Thanks for the great column Stjepan.

So while I enjoy the 2500 lb curb weight of the E30, I’m confident in the direction that BMW has taken its design principles of making every car a sporting car, if not a sports car.

I would also have to argue that BMW has appeased all of it’s consumer base by producing exceedingly versatile cars. Take the new Z4 for example. Yes, by default when you step inside and drive – it’s plush, a touch cushy, and ready for a trip over the roughest roads through downtown traffic.

But ultimately, the car has been designed with performance parameters in mind, and has had this comfort added as an alternate drive experience, creating it’s duel personality. It all changes with the M button. And while it’s not faster than the Porsche, it’s not exactly far behind. BMW did not first create a cushy car based on it’s comfortable virtues, and then add in performance character as an afterthought.

From it’s basic layout to the finer details, BMW always creates a basic sports car, then modifies it to suit it’s intended purpose. That’s why in BMW’s history, not one car departing from the factory in Munich has strayed from 50/50 weight balance or RWD. During the design process, every car they produce has circled the N’Ring. At it’s very heart, I believe every BMW is still a sports car.

The best news is yet to come. BMW is investing heavily in resourses that will allow them to build the purest, dynamic and efficient cars to date. From the great weight savings of their metal hardening facility to the new aero lab, BMW is working harder than ever to put us behind the wheel of a more accomodating, much safer, more efficient, faster and more dynamic E30.

That the early generations 3-Series (late 70s, 80s), for all their lean and sporting intentions were cars of limited scope.

They were cramped, loud, harsh riding, high on cost, low on content, squirrely on wet pavement, and worthless in the snow. Style wise, the tall greenhouse cabin that’s part of the E21 and E30′s three box design is an acquired taste.

To their great merit, however, these old 3er’s engaged the driver and provided magnificent feedback. Corner after corner, the act of turning the wheel and feeling the machine respond was a reward in and of itself.

For the rest of the time – traffic, commutes, A-C-D-B around town errands, the act of driving these older, wonderfully in-tune cars was a chore that wore on the driver.

To be sure, BMWs are a little or a lot soft these days – depending on the model and your preference. I’d argue that the M3 is spot on while the 7-Series has gone to mush.

But the balance towards more comfort and practicality overall is right for a car company that produces luxury performance vehicles – not sports cars.

That BMW’s able to reach this balance of comfort and performance better than anyone else where it concerns crossovers is more remarkable still.

To wit, the car’s still here. And it’s comfier than ever.