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BMW Driving Experience

84 messages,  Last post on Jan 18, 2013 at 3:29 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 7 Series, BMW X5, BMW Z4, Car Comparisons, Performance Mods, Scheduled Maintenance, Motorsports, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 8 of 9

#65 of 84 don't mind the post heading by steve_ HOST

Sep 21, 2011 (11:31 am)

Lots of these posts were moved over from the UAW discussion (the BMW is union made, after all - at least the ones manufactured in Germany).
 
Carry on.

#66 of 84 Remembering my first BMW experience. by andres3

Sep 22, 2011 (2:20 pm)

I was lucky enough to drive a late 80's and early 90's 3 series BMW's. They were a friends dad's car. By the time my friend got to drive them, each was old, especially the 80's one.
 
I have to say, neither impressed me at all.
 
They were probably the lowest basest model available. Underpowered, underwhelming. The handling didn't jump out at me, but then again, I didn't drive them the way I would now to take advantage and really test the handling. I just remember the underpowered nature bothered me as a teenage driver. The interior's were nice though. I might have not had the same appreciation for RWD back then as I might now.

#67 of 84 Re: Remembering my first BMW experience. [andres3] by robr2

Sep 22, 2011 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: andres3 (Sep 22, 2011 2:20 pm)
Don't forget - it's more fun to drive a slow car in a spirited manner than a fast car the same way.

#68 of 84 Re: Remembering my first BMW experience. [robr2] by steve_ HOST

Sep 22, 2011 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Sep 22, 2011 2:22 pm)
Maybe that's why my in-laws got rid of theirs ten years ago when they moved to the UP from Nevada and got a Buick instead. Even though he was a (too) spirited driver. She's calmer all the way around.
 
They said they'd never find a mechanic up here to keep it running and I can't say I see much of anything but Buicks around..

#69 of 84 Re: Remembering my first BMW experience. [robr2] by andres3

Sep 22, 2011 (2:55 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Sep 22, 2011 2:22 pm)
I think that's true to a certain point. I really didn't become a driving enthusiast until I got my A3. The Audi inspired me to want to drive for the sake of driving alone. Before that, I used to hate driving and dealing with "traffic" and CA drivers.
 
I even had a 2003 Accord LX V6 Coupe, which was pretty fast and handled "above average." That being said, I never took the Honda out onto the back roads of San Diego county unless I had a destination to go to for another reason, because it just didn't inspire me to. Once I got the 2006 A3 that all changed. I started to study maps and seek out the best twisty roads. I autocrossed for the first time, I visited a track for the first time, all thanks to Audi. I would drive without a reason to drive other than enjoying the drive itself.
 
When gas went north of $4/gallon, I saw the bright side of things; less slow drivers on the road.

#70 of 84 Re: Remembering my first BMW experience. [robr2] by andres3

Sep 22, 2011 (3:07 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Sep 22, 2011 2:22 pm)
Don't forget - it's more fun to drive a slow car in a spirited manner than a fast car the same way.
 
Also, if that were completely 100% true then there would be more enthusiast drivers in enthusiast clubs for slow cars like double decker buses, food trucks, and Camry's than for fast BMW's and Audi's, and Porsche.

#71 of 84 Re: Remembering my first BMW experience. [robr2] by roadburner

Sep 22, 2011 (9:11 pm)

Replying to: robr2 (Sep 22, 2011 2:22 pm)
Don't forget - it's more fun to drive a slow car in a spirited manner than a fast car the same way.
 
Exactly. My Club Sport goes from 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, while my MS3 only takes 5.4 seconds. Both are fun to drive on the road and on the track, but you can thrash the Club Sport on the street without the fear of attracting unwanted attention.

#72 of 84 Z4 as an "all-year round car" by anandks

Dec 17, 2011 (11:24 pm)

hi all,
i live in Minnesota (dont ask me why), has bad road conditions during snow. i love sports cars but cant afford summer and winter cars. so if i get this car, i will end up using this the entire year. how is the performance of this car in snow... can this be used all-year around. the dealer tells me that i can change to snow tires...
 
comments???

#73 of 84 Re: Z4 as an "all-year round car" [anandks] by roadburner

Dec 18, 2011 (8:11 am)

Replying to: anandks (Dec 17, 2011 11:24 pm)
Just get a set of good winter tires- or better yet get a set of winter tires with wheels to simplify the changeover. Tire Rack has several good options. With the proper rubber a Z4 will handle everything but really deep snow.

#74 of 84 Re: Z4 as an "all-year round car" [anandks] by kyfdx HOST

Dec 18, 2011 (10:11 am)

Replying to: anandks (Dec 17, 2011 11:24 pm)
Minnesota? Your biggest problem will be ground clearance.. The winter tires will be fine on a slick road, but you won't be able to get around in heavy snow..
 
As much as I am an advocate for driving RWD cars year-round (with proper tires), I'd think a Z4 would be poor choice for an only car in Minnesota..
 
Look at this way... would you buy a Miata to be your only car? If not, then write off the Z4..

Messages Page 8 of 9

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