Here's why the Z8 was peak BMW

BMW used to be known as a top manufacturer of clean and restrained designs of sedans, coupes, and SUVs. Today, their design is best known for something completely different.
However, back in 2001, BMW dropped a car that didn’t look like anything else in the lineup, a car whose design was influenced by the drop-dead gorgeous BMW 507 of the 1950s, a design that will grow to become more beautiful with each passing decade. That car was of course the BMW Z8.
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[@Internationalnation]

In my opinion the old 8 series still the most elegant BMW ever built

[@Kostas_Dikefalaios]

The pop out headlights just hit different

[@Postbus22]

For me its the old 6-series with the "shark nose"

[@Kev27RS]

Definitely one of the best looking BMWs ever made! The "new one" that is called 8-series isn't even a real successor... It's simply a new 6-series that got the "8-series" name for marketing purposes... 😒

[@targetegrat]

My uncle calls the old 8 series a Gentlemans car.

[@Mark-vn7et]

Still regret selling my 850i 10 years ago, dark blue with a black leather interior. But driving a car daily like that in a country (Netherlands) with one of the highest fuel prices is almost impossible

[@zumuvtuber]

I remember seeing a Z8 back in the day and thinking "wow that's a beautiful BMW, I've never seen one like this before" and I actually never did again (in the streets of course). At the time I didn't know about the 507, but when I first saw a 507 in a museum I immediately thought "So THAT'S why the Z8 was a thing!" It just goes to show how well of a design homage it was to the 507. Both the 507 and Z8 are still stunning cars! I really don't know what's going on with modern BMW design... every new BMW is uglier than the last and it's just sad.

[@automation7295]

I agree both the 507 and Z8 are stunning cars. Now I think it's time that BMW should shut down because of how disgusting their new cars look.

[@knupaw]

I also encountered a z8 once in my life, back then when it was brand new. I remember when it just parked by the beach at the baltic sea in germany and I was in such an awe. It was in this classic silver-red combo and the owner opened the trunk and then I saw that the boot was wrapped in the same red leather as the interior. In most cases I would find that tacky, but because it was this car with this design it somehow made it even more sculptural. It felt so perfect from in to outside and vice versa.

[@users4007]

Bmw need to switch to a better design language, while every other manufacturers decides to switch to much more cleaner, simplistic, and aesthetically pleasing designs, bmw decided to make something one of those Chinese companies would make in the early 2010s, even most major Chinese car company’s designs is better than bmw now

[@automation7295]

@@users4007 *"Bmw need to switch to a better design language"* No, you want BMW to go defunct or leave European and North American markets and move to China to only sell their cars exclusively Chinese market.

[@deadprivacy]

Looks like a bad copy of am mx5

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

The Z8 is the pinnacle of car design.

[@Raven-uu7lb]

I remember 7 year-old me got the chance to own a 1:18 scale model of the BMW Z8 my dad gifted me for my birthday. Love to look at the beautiful, sleek design, which is quite different from any BMW designs at the time. Beautiful car.

[@TwoToneProduc]

These were the best years of BMW, with this masterpiece, the Z8, E85 Z4M Coupe the E46 M3, E39 M5 series, and E38 7 series. I'm sure I forgot some beauties but I assume you understand my direction. I pray for designs like these to come back...

[@anoopmathew82]

This, Alfa 8C, and DB9 are 3 of my favorite modern sports coupe/roadster designs.

[@tropixx8143]

def the best looking bmw out of the Bangle era, but the e31 8 series is the best bmw design ever imo

[@alainprevost5374]

The absolute top notch of BMW design, a design milestone amongst any modern car manufacturer... WAY ahead of its time when BMW designers had passion for their job.

[@bahaaebesat]

This type of videos should be a regular playlist... very entertaining

[@krlp9826]

Any time a manufacturer put vertical headlights to the car's front design, you can be sure this will be brand's design pinnacle: Z8, F-Type, 8C, the new GranTurismo, 812, etc

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

That Z8 could be introduced today, it's ageless!

[@KARFIVE]

So glad you did a video on the Z8... I have always loved it and thought it was near perfection in terms of a reimagining of a classic.

[@rohithiyyattil8519]

I remember day dreaming about this car in my childhood

[@KayJblue]

Nothing ever beats the 507 or Z8 For me.

[@wilbeugre]

Internal happy tears everytime I see this car Thanks again for the video!

[@MAN-20]

The z8 and the E25 turbo are just ❤️

[@socal_chris5105]

YES !!! The Z8 is a gorgeous car that stands the test of time. If anything, it looks even better now. ❤️

[@encoreartz1028]

Z8,z4 ,z3 are my favorites

[@Mgn-1]

I really liked this model, so clean, a standout of that era, I think the Alpina 20 spoke wheels fit better than the BMW ones

[@fd4639]

Please remember the E24 (635CSi). That would be an awesome redesign

[@ABCDEFGHIJKELA...]

06:22 yes, that 'was' Steve Jobs' Z8. It sold at auction for a respectable $329.5k

[@KingSobieski]

IDK the 7 series still looks like they took a trunk lid from a completely different car.

[@marashamalcolm7704]

There is no such thing as peak bmw, there are so many greatest hits from them.

[@greattoseerobinscore]

One of the prettiest designs of all time, at the end of a wonderful decade for art overall.

[@KyrosTheWolf]

Designers in the 90s driving classic cars: "Why don't we make something like this but modern?" "Good idea, let's do it!" If they did that today the answer they'd get would be "Because only SUVs sell now. End of story."

[@haithamali3228]

I had a 740iA in 2005. The best car I ever had.

[@IroquoisPlissken]

This is one of the most beautiful car for sure. If KZbin proposes me a video of yours of the 850 I do not answer of anything.

[@27rs49]

Exactly my opinion on the uncomparable Z8. Your design analyses are so spot on. You do a phantastic job! All my respects! Don't forget to mention that Andreas Zapatinas was involved in the design of the Z8, too. Zapatinas, who created the also timeless and unique Fiat Barchetta in Chris Bangle's time at Fiat. Some proportions in Barchetta's front are a little bit less harmonic, but a future classic; as if it was the affordable small sister of the Z8.

[@Nick-Milan]

This z8 and the Brera are great examples of some of the cleanest cars ever made

[@lqr824]

It's the right TIME of peak BMW, but I wouldn't say the Z8 was the peak. I've had two E39 M5's (the first V8) which I think is an absolute classic and I'd prefer to pretty much anything on the market now. Also at that time were the first X5, the beautiful one, and within a couple years, the E46 M3 CSL which wasn't so popular new but saw a new lease on life a decade later as people used different tires and some did manual transmission conversions. I seriously was thinking to get a Z8 but honestly, the M5 was cooler yet: the engine in a sedan is sleeper, while in the Z8 is was actually expected to be fast and actually was a bit slower than the SL55. I've considered the Z8 again and again, and despite the expert reviews saying it wasn't a classic at that time, I think the depreciation has been very low so I was right that it was a good buy. But.... nah, the M5 and the following CSL were peak. (I've also had a 1995 Supra Twin Turbo, and got my R35 GT-R the week they went on sale in Tokyo. Also had an F430 manual spider.)

[@Pazza72]

A super timeless design, love this car wish I could afford one. I have the E86 BMW Z4 Coupe which also has some great styling designs by the same designer of the Z8 Chris Bangle.

[@nkdadson9962]

Bembli, I totally agree with you on this one. The Z8 is particularly beautiful and timeless.

[@lucky889s9]

Didn't jaguar build the similar, but bigger grand tourer around the same time called XK8? You should bring that up in next segment

[@m.aurelius1475]

Even more beautiful if seen in person.

[@edgood4321]

Always found the z8 had an Aston Martin finish, the link in design heritage makes sense

[@mrsoisauce9017]

Lamborghini just released the Huracán Sterrato, and Lancia‘s been out with their Pu+Ra Zero concept for a while now. I want u to do a design analysis of those cars (especially the Pu+Ra Zero, which is particularly interesting)

[@yuriibubis574]

What a gorgeous car!

[@mattg5022]

it is beautiful, I think it is timeless and I thought it was back then too. Its like its the essence of what is good about the company.

[@tomhegedosh5487]

The Z4M is greatly underrated for $30k

[@meanvecktor1900]

The Z8 is a masterpiece

[@elkano7765]

The Z8 was a great reinterpretation of an old BMW, but the pinnacle in this case would be the 507.

[@clivefrear1784]

Absolutely stunning car! Faultless design and amazing performance.

[@vdrager2902]

The most beautiful roadster car of all time, like a Shelby Cobra but it's more modern and Germany design language. I hope BMW back make cars like this in future, make a more beauty historical car

[@CHMichael]

They could re introduce it today and it would be a winner.

[@einpercy825]

My favorite part about the Z8 is that the owners actually drive them. Like you actually can see them driving in Germany.

[@ilmelangolo]

Such a special car!

[@hashfreshtodeath]

Bengel design aged amazing compared to Mercedes and audi , Lexus during its time.

[@phaedrabacker2004]

Wow. Never saw one until now. Love my z4.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Beautiful, would love to drive one.

[@memsybabe]

What do you think of the Smit Oletha? A Z4 facelifted into a Z8 Coupe? Looks almost as nice I think, just a little too small to be as pretty as the real thing...

[@mstr.monopoly8887]

This car is a masterpiece of design work.

[@randythemitoman]

the Alpina wheels are one of my favorite of all time

[@ronhudson3730]

Perhaps the only decent design Bangle ever produced.

[@MrRorosao]

This car was way ahead of its time, and it's by far the must beautiful BMW EVER made, and I don't think bmw will ever match anything like this

[@RickarooCarew]

beautiful automobile.. es ist wonderschön

[@51tomtomtom]

Couldn't agree more ! Nowadays we've a mix of "Matchbox"-toys and StarWars-decoration ......must be the generation of the "designers" . Take off the badge or change them and we'll not be able to say which car it is.....

[@denistoskov5723]

Z8 is the most gorgeous and beautiful bmw that will ever be produced in my opinion. Sadly, seeing what bmw is producing nowadays is making me feel sick. Btw Bembli, when will you modernize the MC12?😁

[@cj94zj92sc]

As someone who currently owns a 2000s 3 series and a solstice Not many small V8 roadsters

[@matthewnicholas6365]

My lotto winner car. Just stunning. Shame its only LHD though

[@BorisG13]

I actually love how the 7 series looks! Chris Bangle was just way too ahead of his time…

[@yt_Ajay_]

Wow he didn't even do any little modifications to this one

[@devilgames2217]

Wish they made one more like this. 😭

[@PAIN_961]

I saw my first Z8 was in the James bond game .

[@altie29]

I think these look better with the hard-top on. Not really a fan of the soft-top or top-down look.

[@marccusumano1138]

They should just put the Z8 front end on their SUVs and call it a day.

[@aisu8481]

It’s perfect

[@razkhan2958]

Bmw Z8 rare going up in value like Honda NSX

[@sujpuj]

Best was the z3 it made the z8 happen and gave roadster fans a cool car

[@sagiriizumi8079]

Dare you to take a drink every time he says BMW

[@Marvelous0071]

Well designs are restricted due to safety regulations. Maybe with the invention of of electric vehicles we can start to see more bold designs.

[@johnkemple]

the rear lights in the z8 are neon...

[@grigordanielyan8652]

bmw e63 next please, it was designed on the basis of z9 concept

[@murattiambassador9854]

I totally agree that z8 is the best

[@fusestation2839]

really love his front design...if they not build it just plok it into Proton car...but need ask permission first.

[@Mr2pint]

Agree 👍

[@empressapache7413]

I love my z4 and have the same appreciation for the z8…

[@graemegaw5536]

Same here, both the z3 and z4 echo the design of the z8. Hailing from a time that bmw could do no wrong

[@LongBodyCobraa]

Looks like a Miata mated with a z4

[@reinaldoguimaraes9584]

Its beautifull BMW.

[@harrison1675]

Short answer: yes

[@geraascara8340]

yes it was

[@MasterStupidify]

Bembli, what is your opinion on the design of the BMW E60? I think they aged pretty well, while looking still pretty modern after 19 years

[@AURELIUSxx]

Yes, period

[@Manuqtix.Manuqtix]

They aren’t going to make a successor. Because the car isn’t an SUV

[@soulreadanalytics9781]

E34 still best looking bimmer ever I gander

[@christianl2024]

the back looks kinda like the mercedes sls back since 2011

[@santiagomontez]

Hey Bembli! I would like for you to say your opinion about the Cupra Formentor

[@lightinabox6931]

I have two toys of the 2000 Z8, looks very uniqe compared to other cars I have

[@mattmatt_mm]

The best looking bmw besides i8.

[@Schnooblers]

need for speed: hot pursuit 2 ❤

[@Strataklas.]

0:07 suvs? the first x5 was so ugly especially compared to the new model from 2018

[@djc2526]

Now worth around 200k

[@drstevej2527]

It’s called new European regulations including safety and emissions standards. Additionally BMW must produce cars for a larger market rather than a few purists. I drove the Z8 and though its fun its hardly comfortable and is most certainly not as safe vs modern cars. This was the period where cars had more power but few modern electronic safety systems. If you pushed the car you were on your own!

[@oxixisoxixis37]

Take it all down all of it

[@JustAnotherGuyRep]

Ok cool car not gonna lie...but 250-350.000€ for it its a little bit much, don't you think

[@user-jl2wd1it8h]

I worked hard as IT nerd for 30 years to afford BMW to impress girls. Unfortunatley I'm 765lbs fat and girls still don't allow coitus! I have been cheated! I am trading in my BMW, geting fit and maybe one day I can see my genitol again.

[@piotr881130]

Beautiful and timeless design that failed commercially because of higher price, worse handling and performance than competition. exactly like his 507 ancestor.

[@alwong604]

My grail car.

[@markm4123]

if there’s one thing bmw is doing right, it’s their marketing. it seems like everyone can’t keep bmw out of their mouth. and even if it’s attention in a bad way (their recent design choices), it’s clearly doing something cause their lineup is selling like hot cakes…or maybe most people are just tasteless. probably both🤷

[@Kev27RS]

Well said! Publicity remains publicity, good or bad...

[@markcole8887]

Kim K 😅😮🎉😂 well said man!

[@ronhudson3730]

BMW design went down the toilet with Chris Bangle and has never recovered. They had a brand look and they threw it all away - witness the buck-toothed monstrosities they sell today. So sad. A mistake that Porsche and Mercedes never made and would never make.

[@dppopov]

Z3 Coupe is the pinnacle... (from Z4 Coupe owner)

[@empressapache7413]

I like my z4 roadster better bc the z3 is SUPER tiny inside. My z4 is roomier. (2004)

[@dppopov]

@@empressapache7413 Absolutely agree with you. Z4 has waaaay better interior than Z3. In Z3 I feel like sitting in car from the Stone Age.