/annoying I-Drive and what was (IMO) goofy-looking body styling, but also thinner/lighter construction that was apparently done to cut costs, although the lighter weight might have also helped with CAFE averages,.
MM, you bring up those "goofy" designs a lot. Bangle didn't design either of the cars you think he did. Adrian van Hooydonk was the lead designer of the E63 7 Series, and Davide Arcangeli designed the E60 5 Series. Sure, Bangle ran the team, but the designs weren't his. And to your other points, i-Drive was revolutionary and the aluminum construction was part of what made the E60 faster and better handling than the E39 - along with other things like active roll stabilization and active steering. Both of which I had on my 545i and my 550i.
#1301
Lexus Test Driver
It's nice to feel the mechanical heft of an old car but it's no indication of actual solidity or safety.
And since we're talking about 90's cars:
Last edited by Motorola; 09-11-24 at 08:26 PM.
#1302
Got it. My modding days are pretty much over, and I'm not into racing, in fact I don't really watch car videos in general anymore. Most stuff I watch is mostly independent media and informational videos. Sad, huh 🤣. But I do read your back and fourth debates and learn new things, so it's not all bleak. I work for a startup, so most of my time is divided between work and family, not much time for cars these days
I’ve had a “need for speed” for years. I like the rush. I used to be in an import car club years ago (body kits, wheels, coilovers, turbo kits, car shows, etc) Got into sport bikes (had a 600, 750, 1000). I use to drag my Gixxer 750 (ran 10.4@136mph) then I got into road racing it. Retired from bikes took a break from the speed/adrenaline rush until I got my Honda (had a LS460 prior). This is why I appreciate the performance of EVs!!
I understand trying to balance work and family. Little free time, I sneak away to the track. Sometimes the family will tag along.
May sound crazy but I don’t mind modding a cars but I don’t like to work on cars or should I say repair cars. It’s a difference. I will if I have to but I prefer not.
#1303
Lexus Fanatic
This is terrible don't ever do this.
#1304
Lexus Champion
I’ve had a “need for speed” for years. I like the rush. I used to be in an import car club years ago (body kits, wheels, coilovers, turbo kits, car shows, etc) Got into sport bikes (had a 600, 750, 1000). I use to drag my Gixxer 750 (ran 10.4@136mph) then I got into road racing it. Retired from bikes took a break from the speed/adrenaline rush until I got my Honda (had a LS460 prior). This is why I appreciate the performance of EVs!!
I understand trying to balance work and family. Little free time, I sneak away to the track. Sometimes the family will tag along.
May sound crazy but I don’t mind modding a cars but I don’t like to work on cars or should I say repair cars. It’s a difference. I will if I have to but I prefer not.
I understand trying to balance work and family. Little free time, I sneak away to the track. Sometimes the family will tag along.
May sound crazy but I don’t mind modding a cars but I don’t like to work on cars or should I say repair cars. It’s a difference. I will if I have to but I prefer not.
#1305
Lexus Champion
Who says 90s BMWs weren’t nice?
My Dad had an E38 740. The car was fantastic, built like a tank. Yes, rolling junk reliability wise but when new it was a fabulous car that felt very overbuilt….. like a proper flagship.
Also we had a ‘96 328i manual which I taught myself how to drive a stick with and snuck out every chance I got. Also very nice car, high quality and fit and finish.
My Dad had an E38 740. The car was fantastic, built like a tank. Yes, rolling junk reliability wise but when new it was a fabulous car that felt very overbuilt….. like a proper flagship.
Also we had a ‘96 328i manual which I taught myself how to drive a stick with and snuck out every chance I got. Also very nice car, high quality and fit and finish.