Big Beautiful Boosted BMW: Members’ Rides

Last week on Members’ Rides, we met Sean and his Civic collection. I always love seeing the rebuilds, and I really need to get myself another project car. It’s been too long. Though I really should fix a few things on my dailies before I worry about that, I guess … Anyway, today we are heading right back to the PNW, specifically to the beautiful Emerald City of Seattle, to meet David. David is a computer guy enjoying the couple of days of sunlight Seattle gets every few years with a reliable Lexus and a gorgeous BMW.

Members’ Rides is where we share the cars and stories of Autopian Members. The potential to be featured here is a perk for Autopian Members of every level, from the ultra-affordable “Cloth” tier all the way up to “Rich Corinthian Leather.” Click that link and join today!

How did you get into cars?

It all started when I was about 8. I took the lawnmower apart, put it back together, and it ran. Ever since then, I’ve been interested in anything with a motor. I’ve had dirt and street motorcycles, cars, trucks, etc. Never owned anything with more than two doors and only one car/truck that wasn’t a V8 for my car.

What’s currently in the garage?

• 2014 Lexus IS250
• 2023 BMW M850i

What’s the story behind the Lexus?

It’s my wife’s car and she liked the styling when the new generation came out and it was time for her to get a new car. She doesn’t like to change cars very often so this was a big decision. All about the styling.

How did she decide on the IS versus any of the German competition?

My wife really liked the size and styling, and I wasn’t going to try to steer her away from buying a Lexus. She’d had a BMW Z3 and didn’t like the reliability and service issues. She also wasn’t a big fan of Mercedes’ styling. This was not a feature-driven or driving experience decision for her.

How has it been?

Rock solid quality and relatively fun to drive. It’s only got about 63k miles on it, and we’ve only had scheduled maintenance. The local dealer is very good, and the services are reasonably priced when compared to other brands. I’d say it needs a bit more power, but the handling is very sharp, and it’s comfortable day to day and on long drives.

What do you and your wife like about this one?

It’s reliable, low maintenance, reasonably fun to drive, and comfortable. It’s a great day to day grocery getter. Only real complaint is the lack of horsepower; we definitely should have gotten the 350.

What made you end up with the 250 instead?

We looked at both, and at the end of the day, it came down to the fact that there were a few mandatory options for the 350 that my wife didn’t want.  She likes basic – the less technology, the better.

Any idea how long you’ll have this?

Not sure, but she’s looking to replace it with a Supra.

How did you get the BMW?

Towards the end of 2023, I was looking for a sporty car to replace my 10-year-old F150 instead of adding to the fleet. I’d had an SL500 and a CLK430 convertible in the past and wanted another sporty two-door coupe with a big engine, no convertibles. The choices fell into two categories – American muscle cars or German coupes. Of the Germans, I narrowed it down to the M850 because I didn’t like the 4 series styling, I didn’t like anything about Mercedes’ exterior design language, and interior in any of their cars, and Audis just strike me as pimped up VWs. The 850 hit my sweet spot of styling, power, and technology.

I actually decided the M850 was more money than I wanted to spend and put down a deposit on a 2024 Mustang GT 5.0 Premium. While I was waiting for delivery, one of my Autotrader searches turned up the car I ended up buying. I’d had a good sales year, and my extra comp combined with the end-of-year pricing on the car made it a deal I could swallow.

Was this a special order or anything, or just what was sitting on the lot?

I found this on the lot at a dealer about 300 miles away. I had configured an M850 on the BMW website that was almost an exact match. The only difference is that the car I bought had the carbon fiber roof, and the car I configured didn’t. I thought it was an expensive option I could do without.

Did you go out and drive it beforehand, or did you just trust that it would be as good as it sounded on paper?

I’d seen one locally, so I was familiar with the styling but hadn’t driven one. I flew over to the dealer, drove the car, and made the deal.  They set the car up for me and I flew home. I worked with an enclosed carrier that they use and had the car shipped to me.  The first pictures in that album are of unloading it in the Home Depot parking lot.

What’s the best thing about it?

I originally thought it would be the engine, but today I’d say it’s the amount of technology in the car and how it all affects the ownership experience. Things that deliver a great driving experience, like xDrive, four-wheel steering, active roll control, active M-differential, driving modes for engine and transmission behavior, exhaust valves in the tailpipe for nice sound with accompanying crackles and pops, and driving assistant pro.

Technology that makes it easy to live with, like the MyBMW app feature – remote start, remote 3d view, send destination, and location. Other technology like the digital key that works with the Samsung wallet on my phone, backup assistant, and automatic parking for parallel and 90deg. It’s really a great car all around!

Any issues or complaints with it?

I wish the trunk opening were bigger. Loading large items like golf clubs and suitcases can be a chore. It also doesn’t have a spare tire, which means run flat tires and a limited choice of rubber. I’ve switched out the run flat for conventional all seasons and a “BMW mobility kit” which is a really fancy name for some tire slime and an inflator.

What’s your favorite story of your time with the car?

The first time I used launch control with my wife in the car! I told her what I was doing and to hold on tight, but she was not ready for how hard this car could launch. After a few swear words, she asked me why I need a car this fast. That’s a common reaction when I open it up with someone in the car who’s never ridden with me before. You need to know where you’re pointed when you get your foot into it.

How many miles have you put on it?

About 11,ooo so far.

Any idea how long you’ll hold onto this one?

I’ve had it for a bit over two years so far. I’ll probably hang onto it for another five or six years. I usually switch vehicles every few years. Given that I only drive five or six thousand miles a year, I get bored long before the cars get worn out.

If you had to replace it tomorrow, what would you be looking for?

Tough question, there just isn’t much out there that ticks my boxes in the car world today. Maybe an M2 or a Ford Ranger Raptor. I’d say another M850, but BMW stopped making the 8 series, and the only other big coupe that interests me is the Mercedes S63, which is also out of production.

What preceded this gorgeous coupe?

It was directly preceded by the aforementioned 2013 F-150 Supercab 4×4 I bought new and sold with 35k miles to my brother. At the same time, I also had a 2005 SL500 that I’d had since 2007. I  sold both to get the BMW. Prior to that, I had a 2000 CLK430, a 2000 F150 Supercab 4×4, and a 1970 Challenger 440 RT-SE.

What’s in your dream garage?

• F40
• McLaren F1
• Pagani Zonda

What do you love about each of these? 

Each set a new standard for their era. The F40 is a bare bones race car with license plates. The F1 was the first $1M supercar, and both are the last analog supercars. You have to be a skilled driver to approach the limits of those cars.  Today, there are just too many supercars that any YouTuber can buy and drive relatively stupidly with all the electronics keeping them mostly safe. I just love the styling of the original Zonda.  It was a tough call between the Zonda and a Lancia Stratos for the third slot.

Thanks for sharing with us, David!

Are you an Autopian Member? Don’t miss out, we have a lot of fun, and you could be world famous and see your cars plastered all over the best car site on Earth! Click Here to learn more and become a Member today!