New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

My mom had one when she met my dad. At kid number two they had to sell it to get something bigger. I think she's still a little resentful of that.

BTW, if anyone has any stories to tell about their 2002, there's a documentary in the works on that car http://www.02video.com/

New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

Well, I'm sure she could pick one up now, if she wanted...I still see them on ebay motors sometimes...

My only other 2002 story is that when I was little, I puked in the back of my uncle's 2002. I don't think they'd want me to share that story. My poor uncle.

Flinty

cute cars
 

don't like the color, but that is one cute car. it kind of reminds me of the volkswagen cabrios in the rear half, but the front half is way more attractive and way cuter.

can you find a photograph with the roof down that wasn't taken next to a snowbank :exclaim:

somehow a picture of a convertible in snow just doesn't seem right. and the color is all wrong for that car.

ms. naughty diplomat

New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

Holy shit! You're my SP. Sort of. The very same day my dad got his little 2002 in 1974, I threw up in the back seat. My dad's never forgiven me.

Of course, he waited until 1976 to upgrade to a 530i, so the smell couldn't have been too bad . . .

cute cars
 

So far, the only spy pics to emerge are from cold-weather testing in Scandinavia. My bet is that the guys testing the car have been sacked.

I couldn't find a top-down pic, but here's another one that shows the lines a bit better (unfortunately, there's another snow bank).

http://www.autoweek.com/images_conte...0n-minica1.jpg

cute cars
 

http://www.autoweek.com/images_conte...0n-minica1.jpg

Judging from the absence of the scoop on the hood, it looks like the car is not a modified Cooper S. Which means the drop-top will be underpowered (or, more accurately, even more underpowered than the Cooper S).

Color me surprised. Unless they're trying to poach buyers from the convertible Beetle, they should have gone directly to the S.

New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

Heh, in my 4 year old mind, I thought it was the combination of OJ and bacon that I had that morning that caused me to ralph. For some period of time, I tried to avoid eating those things together, which is pretty hard if you're a 4 year old and your family starts everyday with a full breakfast. Now that I'm older, I'm inclined to think it was my uncle's swervy driving that got me carsick. I don't feel bad anymore, in fact, next time I see my uncle (who to this day, still drives BMW's), I'm going to find his car and puke in the backseat. I suggest you visit your dad too.

Flinty

New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

Sadly, my father's BMW stage was limited to the glorious decade of the 70s, when the dollar was strong, the Deutschmark was very weak, and BMW made entry-level cars with vinyl seats and few amenities, when even a solo practitioner with a general practice heavily weighted to criminal defense and municipal law could afford one. I can still spot a 1976 BMW from a distance because of the oxidation of that cheap-ass topcoat. He kept that 1976 530i for 18 years. For the latter part of that timeframe, he kept it in the driveway and drove a 1970 Volvo wagon to work.

Now he drives an 12-year-old Lexus, which would be considerably less satisfying in which to vomit. Nothing will ever overcome the nostalgia he feels about the 2002. Or that Volvo, which was really the only wise investment decision my parents ever made. And I'm including my education in the pool of comparables.

New BMW 5 series: The UGLY GERMAN DUCKLING
 

Damn, I'm beginning to think you're my SP.

VW
 

The VW Phaeton finally gets an English language website. Between the Phaeton and the Touralouraloureg, VW's gonna have a problem with branding based on name pronounceability.

VW
 

Fuck the name. $75k for a VW just ain't cutting it, apparently.

Mercedes C32 AMG v. BMW M3
 

Mercedes C32 AMG v. BMW M3
 

If you hurry, you might be able to find a 540i, which is almost as impressive as the M5, and has four doors. Also, there's the 330 with the "performance" package, which vaguely upgrades the power and drive train, although not to M class.

I've been through a similar decision process, and ended up with the less practical choice. A couple of thoughts: Do you really need a sedan that often? Do you have access, through family/spouse/so, to a sedan? Can you just rent for those few times you do need one?

My feeling is that if all you're buying for is utility, get an SUV or a cheap pickup truck. But that wouldn't make life too much fun, would it?

Mercedes C32 AMG v. BMW M3
 

I've driven both cars and they both have their own distinct personality. I have also driven the 330i with the performance package. It's not an M, but it's a lot more sporty than the regular 330. The Mercedes is a quieter car on the freeway, but the M kicks its ass in driveability and I think that's the gushing you read in the mags. The Mercedes can be described as a little more "polite" - not quite as jerky or zippy, but also, not as fun. I also prefer the interior of the BMW, and of course the seats are much much better. So, depends on what you want. Quiet, fast, point and shoot or a car that does the twisties!!

Mercedes C32 AMG v. BMW M3