I’ve always thought that the LCI/refresh version of the e53 was one of the strongest demonstrations of BMWs old design language. It’s held up extremely well, especially that hot ass 4.8is. They’re absolutely gorgeous in Imola Red.

Also, why is everything an ‘M-something’ now? I know they’ve had the M550i and M240i as like half way M performance models, but there have always been non M performance versions to choose from.

Doesn’t this reinforce how much better the first gen was?

That was very ballsy of BMW to include a few variations of the e53 - looks like they had two 4.8is and one 4.6is. I absolutely love ‘modern classic’ BMWs - you know the ones that had the classic gauges and all. The e53 is the only SAV that had that and the only one I would consider owning.

Auto manufacturers do it to save weight and thus reach their higher fuel economy standards. No spare rim/tire on board means less weight to carry around. I hate run flats but I can understand why they do it. 

It’s not the need to actually offroad - it’s just the ILLUSION that they do and everything else that goes with a perceived ‘active lifestyle’.

My parents did something similar but it was really just one poor decision. They sold their e28 5 series (just like this one but white)...

I noticed recently that other (internal combustion) front wheel drive cars also have ‘transmission tunnels’. What is the reason for this?

Don’t forget that they were available in wagon form in the US, so let’s give them credit for that.

My grandmother was having some body work done on her BMW (335i coupe) at the time, but she needed a loaner and her insurance sent her to Hertz which issued her a gold Pontiac Sunfire. I remember thinking - wow, my grandma drove a ‘61 Cadillac back in the day and look at what she’d driving now. Lol, even though it…

I’ll preface this by saying that I don’t have kids, but three friends of mine have kids under the age of two.

Interesting name they chose - it idiomatically means “thoroughbred” but literally means “pure blood”. 

I really wanted one (post-refresh which looked 100x better than pre) when I was in high school. We were a huge GM family back then so I was trying to think of anything I would want. Considered a Pomtiac Vibe and the Catera. Didn't get either but I did get a 3 year old S10 Blazer that had been owned by an old lady. I…

Someone at my old apartment complex drove an Astra.

I agree, I think the rear looks great and the front, while maybe a little over the top, certainly looks better to me than the Accord’s front end.

Here-here! I daily a 23 year old 5 series. It’s so great before tech took over. I don’t need screens shining in my face.

I agree about the swooped down C-pillar - it’s kinda cool that they’ve maintained that detail over 4 generations. While looking back at pictures of previous generations I came across this one. I’ve never thought this before, but doesn’t it look like a 1st/2nd gen Honda CR-V with a Mercedes badge?

Awesome! That also reminds me I need to try Intermezzo (I mean Mezzo) now that they are back open.

UC Berkeley closed their campus bar - The Bear’s Lair - in 2012.

This is an epic post. Lincoln needs to ditch Matthew McConaughey and sign you. Cheers for thinking for yourself and not grtting all the typical luxury brands just because that’s what people say you should get.