Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

driver100

28firefighter said:

driver100 said:

Mike, the amber lighting on the kick plate is a nice touch....I don't know how they keep coming up with these ideas. The more I drive the car the maore I learn and remember...I do remember when the 2015 seemed overwhelming as well. Some day I will master enough that I will feel comfortable with it all....then I will want more.

I agree the Genius idea is a great one. My rep is very good about answering questions and getting back......But, it would be nice to have a resource person who is always available.

btw....that E300 with the 4 banger is no slouch....0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds. But a large full size car deserves a 6 cyl engine.

I used to agree with the sentiment that a larger car "needs" a 6 or 8 cylinder engine. However after experiencing some of BMWs more contemporary 4-cylinder engines, I am incredibly impressed by their performance. I'd still like the bigger engines, but I can absolutely see where certain 4 cylinder models are still plenty of fun.

Actually, I find the 4 cylinder in the C250 a lot of fun, something about a little engine that has the power. Large cars can do it, but they are more stately, you tend to drive them more conservatively, or should I say more maturely.

stickguy

driver, your car has the older 1.8l engine. The new 2.0t in the C and E is a lot fanicer unit, with a bunch more power.

graphicguy

laurasdada said:

While grocery shopping recently, as I was heading back to my car, I spotted across the parking lot an attractive blond woman that works for my company. She spotted me, we waved and went on with our lives.

Today, I had to install some software on her laptop, this is the first time we met face to face. The first thing she said after hello was, "That's a beautiful car you have!" This could be my next future ex wife...

And, this is the real reason we buy cars. To attract attractive women.

Good point. Frankly, I've been single for a long time now. Just started to think about dating. No one has struck my fancy, although I'm trying to walk taller, speak more confident, keep my eyes open.

LD....I have to start tailing you.

cdnpinhead

abacomike said:

88 degrees today and a forecast for 92 tomorrow - enough already!!!

Well, Florida may be hot, but at least it has miserable humidity and bugs the size of mice.

driver100

stickguy said:

driver, your car has the older 1.8l engine. The new 2.0t in the C and E is a lot fanicer unit, with a bunch more power.

Stick, there is a bit of turbo lag in the 2014 with the 1.81 engine......it is still great fun though, it would be even better though if the 2.0 eliminated that.

driver100

cdnpinhead said:

abacomike said:

88 degrees today and a forecast for 92 tomorrow - enough already!!!

Well, Florida may be hot, but at least it has miserable humidity and bugs the size of mice.

Don't forget the alligators.....lots and lots of alligators.

driver100

Talking about retail stores. I needed a USB stick for my music...make a copy to take to Florida to put in the C250.
I am right by a Staples store, so I went in. Young guy asked if he could help. btw, I ordered 2 16 gb ones from Amazon the week before for $8 each.
He shows me a big fancy one that is $65! I said, that looks like a little more than what I had in mind.
He shows me one that is $36!
I look down near the bottom and find one for $10 and that is what I bought.
Are these stores so desperate they have to try and up-sell everything? The store was pretty well empty too....is this one going down soon too?
It was easier ordering on Amazon, I got exactly what I wanted, delivered to my home in 2 days.

abacomike

stickguy said:

driver, your car has the older 1.8l engine. The new 2.0t in the C and E is a lot fanicer unit, with a bunch more power.

There is no torque over 3000 rpm in the E300.  I had it up on the turnpike and at 45-50 mph I licked it to the floor and all it did was "wind out"!  Low end torque was excellent - but if I'm spending $60,000+ on a luxury car, I expect 330+ hp, not 248 hp.  

The BMW 4 cylinder has better upper end torque but I would not spend $60,000+ on a bimmer either with under 320 hp.

My 740 is loaded with torque and sufficient hp to move a 4300 pound car on the interstate with distinction.  

stickguy

staples actually is cutting back on stores. Going way more online.

There is an office depot close to me that I get stuff at occasionally, or at least go in to browse. Never many customers, and just seems like a sad, tired place. Though sometimes items on sale (USBs, a mouse, laptops) are a good price and I get one.

oldfarmer50

laurasdada said:

While grocery shopping recently, as I was heading back to my car, I spotted across the parking lot an attractive blond woman that works for my company. She spotted me, we waved and went on with our lives.

Today, I had to install some software on her laptop, this is the first time we met face to face. The first thing she said after hello was, "That's a beautiful car you have!" This could be my next future ex wife...

And, this is the real reason we buy cars. To attract attractive women.

And to make our male friends burn with envy.

abacomike

graphicguy said:

While grocery shopping recently, as I was heading back to my car, I spotted across the parking lot an attractive blond woman that works for my company. She spotted me, we waved and went on with our lives. Today, I had to install some software on her laptop, this is the first time we met face to face. The first thing she said after hello was, "That's a beautiful car you have!" This could be my next future ex wife... And, this is the real reason we buy cars. To attract attractive women.

Good point. Frankly, I've been single for a long time now. Just started to think about dating. No one has struck my fancy, although I'm trying to walk taller, speak more confident, keep my eyes open. LD....I have to start tailing you.

I remember the last time you started dating, GG.  It started great and then ended by something called desertion.  This time, forget cruises and altars for the first date or two - my advice as a caring friend!!!  

dino001

Deal done. Signed Euro Delivery today. I proposed and they accepted. Essentially 2 grand off the ED sticker offset a little by the customary crazy FL dealer fee. Other guys offered $1500 off, so I just added $500 and said you take it it's done now, no more waiting. They say let's write it up. It is going to the salesman I wanted it to go- knowledgeable, enthusiastic, Polish gentleman. I'm really happy about it. He gave me his time several times over last couple of years, answered questions, went around to show me all colors (live, not just samples). I saved some money, lots of time, that's all that matters to me. Could I squeeze some more? I'm sure., I could at some expense of time and hasssle. No need. The guy earned it and i'm sure it may be still somewhat skinny for him. The dealer owners will likely take the boatload, not him. That's life.

Now will be waiting: for the appointment in Munich, for the trip, then for the appointment in Spartanburg, SC, finally for the car. Munich delivery in mid June, Stateside probably late August, or even September in Spartanburg, SC. Not best weather for the day outdoors, but still worth it.

Oh, the car? 2018 Red 430i Grand Coupe, cognac brown leather (new color), walnut wood inlays with aluminum trim, essentials, premium, luxury package, blind spot detection. That's all. Only regret is in their infinite wisdom BMW Made red not available with M-Sport pack, which would have black trim (looks stunning on red, available for 3-series). Well, chromes from lux package will look OK, too. These are well-balanced.

28firefighter

Congrats @dino001!  That is going to be an amazing experience. 

stickguy

sounds nice. and exactly the type of deal I would look for. No X mentioned, so I assume you went with RWD being in FLA? I would get that up in NJ, but would definitely have to order it, because you will never find a non-AWD car on the lot up here.

stickguy

interesting that it is a 2018. Looks like on the BMW website can only build a 2017. No Cognac leather.

Michaell

stickguy said:

interesting that it is a 2018. Looks like on the BMW website can only build a 2017. No Cognac leather.

We have 2018 4-series lease numbers already.

venture

abacomike said:

driver100 said:

Mike, I think they couldn't produce enough E400s for the US market this year. I think the 2018 E400 will be the exact same car, and that one will be available in the US.

I totally agree about the interior of the A6....it was underwhelming and done in such muted boring colors. The E300/400 does have an incredibly impressive interior....it lights up like a Star Wars video game.

That's the same feeling I get from the time I approach my car and the door handles glow amber and the ground is illuminated amber as well. When I open the driver's door, the kick plate glows amber and the interior lighting is all amber which matches the interior leather. It is truly a beautiful cockpit and from my memory, the E Class has the same possible lighting package and dash.

If the amber color no longer winds your clock can you change the color of the light?

abacomike

venture said:

Mike, I think they couldn't produce enough E400s for the US market this year. I think the 2018 E400 will be the exact same car, and that one will be available in the US. I totally agree about the interior of the A6....it was underwhelming and done in such muted boring colors. The E300/400 does have an incredibly impressive interior....it lights up like a Star Wars video game.

That's the same feeling I get from the time I approach my car and the door handles glow amber and the ground is illuminated amber as well. When I open the driver's door, the kick plate glows amber and the interior lighting is all amber which matches the interior leather. It is truly a beautiful cockpit and from my memory, the E Class has the same possible lighting package and dash.

If the amber color no longer winds your clock can you change the color of the light?

Yes - many different colors - blues, reds, yellows, white, etc., and pastel colors as well.

abacomike

@dino001

The car sounds stupendous!  I've seen them at my dealership on the showroom floor.  Gorgeous car.  Going for ED and then Spartanburg should be exciting.  I wish you all the best with your new car.  I suspect the cogniac brown will be a bit similar to the leather in my 740i.  I am very excited for you!  

abacomike

cdnpinhead said:

88 degrees today and a forecast for 92 tomorrow - enough already!!!

Well, Florida may be hot, but at least it has miserable humidity and bugs the size of mice.

Actually, I rarely see large bugs, etc.  The main problem is the alligator population and pythons - but those animals are rare in the populated areas.  You find them way out west closer to the Everglades- about 10 miles away.  Mosquitoes are a problem at dusk but the mosquito control department does a good job.

Right now, we have some dangerous brush fires in the far western suburbs playing havoc near Weston and Pembroke Pines.  We've had less than an inch of rain since January which has caused all the sawgrass to become a fire hazard.  I can smell the smoke now when I went out to get the paper.

driver100

abacomike said:

stickguy said:

driver, your car has the older 1.8l engine. The new 2.0t in the C and E is a lot fanicer unit, with a bunch more power.

There is no torque over 3000 rpm in the E300.  I had it up on the turnpike and at 45-50 mph I licked it to the floor and all it did was "wind out"!  Low end torque was excellent - but if I'm spending $60,000+ on a luxury car, I expect 330+ hp, not 248 hp. .  

Me too. I can imagine what they will say at trade in time.......a luxury car with a 4 cyl engine, not a big seller, can't give you much for it.

driver100

abacomike said:

graphicguy said:

laurasdada said:

While grocery shopping recently, as I was heading back to my car, I spotted across the parking lot an attractive blond woman that works for my company. She spotted me, we waved and went on with our lives.

Today, I had to install some software on her laptop, this is the first time we met face to face. The first thing she said after hello was, "That's a beautiful car you have!" This could be my next future ex wife...

And, this is the real reason we buy cars. To attract attractive women.

Good point. Frankly, I've been single for a long time now. Just started to think about dating. No one has struck my fancy, although I'm trying to walk taller, speak more confident, keep my eyes open.

LD....I have to start tailing you.

Mike

I remember the last time you started dating, GG.  It started great and then ended by something called desertion.  This time, forget cruises and altars for the first date or two - my advice as a caring friend!!!

 

Wise words. When I met my wonderful wife she accepted me with my Cavalier and we walked around the neighborhood and ordered a pizza. We could talk for hours about things we were both interested in.

My suggestion is to buy an old Cavalier....if she loves you when she finds out what you are driving you will know it is true love. A Jaguar or Infinity can't do that.

driver100

Dino....that car sounds fantastic......congratulations! I am liking BMWs these days, I like their more traditional style. MBs are getting too curvy and with smaller low windows.

Red looks good and it feels good to drive.........not boring.

dino001

stickguy said:

sounds nice. and exactly the type of deal I would look for. No X mentioned, so I assume you went with RWD being in FLA? I would get that up in NJ, but would definitely have to order it, because you will never find a non-AWD car on the lot up here.

It's RWD. I used to own two Subarus, so I fully experienced AWD advantages, but BMW's are still built to be RWD first. Weight balance, fuel consumption, price, Florida - all of that makes me take RWD. My current wagon is also RWD, drives very neutral.

All 4-series is going 2018 this month. They discontinued 2017 production in February already. First new units are clearing ports right now. Very subtle face-lift, much better option packaging (making more sense than current 3- and 4-series), couple of new exterior and interior colors. Finally backup camera and park distance control come included in no-cost package, used to be $900. They call it Life Cycle Impuls, or LCI. Whatever.

dino001

abacomike said:

@dino001

The car sounds stupendous!  I've seen them at my dealership on the showroom floor.  Gorgeous car.  Going for ED and then Spartanburg should be exciting.  I wish you all the best with your new car.  I suspect the cogniac brown will be a bit similar to the leather in my 740i.  I am very excited for you!  

If you have mocca, then it will be brighter. It's on the light side, rather than dark.

abacomike

dino001 said:

@dino001

The car sounds stupendous!  I've seen them at my dealership on the showroom floor.  Gorgeous car.  Going for ED and then Spartanburg should be exciting.  I wish you all the best with your new car.  I suspect the cogniac brown will be a bit similar to the leather in my 740i.  I am very excited for you!  

If you have mocca, them it will be brighter. It's on the light side, rather than dark.

That's what mine is - lighter like the top of a baked pumpkin pie!

venture

abacomike said:

venture said:

Mike, I think they couldn't produce enough E400s for the US market this year. I think the 2018 E400 will be the exact same car, and that one will be available in the US.

I totally agree about the interior of the A6....it was underwhelming and done in such muted boring colors. The E300/400 does have an incredibly impressive interior....it lights up like a Star Wars video game.

That's the same feeling I get from the time I approach my car and the door handles glow amber and the ground is illuminated amber as well. When I open the driver's door, the kick plate glows amber and the interior lighting is all amber which matches the interior leather. It is truly a beautiful cockpit and from my memory, the E Class has the same possible lighting package and dash.

If the amber color no longer winds your clock can you change the color of the light?

Yes - many different colors - blues, reds, yellows, white, etc., and pastel colors as well.

Whew. Good.

PF_Flyer

fezo said:

Hello. I have indeed not died on upi gus. Life has been getting in the way.

Speaking of such things I am going in tomorrow for cataract surgery on the good eye because it's getting less good by the day. I understand the wonders on current cataract surgery and that the failure rate is 0.003%. Still it's my only eye that works right. The other has no central vision.

So if any of you praying sorts could put in a good word for me that would be very helpful. Especially between the hours from 8:45 and 11 which is when they are doing it.

Will report as I can.

As always, positive vibes for the head of Fezo Motors!

PF_Flyer

The best part about the "old timers" around here is things you all remind me of. Anybody remember Amatuer Redesign Studio from back around 2004? We digitally modified images of vehicles. Sort of virtual car models without the messy glue! I just ran across a Mercedes pickup that I "built". Best story that goes with this is that I printed out the pic on photo paper and took it to my local dealer who sold MB as well as Nissan and showed him the "Bauernhof Concept Pickup". He looked at it, turned the pic over to look at the back and asked, "Where did you get this? We haven't heard about it."And it wasn't even April 1st

graphicguy

OK Fezo. Vision should be back by now. Check in!

Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.

Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.

stickguy

Hopefully my wife lasts a while. I have zero desire to ever dip a toe back into the dating pool!

Dino, not surprised, but looks like BMW has not updated the build section of the website yet. They often lag.

I would prefer a RWD model too, for the reasons you listed, even up here where we might get a couple snowfalls each year. Which I won't take my car in anyway.

I went to college in upstate NY. Lots of snow. And all my cars were RWD, at least 1 with mostly bald bias ply snows. A couple others with early all season tires. I somehow lived through it.

28firefighter

graphicguy said:

OK Fezo. Vision should be back by now. Check in!

Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.

Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.

I'm really really hoping to get tickets to see Hamilton here in Seattle next Feburary/March (only season ticket holders have confirmed tickets now). I love the music to it and listen to it on Spotify all the time.

stickguy

It comes to philly next season. I'll try but not counting on getting tickets at a price I can afford!

jmonroe

@dino001, I was out of here yesterday and when I come back, I see you pulled the trigger. Must have known a good deal when you saw it. Having hot pants doesn't hurt either.

You know you have to give us follow up reports on the ED and Spartanburg trips.

Good luck with it.

jmonroe

stickguy

I doubt I am doing an ED with the next car (since I don't expect to be buying something nice enough to qualify, at least not new!) but would love to do it at some point. And if I do end up ordering a BMW, I absolutely would pick it up in Spartenburg.

dino001

jmonroe said:

@dino001, I was out of here yesterday and when I come back, I see you pulled the trigger. Must have known a good deal when you saw it. Having hot pants doesn't hurt either.

You know you have to give us follow up reports on the ED and Spartanburg trips.

Good luck with it.

jmonroe

Absolutely. Will do.

dino001

stickguy said:

I doubt I am doing an ED with the next car (since I don't expect to be buying something nice enough to qualify, at least not new!) but would love to do it at some point. And if I do end up ordering a BMW, I absolutely would pick it up in Spartenburg.

Every new BMW could be ordered and delivered in Spartanburg.

andres3

PF_Flyer said:

The best part about the "old timers" around here is things you all remind me of. Anybody remember Amatuer Redesign Studio from back around 2004? We digitally modified images of vehicles. Sort of virtual car models without the messy glue! I just ran across a Mercedes pickup that I "built". Best story that goes with this is that I printed out the pic on photo paper and took it to my local dealer who sold MB as well as Nissan and showed him the "Bauernhof Concept Pickup". He looked at it, turned the pic over to look at the back and asked, "Where did you get this? We haven't heard about it."And it wasn't even April 1st

Funny, on April 1st Audi of Canada decided to use that same idea and announce a picture and statement that read "Upcoming 2018 R8 Avant coming near you"

It looked like a big avant wagon back end with an R8 front end.

stickguy

I knew that. Though most likely, I would only order an X1 anyway, which I think are made there?

laurasdada

While I've met some very nice ladies while dating, it has only reinforced my understanding that I don't understand women. They are just different. Shocking revelation of the day!

To live a long, happy life with a fine woman, just remember the two most powerful words in the English language, "Yes, dear."

jmonroe

laurasdada said:

While I've met some very nice ladies while dating, it has only reinforced my understanding that I don't understand women. They are just different. Shocking revelation of the day!

To live a long, happy life with a fine woman, just remember the two most powerful words in the English language, "Yes, dear."

In July that will have worked for 50 years. But it takes a few "yes sirs" to make it work too.

jmonroe

graphicguy

28firefighter said:

graphicguy said:

OK Fezo. Vision should be back by now. Check in!

Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.

Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.

I'm really really hoping to get tickets to see Hamilton here in Seattle next Feburary/March (only season ticket holders have confirmed tickets now). I love the music to it and listen to it on Spotify all the time.

28FF....you'll love it. Aside from the music and the way it's presented (very unique), it's historically correct. Wayne Brady played Burr in the Chicago show. He was excellent as was the entire cast.

driver100

stickguy said:

I doubt I am doing an ED with the next car (since I don't expect to be buying something nice enough to qualify, at least not new!) but would love to do it at some point. And if I do end up ordering a BMW, I absolutely would pick it up in Spartenburg.

The one thing to consider if you do ED is, will you have a car to drive in when you get home? If it is your trade in vehicle you could lose 2 months depreciation depending on how long your trip is. Also, I am not sure if you lose a month or more warranty time while the car is being shipped to the U.S.

ab348

graphicguy said:

28FF....you'll love it. Aside from the music and the way it's presented (very unique), it's historically correct.

Not everyone would agree with that.

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2016/03/22/nancy-isenberg-this-hamilton-is-not-history

driver100

graphicguy said:

OK Fezo. Vision should be back by now. Check in!

Mike....no hurry to enter into a relationship. I'm good where I'm at. But, I was able to get tix to see the play "Hamilton" (best play I've ever seen, by the way). Did it solo. Not ideal....would have been nice to have someone to share it with. Didn't detract from seeing it, though.

Sharing those types of experiences with an appreciative lady would be good. Not wanting to do the whole "chase'm down", join singles clubs, set up e-harmony, etc, though.

The best way to meet someone is doing the activities you enjoy, if you meet someone doing the same then you probably have some things in common, which helps. If you don't meet someone at least you will enjoy going and doing that particular activity.

It is nice to do things with someone you can relate to....you get more out of those activities, sharing them and experiencing them with someone else. OTOH, it is better to go alone, than with someone you aren't compatible with. Also better to live alone than with someone you aren't compatible with. Best if you meet someone that shares your interests and values.

dino001

driver100 said:

stickguy said:

I doubt I am doing an ED with the next car (since I don't expect to be buying something nice enough to qualify, at least not new!) but would love to do it at some point. And if I do end up ordering a BMW, I absolutely would pick it up in Spartenburg.

The one thing to consider if you do ED is, will you have a car to drive in when you get home? If it is your trade in vehicle you could lose 2 months depreciation depending on how long your trip is. Also, I am not sure if you lose a month or more warranty time while the car is being shipped to the U.S.

The warranty, depreciation, loan/lease payment clock starts there, in Munich. Actually, loan/lease starts even sooner, one month before, as the car has to be paid in full (by you or the bank). I keep my car and will try to sell it when the new one comes to shore. So, yes there is a price for the experience. Just the fact of life.

carnaught

@dino001, the car you have on order sounds awesome, definitely something to look foreward to, especially with European delivery. Best of luck. We'll want a full report.

jpp75

Congrats @dino001 sounds like a great vehicle. Interested to hear how you like the ED experience, I contemplated doing that when I bought my 2006 330i but didn't pull the trigger.

28firefighter

Hamilton, from my understanding, is mostly historically correct but they did take some liberties and did combine some sets of events in the interest of time and a cohesive story line.

I did not have a chance to read the article that @ab348 posted.

driver100

ab348 said:

graphicguy said:

28FF....you'll love it. Aside from the music and the way it's presented (very unique), it's historically correct.

Not everyone would agree with that.

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/commentary/2016/03/22/nancy-isenberg-this-hamilton-is-not-history

I am glad you presented the other side. I don't think I would watch any play or movie and believe it was very accurate. Writers always use poetic license, and they see events through their eyes, so most things will have a bias built in. The main thing is, if you come out of a play or movie feeling better than you went in - either because your life is richer, you learned something, or you were just entertained, then the performance was a success.