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  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    I have to say kudos to BMW for keeping M3's price very competitive and IMO $2k for buyers in this segment is essentially a non-factor.

    You're right, which is why it bears no significance to me whatsoever. I personally prefer the M3, so I will buy it over the IS-F regardless.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Ah, I just realized what I would do. I would buy a Ferrari 599 GTB!

    Hmmm... you still need to scratch that itch? I figured you would buy an R8 and a couple of other nice toys. :)

    TM
  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Apparently, the 2008 Land Rover LR3 has a base price of 54K and as tested in this morning's Boston Globe, it carries a final MSRP 58K. Remember, this is just the plain old gardent variety LR3. Nothing supercharged, not the Range Rover, just the close to 6000 pound, 16 MPG LR3. Wow! Close to 60K for this sled is a lot of money.

    As the US economy slides sideways if not down, as the credit crunch gets worse, as more and more people owe more on their McMansion's than they are "worth" who is going to buy this thing? Maybe the Indians should rethink their acquisiton plans?

    Before the Indians buy Jaguar and Land Rover, they should
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    '09 WILL have Bluetooth.

    -moo
  • circlewcirclew Member Posts: 8,666
    Little by little we are connecting more and more.

    BMW has announced that it will launch its new ConnectedDrive technology at next month's Geneva Motor Show. ConnectedDrive will allow BMW owners to access the entire internet via the car's iDrive and center mounted LCD screen. Initially, ConnectedDrive will only be available in Europe.

    The ConnectedDrive service will be provided by EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which is the same service that Apple uses to connect its iPhone to the internet. Transfer speeds are said to be just slower than 3G — which is the speed of most wireless cards.

    For safety reasons, ConnectedDrive will only be accessible at speeds slower than 5km/hr. However, vehicles equipped with BMW rear-seat DVD player will allow rear-seat passengers to use the internet at any speed.

    Although the technology will not initially be offered in BMW's U.S. vehicles, the option should make it to our shores in the coming years.

    Regards,
    OW
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    Audi supposedly has completed a new DSG capable of withstanding 700hp and 850ft-lbs of torque.

    Interestingly enough, this was completed with the help of both Porsche and Audi's race teams. Damn you nepotism.

    This should make it into the most powerful of Porsches and the upcoming Audi R12 TDI.
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Not sure if you were aware of this, but due to the introduction of the LR2, the LR3 is now standard with a V8. That definitely justifies the price increase, and it's still quite a distance away from the ($80K) naturally aspirated Range Rover.

    The RR Sport is a waste of money, IMO.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    That's very good news, but only helps me if it can be retrofit... otherwise it's aftermarket for me.

    So, can it be retrofitted in my '08?

    TM
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    Oh, of course I would. With the cash I saved not buying an SLR!

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    The LR3 is a piece of trash, IMO

    Why? Because it looks bland?

    That's what I used to think.

    But look at it for what it is. It's the best luxurious family SUV money can buy, period. No, it may not handle like an MDX, but it's incredibly practical, it has the right amount of pep (remember, standard with V8), it's modern and sleek, it has all the off-road gear, the interior looks nice in this application (as opposed to the RR Sport), and it's rare enough to remain unique as a Landie. To top it all off, it's cheaper than a Toyota Land Cruiser.

    Why do you think it's won so many reviews?

    Another friend, however, had an LR3 and it was a monstrous nightmare. It ended up being returned to the dealer under the lemon law.

    Ah, so that's why. Well, think what you will about the Land Rover lineup, but believe me, each and every one is unreliable in one way or another. The LR3 is not alone. I've been much more scared by the Range Rover Sport. I heard a story about a friend (of a friend) whose RR Sport HSE's rear suspension fell through on the highway.

    By the way, I love the Range Rover. Not sure if I would buy one, but it's certainly pretty to look at.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The RR Sport is cool... very cool!

    TM
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    All the RR products have one thing going for them. They are luxurious. They also drive like crap and are positively the most unreliable and worst put together vehicles known to man.

    Vehicles are like people. If they are unreliable I have little use for them. This is just my opinion of course.

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport are the only two Land Rover products that I like... particularly the iconic Range Rover.

    The LR3 is a piece of trash, IMO and the LR2, while a step in the right direction and feature-rich, is nonetheless diluted and compromised and sucks way too much gas for a little ute (as do many others, too).

    As far as being pieces of crap... it's a roll of the dice, and it shouldn't be that way. One of my neighbors has had brand new RRs for over a decade, without any problems.

    Another friend, however, had an LR3 and it was a monstrous nightmare. It ended up being returned to the dealer under the lemon law. In fact, every LR3 I personally know about is messed up one way or another. I wouldn't touch that vehicle with a ten-foot pole. It's poorly conceived anyway. To be frank, I hate the LR3.

    As far as unreliable or unproductive people go, I wonder if Consumer Reports could give us some guidelines on this... and really provide some insight... y' know... why is it that more folks from Texas, New York, Massachusettes, and particularly California (lol) are the most productive and innovative? And why is Washington D.C. the statistical murder capital of the nation? You have raised a good point. ;)

    BTW, a couple of years ago my wife suggested that she would like an LR3. You can bet we had an argument on that one. Absolutely not going to happen, and she was upset with me for quite a while about that... until... she recently had lunch with one of her friends, and the other woman happended to mention to my wife that they had owned an LR3, and that it was a disaster. Whew... I'm now off the hook. :)

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    There are watches, and then there's a $500K watch. All I can say is wow...

    image
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    I'll drop a hint to my wife!

    If it is worth $1,000,000. in 2 years its a good buy! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    No, it isn't.

    I drove it, and while it looked good then, it's already looking old (to me). The interior is cheap. It's slow. It guzzles gas. It can't touch the Cayenne or X5 in terms of handling or road feel. The rear seat is cramped. It's overpriced.

    Just get a damn Range Rover.

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i • '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG • '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    …and having that in-built gyroscope, another wow from my part!

    Regards,
    Jose
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Why is this watch such a valuable one??? I just don`t know about the high end collector watches......About forty years ago I baught a Rolex, for two hundred fifty dollars without the watch band which was s/s gold....It is being worn right now but has had to have an overhall once for four hundred.....I baught it because it is rugged and can take jarring and abuse--which it has .I didn`t get the band because if one pin were to fail I would loose it Tony
  • jlbljlbl Member Posts: 1,333
    Why is this watch such a valuable one???

    Because of its mechanical complications, accuracy and rarity. First and limited edition. It will surely increase its price in the future; good piece for collectors. Although I am not one of the latter :blush: , I can however admire the piece.

    Regards,
    Jose
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Why is this watch such a valuable one???

    "Regular" Zenith Tourbillion movement watches can hit six figures. This one uses a "Multi-Dimensional Tourbillon", and is coated in a special PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) solution, which apparently makes it impervious to gravity, or a lack thereof, which is why its called the Zero-G. Their regular Defy divers watches are built like tanks, but this thing is built like a battleship, and can be used in space. Here's a link to a much more detailed photo:

    http://www.didntyouhear.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/zenithelprimerozerog.jpg
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    esf, while I so often agree with your point of view, I can not believe you are defending the LR3. It's a piece of junk, IMO, and you won't change my mind. It's no Range Rover, that's for sure. And, while so many of them are so very unreliable, that's never been my primary criteria for liking or disliking vehicles anyway, as you already know. To me, it's secondary, but not completely insignificant.

    I don't like almost everything about it. It has no feakin' style, IMO. It's odd looking and it looks like hardware on the inside. Even a Ford or Chevrolet has a nicer interior. The LR3 has too much exposed metal and hard surfaces. It's just a mess. Add it's pathetic unreliability to the mix, and it's a loser all the way... IMHO, of course. Sorry. I have to agree with Houdini, with regards to the LR3.

    I do like your X5, however. ;)

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    If it is worth $1,000,000. in 2 years its a good buy!

    Is that possible? I know I would/could never take such a risk, but that's a pretty darned good return on any investment.

    TM
  • houdini1houdini1 Member Posts: 8,356
    One thing for sure...I will never find out!! :)

    2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460

  • blckislandguyblckislandguy Member Posts: 1,150
    Don't forget , Lexusguy, that you can pick up a bullet proof Cayenne for well under 50K.

    So, less money, more handling, more cache, more reliability, better dealerships = no brainer.
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I don't like almost everything about it. It has no feakin' style, IMO. It's odd looking and it looks like hardware on the inside. Even a Ford or Chevrolet has a nicer interior. The LR3 has too much exposed metal and hard surfaces. It's just a mess. Add it's pathetic unreliability to the mix, and it's a loser all the way... IMHO, of course.

    I'm with you on that one. I know someone who had an LR3 in the shop for two months. Yet another lemon law Land Rover. It's one thing to have an unscheduled service or two, its quite another to be driving the loaner more than the car you actually bought. I like the Range Rover, but if I were buying in that segment it would be an LX570, or maybe a Q7.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    It looks fantastic!

    I hope the M3 looks as good in black, because I'm getting more interested in that car by the hour, but I just can't choose the color...

    Any advice from anyone?


    Given the colors that are available for the M3, this is what I would suggest...

    1st pick - Melbourne Red Metallic (if you like red cars)
    2nd pick - Jerez Black Metallic (OMG, it's gorgeous!... I can imagine it at night... WOW!)
    3rd pick - Jet Black (Very powerful M3 statement, and menacing!... You can't go wrong!)

    Whatever the color, the M3 is HOT!

    Hope you get one!!

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    I had originally posted a smaller version, but I actually changed it because my browser seems to display this one just fine.

    Anyway... so what do you think of the pic?


    It messes up the formatting for me. 640px is definitely too wide, it needs to be <550 or so. That is a great shot.
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    For those that are interested, I ran across this nice pic of a Jet Black 1-Series (Euro model) on another website today. To the rest, I apologize.

    It is one of the best pics I've seen yet. I hope that this car was treated with Zaino, cause that's what I'll be using. I've never seen such an incredible mirror shine on a black car like this one has.

    image

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    For those that are interested, I ran across this nice pic of a Jet Black 1-Series (Euro model) on another website today. To the rest, I apologize.

    Too wide! Boo tagman. And the board was doing so well...
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I really hope that you are joking with me. ?? I had originally posted a smaller version, but I actually changed it because my browser seems to display this one just fine. I think it's OK. Well, if not, I get the honors/credit/blame for going off to the dog house again!! ;)

    Anyway... so what do you think of the pic?

    TM
  • esfesf Member Posts: 1,020
    It looks fantastic!

    I hope the M3 looks as good in black, because I'm getting more interested in that car by the hour, but I just can't choose the color...

    Any advice from anyone? :confuse:

    '08 BMW X5 4.8i &#149; '06 Audi A3 2.0T DSG &#149; '05 Audi S4 Cabriolet
  • anthonypanthonyp Member Posts: 1,860
    Hi Tagman
    I just want to squelch some of the wild claims for Zaino....It`s good and will make the car shine like in the photo, but the real test comes from your eye in the natural light, and I haven`t found any product that is that spectacular..... Zaino is good....

    .Although I haven`t tried it--- the product that is --- `like water` that Zaino sells, may make the shine better...The water like solution is sort of hand squirted on with a `fitz` jug with a little plunger sprayer....I was satisfied with the two different applications (maybe z2, and z5) so I never got around to trying the other water like stuff....Always wondered though....Tony
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Hi Tony,
    I have been expecting to place my order for Zaino products this week, but I just read some information about some very good products from Griots Garage. Also sounds very, very good. I'm going to have to check it all out just a lilttle more, but unless I discover something incredible, I'll probably go ahead with the Zaino.

    There are so many formulas from Zaino. I emailed them with a bunch of questions recently, and I was pleased to receive an answer promptly that answered every one of my questions. Very good customer service!

    TagMan
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    Don't forget , Lexusguy, that you can pick up a bullet proof Cayenne for well under 50K.

    I could, if I had any interest in the Cayenne. That is also one of my least favorite SUVs. A Porsche simply should not weigh 2.5 tons, period. I've never understood why Porsche (or VW) thought they had to chase LR for off road cred. Who cares? I also love the fact that the "mountain climbing" Turbo Cayennes come with rubber band street tires with zero off-road traction. Talk about a car that doesn't know what it's trying to be. The "bloodline" ads for it are also just embarrassing. Like tubbs the SUV really inherited anything from Porsche's legendary racers.

    My wife needs her SUV so that she can be up high and feel Tonka Tuff, but frankly I'd rather ride a unicycle to work than drive any of em on a regular basis.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It's a cool pic. And it IS too wide. ;)

    I think someone has changed something, though. I've been noticing for a few days that somewhat-too-wide pictures are no longer causing other messages to be chopped off the way that was happening before. We'll have to keep an eye on it.
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    No word on that yet, TG. I seriously doubt it. You should just buy a new one! Enjoy the direct fuel injection they are going to put in the new model!

    :blush:

    -moo
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I'm guessing the microphone is already in my car because of the built-in telephone system that's already there.
    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    LG - This could be a car for you. If you prefer a convertible, wait one more year, and you will have your wish.

    image
    (I hope you like the nice small photo)

    Just a little blurb...

    link title

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    I'll do my best to upgrade you though.

    Scott, I definately need to be upgraded! LOL! ;)

    TM
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Whew... man, that was close! I was fearing the doghouse. What a relief!

    Nothing worse than a parole violation! ;)

    TagMan
  • bristol2bristol2 Member Posts: 736
    Tag, I know you are in the advertising business so you have to know that this shot has been extensively sharpened.

    I work with a company that has a digital light and sound division on the (innovative!) west coast that does alot of work with car manufacturers. They swear that there is no longer a single image used by a manufacturer that has not been enhanced.

    Don't get me wrong, that car's a beauty. You may use up alot of your Sunday afternoons if you try to match it though. ;)
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    The pic shows the photographer's signature. You are correct about the digital modifications. Digital enhancement is a typical part of their process nowadays. No big surprise. So what? The vehicle still had to be immaculate for the shoot... and it really came out gorgeous in the end.

    Don't expect me to be spending my weekends at the handle of an orbital polisher. Well, maybe just the first ones... LOL. Heck, my Porsche could use a good wash and wax right now, and I'm not all that concerned. :)

    Thanks!

    TagMan
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    '09 sounds sweet! I'll wait for the final word on retrofitting before I decide what to do. Mine actually has the hands-free integrated telephone system, but it requires the sim chip from a phone to be inserted... ridiculous PITA, unless I assign the car its own dedicated phone number and leave the chip in the slot. Thanks for checking it out. If you hear any more about a retrofit, please let me know. :)
    TM
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    I certainly will.

    As far as retrofit on the 911, my gut tells me it won't be done because of wiring the speaker/microphone in. A very experienced tech would need to reverse engineer the damn thing in and charge you an arm and a leg.

    There are some aftermarket guys that install bluetooth through the PCM screen and charge around $900. The only thing that is noticeable is the small microphone just underneath the rearview mirror.

    I'll keep my eyes open though.

    -moo
  • tagmantagman Member Posts: 8,441
    Dewey - good thing you've decided to go with the VW BlueMotion instead of the Lexus hybrid.

    From the sound of this, the Lexus hybrid might not be all that great.

    link title

    Still early though, and nothing is in stone yet.

    TagMan
  • madmanmoomadmanmoo Member Posts: 2,039
    True. We'll wait and see. I'll do my best to upgrade you though. ;)

    -moo
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Dewey - good thing you've decided to go with the VW BlueMotion instead of the Lexus hybrid.

    A gussied up Toyota Prius with Lexus ES decor and driving dynmamics. Boy oh boy aint that exciting. THis car will definitley not be on my driveway.

    No final decisions yet regarding a VW diesel. . But I do know that I need a FWD or AWD car for the snow.

    I may wait until more details are out about the Prius before I buy a VW diesel. Apparently I am still a die-hard Toyota fan. ;)
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Hope your wife's back treatments are going well. Sorry to hear what happened.
  • blkhemiblkhemi Member Posts: 1,717
    "... A Porsche simply should not weigh 2.5tons, period. I've never understood why Porsche(or VW) thought the had to chase LR fo off road cred. Who cares? I also love the fact that the "mountain climbing" Turbo Cayennes come with rubber band street tires with zero off-road traction."

    I don't think I could've said it better myself. I don't know what VW and to a much higher degree, Porsche, was thinking loading these otherwise nice trucks down with an extra 1000 pounds of heavy off-road metal that'll never see any dirt besides the front lawn. 95% off ALL SUV's never venture off road, so that super trick and super expensive suspension that they(and LR and Lexus) love to boast about could easily be deleted, reducing build costs, thus bringing the price down for the consumer.

    I don't know if this jogs your memory, but I remember when the Cayenne Turbo S came out. Porsche was boasting about it's 520hp and had this huge press drive in Dubai, UAE. On the drive that MT or C&D took, the Porsche became high centered on a sand dune, despite Porsche's claim of 11.5" of clearance. And on the performance side of things, yes it is true that the Cayenne Turbo S was fast, but my $45k '06 JGC SRT-8 was faster and a much better performer.

    I at least give Audi credit for making the Q7 a street-only model. It isn't posing to be anything but.

    I'm interested to know how the Panamera will be like, performance wise and looks?
  • lexusguylexusguy Member Posts: 6,419
    LG - This could be a car for you. If you prefer a convertible, wait one more year, and you will have your wish.

    Tempting.. very tempting. I'm curious to see how improved the Cambiocorsa gearbox is since the Gransport coupe.
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