BMW Ultimate Drive

Hey guys. For the last two days I attended the BMW Drive For the Cure events in Orland Park and Westmont, Illinois. I wanted to give you some quick thoughts on some of the models that I drove.

The 335d- This was the diesel powered 3 Series Sedan. This was a euro model that they just happened to have on site. The only way I knew that it was a diesel was the lower redline (vs. the 335i) and the badge on the back. This car is a torque monster!!! It takes off with some serious kick. BMW could definitely make a case for this car in the states.

Alpina B7- It's a beast. I wouldn't purchase one but I can see how some people would. I think its a bit large for that much power. The suede headliner was really nice and the shift buttons on the back of the steering wheel deserve special mention too.

The 135i- I like the interior a hundred times more than the 3 series interior and the turbo motor feels especially strong in it too. Its just too small. Size wise it was like my first college car or something. I rather liked it for my girlfriend or if I had a teenage daughter. I wouldn't really call it a mans car though.

The 335 Cabrio- The 335 Cabrio was cool. I wouldn't buy it for myself but the turbo motor felt very strong. Almost as strong as the V8 in my car. The thumb shifters were cool after I got used to them.

The 535i- Im not a huge fan of 5 Series styling but I really think this was the best car at the event. Just as fast as the 550 but without the body kit. I would lose my license with this car. Its the perfect size and the steering was dead on. The only thing I didn't like was the lane departure warning system. Its an unnecessary gadget that was annoying. I don't need my wheel to vibrate everytime I get near the lines on the road.

Have any of you guys gone to this event? What were your impressions?
T

Chip - 7/30/2008 3:48:16 PM

+5 Boost

Did the Ultimate Drive in STL a coupe weeks ago. Drove the 135i coupe, 550i, 650i coupe, 760Li (which someone later wrecked), Alpina B7, X6 35i and the new M3. Spent the whole day flogging these cars and was a really great experience.

Walked away with one major impression...the 135i Sport is one hell of a car. I actually had more fun driving it than the new M3. Sadly, they had no 335d.

Jaybrn - 7/31/2008 11:16:20 AM

+1 Boost

I was pissed I didnt register earlier, M3 and Alpina? I really enjoyed the 760iL, very smooth and almost too fast for its size, probably similar to the Alpina.

TauronB2G - 7/30/2008 3:51:09 PM

+5 Boost

I forgot about the X6, I liked it a million times more than the X5. The only problem is that small rear glass. I had a reservation for the M3 but I didn't want to drive it with the stick. I was hoping for the DCT transmission.
T

rumnyc - 7/30/2008 6:16:32 PM

+1 Boost

How can the 135 interior be better than 3 series interior? aside from the shape of the dash, they are more or less identical. The 130 interior on the other hand is much nicer, and more like an m3 interior.

I have spent a long time in each of these cars before buying the 335 sedan.

TauronB2G - 7/30/2008 7:58:41 PM

+2 Boost

Rummy thats exactly it. The shape of the dash is much better in the 135. The flip up nav makes a huge difference and so does the real radio. The shape was much more appealing to the eye to me.
T

Redwood - 7/31/2008 10:58:25 AM

+1 Boost

I did the same drive back in the spring (no 335d though) and I like the 1 interior a bit better than the 3's as well. Normal cuphoder positions and door storage that is big enough to keep something in and get my hand into to retrieve stuff is nice. It's funny what people consider too small now. The interior is similar in size to my old '99 M3 (except that had less legroom). I agree about the B7 and I loved riving the 135 and M3.