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Love the valet scene with the Ferrari!!
Auto vs manual: About every week to ten days, this discussion breaks out like a rash, usually driven by some well-meaning soul who comes to this board seeking advice. Well, on this topic at least, there seems to be no shortage of it.
It seems to me that the pros and cons have been stated and restated until the cows come home [and for all we know, the cows even can shift for themselves by now]. I have my own opinion, but so what? The only part of this discussion that ever really gets my goat [or my cows, for that matter] is the assertion that "real enthusiasts" have to have clutch pedals to pass some test that the self-described keepers of the flame have determined is important. I continue to assert that "real enthusiasts" care about cars and driving enough to drive well all of the time, and should be trusted to pick the transmission that makes the most sense to them.
As for the Manual vs. Auto debate, I think that it was Woody Harrelson (aka. Hank Gordon) who said, "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do" in Doc Hollywood. I know that many of us who absolutely enjoy stirring our own gears (regardless of traffic) have a hard time understanding folks who do not, maybe that is because we feel a little sorry for the folks who are not able to get said enjoyment. I know that this is a little (more like a lot) arrogant, we just sort of wish we could share the pleasure with the Auto drivers. In most cases, this is not meant to be condescending (I cannot speak for everybody) even though it may seem like it from time to time.
PEACE between all Bimmer drivers, regardless of Tranny, Suspension and/or Seat Coverings, AT LEAST WE HAVE A CHOICE WITH THE 3-SERIES. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
"Was that a real 1961 Ferrari 250GT California?
No, as Cameron stated in the film less than 100 of those cars were made with no two being the same. They are valued at over $3 million US and for more information on the car check out it's cast profile. The car used in the film was actually a modified MGB.
And, according to Brad Williams (a visitor to this site), the company that modified for the MGB for this film and others, was actually sued by Ferrari for the use of it's logos, and with all the damages that were demanded to be paid by Federal courts, it actually went out of business soon after."
Here is the link:
http://www.80s.com/saveferris/
Sorry to take things off topic, but it is a classic.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Re: Auto/slush box -- I had the distinct privilege of driving some "twisties" in Illinois (I know, it sounds like an oxymoron, but, where the glacial moraine ends, there are some pretty cool curves and hills), and, I had a blast! I really have to get into a driving class, but, although I drive the STEP ("boo, hiss"), leaving it in SPORT was actually quite exhilarating. My 330i really handles very well (despite my poor driving skills), and is quite an impressive machine. I am no race car driver, by any stretch of the imagination, but, I know that I love to drive this car (3 months and 5,000 miles later). (BTW, I bought the STEP because I was too impatient to wait for a STANDARD, and I bought my girl straight off the lot)
There's my humble two cents....
Best Regards,
Shipo
I'd disagree in most cases. Again, at the present time only something like SMG/SSG (in full auto mode) has a chance at selecting the appropriate gear/RPM combination better and faster than a talented mammalian 3-pedal operator. I don't count myself in that category yet (well, "mammal" yes but "talented" not quite) but I figure at least I'm trying. I have this recurring Twilight Zone-ish daydream where 20 years pass and due to low sales, all automakers just drop manual transmission entirely. So I figure I have to do my part to prevent that horrible future!
fwiw, i can't think of one person who has died (or even suffered grievous injury) from having to shift in traffic...
I would think that it might be safer since it helps keep both hands busier and thus less able to attempt dangerous maneuvers like reading, dialing a cell phone, dinking around with your Palm Pilot, smacking misbehaving rear seat passengers, etc. Anyone know where we might find crash stats on manual vs. auto, and then compare that to the overal percentage of manual and auto cars on the road? That inquiry is not meant as a slight to Steptronic brethren and sistren, just more my bean-counter curiosity.
Yes, this debate does get repeated every so often, but most new readers don't want to scroll back that far and the search function around here also stinks. Besides, without Mr. Double Voranos around things are slowing down a little and we need some filler
'nuff said, end of topic
We had the dealer rep drive us around to show what this car can do. I was v. impressed. I may have company at autocross next year after all.
The dealers here aren't moving off MSRP.
All in all a very nice car that should meet my brothers needs nicely for the next couple of years.
PS: I didn't know they have Audis in India. When did that happen?
i went to the dealer trying to figure out whether they look different from the normal front (which i don't like) but they didn't have any in stock... and the 2001 330i SP doesn't look any different from the normal 2001 either. Odd.
Better yet, when are you getting the SLK? ;-)
(Within reason of course, but he is a generous guy)
The SLK on the other hand...
Maybe 2002/2003. I can only imagine the fun I'll have shopping in this category. I wonder if I could find anyone who would like to help me decide?
I believe 2003 SLK will be redesigned as well.
What's your opinion on the sound of that 2.3L "Kompressor"? I'm satisfied with the power of our SLK which shares that engine with the C230, but I wish MB had maybe installed an external subwoofer and sound-generation circuitry so it doesn't sound quite so wimpy. Thankfully, at least there's something that sounds worse: the Honda S2000.
Yes, the MSRP thing stinks but that's standard operating procedure at most Benz dealers these days. The only exceptions I've found locally are some M's and E's that they're willing to discount slightly.
brave1heart, yes a long wait is pretty standard. Actually, I'm surprised it wasn't longer than 5 months on the C230. Some of the really high demand cars like the CLK and SL were more like 12-18 months the last time I checked.
Does anyone know if and when BMW plans to introduce the cross-over model. I think I saw it in C&D a few months ago. It looked too cool to be real-maybe that's why I can't find anymore info on it.
Peace
I think dave330i is correct about SMG already being available on the M3 in Europe. It's got some more advanced features than SSG, although supposedly a lot of the hydraulics and such are shared.
We planned delivery for end of winter so he could save more for the downpayment. The car is not a need but a want, and he is willing to wait. Normal wait here (due to mad-cow disease leather shortage) is about 6-8 weeks for a production date.
Derprofi
When he added all the options to the 325 it was more expensive than the MB (without Evolution package)
The MB options are priced differently here: Leather seats and sunroof are $3500 together, Evol. is $1050. The total comes to CDN $42,000 before taxes, freight and the whopping 15% sales tax...
It is a lot less than the US price, but we don't earn US dollars here.
Brave, I spent as much as you on my car (as numbers go), but got a lot less car.
My A4 startles the cr*p out of me at least once a month. Even the washer fluid warning is a tad loud.
Some of the moves our rep showed us definitely count as SPIRITED driving.
The MB over BMW is a personal thing for my brother. My dad drove one some time ago and will get one again when his current JGC lease is up. My bro. has always wanted an MB and is proud to be able to afford one at 24.
So even if the 325 cost less, (he could have gotten a slightly used one) he still preferred the MB. It is more practical for him. He plans on using it for deliveries so the flat folding rear seats are perfect.
Besides we grew up idolizing that 3-point star.
DL
I feel like it's been a long day and I'm starting to sound a lot like Dennis Miller and his jokes by association that even he doesn't understand. It's almost Miller time... Huuuh, I forgot I prefer Guinness. Aaah, any drink is beginning to sound awfully good right now.
I do not think there is a Thermostat recall for the 1999 328i, my check engine light was definitely due to an improperly closed gas cap.
Brave1heart,
I also monitor the 5-Series board; over there it has been acknowledged for some time that there was a “Recall of the Recall” on the fans. It seems that the initial fan fix was rushed through to protect engines from overheating, however, there seems to be another flaw that has caused a couple of cars to spontaneously self combust (I have only heard of this happening on 5-Series cars). All of this is just hearsay, however, I think I got it correct, you might want to call your dealer.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Can adjustments/tuning be made to the suspension to make it less bumpy? Would this be covered under warranty? What recourse do i have with the dealer. [i test drove it twice, but didn't quite feel the bump!]
TIA,
Moe
Best Regards,
Shipo
I never heard of such nonsence til i visted the Oregon Coast this summer, it took FOREVER to get outta there. Guess im spolied sliding a card being gone in about 2-3 minutes tops.
Regards,
DL
On the other hand, we have Full-Serivce gas prices here in New Jersey that rival most other states Self-Serve prices. That and when wearing a suit on the way to work, the last thing I want to do is pump my own gas. Maybe it is just age, I have been pumping my own gas since 1974 and the novelty has just about worn off. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo