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Car Forum / BMW Cars / March 2008Why do other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver?
Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. I'll Trink to dat ! > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! Not a particularly inventive troll. Graham >> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Graham Probably drives a FORD and wishes it was a BMW  SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:40:05 +0000, hsg wrote: >>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >>> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >> > Probably drives a FORD and wishes it was a BMW I've owned some pretty outstanding Fords in my life... I'm guessing a Yugo. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" Or he owns a BMW in need of costly repairs and wishes he had a Toyota that needed none. Sorry. - nopcbs >>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >>> [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Probably drives a FORD and wishes it was a BMW M3 Fan typed: > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! You forgot your pills again ......... SignatureDogpoop Stand by me. http://www.glass-uk.org/ >Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > >I'll Trink to dat ! Just don't do it while you're driving one! > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. I don't think that I would go quite that far, but when I first had a BMW I noticed immediately the extra looks that it attracted from both other motorists and pedestrians alike. After years of driving Fords I now get people regularly commenting admiringly about my car when I arrive to meet them - very strange. > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! I suspect those individuals behind the wheel of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Astons, Porsches, etc pay monstrously large fees to their psychologists as they attempt to deal with their inferiority complexes. R / John >> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Astons, Porsches, etc pay monstrously large fees to their psychologists > as they attempt to deal with their inferiority complexes. I actually thought about the (more than occasionally accurate) perception that BMW drivers all seem to be arrogant, self-deluded pricks before I made the decision to buy one. I came to the conclusion that it probably wasn't the car that made these people like this but the people like this that gave the car the reputation. ...and it may be because a lot of salesmen drive BWMs. I bought my BMW because I liked it and it makes me feel good... not because I thought it would make other people feel bad. Sounds like the OP might be suffering from tiny genitals compensation syndrome. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" >I bought my BMW because I liked it and it makes me feel good... not >because I thought it would make other people feel bad. The E46 is just the perfect car for me. I don't like any of the new cars as much. They're all getting too big. What are the options for a sub-3500-pound RWD sedan? The E90 is close, but still larger than what I'd prefer... >I actually thought about the (more than occasionally accurate) perception >that BMW drivers all seem to be arrogant, self-deluded pricks before I >made the decision to buy one. I came to the conclusion that it probably >wasn't the car that made these people like this but the people like this >that gave the car the reputation. exactly my sentiments. I also find the cars bad boy reputation helps get space on the road, now its 4 years old they probably think I'm a drugs dealer :-) SignatureMike Remove clothing to email >>I actually thought about the (more than occasionally accurate) perception >>that BMW drivers all seem to be arrogant, self-deluded pricks before I [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >get space on the road, now its 4 years old they probably think I'm a >drugs dealer :-) Driving a 30-year-old one doesn't make people think you are a drug dealer, but they DO wave at you out of nowhere. I kind of like that. It makes me feel better about the constant gabo replacement and the new fluid leaks that seem to appear as soon as I track down the last one... --scott Signature"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." >"M3 Fan" <YeahBaby@MaM3rulZ.net> wrote in message >> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Astons, Porsches, etc pay monstrously large fees to their psychologists as >they attempt to deal with their inferiority complexes. More likely they pay it to their mechanic, instead of their psychologists. --scott Signature"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." >>"M3 Fan" <YeahBaby@MaM3rulZ.net> wrote in message >>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > More likely they pay it to their mechanic, instead of their > psychologists. ...because a BMW is so cheap to maintain. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" >>>"M3 Fan" <YeahBaby@MaM3rulZ.net> wrote in message >>>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >> More likely they pay it to their mechanic, instead of their >> psychologists. If you think BMW's maintenance costs are high, you've been denied exposure to some REAL costs of ownership. You can buy a nice, low miles, previously owned Ferrari ten years old and spend ten thousand or more just attending to those things to make it right. OTOH, it costs little more to fully restore a 63 GTO (market value around $10M) than it does to attend to a similar vintage 250 GTE (high five figures at best), if the level of restoration is similar. R / John >If you think BMW's maintenance costs are high Mine was a succession of lease cars till a year or so ago, I took it to BMW once and although I cancelled 3/4 of the things they wanted to do, mostly utterly ridiculous things like replacing all the door seals, it still came to £1200, I should have really said, stop, I'll take the car away. I take it to Hyundai main dealer now. Its put me off buying another, I fancy the Alfa GT. SignatureMike Remove clothing to email >Mine was a succession of lease cars till a year or so ago, I took it >to BMW once .... Its put me off buying another, I fancy the Alfa GT. Wait a minute -- you're concerned about BMW maintenance costs, so now you're considering an Alfa? That's one of the funniest things I've ever heard in my entire life! 8;) -- Larry (previous owner of five Alfas...) >>>>"M3 Fan" <YeahBaby@MaM3rulZ.net> wrote in message >>>>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > miles, previously owned Ferrari ten years old and spend ten thousand or > more just attending to those things to make it right. Of that I have no doubt, but compared to a BMW a Ferrari is an exotic. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" > I suspect those individuals behind the wheel of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, > Astons, Porsches, etc pay monstrously large fees to their psychologists as > they attempt to deal with their inferiority complexes. > > R / John Are you suggesting that from a performance and drivability of a bimmer is anywhere close to that of a Ferrari or a Porsche? thats a serious lack of education there.... they arent even close. Thats akin to comparing your M3 to a Chevy Cobalt... seriously... bimmers are great cars, but they dont run with the super car crowd on any level. >> I suspect those individuals behind the wheel of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, >> Astons, Porsches, etc pay monstrously large fees to their psychologists as [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >comparing your M3 to a Chevy Cobalt... seriously... bimmers are great >cars, but they dont run with the super car crowd on any level. Do people actually buy a DAEWOO with a GM-CHEVY badge on and think it is really a Chevy? SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK > Are you suggesting that from a performance and drivability of a bimmer > is anywhere close to that of a Ferrari or a Porsche? thats a serious > lack of education there.... they arent even close. Thats akin to > comparing your M3 to a Chevy Cobalt... seriously... bimmers are great > cars, but they dont run with the super car crowd on any level. Depends on which bimmer you're comparing to which Ferrari or Porsche. Most Porsche are not super cars, and if you look I'm sure you can find some BMWs that outperform some Ferrari models. Okay, can you fish out an example? Cause Im thinking you could put an older testarossa up against a current year M3 or M5 and maybe beat the ferrari on handling. But on a car for car comparison there is none, You could possibly run a Dinan stage3 M5 up against a 911 gt3 RS. But to put it up against something like a Ferrari or lotus, lamborghini etc... is just ridiculous. This reminds me of the kind of conversations that go on in a civic forum where the Civic guy says that his civic is just as good as any bimmer, only reason to buy a bimmer is cause you are compensating. it doesnt make any sense. Im not trolling here, just asking that the anti-exotic comments are looked at for how ridiculous they are. > Depends on which bimmer you're comparing to which Ferrari > or Porsche. Most Porsche are not super cars, and if you look > I'm sure you can find some BMWs that outperform some > Ferrari models. > Okay, can you fish out an example? Ever heard of an M1? -- C.R. Krieger > > Okay, can you fish out an example? > > Ever heard of an M1? > -- > C.R. Krieger really... youre going to put that against the porsches and ferraris of the same day? M1: Base Price: $41,000 Capacity: 3453cc Power: 277hp @ 6500rpm Torque: 243lb @ 5000rpm Weight: 3175lb Max Speed: 162mph Acceleration: 0-100kmh(62mph) in 5.6sec 1978-79 930 Turbo Base Price: $65,000 0-60 mph 4.9 Seconds (Road & Track) Top Speed 165 mph (Road & Track) Max Horsepower: 265 @ 5500 rpms Max Torque: 290 ft-lb @ 4000 rpms Weight: 2867 lbs Engine Displacement: 3299 cc Transmission: 4 speed manual 1984 Testarossa Year: 1984 Make: Ferrari Model: Testarossa Base Price: $87,000 USD Top Speed: 12.2 MPH / 19.6 KPH ¼ mile: 13.6 Seconds Lat. Acceleration: 0.87 G 0 - 60 MPH: 5.3 Seconds 0 - 100 MPH: 12.2 Seconds Gas Mileage: City: 10 MPG / Hwy: 15 MPG Position: Longitudinal Mid Engine Configuration: 180 Degree V12 Valvetrain: DOHC 4 Valves/Cyl Displacement: 301.5 CI / 4942 CC Power: 390.0 BHP / 290.8 KW @ 5750 RPM Torque: 354.0 FT LBS / 480 NM @ 4500 RPM 1982 Lamborghini Countach price $118 000 USD engine V12 valvetrain DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl displacement 4754 cc / 290.1 cu in bore 85.5 mm / 3.37 in stroke 69.0 mm / 2.72 in compression 9.2:1 power 279.6 kw / 374.9 bhp @ 7000 rpm torque 409.5 nm / 302.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm drive wheels Mid Engine / RWD top speed 300.0 kph / 186.4 mph 0 - 60 mph 5.6 seconds 1980 Lotus Esprit Essex 210bhp @ 6250rpm, 200lb ft @ 4500rpm. Dry-sump lubrication 150mph top speed (appx) 0-60mph 5.6secs Production: 34 (+11 development cars). So pretty much the M1 could possibly run with the lambo, at least up to 150... and it could hang neck and neck with the esprit. So again, like I said before, I love the bimmers, but comparing them to the supercars is unfair and saying that the guy that drives a ferrari has a little dick is a ludicrous statement, if you had the $$ you would drive the ferrari or another supercar... but having the $$ is a whole different issue. :) "Corey Shuman" <cshuman@gmail.com> wrote in message news:0b5b9201-4ac7-41ed-bdb2- ......if you had the $$ you would drive the ferrari or another supercar... but having the $$ is a whole different issue. :) If I had the $$ I would drive a Bentley. (but would probably get sick of it and have a BMW as a daily driver.) > "Corey Shuman" <cshu...@gmail.com> wrote in message > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > If I had the $$ I would drive a Bentley. (but would probably get sick of it > and have a BMW as a daily driver.) so have you driven a bentley and a ferrari to make the comparison? a bentley from what Ive heard is just lux. no "feel of driving". the ferrari on the other hand, is a lot harder to drive around town.. its a good if you live in the country with long winding roads... although uncomfortable if you are driving around for more than an hour or so. Ive driven a 308 and spent about 15 min behind the wheel of an Enzo, and they are amazing... its not about anything but pure performance, the way your stomach sinks into the seat when you drop the clutch and hit second is a feeling unlike anything else. So really? a bentley, then why the bimmer over a merc? Merc is more lux and less drive, where the bimmer is more drive and feel with the lux on top. > > > Okay, can you fish out an example? > > > Ever heard of an M1? > really... youre going to put that against the porsches and ferraris of > the same day? I guess so. Read on ... > M1: > Base Price: $41,000 [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > So pretty much the M1 could possibly run with the lambo, at least up > to 150... and it could hang neck and neck with the esprit. Let's lop off most of the extraneous information (although noting a significant weight differential against the BMW might matter to some) and take another look at your figures. For starters, not one of the cars for which you listed a price retailed for less than *50% more* than the M1, so in terms of 'bang for the buck' it is the clear winner. Only the Porsche is more than a half second quicker to 60 mph while the only other one to beat it at all (the TR) has 3-4 years more technology development time. The M1's top speed is right in the middle of that pack, too. So I guess I must be missing your point. BMW built a perfectly competent supercar when they tried. They no longer try. > So again, like I said before, I love the bimmers, but comparing them > to the supercars is unfair and saying that the guy that drives a > ferrari has a little dick is a ludicrous statement, if you had the $$ > you would drive the ferrari or another supercar... Frankly, no, I wouldn't. While I don't have the money to drive a current super exotic, I certainly *do* have the money to drive something other than the 21-year-old BMW 535is I have as my 'summer' car. I drive it because I like it and because, with it, and my training and experience, I can pretty much outdrive almost everyone else on the road, horsepower or not. With more cash, it might get a turbo ... or with a *whole lot* more cash, a 3.0CSL or a 507 as a stablemate. Maybe even an M1 ... ;^) -- C.R. Krieger > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! Why do other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver? We don't. It's BMW drivers who think they are superior. Other drivers, however, know different. MBQ >It's BMW drivers who think they are superior. > >Other drivers, however, know different. Nah, BMW drivers, like Millwall fans, dont care. Other drivers warble on constantly about BMW drivers. SignatureMike Remove clothing to email > >It's BMW drivers who think they are superior. > > > >Other drivers, however, know different. > > Nah, BMW drivers, like Millwall fans, dont care. Other drivers warble > on constantly about BMW drivers. Most of the BMW drivers we used to talk about can't afford them now, and drive Passats and Golfs. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com >>It's BMW drivers who think they are superior. >> >>Other drivers, however, know different. > >Nah, BMW drivers, like Millwall fans, dont care. Other drivers warble >on constantly about BMW drivers. Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so dull-witted and uncaring... 8) >>Nah, BMW drivers, like Millwall fans, dont care. Other drivers warble >>on constantly about BMW drivers. > >Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >crap. Yeah, I always really wanted a lumbering fake offroader, mind you BMW make one! SignatureMike Remove clothing to email Mike... (Mike... <mikesclothing@freedomnames.co.uk>) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >>>Nah, BMW drivers, like Millwall fans, dont care. Other drivers warble >>>on constantly about BMW drivers. >>Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >>crap. > Yeah, I always really wanted a lumbering fake offroader, mind you BMW > make one! Three. One's just a bit less lumbering than the second, whilst the third wants to be a coupe on stilts. Oh, and they're all lobbed together by redneck 'merkins. >Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so >dull-witted and uncaring... 8) BMW, sadly, is now making FWD crap as well, too. I'd buy a Mini in an instant if it had proper RWD and if I could get the sport option without having to give up the spare tire. The Mini is actually a fun car and close to the traditional BMW feel. But the FWD and the thought of having to drop that transaxle someday keeps me away. --scott Signature"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." >>Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >>crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >to drop that transaxle someday keeps me away. >--scott Well, I don't think FWD is bad in small cars with small motors... or in cars that have no sporting pretensions... >>Well, I don't think FWD is bad in small cars with small motors... or >>in cars that have no sporting pretensions... I used to have a small hatch with RWD - great fun! Drive it like you are rallying it! >>>Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >>>crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Well, I don't think FWD is bad in small cars with small motors... or in > cars that have no sporting pretensions... I've been driving FWD for the last ten years since I moved to Wisconsin because everyone said they were so much better in snow. Now that I'm in a RWD again I'll never go back. It's so much more natural and controllable to have the rear end go out from under you than to have the front end corkscrew into a corner. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" > >>>Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > >>>crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Great fun on snow-covered cloverleafs! > >Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > >crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > to drop that transaxle someday keeps me away. > --scott But a Mini has never been RWD..... If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. We won't laugh. Much. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # > If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. > > We won't laugh. Much. The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. Steve Firth (%steve%@malloc.co.uk (Steve Firth)) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. >> >> We won't laugh. Much. > The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. <ouch> > Steve Firth (%steve%@malloc.co.uk (Steve Firth)) gurgled happily, sounding > much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > <ouch> I'm not wrong though, am I? They even look similar. >> Steve Firth (%steve%@malloc.co.uk (Steve Firth)) gurgled happily, sounding >> much like they were saying: >> >>>> If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. >>>> >>>> We won't laugh. Much. It is the only RWD hatch of that size though, so if you did want that... >>> The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. >> <ouch> I don't often snigger at usenet, but that gave me a giggle. > I'm not wrong though, am I? They even look similar. I had a 1 as a hire car. It was good in some ways: the engineering was good, the fit and finish good, and the handling good too- it was the first RWD car I've driven since learning in a MK2 escort more than 20 years ago. However: Economy was lousy (2.0 Petrol auto, got about 28mpg on average, where my A3 would have done about 50), performance not brilliant, and the slushbox was annoying on the motorway (too keen to change down). I was glad to get my A3 back at the time: faster, much more economical, more comfortable (the 1's seats gave me backache). I suspect I'd have liked the 1 more with the optional sports seats, a diesel engine (or free fuel!), and a manual box- then the only problem would be the rear seat space, but then again, I don't use the rear seats much. > Economy was lousy (2.0 Petrol auto, got about 28mpg on average, where my > A3 would have done about 50), performance not brilliant, and the > slushbox was annoying on the motorway (too keen to change down). I was > glad to get my A3 back at the time: faster, much more economical, more > comfortable (the 1's seats gave me backache). Which A3 do you have? One of my current temptations is the 3 door 2.0TDI-170 Sport with flappy paddles. > I suspect I'd have liked the 1 more with the optional sports seats, a > diesel engine (or free fuel!), and a manual box- then the only problem > would be the rear seat space, but then again, I don't use the rear seats > much. That's another option for me - well, kind of, I could have a 120d ES with SMG (the BMW flappy paddle thing). But they look so stupid, it doesn't matter how well they drive. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >> Economy was lousy (2.0 Petrol auto, got about 28mpg on average, where my >> A3 would have done about 50), performance not brilliant, and the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Which A3 do you have? None, any more. I had a 1999 TDI 110. Currently I've got a Fabia vRS, which is nice. Not as plush, but for the money it's a good car. Economical, fast enough, handles OK (bearing in mind it's a VAG FWD Diesel hatch!). The A3 was nice. I know that 'it's just a Golf 4 you pay too much for', but I really liked it, and beyond servicing & a cambelt change it probably only cost a few hundred quid in repairs for 50k miles- and did 48-50 mpg pretty much all the time. > One of my current temptations is the 3 door 2.0TDI-170 Sport with flappy > paddles. If I had the money or a company car allowance, I'd be there- well there or Golf V. I want a DSG or auto car really- my left leg starts aching in heavy traffic, and the Fabia's clutch is by no means heavy. Problem is, I need diesel for the economy, and I need a smallish car as my drive is short. That limits the choice, and really I just want to stay with VAG, because I'm a fanboi. >> I suspect I'd have liked the 1 more with the optional sports seats, a >> diesel engine (or free fuel!), and a manual box- then the only problem [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > But they look so stupid, it doesn't matter how well they drive. I'm not keen on the styling, or the attitude of some people to a BMW on the road, but I wouldn't say they looked stupid. Just a bit over-styled. Chris Bartram (Chris Bartram <news@delete.me.piglet-net.net>) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > Economy was lousy (2.0 Petrol auto, got about 28mpg on average, where my > A3 would have done about 50) Compare apples with apples. There's no way a 2.0 petrol auto A3 would average 50mpg. Not a chance. > Chris Bartram (Chris Bartram <news@delete.me.piglet-net.net>) gurgled > happily, sounding much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Compare apples with apples. There's no way a 2.0 petrol auto A3 would > average 50mpg. Not a chance. You're right, of course, but my point was the A3 was quicker *and* more economical. A colleauge has a manual diesel 1 series, and loves it, and reports it does 45-47 mpg. I'd like to try one to see what I thought, and I'd also like to try petrol/diesel A3s with DSG. Like I said elsewhere in the thread, I think a BMW 1 with a diesel engine, better seats (the standard ones were not supportive) and (maybe) a manual would be much better for me. The problem with the 120 was I didn't see much past 28 mpg even in gentle driving. I wasn't expecting high 40s, but it would have been nice to see 35mpg or more. We went on holiday from the midlands to the Scottish highlands in it, and the fuel consumption was noticeable- we did a similar journey in the Fabia vRS recently, and despite maintaining a higher avrage speed, didn't have to stop for fuel this side of Glasgow, like we did in the 120. The slushbox, like I said, was far too keen to shift down. I ended up using the manual shift quite a lot. > > Chris Bartram (Chris Bartram <news@delete.me.piglet-net.net>) gurgled > > happily, sounding much like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > Glasgow, like we did in the 120. The slushbox, like I said, was far too > keen to shift down. I ended up using the manual shift quite a lot. I went to look at a 120d today. It made my Alfa 75 look like a luxury barge. So, it's back to the A3, then. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # > I went to look at a 120d today. > > It made my Alfa 75 look like a luxury barge. > > So, it's back to the A3, then. Did you drive it? > > I went to look at a 120d today. > > [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > > Did you drive it? No. I'm trying to narrow down the options before booking full weekend tests with the lease company. Sitting in one and playing with stuff for 5 minutes was enough to convince me that I couldn't live with one for the next 3 years / 100k miles. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >>I had a 1 as a hire car. It was good in some ways: the engineering was >>good, the fit and finish good, and the handling good too- it was the first >>RWD car I've driven since learning in a MK2 escort more than 20 years ago. I have driven 5 wrong wheel drive cars in last 18 years three hire (one was dire, another swapped after a couple of miles as it was too small for the third), a courtesy car with half an engine (3 cylinder Corsa - well it is half isn't it?), and a car my boss owned. In the same period I have owned 6 RWD. >The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. I may be the only person posting to AAB who ever owned both a Chevette and a Vega GT (or my wife did -- I had Alfa Duettos and a Fiat 124 Spider). And you know what? They weren't that bad, compared to cars of the time. Especially my bro-in-law's Pinto. -- Larry pltrgyst (pltrgyst <pltrgyst@spamlessxhost.org>) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >>The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. > I may be the only person posting to AAB who ever owned both a Chevette > and a Vega GT (or my wife did -- I had Alfa Duettos and a Fiat 124 > Spider). And you know what? They weren't that bad, compared to cars of > the time. Especially my bro-in-law's Pinto. You know what? Your (Chevy) Chevette was completely different to ours (Vauxhall). Ours was a piece of crap. Oh, wait, maybe yours wasn't that different after all. >>> We won't laugh. Much. >> >>The BMW 1-series for people who really, really miss the Chevette. Arghh! the Shoveit All engine ancilaries on the same side on noddy version - difficult to work on, and only one decent engine. I prefered the Chrysler equivalent, easier to work on and two fun engines. >>> Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >>> crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > We won't laugh. Much. Or a used 318i. Dan >If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. Well, price is up to the buyer. But apart from that, the 1-series is 350 lbs. lighter, faster, and better handling than an equivalent 3-series, all of which sound like plusses to me. I don't care about giving up rear seat room. -- Larry >>If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. > >Well, price is up to the buyer. But apart from that, the 1-series is 350 lbs. >lighter, faster, and better handling than an equivalent 3-series, all of which >sound like plusses to me. I don't care about giving up rear seat room. 128i (manual) is 3252 lbs. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2008/1/128iCoupe/Features_and_Sp ecs/128iCoupeSpecifications.aspx 328i (manual) is 3340 lbs. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2008/3/328iSedan/Features_and_Sp ecs/328iSedanSpecifications.aspx 3340 - 3252 = 88 lbs, not 350 lbs. Looks like there's not much reason for the 1 to be "faster and better handling" than the 3. > 128i (manual) is 3252 lbs. > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > Looks like there's not much reason for the 1 to be "faster and better > handling" than the 3. But for those of us who like open air motoring, the 128i cabrio is 294 lbs. lighter than the 328i "retractable" - a significant difference! Tom K. >Looks like there's not much reason for the 1 to be "faster and better >handling" than the 3. Take it up with Car & Driver, not me. -- Larry SteveH (steve@italiancar.co.uk (SteveH)) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. Or a Merc CLC... > We won't laugh. Much. Bollocks we won't. > SteveH (steve@italiancar.co.uk (SteveH)) gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: > > > If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. > > Or a Merc CLC... To be fair, at least the CLC has decent sized rear seats and a proper sized boot. Neither of which the 1-series has. Mostly because the CLC is quite a large car in comparison. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # SteveH (steve@italiancar.co.uk (SteveH)) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> > If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. >> Or a Merc CLC... > To be fair, at least the CLC has decent sized rear seats and a proper > sized boot. Neither of which the 1-series has. Mostly because the CLC is > quite a large car in comparison. Steve, you owe it to yourself to stop living this lie. Come out of the closet. Denial is not cool. > SteveH (steve@italiancar.co.uk (SteveH)) gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > Steve, you owe it to yourself to stop living this lie. Come out of the > closet. Denial is not cool. Heh. Yes, I know it's a bit (OK, a lot) 'hairdresser' and it's camper than Butlins, but.... it ticks most of the boxes that I'm looking for - lots of kit, 140bhp-ish diesel and slushomatic box. As in a proper slushomatic box. All the alternative diesels with self-shifters are flappy paddle jobs. And the new A4 may not be available with flappy paddle and the 2lt diesel until next year. Which doesn't leave me with too many options, given that I *need* an automatic diesel on account of my rather mashed up knees. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # SteveH (steve@italiancar.co.uk (SteveH)) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> >> > If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW >> >> > 1-series. >> >> Or a Merc CLC... >> > To be fair, at least the CLC has decent sized rear seats and a proper >> > sized boot. Neither of which the 1-series has. Mostly because the CLC >> > is quite a large car in comparison. >> Steve, you owe it to yourself to stop living this lie. Come out of the >> closet. Denial is not cool. > Heh. Yes, it's a bit (OK, a lot) 'hairdresser' and it's camper > than Butlins.... it ticks most of the boxes that I'm looking for See, it was easy. Congratulations. >But a Mini has never been RWD..... > >If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. > >We won't laugh. Much. That's getting even farther away from it. I don't expect to be replacing my 2002 any time soon. --scott Signature"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis." > We won't laugh. Much. I wonder how much the directory service paid BMW for one particular model, all I ever see is, 118, 118, 118, 118. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com >>If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. >> >>We won't laugh. Much. If I was in the market for a new smaller car a 1 series would be in the running - well it is RWD!! > >>If you want a silly, over-priced, RWD hatchback, buy a BMW 1-series. > >> > >>We won't laugh. Much. > > If I was in the market for a new smaller car a 1 series would be in the > running - well it is RWD!! I wouldn't bother. Seriously under-specced, unless you splash out the extra £2k for an SE version, with materials and built quality that would make Citroen blush. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >> If I was in the market for a new smaller car a 1 series would be in the >> running - well it is RWD!! [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Seriously under-specced, unless you splash out the extra £2k for an SE >version, with materials and built quality that would make Citroen blush. Care to expand on your "built quality" allegation? What's so bad about it? > >> If I was in the market for a new smaller car a 1 series would be in the > >> running - well it is RWD!! [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Care to expand on your "built quality" allegation? What's so bad > about it? Ooops, typo. 'Build quality'. It was shocking - lots of brittle, hard plastics, cheap fabric on the seats, door cards and head lining that visibly flex with very little pressure. Even simple stuff like the air-con and heating controls were made from cheap, airfix-quality plastics. In summary, I've been in better quality Hyundis. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # > >Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > >crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so > >dull-witted and uncaring... 8) > > BMW, sadly, is now making FWD crap as well, too. I'd buy a Mini in an > instant if it had proper RWD If it was a proper Mini it wouldn't have RWD anyway! SignatureHalmyre That's you that is. Halmyre (Halmyre <no.spam@this.address>) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: >> BMW, sadly, is now making FWD crap as well, too. I'd buy a Mini in an >> instant if it had proper RWD > If it was a proper Mini it wouldn't have RWD anyway! If it was a proper Mini, it'd _be_ "mini"... > Halmyre (Halmyre <no.spam@this.address>) gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > If it was a proper Mini, it'd _be_ "mini"... ISTR one of the 'proper' Mini engineers commenting when he saw the "new" Mini "If we'd wanted to make it that big, the job would have been easy." > Halmyre (Halmyre <no.spam@this.address>) gurgled happily, sounding much > like they were saying: [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > If it was a proper Mini, it'd _be_ "mini"... And it'd rust, leak and rattle, but still be cool. >> If it was a proper Mini it wouldn't have RWD anyway! >> >If it was a proper Mini, it'd _be_ "mini"... They are huge, a Maxi Mini. > Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so > dull-witted and uncaring... Uh huh. So why is a Mondeo 2.0 faster than a BMW 320 around the same track? And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the 320? > > Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > > crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > track? And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the > 320? Oooh, I know the answer to this one. It's because BMW haven't made a decent car since the E30/E34/E32 ranges were replaced..... SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >> Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >> crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > track? And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the > 320? Because the 320 is a piece of junk designed to appeal to morons who can't look past the badge? (One of the blokes who works for me bought one and sold it shortly thereafter because he thought it was dangerously slow - he said joining a motorway was a struggle.) Signature"Be thankful that you have a life, and forsake your vain and presumptuous desire for a second one." [email me at huge {at} huge (dot) org <dot> uk] > >> Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > >> crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Because the 320 is a piece of junk designed to appeal to morons who can't look > past the badge? I suspect that's the right answer. Using hire cars relatively often I see the bad side of "prestige" marques quite often. The droid behind the countr hands over keys and says "we've upgraded your car" and my heart sinks. I think the low point was the BMW 520d, which was approximately as shite as the Daewoo Matiz. Neither car had enough power to join the motorway safely and neither of them could maintain 130km/h when crossing the Apenines. My big, lardy, Ford does the journey without even droppin out of overdrive the 520 had to ascend hills in second gear. When I went to visit a neighbour I had to change down to first to climb the road leading to his house. The Audi A4 estate thing I was given was better as far as power to weight goes, but as an estate goes it was a stupid, badly designed farce. I also object to cars where the designer thinks "ooh black is so kewl let's make it all black inside". > (One of the blokes who works for me bought one and sold it shortly thereafter > because he thought it was dangerously slow - he said joining a motorway was a > struggle.) I agree with him, and putting a small engine into the 5-series is real insanity. > The Audi A4 estate thing I was given was better as far as power to > weight goes, but as an estate goes it was a stupid, badly designed > farce. I also object to cars where the designer thinks "ooh black is so > kewl let's make it all black inside". That's not the fault of the designer That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # > > The Audi A4 estate thing I was given was better as far as power to > > weight goes, but as an estate goes it was a stupid, badly designed [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. It's not the person ticking trim boxes that makes every single switch, control and indicator light be black by default. Same school of design as Braun. "Let's make a little black box", OK is that a razor, clock, recorder, camera? "Who cares? Black is good." > > > The Audi A4 estate thing I was given was better as far as power to > > > weight goes, but as an estate goes it was a stupid, badly designed [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > as Braun. "Let's make a little black box", OK is that a razor, clock, > recorder, camera? "Who cares? Black is good." Personally, I prefer it that way. It's much better than the current thinking that coating everything in 1980s boom-box silver is 'cool'. Especially when combined with blue tinted and bevelled perspex, which just makes the interior look like the cheap hi-fi shelf in Currys. Yes, Toyota, I'm particularly thinking of you.... SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >>> That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. >> It's not the person ticking trim boxes that makes every single switch, [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Yes, Toyota, I'm particularly thinking of you.... I've never understood complaining about black and/or dark interiors. 'Gloomy' is the usual word used. I like dark, understated interiors too. Can't be doing with the silver, or wood panels, come to that. > >>> That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. > >> It's not the person ticking trim boxes that makes every single switch, [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > 'Gloomy' is the usual word used. I like dark, understated interiors too. > Can't be doing with the silver, or wood panels, come to that. Someone I worked with had a Supra. It was known o everyone else as "the Black Hole of Calcutta" because it was decorated inside only in soot-black. No other colour visible anywhere from the passenger seat. Even the windows were dark tints. >>>>> That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. >>>> It's not the person ticking trim boxes that makes every single switch, [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > soot-black. No other colour visible anywhere from the passenger seat. > Even the windows were dark tints. The first car that made me conscious of this effect was a Ford Capri, which, with the somewhat restricted headroom in the back, made it feel quite claustrophobic. Best wishes all, Dave. >>>> That's the fault of the fuckwit ticking the trim boxes. >>> It's not the person ticking trim boxes that makes every single switch, [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > 'Gloomy' is the usual word used. I like dark, understated interiors too. > Can't be doing with the silver, or wood panels, come to that. I must admit I don't like dark/black interiors, and gloomy is a term I've used to describe them. They do appear to have been fashionable for quite a while now, but lighter and brighter colours seem more appealing, to me at any rate. I wonder what difference the various interior treatments have on drivers' general feelings and moods etc., and hence their attitude and behaviour at the wheel. Best wishes all, Dave. > > I've never understood complaining about black and/or dark interiors. > > 'Gloomy' is the usual word used. I like dark, understated interiors too. [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > drivers' general feelings and moods etc., and hence their attitude and > behaviour at the wheel. I'm not a fan of silver tat, which unfortunately the Passat has (mind you, it's a fake turned aluminium stuff, not spray on boom-box silver) - I definitely prefer the darker colours. However, the easiest way for a manufacturer to give the interior a lift, when they've fitted a black dash, seats and carpets, is to use a light grey headlining - which is something VAG appear to do these days. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >>I suspect that's the right answer. Using hire cars relatively often I >>see the bad side of "prestige" marques quite often. The droid behind the >>countr hands over keys and says "we've upgraded your car" and my heart >>sinks. I think the low point was the BMW 520d, which was approximately >>as shite as the Daewoo Matiz. Stupid car - two cylinders missing. > sinks. I think the low point was the BMW 520d, which was approximately > as shite as the Daewoo Matiz. Eh? Sounds more like a pathological hatred of BMWs to me. I think it's called trolling. > > sinks. I think the low point was the BMW 520d, which was approximately > > as shite as the Daewoo Matiz. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Sounds more like a pathological hatred of BMWs to me. I think it's > called trolling. Since you snipped the explanation that both the Matiz and the BMW were unable to manage a straightforward run up the motorway because both had puny engines I can see how you might, just be able to convince people as feeble-minded as yourself that it was trolling. And before you start yammering, the motorway was the A24 in Italy. You should try it some day. It's a very good test of ability of a car to sustain long, incredibly long, uphill runs. >> Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >> crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so >> dull-witted and uncaring... > >Uh huh. So why is a Mondeo 2.0 faster than a BMW 320 around the same >track? Let me guess. You picked the best FWD and pitted it against the worst BMW? >And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the 320? Who says that it does? > >> Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD > >> crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Let me guess. You picked the best FWD and pitted it against the worst > BMW? A 320 is the BMW that almost every twerp who rants about their BMW actually owns. > >And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the 320? > > Who says that it does? Anyone who has ever driven both of them. >> Let me guess. You picked the best FWD and pitted it against the worst >> BMW? > >A 320 is the BMW that almost every twerp who rants about their BMW >actually owns. See, BMW no longer even tries to sell 4-bangers in the US - we're too smart for that. (Just ignore that we elected W as our president. Twice! 8) > See, BMW no longer even tries to sell 4-bangers in the US - we're too > smart for that. Hmm, if you were *that* smart you wouldn't make the cars you do make. Or at least you would learn how to get 100bhp/litre or better from a car and how to o steering and what dampers on the suspension are for. OTOH I drive mom's shopping trolley, a Ford Explorer, and it's worked well for me. Gets me to the farm up the farm track and covers drives of 1000 miles+ with less fuss and bother than any of the 4-pot Euroboxen can manage. OTOH the XJR could get me across Europe in a day and when I got out I felt no worse than if I had driven down the road to pick up the shopping. Sadly Les Flics have put paid to crossing Europe at an average speed of 100mph. >>Uh huh. So why is a Mondeo 2.0 faster than a BMW 320 around the same >>track? And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the >>320? Stuff that try the Mondeo Sanitory Towel against the M3. I would not have the 2.0 if I was buying a 3 I'd have either if the 3.0 engines. > >>Uh huh. So why is a Mondeo 2.0 faster than a BMW 320 around the same > >>track? And, come to that, why does the Mondeo handle better than the > >>320? > > Stuff that try the Mondeo Sanitory Towel against the M3. That would be silly, the two as far apart in price and performance as to make the comparison pointless. The only M3 I've ever driven left me underwhelmed. Yes it was fast, pointy and squirty and one could have fun on a track letting the arse hang out. But on the road it was a pointless bit of over-priced undercomfortable tat. IMO it was about in the same league as the Audi S8, but not in a good way. In a "f.ck me did someone pay that much to have a car made that's uncomfortable with a really cheap interior feel" sort of way. I'm probably getting old, strike probably I am getting old. But I preferred my XJR to any Beemer I've ever driven. I prefer my 4xFord to any Beemer I've ever driven. I've had to give up expensive toys in order to fund my wife's attempts to start a new business, but when it's over/up and running I'll be heading back to Jags because the few things about them that disappoint don't disappoint as much as the competition. I'd have had an NSX if erindoors had approved it. > I would not have the 2.0 if I was buying a 3 I'd have either if the 3.0 > engines. The BMW 6's are gems of engines, I really like them. I just wish that the rest of car was up to the promise of the steering, handling and engine/transmission. Having interior trim and seats that wouldn't have been out of place in a Sierra is a real disappointment. Even the M3 "leather" feels like vinyl. And the hardboard in the boot is pure Austin-Rover. >I'd have had an NSX if erindoors had approved it. Do it. It's not too late. You won't regret it, I promise. I'm on my second NSX, but don't ask what happened to the first one... > >I'd have had an NSX if erindoors had approved it. > > Do it. It's not too late. You won't regret it, I promise. I'm on my > second NSX, but don't ask what happened to the first one... The erindoors is the insuperable obstacle there. I still shudder when I rememebr the incident when I bought a V12 Daimler without telling her in advance. <wince> She reckons the NSX is a late middle-age posing pouch used to "pull birds". Reminding her that I used to work next door to Ayrton Senna and that it's a homage to him just produces snorts of derision. Steve Firth (%steve%@malloc.co.uk (Steve Firth)) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > She reckons the NSX is a late middle-age posing pouch used to "pull > birds". Reminding her that I used to work next door to Ayrton Senna and > that it's a homage to him just produces snorts of derision. "I want to pretend I'm a born-again godder with a huge ego and a thing for auto-erotic self-asphyxiation"... >>> I'd have had an NSX if erindoors had approved it. >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > birds". Reminding her that I used to work next door to Ayrton Senna > and that it's a homage to him just produces snorts of derision. So it's not only people on newsgroups who think you're a tosser? >The BMW 6's are gems of engines, I really like them. I just wish that >the rest of car was up to the promise of the steering, handling and >engine/transmission. Having interior trim and seats that wouldn't have >been out of place in a Sierra is a real disappointment. I won't disagree about the seats, the least favorite part of my E46. However, I think the interior is otherwise quite nice. Coming from 90's vintage Hondas and Toyotas, it was quite an upgrade. I'll note that the newer BMW interiors I do not like as much - the 5 series especially deserves better. > >The BMW 6's are gems of engines, I really like them. I just wish that > >the rest of car was up to the promise of the steering, handling and [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I'll note that the newer BMW interiors I do not like as much - the 5 > series especially deserves better. Jaguar XF, Aston DB9 those are proper interiors. >>The BMW 6's are gems of engines, I really like them. I just wish that >>the rest of car was up to the promise of the steering, handling and >>engine/transmission. Having interior trim and seats that wouldn't have >>been out of place in a Sierra is a real disappointment. Even the M3 >>"leather" feels like vinyl. And the hardboard in the boot is pure >>Austin-Rover. I have come across a few, my boss used to have a 535 (12V 6) and that was quite nice but cramped as anything in the back, a co worker has a 318is coupe and that to be honest is well made and good to drive. My boss wants a XF and has an Xtype - which is not nice. TBH if I was going to buy a big saloon I think I'd get a VXR8 > >>The BMW 6's are gems of engines, I really like them. I just wish that > >>the rest of car was up to the promise of the steering, handling and [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > My boss wants a XF and has an Xtype - which is not nice. The X-type is mostly a cynical piece of marketing. The XK and XJ were the only real Jaguars up until the creation of the XF which seems to be both related to the two big brothers and somethin new for Jaguar in terms of appealing to younger people. > TBH if I was going to buy a big saloon I think I'd get a VXR8 A bit too chest wig for my liking but I understand the attraction. >>The X-type is mostly a cynical piece of marketing. The XK and XJ were >>the only real Jaguars up until the creation of the XF which seems to be >>both related to the two big brothers and somethin new for Jaguar in >>terms of appealing to younger people. The XF is nice, it will be a winner. The X types are noisy, seats not good and reliability is not good at all, on a patch in quality on a P reg 318is here at work, also reliability is worst out of the whole company - new transfer box was nasty. >>> TBH if I was going to buy a big saloon I think I'd get a VXR8 >> >>A bit too chest wig for my liking but I understand the attraction I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis, I hate the way Vauxhall had been going with their Vectras, and other nonsense - OK I did like the Senator/Carlton period. Mind you I'd settle for an LS2 and suitable gearbox, (and another pair of LPG injectors to alter my 5,6,8 kit) > I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis I can see the attraction but what I really like is V12s. The big V12s are the engines I really admire from BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar. I'm disappointed that Jag dropped the V12 in order to pander to the American perception that a V8 is best. It would have been nice if Jag had been able to use what became the Aston V12, but Ford didn't want two companies it owned competing for the same turf. For a Jagnut, it was sad to see the F-type become the DB7 and the steel XK was a disappointment. However the alloy cars are a joy to look at, be in, and drive. Still a shame that there's no six-litre turbine-smooth V12 available. If money were no object an XJ13 replica would be on the cards. >>I can see the attraction but what I really like is V12s. The big V12s >>are the engines I really admire from BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar. I'm >>disappointed that Jag dropped the V12 in order to pander to the American >>perception that a V8 is best. It would have been nice if Jag had been >>able to use what became the Aston V12, but Ford didn't want two >>companies it owned competing for the same turf. V12s only problem is physical size, I'd say over 6l 12 is better than 8. Car size suitable ranges, get bigger revving is a problem 3 800 - 1500 4 1300 - 2200 (3000 biggest recent - smaller 4 can be better than 3) 5 2000 - 2700 6 2500 - 4000 (more cylinders can work well with bigger capacities) 8 3500 - 5000 10 5000 - 7000 12 6000 - 8000 That said small engines such as 4l V12s can be very interesting. Martin ("Martin" <nospam@spam.spam>) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying: > That said small engines such as 4l V12s can be very interesting. 1.5l v16? >>1.5l v16? BRM? > >>1.5l v16? > > BRM? IIRC Coventry-Climax built a 1.5 litre flat-16, but there was no power advantage over the V8 so it never made it to production. SignatureHalmyre That's you that is. >>For a Jagnut, it was sad to see the F-type become the DB7 and the steel >>XK was a disappointment. However the alloy cars are a joy to look at, be >>in, and drive. Still a shame that there's no six-litre turbine-smooth >>V12 available. I thought it was wrong I do like the LeMans cars with the V12 >> I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis > >I can see the attraction but what I really like is V12s. The big V12s >are the engines I really admire from BMW, Mercedes and Jaguar. I'm >disappointed that Jag dropped the V12 in order to pander to the American >perception that a V8 is best. If I may speak for my fellow Americans, the "perception" is that V12's are hideously expensive, cantankerous beasts. This is partially due to those that Jaguar used to sell us. There's also the perception that more than 8 cylinders is redundant, unless one is chasing the *ultimate* in smoothness. I see that you prefer Aston and Jaguar interiors, and V12 engines. You must be pretty hard to please. Me, I'll take a BMW I6 and an Audi interior, and I'll be plenty happy. > >> I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis > > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > are hideously expensive, cantankerous beasts. This is partially due > to those that Jaguar used to sell us. The only problem with the engines in the USA was that owners didn't maintain them or the dealers didn't maintain them properly. There are a couple of jobs that are expensive because they are time consuming. In consequence basic maintenance would be avoided and the heads would often warp leading to real longterm problems. Jag V12s can be stunningly reliable and the straight six Jag engine was just about bomb-proof. Mind you most British owners abused the V12s as well. > There's also the perception that more than 8 cylinders is redundant, > unless one is chasing the *ultimate* in smoothness. An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking about with balancer shafts. Sadly V6's don't have the same characteristic and the Cologne 4.0 V6 in my current vehicle is nowhere near as good as the straight 6 4.0 Jag engine. OTOH the Cologne V6 is nowadays very reliable. > I see that you prefer Aston and Jaguar interiors, and V12 engines. > You must be pretty hard to please. Me, I'll take a BMW I6 and an Audi > interior, and I'll be plenty happy. I'm not that hard to please, it's just that having experienced those sort of cars everything else is a bit disappointing. >> There's also the perception that more than 8 cylinders is redundant, >> unless one is chasing the *ultimate* in smoothness. > >An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's >not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking >about with balancer shafts. I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, in the history of the world, never has a 90-degree V8 with balancer shaft(s) been made. Is it as smooth as a 60-degree V12? No, but look at the prices of V12-equipped cars. In sum, I don't think that Americans think that "V8 is the best" - it's just a damn good compromise. > I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, > and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, > in the history of the world, never has a 90-degree V8 with balancer > shaft(s) been made. I'll just say that the current Volvo 4.4 V8 has a balance shaft, and IIRC it's the same engine used in the Ford Taurus. Also every GM annnouncement about new V8s for 20010 onwards has featured (a) balance shaft(s). Oh and that a 90 degree V8 isn't really balanced, you have a choice between a single plane crankshaft and an engine that shakes side to side or a two plane crankshaft with an uneven firing order and horribly irregular loads. >> I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >> and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > to side or a two plane crankshaft with an uneven firing order and > horribly irregular loads. I've never bothering trying to figure out what makes a V8 sound uneven, but they always give me the impression that one or two plug leads have come undone. Best wishes all, Dave. >> I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >> and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >I'll just say that the current Volvo 4.4 V8 has a balance shaft, and >IIRC it's the same engine used in the Ford Taurus. That's not a 90-degree V8 and does not disprove my point. So why did you bring it up? >Also every GM >annnouncement about new V8s for 20010 onwards has featured (a) balance >shaft(s). Let's see some evidence that they will produce 90-degree V8's with balance shafts. They won't. If a company choses to compromise balance to get a more compact engine, that is their engineering trade-off. >Oh and that a 90 degree V8 isn't really balanced, you have a >choice between a single plane crankshaft and an engine that shakes side >to side Almost no one makes single-plane crankshaft V8's. Ferrari is the only brand I know of, for street cars. This exception does not disprove by point that V8's can be very well balanced and smooth. Why bring it up? >or a two plane crankshaft with an uneven firing order Firing order not relevant to the issue we are discussing. Why bring it up? >and horribly irregular loads. Nonsense. A 90-degree V8 with a two-plane crank can be made extremely-well balanced by using counterweights. > >> I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, > >> and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > That's not a 90-degree V8 and does not disprove my point. So why did > you bring it up? Oh FFS are you trying to pretend there are only 90 degree V8s in the world? > >Also every GM > >annnouncement about new V8s for 20010 onwards has featured (a) balance > >shaft(s). > > Let's see some evidence that they will produce 90-degree V8's with > balance shafts. They won't. YOu seem to be obsessed. > If a company choses to compromise balance to get a more compact > engine, that is their engineering trade-off. [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > point that V8's can be very well balanced and smooth. Why bring it > up? Are you on drugs? > >or a two plane crankshaft with an uneven firing order > > Firing order not relevant to the issue we are discussing. Why bring > it up? Because it is relevant. > >and horribly irregular loads. > > Nonsense. A 90-degree V8 with a two-plane crank can be made > extremely-well balanced by using counterweights. <sigh> >> >> I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >> >> and without "balancer shafts". Indeed, I think it's safe to say that, [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >Oh FFS are you trying to pretend there are only 90 degree V8s in the >world? Oh FFS you are an idiot. The fact that you've resorted to asking such a stupid and trollish question is your concession of your defeat. You wrote: >>>>>An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's >>>>>not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking >>>>>about with balancer shafts. To which I replied: >>>>I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >>>>and without "balancer shafts". My point, DUH, was that a V8 also "works without mucking about with balancer shafts" if it's got the ideal 90-degree cylinder-bank angle. (Remainder of your snotty evasions, made while running-away with your tail between your legs, snipped.) (Snobby a.shole just couldn't have a friendly discussion. Snobby a.shole got spanked. Justice served.) > >>>>I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, > >>>>and without "balancer shafts". > > My point, DUH, was that a V8 also "works without mucking about with > balancer shafts" if it's got the ideal 90-degree cylinder-bank angle. Your point was incorrect, since the cams cannot be balanced. > (Remainder of your snotty evasions, made while running-away with your > tail between your legs, snipped.) You really do have issues don't you? > (Snobby a.shole just couldn't have a friendly discussion. Snobby > a.shole got spanked. Justice served.) <snork> And an amusingly high opinion of yourself. >> >>>>I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >> >>>>and without "balancer shafts". [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > ><snork> And an amusingly high opinion of yourself. Snork? Stay off the white powdered stuff, Filth. >> >>>>I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, >> >>>>and without "balancer shafts". [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Your point was incorrect, Wrong. >since the cams cannot be balanced. Idiot. > >> >>>>I'll just say that a 90-degree V8 can be balanced pretty darn well, > >> >>>>and without "balancer shafts". [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > Idiot. Oh dear, you lose. >>> There's also the perception that more than 8 cylinders is redundant, >>> unless one is chasing the *ultimate* in smoothness. [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > V12-equipped cars. In sum, I don't think that Americans think that > "V8 is the best" - it's just a damn good compromise. That seems a fair view to take. Best wishes all, Dave. > >> There's also the perception that more than 8 cylinders is redundant, > >> unless one is chasing the *ultimate* in smoothness. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > V12-equipped cars. In sum, I don't think that Americans think that > "V8 is the best" - it's just a damn good compromise. There have been US cars with V-12s. 60 and 120 degrees are naturally fit for 12 Vs. V8 like 90 ddegrees and 180 as well as straight. Buick had a 90 degree V6, but had off-set journals to get an even fireing chart. An inline configuration is fine for any number of cylinders, as long at the throws have equal duration. (Poorly phrased, but you know what I mean. >>An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's >>not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking >>about with balancer shafts. Sadly V6's don't have the same >>characteristic and the Cologne 4.0 V6 in my current vehicle is nowhere >>near as good as the straight 6 4.0 Jag engine. OTOH the Cologne V6 is >>nowadays very reliable. My Ecotec V6 is pretty smooth. >>>An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's >>>not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > My Ecotec V6 is pretty smooth. Only because it has balance shafts, which rob power and add weight. FloydR >>> My Ecotec V6 is pretty smooth. >> >>Only because it has balance shafts, which rob power and add weight. No it doesn't >>>> My Ecotec V6 is pretty smooth. >>> >>>Only because it has balance shafts, which rob power and add weight. > > No it doesn't Could be US vs. UK spec engines. Or perhaps you're right. However, no V6 engine is as vibration-free as an inline-6. FloydR >>> No it doesn't >> >>Could be US vs. UK spec engines. Or perhaps you're right. UK (Ellsmere Port) X25XE X30XE Y26SE and Y32SE both the X25XE and Y26SE are creamy smooth > >>> My Ecotec V6 is pretty smooth. > >> > >>Only because it has balance shafts, which rob power and add weight. > > No it doesn't It has one balance shaft. >>>>An 8 doesn't have the inherent balance of a multiple of 6, so IMO it's >>>>not "ultimate" smoothness it's just that 6 and 12 works without mucking [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > > Only because it has balance shafts, which rob power and add weight. Any idea how much power is lost, Floyd? I ask because the latest 1200cc BMW boxer twins now have balance shafts and are achieving over 100 bhp per litre, roughly 20% more than the previous 1150cc version. Tom K. > "Floyd Rogers" <fbloogyuds@hotmail.com> wrote Any idea how much power is > lost, Floyd? I ask because the latest 1200cc BMW boxer twins now have > balance shafts and are achieving over 100 bhp per litre, roughly 20% more > than the previous 1150cc version. Balance shafts don't rob a lot of power - after all it's just a spinning shaft. However, they do have affect the responsiveness of the engine - it takes power to spin them up (and down). Every competition engine/drivetrain has a "lightened" fly wheel for that very reason. FloydR >> >> I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis >> > [quoted text clipped - 25 lines] >near as good as the straight 6 4.0 Jag engine. OTOH the Cologne V6 is >nowadays very reliable. The problem is that many manufactures think that lopping off 2 cyls from a V8 will give them a V6 but unless the angle is moved tighter - 60 deg - instead of - 90deg - it will always be out of balance. >> I see that you prefer Aston and Jaguar interiors, and V12 engines. >> You must be pretty hard to please. Me, I'll take a BMW I6 and an Audi >> interior, and I'll be plenty happy. > >I'm not that hard to please, it's just that having experienced those >sort of cars everything else is a bit disappointing. SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK >>> I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis >> I can see the attraction but what I really like is V12s. The big V12s [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > You must be pretty hard to please. Me, I'll take a BMW I6 and an Audi > interior, and I'll be plenty happy. I very much enjoyed the Jaguar V12s when we had them in the family. We had a Series 3 Sovereign and our Michael had an XJ-S. Neither of them were bought new, and we put quite a lot of miles on them, but we had no engine problems that I can recall, so I don't know about them being hideously expensive, cantankerous beasts. To me they were lovely engines, and if driven steadily on a long journey their fuel consumption was quite respectable, but I've no means of knowing how the Jaguar V12 compared with the V12s produced by BMW or Mercedes. I agree witb Steve about the V12 being more appealing, and of course it had rarity value compared with an 'ordinary' V8 which although very good, always seem to produce an uneven waffling noise that I never liked. Ha, uneven and waffly - a bit like me then. :-) Best wishes all, Dave. > I agree witb Steve about the V12 being more appealing, and of course it > had rarity value compared with an 'ordinary' V8 which although very > good, always seem to produce an uneven waffling noise that I never liked. They do that because it's impossible to get a 90 degree V8 to have an even firing sequence and to eliminate vibration at the same time. Even when the crank is balanced with the crank throws spaced at 90 degree intervals the cams will have to be unbalanced and the firing order results in that uneven waffling noise you complain about. >> I agree witb Steve about the V12 being more appealing, and of course it >> had rarity value compared with an 'ordinary' V8 which although very [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >intervals the cams will have to be unbalanced and the firing order >results in that uneven waffling noise you complain about. Otherwise known as the V8 "burble," that many people seem to love for some reason. Contrast that with the hair raisingly *gorgeous* sound of a flat-plane crank V8 at full chat... SignatureDan. > >> I agree witb Steve about the V12 being more appealing, and of course it > >> had rarity value compared with an 'ordinary' V8 which although very [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > Contrast that with the hair raisingly *gorgeous* sound of a flat-plane > crank V8 at full chat... Yup, sounds great vibrates "quite a bit". >>>> I agree witb Steve about the V12 being more appealing, and of course it >>>> had rarity value compared with an 'ordinary' V8 which although very [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Yup, sounds great vibrates "quite a bit". Ah, well there we part company for the time being. I can understand the appeal of a powerful high performance car, but I like the performance to be produced in a quiet and refined fashion. Over on PistonHeads they seem to greatly enjoy the bellow and thunder of a powerful V8 (as in a TVR for example) but I don't think such a device would be very comfortable for travelling long distances. A lot of noise can soon get very tiring. They strike me as an occasional fun car type of thing. Best wishes all, Dave. >>> I like the Aussie idea, big V8s in Euro chassis >> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] >You must be pretty hard to please. Me, I'll take a BMW I6 and an Audi >interior, and I'll be plenty happy. Can't take Jag and Aston serious since they went the Ford Mondeo clone route and didn't stop there because they also transferred over the crap centre console design to extend to half way up the dash. Nothing wrong in that except it's also a FORD ting throughout the UK (and maybe Euro and US) thing and this makes all Jags remind you of the Repmobile Mondeo and when you look at the inside of an Aston there is virtually no difference to the Jag XKE or Mondeo or X type Jag/Mondeo clone. The new Jag is something else, however, and - had I not bought an E65 7 Series BMW I might (only might) have been persuaded to try a New Jag......? SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK >>Maybe we BMW drivers secretly envy the drivers of, for example, FWD >>crap. All that money that could be saved, if only we were so >>dull-witted and uncaring... 8) I'm sticking with my cheaper RWDs thanks While feel inferior? My car is as good as the equivalent 5 series, and has more internal room, doesn't get any snotty attitude which drivers of BMWs and Audis get, and scares some drivers!!!! > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. Best car behind I normally find. They don't make me feel inferior, they make me feel smug. I've yet to hear a decent road going BMW go Ptsssch as I pass them. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com Better questions, How do you know they feel inferior? Why do you feel superior when clearly you are an a.shole? > Why do you feel superior when clearly you are an a.shole? This question answers itself. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" >> Why do you feel superior when clearly you are an a.shole? > > This question answers itself. Yes, it appears far more rhetorical now than when I asked it. Jeff Strickland formulated the question : > Better questions, How do you know they feel inferior? Your response is proof. > Why do you feel > superior when clearly you are an a.shole? The fact that you have an inferiority complex and have thus resorted to name-calling, automatically makes a BMW user superior. Dat simple, really. I feel for ya' :-) > Jeff Strickland formulated the question : > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > I feel for ya' :-) You keep your hands off Jeff. He might not be into that kinda thing. lol Best wishes all, Dave. >> Jeff Strickland formulated the question : >> [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > Best wishes all, > Dave. EEEW! > Jeff Strickland formulated the question : > >> Better questions, How do you know they feel inferior? > > Your response is proof. I drive a BMW, I have nothing to be envious of. >> Why do you feel superior when clearly you are an a.shole? > > The fact that you have an inferiority complex and have thus resorted to > name-calling, automatically makes a BMW user superior. Dat simple, > really. I haven't got an inferiority complex, but you clearly have a superiority complex. Probably a Napoleon Complex too. The "problem" have, and other BMW owners as well, is that a.sholes like you are out there with a holier-than-thou attitude based on the car that everybody else is driving, making other drivers of the car you are driving look like a.sholes too. I am guilty by association with you, that is my problem. > BMW user See, there you go. Used to be the ultimate driving machine, now merely requires a user. Come back when you can handle a car without ABS, SRS, GPS, TCS, EBA, LSD, SMG, and DVD. Then a driver might take you seriously as more than a user. Definition of a user, someone who owes money to and needs to keep sweet with a dealer. SignatureCarl Robson Audio stream: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com:8000/samtest Homepage: http://www.bouncing-czechs.com > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! You may like it, but I haven't looked at one for posible purchase since sometime in the 1980s - a beautiful pillar- less white one, with the front that sort of slid down under the car. No room in the back at all, but who cared. I might go for the first of the 1600 ones from the late 1960s. As it is now, I have another car from that era as my only car and enjoy the hell out of it. Dangerous? Yes! High fuel usage? Yes! Hard to find parts? Not really. Good conversation starter, Yes - and always will be. For daily use, SWMBO comes to the rescue - I wouldn't let her ride in mine as she has had neckbone work and it has low-back seats. OAPdom is for FUN! Yep. Great for compensating for personal SHORT-comings. Sorry. If you are going to lob 'em over, someone is going to swing for the fences. - nopcbs > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > > I'll Trink to dat ! > Yep. Great for compensating for personal SHORT-comings. > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > - Show quoted text - If you beleive that you should run your m3 up against the next similar classed porsche, lotus or ferrari. The lap times, handling etc... make the bimmer look like you are running a ford against a bimmer. And compensating?? Are you driving your m3 to compensate for your own - short- comings. why didnt you just buy a supra? >> > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >> > If you beleive that you should run your m3 up against the next similar > classed porsche, Though I wouldn't compare my BMW to a Porsche, Lotus or Ferrari all I can say is: 914, 924, 944... sorry but Porsche did make some crappy cars. Some would add the 928 to that list (though I really liked the 928). Of course I wouldn't compare my BMW to my '69 Mach I either... as long as there were no turns involved there's not a chance in hell it would catch it. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" > >> > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > >> [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > say is: 914, 924, 944... sorry but Porsche did make some crappy cars. Some > would add the 928 to that list (though I really liked the 928). Nothing wrong with the 924 and 944. Only Porsche snobs would say otherwise. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # >> >> > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >> >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Nothing wrong with the 924 and 944. Only Porsche snobs would say > otherwise. Well I've never owned a Porsche so I don't know if I'd call myself a Porsche snob. But you couldn't give me a 914, 924 or 944 based on what I've heard from people who have owned them. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" > >> >> > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > >> >> [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > Porsche snob. But you couldn't give me a 914, 924 or 944 based on what > I've heard from people who have owned them. 914, possibly. 916 was OK, if a little ugly. But still quite cool. As for 924s, the Audi engined one isn't the quickest thing on 4 wheels, but it's not too shabby and has superb handling. Very cheap to buy these days, too. The 924S is a bit of an oddity, 'cos they're not far off the price of a 944. 944s are very popular as track cars these days, because they're more than powerful enough to get you into trouble and the transaxle in the back gives them excellent balance and handling. Not forgetting that all 924s and 944s were at least partially galvanised, meaning they rarely suffer from rot and are all very cheap to buy these days. SignatureSteveH 'You're not a real petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa Romeo' www.italiancar.co.uk - Honda VFR800 - Hongdou GY200 - Alfa 75 TSpark Alfa 156 TSpark - B6 Passat 2.0TDI SE - COSOC KOTL BOTAFOT #87 - BOTAFOF #18 - MRO # - UKRMSBC #7 - Apostle #2 - YTC # 944 is a great car, they are fast, handle extremely well and are reliable when maintained. the problem is they are cheap, so a lot of people pick them up thinking they are an econo box, drive them hard, then something breaks, they go to get it fixed and the parts alone are 2k. That said, I had a 944 that I picked up for $2500, put about 15-16k into it before I finally cut my losses and sold it for $4500. Its more a labor of love. I just picked up a lotus esprit that Im loving, its excellent on all ends... nothing bad to say about it at all. > >> >> > Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > - Show quoted text - Begging the question: *do* other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver? >Begging the question: *do* other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver? of course they do otherwise they wouldn't carp on about us BMW drivers. SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK > Begging the question: *do* other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver? I drive a nice smart 406 that is almost eight years old, with 108,000 miles on the clock (the car, not me) and I don't feel inferior to nobody. So there. :-) Best wishes all, Dave. >> Begging the question: *do* other drivers feel inferior to a BMW driver? > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >Best wishes all, >Dave. Of course you don't Dave. You appear to be level headed and sensible not like the non BMW drivers that are paranoid and cut us up, force us out of traffic lanes, push in at junctions and roundabouts (rotaries) etc. Some people can't help being jealous - I for one would love a real GT40 (nearly bought one once for $5K but ex-wife ranted about a family car.........we already had one of those. Sir Hugh of Bognor SignatureI used to be an Egotistical Meglomaniac - but now I'm just perfect! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:17:51 +0000, hsg wrote: >>> Begging the question: *do* other drivers feel inferior to a BMW >>> driver? [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > like the non BMW drivers that are paranoid and cut us up, force us out > of traffic lanes, push in at junctions and roundabouts (rotaries) etc. Sounds like you have a personal problem here bub. I've haven't had any more trouble from other drivers than I had in any other car. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" >On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:17:51 +0000, hsg wrote: > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >I've haven't had any more trouble from other drivers than I had in any >other car. The problem is here in the UK. Today - Thursday 27 March. I was driving home going as fast as the prevailing other traffic - generally cruising at 70 - 80 following cars and vans not being able to move to the inside lane as it was full of traffic at similar speed. I was being followed by a guy in a Honda Civic 2.0 turbo Diesel. He could see that there was no room to move to the "slower" lane which was travelling at the same speed. However, at the end of the dual carriageway he overtook me and several other cars and moved down the traffic queue about 300 yards. At my turn off I notice a black car following a slow moving truck about 400 yards away so I drove as normal around 60 and started to overtake said black car (HONDA CIVIC - no idea if it was the same car that had been following earlier and really couldn't care less at this point). As I started to pass said HONDA it swerved across the lane in front of me causing me to brake and slow - no problem - guy didn't look in mirror - but as he drew alongside the truck cab he slammed the brakes on causing me to brake hard. thinking he had a problem and had suddenly developed a fault I backed off and allowed him to slow (no other traffic) and moved to the other lane to pass him when he accelerated and cut in front again. Thinking he had decided to pull off the road with his problem I again went to drive around the car when he again accelerated and cut across the front of my car. I followed him for another 5 miles with him braking - moving from lane to lane to stop me passing and any other car ( a few had caught up to us now) that wanted to pass his HONDA. Police have been informed - possibility he was drunk but more likely he didn't like BMW cars. Boom Boom! SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK On Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:43:27 +0000, hsg wrote: >>On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:17:51 +0000, hsg wrote: >> [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] > like BMW cars. > Boom Boom! ...or he's simply an a.shole in general. Signature"Remain calm, we're here to protect you!" >>Police have been informed - possibility he was drunk but more likely he >>didn't >>like BMW cars. >>Boom Boom! Perhaps he will do it to a plain clothes Police car next. Definately to be reported - I would have to admit I would have bumped into him, then take his insurance to the cleaners >>>Police have been informed - possibility he was drunk but more likely he >>>didn't [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] >Definately to be reported - I would have to admit I would have bumped into >him, then take his insurance to the cleaners I don't know for sure if you are in the UK Martin (I think you are) but it's very difficult to prove that the car you run into from behind is at fault as one is supposed to - at all times - to keep a reasonable safe braking distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. If you have witnesses then Ok but I could not be sure the truck driver would stop as a witness or want to get involved and if I had run into his car (rear ended it) it would be - technically - my fault. SignatureSir Hugh of Bognor The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it! Hugh Gundersen hsg@h-gee.co.uk Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK >>I don't know for sure if you are in the UK Martin (I think you are) but >>it's [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >>(rear >>ended it) it would be - technically - my fault. That I do know - but dangerous driving is dangerous driving >Nothing wrong with the 924 and 944. Only Porsche snobs would say >otherwise. And the 914S was one hell of a fine autocrosser... -- Larry >>>>> Got to admit it BMW's are the best cars around. >>> If you beleive that you should run your m3 up against the next similar [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > Nothing wrong with the 924 and 944. Only Porsche snobs would say > otherwise. I've always fancied a 924. I know they're not highly regarded by many, but I kind of like them. |
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