1. Classic BMWs comparison

2. BMW E30 3-Series: The legendary compact sports sedan

3. BMW E24 6-Series: The grand tourer with sporty spirit

4. BMW E39 5-Series: The perfect blend of luxury and performance

5. Conclusion

Classic BMWs comparison

BMW is one of the few car brands that have not only survived the test of time but have also retained their reputation for delivering a superb driving experience. When enthusiasts discuss “classic” BMWs, they often mean those models produced between the 1970s and early 2000s—a period widely regarded as BMW’s golden era. In this article, we’ll explore and compare some of the most iconic models from this time: the E30 3-Series, the E24 6-Series, and the E39 5-Series. These cars embody BMW’s philosophy of creating the “Ultimate Driving Machine,” each in its unique way.

BMW E30 3-Series: The legendary compact sports sedan

The BMW E30 3-Series, produced from 1982 to 1994, is often the first model that comes to mind when talking about classic BMWs. Known for its agility, timeless design, and excellent handling, the E30 became the foundation of BMW’s reputation as a maker of true driver’s cars.

• Design and Styling: The E30’s boxy, clean lines have aged beautifully, making it one of the most recognized designs in BMW history. Its simple, no-nonsense aesthetics combined with iconic quad headlights give it a distinguished look.
• Performance: From the entry-level 316i to the high-performance M3, the E30 catered to a wide range of driving preferences. The E30 M3, in particular, with its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, lightweight build, and rear-wheel drive setup, is a favorite among enthusiasts for its superb handling and balanced weight distribution.
• Driving Experience: Light and agile, the E30 3-Series offers one of the most engaging driving experiences, especially with a manual transmission. This car rewards the driver with precise feedback and a unique connection to the road, which has earned it a cult following to this day.

Overall: The E30 remains a symbol of the perfect balance between simplicity and performance, offering a thrilling experience that can still compete with more modern sports cars.

BMW E24 6-Series: The grand tourer with sporty spirit

The E24 6-Series, produced from 1976 to 1989, was BMW’s first attempt at a luxury grand tourer. Known as the “Sharknose” due to its distinctive front-end design, the E24 quickly became a status symbol and remains highly desirable among collectors.

• Design and Styling: Unlike the compact E30, the E24 boasts a long, sleek profile with flowing lines that emphasized elegance. The front end, with its signature shark-nose grille, captures attention immediately. This design language gave the E24 a powerful presence on the road and set it apart from other luxury coupes of its time.
• Performance: Powered by a range of inline-six engines, the E24 offered robust performance. The top-spec M635CSi, equipped with the legendary M88 engine (similar to the one in the M1 supercar), produced around 286 horsepower—serious numbers for its time.
• Driving Experience: Despite its size, the E24 handles well for a grand tourer, thanks to a well-tuned suspension system. It delivers a smooth and powerful drive, ideal for long distances, with enough sportiness to make winding roads enjoyable.

Overall: The E24 6-Series combines luxury and performance, making it a fantastic option for enthusiasts who appreciate classic design, a comfortable interior, and a touch of sportiness.

BMW E39 5-Series: The perfect blend of luxury and performance

The E39 5-Series, produced from 1995 to 2003, is widely regarded as one of the best sedans ever made and is often considered the benchmark for executive cars. This model, especially in its M5 variant, remains an icon in the world of automotive engineering.

• Design and Styling: The E39’s design is subtle yet elegant. It features smooth lines, a refined silhouette, and a sense of modernity that still looks attractive today. The E39 introduced a level of sophistication in BMW’s design language, bridging the gap between classic BMW boxy designs and the more modern look of later models.
• Performance: The E39 M5, with its 4.9-liter V8 engine producing 394 horsepower, became the standard by which all sports sedans were judged. Even non-M models, such as the 540i, offered strong performance thanks to their powerful V8 engines and precise handling.
• Driving Experience: Known for its balanced chassis and excellent suspension tuning, the E39 5-Series delivers a refined and sporty driving experience. Its weight distribution, steering precision, and ride comfort make it suitable for daily driving and spirited driving alike.

Overall: The E39 is a high point in BMW’s history, known for reliability, luxury, and performance. It’s equally comfortable on long highway cruises as it is on twisty roads, which is why it’s considered one of the most versatile BMW models.

Conclusion

Choosing the “best” classic BMW ultimately depends on your driving preferences:

• If you value agility and an engaging driving experience, the E30 3-Series, especially the M3, is your best choice.
• For those who enjoy long-distance comfort with a touch of sportiness, the E24 6-Series offers the ultimate grand touring experience with style.
• If you want a car that combines luxury, performance, and practicality, the E39 5-Series, particularly the M5, stands out as the best all-rounder.

Each of these classic BMWs has its own appeal, but they all share a dedication to driving pleasure. Owning one of these models is about more than just having a car—it’s about experiencing a piece of automotive history that continues to inspire the BMW brand and automotive enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re after speed, elegance, or the perfect balance, a classic BMW exists to fulfill your dreams behind the wheel.

Are you already a proud owner of a BMW E30, BMW E24, BMW E39? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/bmw/e30

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/bmw/e24

https://octoclassic.com/product-category/bmw/e39

Photos sources: BMW BLOG, drive-my.com, pinterest.com, bmworegoncca.com