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Pat, I don't know if you were just kidding or not, but if you are really interested in re-setting your internal clock, there are ways to do it.
One nice way would be to take a trip to California, or even Hawaii (or somewhere else that is west of you), where eventually you might adjust to awakening later... something you would hopefully take back home with you.
Another possibility is to start setting your alarm clock again, but this time very gradually and progressively set it to go off several minutes later each morning until you finally get a little closer to your goal.
If you need to get tough with yourself, then this one can work well, but you might be exhausted for a while until it works... the trick is to repetitively stay up very (or extremely) late and therefore become tired enough that your body and mind will eventually need to catch up on sleep, thus being forced to awaken later in the morning.
Or... I suppose you could continue to be the early bird that catches...... :P
TagMan
According to JD Power, the RX is "stellar" while the MDX is "mediocre" in its surveys.
The wife wants the RX 350.
In the "Who Cares What The Wife Wants Department":
I'm also considering the option of buying the 545i at lease end this July and having BMW CPO it. I can buy it for somewhere between $30- $33k with around 27k miles projected in July. The car has been pristine (except for one weak battery) mechanically and electronically and the pickup is to die for.
When day light savings time starts again, surely you won`t get up an hour earlier than normal, so maybe if you try and confuse yourself at that time you will pick up an hour...I personally don`t like the daylight savings stuff--particularly the Spring getting up an hour earlier--so that is a good time to try this experiment...At least at this time in your life, you can do what you want (to a degree), but getting up at that time of the morning, really makes for a long day...Tony
I've seen 3 to 5 guys driving rx to date
guy i know just got a x5 and didn't wait for the lx570 he also owns a lx470.seems like people r ditching lexus for bmw
They let me off the chain gang just long enough to write to you!
Remember: look for the label on your peaches "picked by hpowders" to be sure you are buying the very best! :shades:
You know Tony- my 545i is one of BMW's best efforts which makes it one of the world's great vehicles. Tough to give it up. I may have to buy it in July as a BMW CPO with extended maintenance plan.
I could keep it happily for around 10 years. I'm only approaching 23,000 miles as I write this with 36,000 miles on the lease contract. I won't come close to the allowed mileage in July. I ask myself why should I give back to them an almost new vehicle that has given me no trouble (except for a dying battery) and can out-accelerate most vehicles one encounters on the road and handles better than any vehicle its size. All with 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. Astonishing numbers for a V8.
According to what I have read on BMW websites, there are quite a few folks ready to pounce on vehicles like mine.
I`m sure you know that Tagman is getting the bmw 1, and has indicated he is thinking of a longer ownership time frame....My wife`s bmw still has the new car smell in it, and there is no question she will keep it longer than any car in the past, so your idea of keping yours makes alot of sense....I personally haven`t seen any new car that I just have to have---and of course I haven`t really been looking as I plan on keeping the Audi more than a year longer...probably two, or until something comes that is really neat.....
I have been giving serious thought to all the accessories that I have, and hardly ever use. The mapping option is a good example....If I`m lost, there is no driving along and looking and fiddling with the map, or a wreck would possibly happen..I further haven`t mastered the sirius radio, and the telephone voice doesn`t really work for me....I like the little old Honda with the simple controls that I borrow from time to time, so when my day in the sun does come I`l probably make a good effort to get a good car, such as the bmw with very little extra stuff, other than the leather if it is like the Audi leather..If not the naughahide will probably be just as good.. Tony ps Jose` got in a wreck and I think he is going to get a new bmw if the insurance pays for it.....A fine Spaniard
Based on my observations in Toronto I see many men driving Lexus RX models. In fact I see only men driving LExus RX400H autos. I stand by my observations unless ofcourse these RX driving men were in fact very masculine looking women in male attire but I highly doubt that is the case since some of them had beards and beer bellies. :surprise:
For someone who is surrounded by such gorgeous and sexy supermodel machines it is quite a compliment for BMW that you still fancy a BMW 1 series.
I don't mind driving it, but I don't particularly enjoy it. I'm really not an SUV type. I don't like sitting up so high (hey, I grew up with a Datsun 260Z, I could just about feel the road with my butt), the less than nimble handling and seeing (in winter, at least) mpg in the 17s... But, for family trips, it does haul more stuff than my TL. So, I shall be piloting the Great White Whale next week into the Great White Mountains of New Hampster to enjoy the Great White Snow!
Happy wife, happy life.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I surely don't need a lot of accessories, Tony. I am a driving purist. The fewer the distractions, the better. All I need is a push button radio and some sort of temperature control. I will never get a vehicle with navigation, rear view camera, I Pod connection, Bluetooth, etc; All poppycock. Don't send me cards and letters. That's my opinion.
I would love to see a federal law passed on the banning of hand-held cell phones in vehicles. The only time they should be used in a car by the driver is if one is stuck somewhere and you must call for help. I've had enough of those inattentive selfish jackasses putting the lives of my wife and me in jeopardy.
I long for the good old days Tony, when vehicles were lighter, devoid of all that extra mass from "technology." Do we really need computers in cars?
I can't even begin to imagine the greatness of my 545i without it being weighed down by the excessive technological garbage crammed into it such as the iDrive computer system.
And last and most important, for heavens sake, let's have a significant federal tax on gasoline to drive down consumption and force the auto makers to finally build vehicles that will significantly conserve energy.
You guys have never seen the Wayne Brady skit on Chappelle's Show?? :surprise: It was hilarious!
The 135i is faster and better handling than the 335i, and only 1/2 second slower than the V8 M3. The critics are absolutely raving about it's handling. But, I guess you are right... it can't offer "the kind of fun one should expect from a BMW of its size"...
BTW, you 'll like this. It's a much better idea than taxes... IMHO. Seriously, this is amazing! :surprise:
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TagMan
This is the first time I've ever heard that...
I used to have to drive the RX300 every now and then, badly snowy days and things like that. On a 1 to 10 fun to drive scale, it ranked about a -5. Steering so light you could blow on it to get it to change direction (and talk about numb!), lousy seats, horrible stereo (the 300 never had a Nakamichi option) body roll like a '70s Cadillac, and with almost a 42ft. turning circle it parked like a boat. I'm very glad its gone. The RX300 also had Lexus' worst ever interior design IMO, barely beating out the '98 GS300.
Regards,
Jose
Regarding the Series-1 I currently drive, it must be said that her controls are more like those of an old-fashioned car. She has neither i-Drive nor complications. Nor even speed-cruising control. Radio and AC settings are governed by buttons in a very clear and intuitive manner. Computer on-board has a few and simple functions. (If only, I have to complain about the screen space between the main clocks that is devoted to the computer lettering: it is so tiny that the figures cannot be read without lenses by a presbyope like me—you know, above 45, every one gets increasing presbyopia :mad: .) On the other hand, I do not know the weight of the car. But it has to be low to allow the quick acceleration I had up-hill at full load with such relatively small engine.
But I perfectly understand your preference for your 545i anyway.
Regards,
Jose
(By the way, you know if there is any subway connection between Florida lagoons and the Scottish Loch Ness? You are a tall/long man and rumour says Nessie is not at place these days :P :shades: )
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
A 1993 BMW 325i is more fun to drive than a 2008 328i.
The main thing is you like the 135i. Enjoy it!
Glad to hear the "1" series doesn't have the iDrive.
Did you say the radio and AC are controlled by "buttons"? What a novel idea! So simple. Amazing nobody's thought of it until now.
No Loch Ness. Great weather here, though. In winter, Florida is at its best.
I just may CPO the 545i and keep it. Nothing out there currently stimulates me and says I've got to have it- in a vehicular way, of course. :shades:
I will drive the 135i as soon as it becomes available. I'll get back to you on it.
From all I read, they claim the 135i is a bit too heavy. We'll see.
That's funny.
TM
Looks like mid to late April to drive one.
Sooo....you pre-ordered one without driving it, I reckon?
So far, it's official weight supposedly includes a driver and some cargo, so you can subtract a bit off of it's number. But, yes everyone mentions it, and then they DRIVE it, and all concerns are gone!
That said, there is a lighter "tii" variant concept (I believe it is called that) that will address the weight concerns for those that care enough.
The same can be said of my 911, with all of it's weight-increasing features... Yet, It still is worth owning and driving, IMO.
Edit: I am glad you will check it out. Please don't use the "c" word again.
TagMan
I take it then you pre-ordered one without actually driving it?
I bet a 135i lease with options I would check off would approach the monthly number of my 545i. BMW will extract maximum moolah from the 135i.
So then, there are now two "c" words I mustn't use around here. Noted.
I will be allowed to drive it when it arrives. If for some reason I do not like it, I have no obligation to buy it, as they have a list of people just waiting to pounce on it.
Good situation.
TM
Here's to a great April for you and the BMW 135i!
My only second-guessing is that I didn't wait and order the slightly slower convertible, due out later in the year. And... I'm getting it in black/black, which wasn't my original intention. Other than those, I'm feeling OK about it.
Thanks again.
TagMan
I dont know why we North Americans get delayed introductions from BMW. If you lived in Soweto Africa you could have gotten your order in February instead of March.
The latest BMW 1 Series Coupé will be launched in Soweto, the company said on Friday.
"Soweto is a pulsating metropolis and can be credited with setting trends in politics, fashion, music, dance and even language," said Richard Carter, general manager, communication and public affairs.
"With this in mind we felt it would be the perfect venue to launch the new BMW 135i Coupé as BMW has a strong following in Soweto and represents progress, style, flair, finesse and financial success."
BMW would also extend its involvement in social development projects in the area, the company said.
Soweto is on record as having nicknamed the BMW E30, the Gusheshe (notion of speed), the E36 the Dolphin (notion of gracefulness) and the E46 the G-string (notion of sex-appeal).
"The BMW brand found a home in Soweto many years ago," said Bodo Donauer managing director of BMW SA.
"The aspirational nature of BMW's products is much loved by the people of Soweto and we are pleased to be able to celebrate this by launching the BMW 1 Series Coupé among so many of our loyal followers."
The launch will be held in Soweto from 26 February.
link title
Viva La Chapelle
It also helps if you watch your waste line. Ever since I bought BMWs I lost a lot of weight in order to enhance the handling dynamics of my car.
The weight gains of performance cars are spiralling upwards. If this continues many auto enthusiasts who do not have the physique of horse jockeys and who are above 5 feet tall will end up becoming anorexics.
Years ago I was very interested in an A3 until I found out the A3 2.0 was non-Quattro and the A3 3.2 has no manual tranny. Otherwise I may have owned an A3 instead of my current BMW 335i.
Of course, I still had to shoehorn myself into the car, and getting out required a special extraction maneuver unlike anything I've ever experienced. No place for big-bellied folks... or anyone trying to heal from a neck injury.
Hopefully, the 135i will allow me a nice fattening lunch now and then, without finding myself unable to fit into the car. Which reminds me, the 135i seats are identical to those in the 335i, which I find extremely comfortable... don't you?
TM
No manual, no sale for me......
Regards,
Jose
I know what you mean. My wife also liked her RX (other than the turning circle) for reasons I've never really understood. I think she would probably give the X3 a "B". She likes the handling and the decent FE, but she hates the NAV and the high effort low speed steering. I think next time she wants something a little softer than the X3, but not RX soft, which makes me think Q5, or possibly the GLK or XC60.
I may have BMW CPO my 545i in July and buy it outright. Nothing else out there lights my fire at this particular time. Any vehicle would be a tough act to follow after driving one of the world's great vehicles, the BMW 545i, for 3 years.
I was driving behind a 2007 or 2008 MDX about a half hour ago, and it didn't exactly turn me on styling-wise. The rear windshield is downright ugly. It goes without saying that I wasn't behind the MDX for long. I hope I didn't scare him with my "silver streak"! :shades:
Are BMWs the greatest or what??
I agree, they are in a class alone... for sure! My 550i has been at the dealer for a week now (oil sensor malfunction). My loaner is a 2007 328i and CANNOT WAIT TO GET OUT OF IT!!!
Before I bought this car I read several articles about the "technology" BMW puts in their cars, and I just crossed my fingers I would not be one bitten by a gremlin in the software... but sure enough. The oil sensor continuously reads the oil level is too high. The dealer has replaced the sensor once, and changed the oil twice and yet the problem is still there. Sort of scarey when you don't have oil pressure or water temp gauges and have to depend on software that may or may not be functioning properly! If the software is not working correctly and the cooling system fails, I guess you wouldn't know about it until it is too late. Very concerning! :sick:
I am very comfortable with my BMW 335i seats. Whenever I leave my car I always wish that I could remove my BMW seat and put it in front of my computer.
I hope they will be able to fix your problem. Good luck.
Like you, I was a bit apprehensive about getting the 2005 545i, since CR at that time had given the 5 Series its dreaded black circle, meaning below average in reliability.
Luckily, my only problem has been a weak battery after about 27 months which had been replaced free.
Needless to say, I have been very pleased.
I guess Fritz and Dieter were unusually attentive on the day my car was assembled.
Bummer on the 328i. Still better than my experience. My dealer has a Budget Rent A Car concession on premises. No more BMW loaners. I was given a Chevy Impala overnight so Igor could do all sorts of tests on my battery.
That is one of the only negative comments I have about my TL, too large a turning radius... But, it's pretty, so I forgive it.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
In addition to suffering from torque steer, performance oriented FWD cars usually have large turning circles as well. The big wheels and the FWD layout just don't mix very well. You would think that the TSX would be nimble because of its small size, but it also turns like a boat. The Volvo S60 and Saab 9-3 have the same problem.
Any other dealers in your area?
Whoa.....is this a problem in 5's or just 550's? Do you know?
Maybe not. The 135i's taller cabin has 37.9" of headroom, which is .2" MORE than your 545i has!
Now over to the legroom... no official spec yet, but the 135i's front legroom is supposedly similar to the 335i, but the 135i is tighter for rear passengers.
Since you have described yourself as all legs, you'll probably just have to wait until you can sit in one to know for sure... but the headroom measurement is at least a positive sign.
TagMan
There are 2 other dealers in my area, but this one gave me the best leasing deal.
I have until July to decide what I get next. If it is to be another BMW, I will inquire from the other 2 dealers what their loaner policy is. No doubt about it.
I hope you get your situation resolved to your satisfaction.