About this episode
A deep dive into BMW's history and iconic models, this episode features passionate discussions about favorite BMWs, including the legendary 2002 and the quirky Z1. The hosts share personal stories and experiences with various models, from classic to modern, while debating the brand's current direction and design choices. They express a desire for BMW to return to its roots, emphasizing driver engagement and manual transmission options. The conversation also touches on BMW motorcycles and the brand's evolution over the years, making for an engaging listen for any automotive enthusiast.
Brendan and Ian are back with another Deep Dive episode, this week starring...BMW! Already well into a conversation about their favorites, the two hosts decided to hit record and make a full episode about Life Plus BMW.
Tune in this episode to find out more about:
-Brendan and Ian's favorite vintage and modern BMWs
-the quirkiest of BMWs from their history
-BMW's SAV (the X5) and how it changed the SUV scene
-which M car would be their respective go-to pick
-BMW's motorcycle history
-BMW of today and what the hosts are hoping to see in the future (hint: more manuals!)
PLUS: Ian and Brendan talk about fish bowls and clown shoes.
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What do you think, listener? Which of your favorite cars from BMW did we miss? Email us with your BMW stories at [email protected]
BMW 2002
"I think for me, it's the 2002. Oh, that's mine. Damn you."
The BMW 2002 is a small car made by BMW in the late 1960s and 1970s. It's famous for being fun to drive and is considered a classic among car enthusiasts.
The BMW 2002 is a classic compact car that was produced from 1968 to 1976. It is known for its sporty handling and is often credited with helping to establish BMW's reputation for performance-oriented vehicles.
BMW 3 Series
"And it's basically what started the entire kickoff for what we now know is the BMW three series."
The BMW 3 Series is a popular line of cars made by BMW that are known for being fun to drive. The earlier BMW 2002 helped start this series of cars.
The BMW 3 Series is a line of compact executive cars produced by BMW, known for their sporty handling and performance. The 2002 is often credited as the model that laid the groundwork for this successful series.
fuel injection
"...they had fuel injection. And then there was even a turbo model and like, oh, it's just in the look."
Fuel injection is a way to get fuel into the engine. It's more accurate than older methods, helping the car run better and use less gas.
Fuel injection is a system that delivers fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine. It replaced carburetors in many vehicles due to its efficiency and precision in controlling the fuel-air mixture.
turbo model
"...there was even a turbo model and like, oh, it's just in the look. Oh, yes. Oh, yes."
A turbo model is a version of a car that has a special device called a turbocharger. This device helps the engine produce more power, making the car faster without needing a bigger engine.
A turbo model refers to a car variant equipped with a turbocharger, which increases the engine's power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber. This results in improved performance without significantly increasing engine size.
kidney grill
"...that was where they really perfected the kidney grill with the big BMW round dell right there on the hood."
The kidney grill is a special design feature on BMW cars that looks like two kidneys next to each other. It's not just for looks; it helps cool the engine by letting air in.
The kidney grill is a signature design element of BMW vehicles, characterized by its unique shape resembling a pair of kidneys. It serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, allowing air to flow into the engine compartment for cooling.
GTO
"...it was sitting in his carport next to the GTO for decades."
The Pontiac GTO is a famous car from the 1960s and 70s that is known for being fast and powerful. It's considered one of the first muscle cars, which are cars designed for speed and performance.
The Pontiac GTO is a classic American muscle car that was produced from 1964 to 1974. It is often credited with starting the muscle car trend in the United States, known for its powerful engines and sporty design.
ultimate driving machine
"Soon it would become the ultimate driving machine later on with that whole catch phrase slogan."
'Ultimate driving machine' is a catchy phrase BMW uses to say their cars are really fun to drive and very well made. It shows how much they care about making great cars.
The phrase 'ultimate driving machine' is a marketing slogan used by BMW to emphasize the performance and driving pleasure associated with their vehicles. It reflects the brand's commitment to engineering excellence and driving dynamics.
Toyota 2000GT
"...I've never been in a two thousand two. I imagine like the visibility is second to none. Oh, yeah. Well, it's funny, it's almost it's almost like they let the designers..."
The Toyota 2000GT is a famous sports car from the 1960s. It has a stylish design and is known for being fun to drive with good visibility.
The Toyota 2000GT is a classic sports car produced in the late 1960s, known for its sleek design and performance. It features a 2.0-liter inline-six engine and is often celebrated for its contribution to the sports car segment.
BMW 507
"I almost said the 507, which was their roadster from,"
The BMW 507 is a beautiful sports car made by BMW in the 1950s. It's very rare and is considered a classic because of its design and history.
The BMW 507 is a classic roadster produced in the late 1950s. It is known for its stunning design and limited production, making it a highly sought-after collector's item today.
Alpina Z8
"...at actually went on to inspire the design of the Z8 in the early 2000s. Yes, the BMW 507, definitely..."
The Alpina Z8 is a fancy sports car that looks really nice and goes fast. It's made by a company that takes BMW cars and makes them even better, so it's special and not easy to find.
The Alpina Z8 is a luxury sports car based on the BMW Z8, known for its elegant design and powerful performance. Alpina, a manufacturer known for enhancing BMWs, added unique touches to the Z8, making it a rare and desirable vehicle among enthusiasts.
BMW Z8
"But I think they made very few of them. And it's the car that actually went on to inspire the design of the Z8 in the early 2000s."
The BMW Z8 is a modern sports car made by BMW from 2000 to 2003. It has a classic look that pays homage to the older BMW 507.
The BMW Z8 is a roadster that was produced from 2000 to 2003, inspired by the classic BMW 507. It features a retro design combined with modern performance and technology, making it a desirable collector's item.
BMW 750I
"...favorites is I am so torn between a Z8 and a 2001 750i. For me, that E38 7 Series is the pinnacle of BM..."
The BMW 7 Series is a big luxury car that's very comfortable and has a lot of high-tech features. People often buy it because it looks nice and shows off wealth.
The BMW 7 Series is a full-size luxury sedan that represents the pinnacle of BMW's engineering and design. Known for its advanced technology, comfort, and performance, it is often seen as a status symbol among luxury car buyers.
BMW New Bmw
"...lot today and you'd be like, oh, that's a pretty new BMW. Like you just it's just the styling of it's per..."
The BMW New Class is a group of cars made a long time ago that helped make BMW popular. They were known for being stylish and fun to drive, and they set the stage for the company's future cars.
The BMW New Class refers to a series of models produced in the 1960s and 1970s that helped establish BMW as a major player in the automotive market. These cars are known for their innovative design and performance, laying the groundwork for the brand's future success.
V12 engine
"Yes. And that V12. Oh, my God, that beautiful 5.4 liter V12."
A V12 engine has twelve cylinders and is designed to run very smoothly. It's often used in fancy cars because it provides a lot of power.
A V12 engine is a twelve-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. It is known for its smooth power delivery and high performance, often found in luxury and high-performance vehicles.
5.4 liter
"Oh, my God, that beautiful 5.4 liter V12. I that's for me, like I will own a V12 someday."
5.4 liters is a measurement of how big the engine is. Bigger engines usually mean the car can go faster and has more power.
The term '5.4 liter' refers to the engine displacement, which is the total volume of all the cylinders in the engine. A larger displacement typically indicates more power and torque.
BMW Z1
"I mean, the first time I ever saw a Z1 and saw the door like suck down into basically the rocker, get it out of it. I was like, what is this car?"
The BMW Z1 is a unique convertible car made by BMW. It has cool doors that can slide down into the car's body, making it look different from other cars.
The BMW Z1 is a roadster produced by BMW from 1989 to 1991, known for its distinctive design and innovative features, including its retractable doors that slide down into the body of the car.
BMW Z3
"...I've had my own experience with the Z3 that my mother owns."
The BMW Z3 is a small sports car that was made by BMW in the late 1990s. It's known for being fun to drive and has a stylish look.
The BMW Z3 is a compact roadster produced from 1995 to 2002, known for its sporty design and handling, and it gained popularity after being featured in the James Bond film 'GoldenEye.'
BMW Z4
"...and then I've driven a Z4."
The BMW Z4 is a newer version of the Z3, made by BMW. It has a sportier look and better performance, and it comes in both a convertible and a hardtop version.
The BMW Z4 is a successor to the Z3, introduced in 2002, featuring a more aggressive design and improved performance, available in both coupe and roadster variants.
BMW 750
"There's the eight and the seven fifty. Yeah, for modern ones. Yeah."
The BMW 750 is a fancy car that offers a lot of comfort and power, making it a popular choice for those who want a high-end vehicle.
The BMW 750 is a luxury sedan that is part of the BMW 7 Series, known for its high performance, advanced technology, and luxurious features.
BMW 8 Series
"There's the eight and the seven fifty. Yeah, for modern ones. Yeah."
The BMW 8 Series is a high-performance sports car that looks great and drives really well, appealing to those who love luxury and speed.
The BMW 8 Series is a luxury grand tourer that combines performance with elegance, featuring powerful engines and a stylish design.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
"...I compared to like the CT5 black wing, right? Right. Right."
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a fast and powerful version of the CT5 sedan. It's made for people who love driving and want a luxury car that can perform well on a racetrack.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a high-performance variant of the CT5 sedan, featuring a powerful V8 engine and advanced performance features. It's designed for enthusiasts who seek a blend of luxury and track-ready performance.
BMW M5
"Right. Like their new M5 is it's not even a manual anymore. Is it? No. You know, and it's all wheel drive."
The BMW M5 is a fast and sporty car that is part of the BMW 5 Series. It's designed for performance and has a powerful engine, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It's often regarded as one of the best luxury sports sedans on the market.
all-wheel drive
"Is it? No. You know, and it's all wheel drive. Which is like, come on, like, come on, BMW,"
All-wheel drive means that all four wheels of the car get power from the engine. This helps the car grip the road better, especially in rain or snow.
All-wheel drive (AWD) is a drivetrain configuration that provides power to all four wheels of a vehicle simultaneously, enhancing traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
rear-wheel drive
"Rear wheel drive. Yeah."
Rear-wheel drive means that the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can make the car handle better and feel sportier when driving.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup often provides better handling and balance, especially in performance cars.
MSRP
"So right in what MSRP of a 97 Z three was thirty one thousand dollars for the four cylinder and thirty seven thousand for the six cylinder."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests that dealerships sell the car for. It helps buyers know what a fair price might be.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It is the price that the manufacturer recommends that retailers sell a product for, which can help buyers gauge the market value of a vehicle.
Chevrolet Suburban
".... So right, rather spend seventy five grand on a suburban. Yeah. Yeah, it's yeah."
The Chevrolet Suburban is a big family vehicle that can carry a lot of people and their stuff. It's popular because it's roomy and can handle tough jobs, like towing trailers.
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior and strong towing capabilities. It has been in production since 1935, making it one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history, often favored by families and businesses alike for its versatility and comfort.
BMW 440i
"I see these around sometimes the four forty I coop. I think that looks great."
The BMW 440i is a stylish two-door car that combines luxury and performance. It's part of the 4 Series and is known for being fun to drive.
The BMW 440i is a luxury coupe that offers a blend of performance and style, part of the 4 Series lineup. It's known for its powerful engine options and sporty handling, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
BMW M4
"I think generally that like the M four of that era, too, that was like before they brought out the giant kidney grills."
The BMW M4 is a sportier version of the 4 Series, built for speed and performance. It's designed for people who want a thrilling driving experience.
The BMW M4 is the high-performance variant of the 4 Series, designed for enthusiasts who seek a more dynamic driving experience. It features a more powerful engine and sport-tuned suspension compared to the standard models.
BMW M440i
"...I would say that's my favorite BMW of the last several years or so..."
The BMW M440i is a sporty car that offers a powerful engine and sleek design. It's part of BMW's 4 Series lineup and is designed for those who enjoy driving performance cars.
The BMW M440i is a performance-oriented variant of the 4 Series, known for its sporty design and powerful engine options. It features a turbocharged inline-six engine and advanced technology, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
BMW X5
"...what are your thoughts on the BMW SUVs? Because the X5 came out and really changed the game as far as what BMW was known for..."
The BMW X5 is a fancy SUV made by BMW that started being sold in 1999. It's popular for being fast and comfortable, changing how people view luxury SUVs.
The BMW X5 is a luxury midsize SUV that was first introduced in 1999. It is known for its performance, handling, and upscale features, setting a standard for luxury SUVs.
performance SUVs
"...defined that whole segment of like performance SUVs. I mean, surely following the like Porsche Cayenne..."
Performance SUVs are a type of SUV that not only provides space and comfort but also drives fast and handles well, like a sports car.
Performance SUVs are vehicles that combine the features of traditional SUVs with high-performance capabilities, offering both utility and sporty driving experiences.
Porsche Cayenne
"...following the like Porsche Cayenne and all that. Well, my thoughts on it are I've always liked their SUVs..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that Porsche started selling in 2002. It's known for being sporty and fast, and it helped make the idea of performance SUVs popular.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury SUV that debuted in 2002, known for its sporty performance and handling, which helped to establish the performance SUV segment.
SAV
"Oh, you're right. Yes, sports activity vehicle. To just to kind of promote that it's a very road capable car that can handle well."
SAV means Sports Activity Vehicle, which is how BMW describes their crossover cars that are designed to be sporty and capable on the road.
SAV stands for Sports Activity Vehicle, a term coined by BMW to describe their crossover vehicles, emphasizing their sporty characteristics compared to traditional SUVs.
five-speed manual
"Yeah, which with that first generation, you could get that with the manual. You get a five speed manual with that V eight."
A five-speed manual is a type of car transmission that lets you change gears manually using a stick. It has five different gear options for driving.
A five-speed manual transmission allows the driver to manually select gears through five different ratios, providing more control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
torque
"...Oh, yes. Talk about torque. Oh, yeah, I've always really liked the looks of that first generation..."
Torque is how strong an engine is when it turns. It helps cars speed up and pull heavy things. Diesel engines usually have more torque than regular gas engines, which is why people like them for tough jobs.
Torque is a measure of rotational force, which is crucial in determining a vehicle's ability to accelerate and haul loads. In diesel engines, torque is typically higher than in gasoline engines, making them well-suited for heavy-duty applications.
plug-in hybrid
"Forty E. It was a plug in hybrid. Right. I mean, it was a really nice car, but it's just one of those things..."
A plug-in hybrid is a car that can use electricity from a wall outlet to charge its battery, as well as gasoline. This means it can drive on electric power for a while before needing gas, making it more efficient.
A plug-in hybrid is a vehicle that can be charged from an external power source and operates using both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. This allows for reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions compared to traditional vehicles.
Chevrolet Tahoe
"And yeah, so like 2018 or no, 2019 model year. So it's their answer to like, you know, the Q sevens and the Tahoe's and things like that. Right. The big seven seater."
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a large SUV that can fit a lot of people and is great for families. It has a lot of space inside and is good for driving on different types of roads.
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, technology, and off-road capability. Competing with other large SUVs, it is particularly noted for its spaciousness and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice for those needing a seven-seater vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler
"It's amazing. It's like it's like a Jeep Wrangler, but it's a BMW. Oh, it is. It is amazing."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough vehicle made for driving off-road, like on dirt trails or rocky paths. It has a unique look and you can take off parts like the doors and roof for a fun experience.
The Jeep Wrangler is an iconic off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and exceptional off-road capabilities. Its distinctive styling and removable doors and roof make it a favorite among adventure enthusiasts and those looking for a fun driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ght. All right. But still, I'd be like driving a Corvette roadster for 27. You'd be fine zero to 60."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast sports car that looks really cool and can go from zero to sixty miles per hour quickly. It's popular because it's fun to drive and has a stylish design.
The Chevrolet Corvette is a high-performance sports car that has become a symbol of American automotive engineering. Known for its sleek design and powerful engine options, the Corvette offers thrilling speed and handling, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Bmw M
"Our friend of the show, Cody, he used to own a BMW M roadster. And that was the one that I got to dri..."
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a special sports car that's known for being fast and having a unique shape. It's a favorite among collectors because it's not very common and fun to drive.
The BMW M Coupe (E36) is a rare and iconic sports car that combines the performance of BMW's M division with a unique coupe design. Known for its distinctive styling and engaging driving dynamics, it has become a sought-after classic among car collectors.
Volkswagen Jetta
"...done. Well, that's even better than 98 Volkswagen Jetta called Jitters. Jitters. Right. We're talking ab..."
The Volkswagen Jetta is a small car that's easy to drive and good for everyday use. It's known for being well-made and getting good gas mileage.
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that combines practicality with a fun driving experience. Known for its solid build quality and efficient engines, the Jetta has been a popular choice for those seeking a reliable daily driver.
BMW M2
"... I I feel like I'm hot and cold with the new BMW M2. It's the one of the last cars you can get with ..."
The BMW M2 is a sporty version of a smaller BMW car that is really fun to drive fast. It has a strong engine and handles well, making it great for both daily driving and racing.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance variant of the 2 Series, designed to deliver an exhilarating driving experience with its powerful engine and sharp handling. It is praised for its balance between everyday usability and track-ready performance, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
Toyota GR 86
"... at somebody like Toyota that they're selling the GR 86. They're selling the Supra in small numbers, yet..."
The Toyota GR 86 is a small sports car that's designed to be really fun to drive. It's light and has a special setup that makes it great for people who love speed and handling.
The Toyota GR 86 is a compact sports car that emphasizes driving enjoyment and performance. Developed in collaboration with Subaru, it features a lightweight design and rear-wheel drive, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts looking for an engaging driving experience.
Toyota Supra
"...t they're selling the GR 86. They're selling the Supra in small numbers, yet they're still committed to..."
The Toyota Supra is a famous sports car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been updated recently, so it's a mix of new technology and the classic style that fans remember.
The Toyota Supra is a legendary sports car known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling. Recently revived, the new Supra combines modern technology with the classic Supra spirit, appealing to both old fans and new buyers alike.
Chevrolet Impala
"...M multiple times. Like if they came out with the Impala again, but they made like different trims and ju..."
The Chevrolet Impala is a big car that's comfortable and can fit a lot of people. It's been around for a long time and is often chosen by families for everyday driving.
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size sedan that has been a staple of American automotive culture for decades. Known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, the Impala has seen various redesigns and remains a popular choice for families and commuters.
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