10 BMW Models That Are Built Like Tanks

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10 1968-1975 BMW 2002

The 2002 was the first compact and stylish contender on the automotive market, somewhat foreshadowing what would eventually become BMW’s 3 Series. The car features compact yet sporty lines, a sturdy and functional interior, and came with several great engine options. Out of them, the 1973 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder was definitely the most exciting option.

Specifications

Back in the day, there were only a handful of turbocharged engines, and the 170-horsepower BMW powerplant has proven to be a fun and sporty alternative to the gas guzzlers of the time, which faced an uncertain future due to the ongoing gas crisis in the 70s.

While it was built exceptionally well for its time, the breaks were considered weak even back in the 70s, and the speedometer cable is prone to collecting water. Fast-forward, 2002 is still considered one of BMW’s greatest successes, and while rare, you can still see a handful of them on the road. More for show, and less for everyday utility, of course.

9 1978-1981 BMW M1

The M1 was and still is BMW’s only true mid-engine sportscar (If we don’t count the hybrid i8, of course). This rare beast of a car is highly admired by car enthusiasts and for a reason. In its time, it was a true power to be reckoned with.

Specifications

Originally designed with the intent to go endurance racing, t​​​​​​he even weight distribution and center of gravity provided responsive handling, and the robust 3.5-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine provided 277 horsepower, making for a really great overall drive. The design language was also distinctive, as the car should have been a cooperative venture with Lamborghini, which failed in the end.

The M1 is still a stunning and enduring car today. One of its major problems is simply the rarity of the car. Only 397 road cars were built, which makes spare parts a true scarcity, and will make every trip to the repair shop a nightmare, even if you don’t daily this car (given the fact that it costs a fortune, you probably won’t anyway).

8 1986-1989 BMW 635CSi

The 635CSi was the first Sixer that omitted smoothness in favor of sportiness and raw performance. This has proven to be a smart move on behalf of the Bavarians, as the “Sharknose,” as it was referred to, was a precursor to the legendary M lineup, combining luxury with outstanding performance and driving characteristics. The 3.5-liter naturally aspirated, inline six-cylinder engine was capable of 286 horsepower, which was pretty impressive back then.

Specifications

Even though a true icon in its own right, the Sharknose had and has its fair share of problems. The sturdy and reliable engine still had alternator and battery problems even following a revision in 1983, and the car was still prone to leakage problems. Other than that, these machines have shown their capability and exude confidence even today, when horsepower numbers, torque figures, and acceleration numbers are off the charts.

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7 1987 BMW E32 767iL

Sadly, the E32 767iL never reached production, but still, the prototype speaks for itself and gives a good definition of what a tank should be as far as the engine is concerned. The 6.7-liter V16 came to life to show Mercedes-Benz that the Bavarians could make a faster car than the S-Class of the 80s and “simply” added four cylinders to their already existing M70 V-12 engine, seriously overhauling the existing engine management system and the internals.

Specifications

The 400-horsepower brute had its own design flaws. For instance, the engine was so large that there was no place left in the front for the cooling system. To fix the issue, the entire cooling system was moved to the trunk. Chances are, this would have caused major headaches for owners and repair shops alike if the car had gone into production. This beast of an engine meant that the 767iL could reach 0-60 in six seconds, with a top speed of 175 mph, which is impressive, even today.

6 1991-1994 BMW E31 850CSi

Coming with a 5.6-liter V12 engine, delivering 375 horsepower, the 850CSi wasn’t the fastest car of the 90s, but it was surely a breath of fresh air in the grand tourer segment of the market, with its refined steering and luxurious design. Originally, many have felt the 850CSi was a letdown compared to the M8 prototype (just like the V6-powered Jaguar JX220, which was originally planned to be a V12.

Specifications

Still, the engine pretty much had the power to put a smile on the driver’s face when they smashed the gas pedal, and the awesome looks of the car have probably made it easier to live with “just” 375 horsepower. Also, 850 models are still well and alive today, which means they are built to last. Even if the car can suffer from serious cooling issues and suspension problems, they have enough performance and sharp steering to keep drivers entertained

5 1992-1999 BMW E36 M3

A true icon in its own right, the E36 M3 carries the tradition of raw sportiness of the E30 M3, with improved luxury and, naturally, more power under the hood. Some believe that the E36 M3 is where BMW got the basic ingredients for the M3 (later M4) formula right

With a high-revving, naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine, modern driving tech, and stellar handling to produce the ultimate driving machine. The U.S.-spec 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine managed to produce 240 horsepower, while some Euro-spec models were pushing the limits to 320 horsepower.

Specifications

If something, the entire E36 lineup are built like tanks. Three decades later, you can see plenty of these cars cruising the streets, and as of late, they are even starting to have their own renaissance as they become cult, modern classics. Still, the brake pipes are prone to rust; the cars have headlight issues, and the ABS sensors are known to fail. Other than that, the engine is built to last, with some cars even reaching the 500,000-mile barrier.

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4 1998-2003 BMW E39 M5

The 1998 BMW M5 was, and according to most, still is, the epitome of what a sports sedan should be: crisp handling, incredible throttle response, a rigid chassis, a naturally aspirated powerful engine, a rigid chassis, and enough room for five. The M5 had the legendary 4.9-liter S62 V-8 engine that delivered 395 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. To top that off, the car also had an amazing 7,000 rpm redline for the ultimate experience.

Specifications

On the flip side, the M5 is an old car, meaning there will be maintenance problems and issues with the VANOS system, which is more or less normal at this age. The ball joints and suspension bushings can also show signs of wear and tear and need to be more closely examined if you want to buy yourself this icon.

3 2000-2006 BMW E46 M3

Some will argue that the E46 M3 is the best M car to ever grace public roads. The 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine produces 338 horsepower (343 in Europe), the chassis feels rigid, the weight distribution even, and the steering incredibly responsive two decades later. Add the musical harmony of the high-revving inline six, and there, you’ve got the perfect driver’s car that enables you to totally engage with the road.

Specifications

Just like in the case of the E36, even non-M variants of the E46 are considered reliable, fun, and sought-after vehicles, especially the 330Ci and other trims with the inline six. To that end, the non-M engines (codenamed M54 and M52) are also extremely sturdy and capable of taking a beating. Still, the E46 is still haunted by its issues with the rear subframe, which puts a large dent in this otherwise technical marvel.

2 2006 BMW E92 335i

The E92 was a true blasphemy at the time it entered the market. BMW purists lost all hope when they saw that the naturally aspirated inline-six had been replaced by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produced 306 horsepower. Still, people soon discovered the potential of the N54 engine, which is literally built like a tank. Often referred to as “the German 2JZ,” the N54 offers tremendous tuning potential, pushing the car well over 400 horsepower with a few bolt-ons and a new chip.

Specifications

Naturally, the E92 still retained the drivability and crisp handling of its predecessors, but its biggest strength is also the car’s biggest weakness. Some of the engine components, like the thermostat and water pump, are prone to failure, coupled with gasket leaks and fuel pump failures. Still, when those are taken care of, the 335i becomes a true beast.

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1 2015-2019 F82 BMW M4

The 2015 M4 marked the split between the 3 Series; namely, moving forward, the M3 is reserved for sedans, while the coupes and convertibles got the M4 badge. The M4 also was the first M car in a while to use turbos. More specifically, the M4 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six capable of producing 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.

Specifications

The M4 comes with a reliable engine that is capable of daily driving, surprising comfort, great design, and the capability of eating up asphalt with a stronger kick to the gas pedal. Still, even though the engine is bullet-proof. you still have some of the “classic” BMW engine issues, such as oil leaks, valve cover, and valve gasket leaks, and the DCT auto also has its own bugs that may need sorting out.