By the time the Motorweek television program road tested the 1986 BMW 325e and 635CSi, some of us had already been driving BMW for years. But for others, the E30 3 Series was their introduction to the marque, and the E24 6 Series was the top-of-the-line premium sports coupe we wished that we could graduate to—someday.
In 1986, there were no X BMWs, or 1 Series, 2 Series, or 4 Series. The 8 Series and the first Z1 convertible were still three years away. The only alternatives to the 3, 5, 6, and 7 Series were the M3, M5, and M6. BMW life seemed simpler then.
Some BMW enthusiasts today long for the good old days of the E30 and E24, which is understandable given the computerization and gadgetry of the most modern Bimmers. Those ancient BMWs did have computerized engine management and anti-lock brakes, but when you watch the performance of the cars in the video—how fast they are and how they handle—more electronics in today’s cars might not be a bad tradeoff for better power and control.
Enjoy the video and if it rekindles a desire to drive an ’86 3 Series or 635CSi, there is good news. BMW built them pretty well, so after almost 30 years there are still quite a few out there today that would love a home in your garage.—Scott Blazey
[Photos and video courtesy of MotorWeek via YouTube.]
