Girls, you call this an FAQ? This is just another discussion that has very little to do with a real FAQ?!? I posted but I am not sure if this will pick up steam.
People use autos at the drag strip not because they're faster, but they are much more consistent than manual trannys. Consistency is the key at the drag strip...
I want to see the type of clutch (flywheel in particular) that would be able to handle the torque that those 1,000+ ponies generate. As far as street cars, the autos are never faster (1 full sec slower on the 325i). I always thought it was interesting that the 540 6-spd is more expensive than its auto equivalent. It possibly takes more money to make a clutch than auto tranny when you go up to that level of HP and torque.
Thanks for the info. on your 330 lease. Unfortunately, I don't have one of these fine automobiles just yet. I'm planning on ordering sometime in the next month. I'm just trying to refresh my memory on leasing vs. purchasing and what BMW offers before going to the dealerships. In looking at a 36/15K lease vs. a 36/12K lease, logically I would think the residual would be a few percentage points lower for the additional miles. Am I off base here? Thanks again.
...at least yours is done. I just got off the phone with BMWNA and they told me mine "just" went into the paint shop today. Uug. Completion date of June 8. Ours still might arrive at the same time!
If any of you know that sweet feeling of pulling a perfect 4-3-2 heel toe dive into you favorite set of twisties, setting it in, and carving through it with surgical precision consider yourself one of the privilaged few on Earth. Life is sweet. If you can relate to this, then you understand what it's all about. Here is a somewhat more poetic expression of the same thing.
This guy is certifiably crazier than me, hands down. I felt like I was reading one of my posts, the way I would've written it if I were smoking something wild at that point. Until I got to this:
* I don't lose much with the Steptronic, if anything. I have no idea how to milk the most out of a clutch and a stick. I think heel-toe is a communist marching technique. The Step shifts fast, and very smoothly. The car is always in the gear I tell it to be in, and that's 90% of the point of a manual transmission. Without ever worrying about stalling the car. *
Thank you, twoof1, I feel very privileged knowing how to drive manual indeed. And, frankly, I feel a lot less crazy after reading this guy's ramblings. That's why they have the nut-houses, you know - you feel less crazy having other nuts around you )
I know y'all are in Austin....but Continental has weekly specials (destinations vary every week) that they offer every Wednesday for Saturday departure. About every other week they have been offering flights to Lafayette for around $100. Trouble is, they fly out of Houston.
I guess you could take Southwest to Houston and connect???
Word on the street is that the CVT in the new A4 is quicker in a sprint than its' 5-MT counterpart. As far as Honda and enthusiasts wanting a MT, Acura Cl-S type has a 6sp waiting in the wings. I have a feeling that 260 hp 6 speed Acura might be able to hand quite a few cars their lunch with regards to acceleration (including the 330). -Getz
Almost 400 posts - lotsa the usual transport time stuff - some allegedly "inappropriate" posts - bantering back and forth over the 325 vs. the 330 - and my favorite of all: "my car is faster than yours." Puleeeeez!
Know what these cars are and what they are not. They do not give you the most value nor the most power for your dollar. They are high-priced luxury-sports cars that have a wonderful way of making you the driver feel at one with the car and the road. That's what BMW is all about, and those who own them or are about to own them are fortunate.
Don't be fooled into the "My 3xx is faster than your XYZ - just look at the reviews" mentality. I chose a manual because I enjoy shifting and it allows me to better enjoy the experience of driving. I would venture to guess though that 8 out of 10 "everyday" manual drivers (myself included) could probably get a faster 0-60 time with an AT. Sure, manuals are faster when driven by experienced drivers, and perhaps I don't place enough confidence in the ability of the general driving public, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a helluva lot easier just to stomp on the gas. Try asking the S2000 owners about drag-racing. S2000s are wonderful cars that can run sub-sixes when properly driven, but you have to run the rpms to 7000 and drop the clutch in order to achieve those times. How many of you are willing to do that on a regular (or even semi-regular basis) with your $30-$40K cars? Probably not that many. Try cruising the 5-series bimmer.org message board. You'll see posts from 540i 6-speed owners trying to figure out the best way to launch their cars, yet still preserve the integrity of their $60K investment. (You guys/gals think the 330i 5-speed is tough to launch - try the 540i 6-speed - whole different animal. You know those guys are sweatin' it when a GS430 pulls up next to 'em.)
Also know that every modified Civic, Accord, Integra, and IS300 just to name a few, is out there looking for our unsuspecting stock bimmers. If you really want to get into it with these guys, then buy the M3. Otherwise, you risk being suprised by a sub-$20k car. I can't tell you the number of times people would pull up next to me in my Z3 and give me that "wanna race?" look. I just shrugged - not my cup-o-tea...
And I might as well pound this topic into the ground - my thoughts on the 325 vs. 330. The guy who said earlier that buying is an emotional decision hit the nail on the head. You can't truly justify the costs one way or the other based on simple arithmetic. If that were the case, none of us would be driving or shopping for bimmers in the first place. For every 325 buyer who says, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the 330, you've got some TL buyer who's saying, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the 325, and some Accord buyer who's saying, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the TL. It's a food chain, and the you-know-what rolls downhill. Given that, buy what is within your means and what is going to make you happy. When I bought my Z3 1.9 in 1997, the 2.8 was do-able, but it would have been a stretch. In hindsight, I wished I would have sucked it up and sprung for the bigger engine. Don't get me wrong - I loved my Z3 and the pleasure that an open-top drive through the mountains could give me - but I was always thinking, "It would really have been cool to have those extra two cylinders under the hood." I didn't want to have that feeling this time around, so I went for the 330. Sure I went through the cost comparisons vs. the 325 just as many of you are doing here, but in the end, my decision was based on emotion. Nothing wrong with it either.
And the livelier discussions that have been occurring here are far more interesting and entertaining than the "let's hold hands and pat each other on the back because we love our E46s so much" posts. Just refrain from personal insults. There's no place for them and it's just makes the poster look immature (perhaps he/she in fact is).
So to take it from that note, to answer the guy's question about the 5er vs. the 3er - I offer this: the 5-series offers the best balance of sport-luxury-value-prestige-styling of any car out there on the road. In particular, the 530. MBZ is running a commercial on the E-class, calling it "perhaps the most desirable car on the planet." That crown should be given to the 5-series. The E39 is just so much more car than the E46, and the price of a moderately equipped 530i is within reach of us 330 buyers. If you haven't driven one, then do yourself a favor and head down to your local dealer. If you have driven one, then you know what I mean.
Concerning mods, chips, and the like, I do not believe in altering the engineering efforts of an esteemed automobile manufacturer such as BMW. When they design and build a car, they're putting the whole package together, and you know what, it's pretty good. What are you really gaining by throwing on a $500 aftermarket exhaust? There's a good reason why BMW doesn't guarantee warranty service if your car is modified - they've never tested it under those conditions. Who's to say that a mod here won't adversely affect the performance/reliability of some other component. If you want more power, than do it stock. If the 325 isn't enough, then get the 330 --> M3 --> M5 --> 911 Turbo --> 911 GT2. To each his own.
I doubt the CVT in the new A4 is quicker in a sprint than its 5-MT counterpart. I have at least 10 reasons why autos will ALWAYS be slower than manuals on street cars and I had posted them a couple of months ago. Well, a 6-spd anything sounds great. Until it shows up, I'm keeping my 325i manual and inviting anyone from Honda/Acura (except for the S2000 which I love!!) to come try me out )
texasdoc, macdude44, errickson, aaron330i: Didn't know y'all were in Austin!
I'd really be interested in getting together after our cars arrive to compare steering. I've got a Week 14 build 330i (first week of April production) that has light steering. They've put my name on the retrofit list, but I'd still like to compare. I assume all your cars were built later than mine, so they should have the revised heavier steering. I think I was on the bubble and was unlucky.
By the way, my car was on the Jingu Maru. Should be here in a few weeks since it docked earlier this week. Same for you?
Over the past 5 months of driving, I've made some interesting observations around gas mileage that the trip computer lends itself to very well. I always reset the odo, avg mph, and avg mpg at each fuel stop, and I never re-fuel below 1/4-tank (anal).
It appears that the optimally efficient cruising speed is somewhere between 50 and 60mph (I know, this varies with a NUMBER of conditions - humidity, road, temperature, tires, tire pressure, etc., but this is IN GENERAL). I've returned 32-33mpg when cruising in that range. At a constant 70-75mph, I've returned a bit less -- 30-31mpg or so, and I would assume about a 2-3mpg loss for every 10mph average above that. Similarly, at each tank I find it interesting that the avg mpg correlates well with the avg mph. Not accounting for driving style, I'd estimate that it decreases ~3-4 mpg for every 10 mph decrease as well. So if I do a lot of city driving one tank and average only 20 mph, I could predict with pretty good accuracy that I would see about 18-20mpg. At 30 avg mph, about 22mpg; at 40 mph, 26 mpg; etc.
This is for the 3.0l engine. I'd guess the 2.5l to be 1-2 mpg higher in all ranges, particularly in the lower mph averages where city driving is dominant.
This is a highly un-scientific study, but I thought it interesting -- engines are truly efficient both in terms of specific power output (hp/l) and fuel consumption. Of course, the data could also be skewed by the fact that I find it very difficult to shift below 4,000rpm, and I drive 180 degrees from the recommended efficiency practices of pretending there's an egg on the pedals...but that's why I bought this car, right?
Couldn't have said it better myself -- hear hear!!!
I'm confirmed to drive a 530i (and a 740iA) next weekend at the Ultimate Drive. Can't wait! I just hope the 530i is a 5-speed manual (I assume it is, since the "A" is conspicuously amiss). Would have LOVED to have been able to reserve a 540i 6-sp, but they're not bringing them to the dance. That will have to wait for a slow day at the dealership!
I JUST switched to Kemper last week! I had been with Liberty Mutual for YEARS, and never shopped rates. Wife and I have perfect records (driving, credit) an we were totally shocked when Kemper's rates were $1000, yes one frickin' thousand dollars per year less (full max coverage on 2000 Expedition and 98 Volvo)!!!!
One interesting caviat....at least in Texas. Holds true for Progressive and Kemper. One reason the rates are lower is because the insured is put into a "County Mutual" affiliate. Still Kemper, but a part of Kemper that is NOT regulated by the state. This means they can charge higher premiums to riskier drivers, and be VERY competitive with low risk drivers. So what?
The "So what?" is that if you file a claim and have their preferred rate, you can VERY quickly be reclassified as a high risk customer. In fact, at renewal, they don't HAVE to renew your policy! Just an fyi from a guy (me) who has a father-in-law who is a Farmer's ins agent. : )
Glad you could join us for the group hug at 5. You cameo appearances are always welcome.
I agree that 8 out of 10 drivers won't know how to squeeze the juice out of a manual better. That's why I'm speaking mostly for myself - I am 1 of those 2 in every 10 that do know how to squeeze that juice. I trust by your post that you don't place very high confidence in your stick and clutch abilities. 540i 6-spd owners sweating it at a light? Those people really don't deserve to drive cars that good, what can I say? And no, you don't need a $60+K M3 to fight the modified Civics - my VR6 was sufficient for that and so is a half-the-price $32K 325i manual. Guilty until proved otherwise ) Unlike you, I am crazy enough to care about who can outrun me and I would not have chosen the 325i if I were uncomfortable around these other cars. I've had multiple chances to prove that to myself, especially since the break-in was over.
I have driven a 528 and I don't know what you mean. They are great cars and definitely better cruisers that the 3-series but not as much fun as their respective 3-series. The 5-series is still much heavier and bulkier. I think when I'm 10 years older I may like it better but I'm not at that point yet.
I am actually in Houston. I was brainstorming on a way for the others to get from Austin to Lafayette. Continental is the only airline (I think) that flies into Lafayette. Since it is an oil and gas town, they stick it to the last minute travelers on airfare. But they occasionally offer last minute discounted airfares...but they're all out of Houston. Hence the Southwest flight from Austin to Houston.
One other option I thought of....both you guys could have your cars transported to Austin (split the transport costs) Probably wouldn't be more than $300 - $500. Have it delivered to your FRONT DOOR!!! How 'bout them apples?
That is why in my topic headings I used titles like "more faqs from e46fanatics..."
I checked the sight and didn't see anything that made copying forbidden. I think all the info is basically common knowledge, but I guess I'll find out one way or another...
I do not drag race, but I have tried some fast launches on my own, and there is room for improvement. Then again, I don't drop the clutch at 5K-6K rpms. I believe I'm a good driver, am adept with a stick/clutch, but don't overstate my abilities.
Anyway, I can have just as much fun in my 330 without worrying about my 0-60 times.
My point on the 540i 6-spd vs. GS430 is this. Without looking up the specs, I believe the 0-60 times are within 0.1-0.2 seconds of one another. Unless that 540i driver has a perfect launch EVERY time and doesn't miss any shifts, the GS430 will take him. Not saying that it can't be done - just that it's not as easy as you may think it is.
Your continued informative posts are much appreciated, but I do believe the comment about "not deserving such a car" comes off as a bit high-and-mighty.
My car is actually being delivered to Temple, so it's only an hour's drive from Austin.
I would suggest this to the Moss Motors buyers from Austin: if your cars do arrive together, contact Richard and ask if he can put them on a truck for you and meet you halfway in Houston to take delivery. I have heard that he does this on occasion...
I couldn't believe it when I saw one of those articles on cleaning was copyrighted. Can you believe waxing is so hi-tech that the author claimed copyrights? What a clown. "Place the terry cloth in your right palm at a 30 degree angle to the index finger. Raise your middle finger in front of your face and rub in the cloth with circular motions till all the wax is absorbed by the paint. Then..."
I appreciate your thoughts on getting to Lafayette. Continental is not the only carrier....Delta also flies there. A month ago the rate was $145 but has gone to $206 earlier this week. I know two women, both from Lafayette, who can drive me there if I so choose. That 7 hour drive would seem like an eternity though so I may just fly.
Platypus, both Texasdoc and myself are/were on the Tellus, arriving from Norway I believe to Charlston, SC. Keep in touch and I'm sure we can arrange to compare steering.
The CVT being quicker than the MT is straight from Audi (per motor trend). If you're uninviting the S2000 you might also want to extend the same courtesy to the NSX. I think the GSR (0-60 at 6.2), CL-S (0-60 6.4)m and Prelude (0-60 6.8)might give you a pretty good run for the money. About those modified Hondas, which I agree are silly, many are insanely fast when sporting turbo or nitrous configs along with numerous suspension mods, and would probably run laps around a stock 325i. Nothing by Honda can match BMW when all variables are compared though, and there is no four door in the world as cool as a BMW (the M5 gives me goosebumps). I couldn't agree more with platypus along the lines of buying a BMW for qualities other than stoplight sprints to 60. I love BMW but I have to hand it to Honda and Toyota for their continued innovation. Competition is a very good thing in the auto world, usually equating to substantually more car for minimal gains in price. -Getz
Let's see now, pay $206 and fly or spend 7 hours in a car with a beautiful women, hmmmm, let me think. I choose being handcuffed to an angry raccoon while hitchhiking across Wyoming.
I never rev the engine when launching my car, let alone drop the clutch at 5-6K RPMs. This is plain stupid unless you are on the track. It's pretty childish drag racing at a light. Most of my encounters have been in situations when I was moving already. I have been using a lot of 0-60 times b/c that is the lowest common denominator as far as comparing acceleration. Your criticism about my comment on the 540i 6-spd drivers is well-taken. I do remember even C&D staff complaining that getting the car into second especially is a major pain in you-know-what and can snap your head off. I didn't know the Lexus was so close acceleration-wise either. Anyhow, on to more tangible stuff: what's the story on your retrofit - did you get a call from BMWNA yet? One more thing: you don't have to answer this - I was wondering what your bimmer.org ID is so I can follow your posts better. Mine's universally the same, although MadMax is my middle name. Thanks.
Platypus, Brave, your last messages got me thinking a bit. Does anyone know if there are "standard" testing techniques for doing acceleration runs? For a manual, much is dependent on driver, conditions, equipment, etc. For autos, it used to be pretty straightforward, but technology is clouding the issue for me. Let me explain:
MANUALS Optimizing 0-60mph or 1/4-mile runs requires the driver to be able to modulate the throttle, clutch, tires, and surface to achieve the best launch possible. Too many rpms and popping the clutch may result in excess wheel spin, costing precious 0.1's at the line. Too much "clutch spin" and too little rpm's, on the other hand, may result in unused friction potential between tires and road being left at the line. It's a fine balance, and even shifts carry some amount of variation, though not as much as at the critical launch. Many variables, much driver subjectivity.
AUTOS Before technology set in, there were basically two choices: a) mash the throttle , and b) brake-torque the engine, effectively using the brake as a clutch to maximize available tires-road friction. Option b) is hard on the torque converter but can improve on option a)'s times. Wouldn't do that in every-day driving, just as I wouldn't drop the clutch at every light. However, now that we have "sport" modes, traction control, manumatics, etc., the different possible techniques permutate. For example, would turning traction control off and using the "sport" mode whilst brake-torquing not provide the best times? My guess is yes, it does. But is that "standard" across testing techniques, or are other testers simply mashing the throttle, costing them a half-second at the line? This introduces more potential subjectivity into the testing techniques, which opens up the possibility for apples-to-oranges comparisons.
I am not one to over-analyze every 0-60mph and 1/4-mile statistic, but I think this is interesting! Anyone have any insights into this???
I believe that it is illegal to feed wild animals in Wyoming.
Burrsr,
Back in my single days, I used to subscribe to about 10 different car rags. While this has not been for several years, back then every car manual or automatic was tested in a variety of way to eek out the best times. This means everything from the good old "Mash the Throttle" to some very delicate slight of hand (foot). I highly suspect that the same still holds true.
I can argue against it. Your car looks infinetely better than any marginally faster Acura or Honda on the road, I think that's what is really important. -Getz
ML - but I post over there with even less frequency than here. I can add more value to this board on topics such as ED since there are fewer regular posters here.
I, too used to subscribe to several auto mags, from about the 8th grade on. Furtunately, it's now down to one -- C&D, but I'll still pick up the occasional R&T, MT, MWeek, or even CR if the articles hit my fancy (or if I'm in an airport about to board a 2-hour flight!). I seem to remember one or more of the mags publishing, maybe once a year (definitely not every issue), their standard testing protocols. It seemed everything from acceleration test to mpg test to interior decibel level test techniques was documented down to the i's and the t's. It makes sense that they would test acceleration in a variety of ways (each a two-way average, of course) and then take whichever test gave the best result. Too bad they don't publish exactly HOW they achieved the results of each test. But of course, absolutely no one except an anal, data-driven engineer like me would give a cluck!
Acceleration: it's pretty straightforward: you rev the engine to near-peak torque level, then drop the clutch and upshift at redline in every gear. As I said, though, I never rev the engine off the start b/c this is the fastest way to burn your clutch. Not an expert on autos at all but I'd think it's the same thing except there's no clutch to drop or upshifting to do.
My name was added to the retrofit list two weeks ago, but I've heard that the wait is quite long due to parts availability (or lack thereof). I would be surprised if I get the call in June.
Today my 325CI was "released to Carrier" and looks as if it should arrive at my dealer in South Fl by Mon or Tue the latest...another day or so for the dealer to install the alarm, wheel locks and wax and the wait is finally over.
As far as this 325/330 debate....I'm not a fast driver and for the most part the cars are identical except for the engine. I'd rather save the 4-5K difference.
325CI Automatic Leather CD Xenon Alarm Premium Package
about the looks, handling, comfort, road feel and all that. i didn't know there were so many honda models out there that would be quicker than the 325i 0-60 and i haven't seen any california-style seriously modified civics up here in mass either - that's all. man, didn't know you could argue with yourself - this is entertaining )
Comments
The advantage to it will be that - if it is used only for posts of that nature - it will be of a size that is easy to read all at one time.
When this was suggested several (hundred?? :-)) posts back, it was mentioned that the discussion members here would post the questions and answers.
A "discussion" is the only way you folks will be able to contribute.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Ryan
Enjoy!!
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/37649.html
* I don't lose much with the Steptronic, if anything. I have no idea how to milk the most out of a clutch and a stick. I think heel-toe is a communist marching technique. The Step shifts fast, and very smoothly. The car is always in the gear I tell it to be in, and that's 90% of the point of a manual transmission. Without ever worrying about stalling the car. *
Thank you, twoof1, I feel very privileged knowing how to drive manual indeed. And, frankly, I feel a lot less crazy after reading this guy's ramblings. That's why they have the nut-houses, you know - you feel less crazy having other nuts around you
I guess you could take Southwest to Houston and connect???
safeco and progressive are quoting the lowest I've seen to this point?
thanks very much.
-Getz
Know what these cars are and what they are not. They do not give you the most value nor the most power for your dollar. They are high-priced luxury-sports cars that have a wonderful way of making you the driver feel at one with the car and the road. That's what BMW is all about, and those who own them or are about to own them are fortunate.
Don't be fooled into the "My 3xx is faster than your XYZ - just look at the reviews" mentality. I chose a manual because I enjoy shifting and it allows me to better enjoy the experience of driving. I would venture to guess though that 8 out of 10 "everyday" manual drivers (myself included) could probably get a faster 0-60 time with an AT. Sure, manuals are faster when driven by experienced drivers, and perhaps I don't place enough confidence in the ability of the general driving public, but that doesn't change the fact that it's a helluva lot easier just to stomp on the gas. Try asking the S2000 owners about drag-racing. S2000s are wonderful cars that can run sub-sixes when properly driven, but you have to run the rpms to 7000 and drop the clutch in order to achieve those times. How many of you are willing to do that on a regular (or even semi-regular basis) with your $30-$40K cars? Probably not that many. Try cruising the 5-series bimmer.org message board. You'll see posts from 540i 6-speed owners trying to figure out the best way to launch their cars, yet still preserve the integrity of their $60K investment. (You guys/gals think the 330i 5-speed is tough to launch - try the 540i 6-speed - whole different animal. You know those guys are sweatin' it when a GS430 pulls up next to 'em.)
Also know that every modified Civic, Accord, Integra, and IS300 just to name a few, is out there looking for our unsuspecting stock bimmers. If you really want to get into it with these guys, then buy the M3. Otherwise, you risk being suprised by a sub-$20k car. I can't tell you the number of times people would pull up next to me in my Z3 and give me that "wanna race?" look. I just shrugged - not my cup-o-tea...
And I might as well pound this topic into the ground - my thoughts on the 325 vs. 330. The guy who said earlier that buying is an emotional decision hit the nail on the head. You can't truly justify the costs one way or the other based on simple arithmetic. If that were the case, none of us would be driving or shopping for bimmers in the first place. For every 325 buyer who says, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the 330, you've got some TL buyer who's saying, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the 325, and some Accord buyer who's saying, I can't justify $4K-$6K for the TL. It's a food chain, and the you-know-what rolls downhill. Given that, buy what is within your means and what is going to make you happy. When I bought my Z3 1.9 in 1997, the 2.8 was do-able, but it would have been a stretch. In hindsight, I wished I would have sucked it up and sprung for the bigger engine. Don't get me wrong - I loved my Z3 and the pleasure that an open-top drive through the mountains could give me - but I was always thinking, "It would really have been cool to have those extra two cylinders under the hood." I didn't want to have that feeling this time around, so I went for the 330. Sure I went through the cost comparisons vs. the 325 just as many of you are doing here, but in the end, my decision was based on emotion. Nothing wrong with it either.
And the livelier discussions that have been occurring here are far more interesting and entertaining than the "let's hold hands and pat each other on the back because we love our E46s so much" posts. Just refrain from personal insults. There's no place for them and it's just makes the poster look immature (perhaps he/she in fact is).
So to take it from that note, to answer the guy's question about the 5er vs. the 3er - I offer this: the 5-series offers the best balance of sport-luxury-value-prestige-styling of any car out there on the road. In particular, the 530. MBZ is running a commercial on the E-class, calling it "perhaps the most desirable car on the planet." That crown should be given to the 5-series. The E39 is just so much more car than the E46, and the price of a moderately equipped 530i is within reach of us 330 buyers. If you haven't driven one, then do yourself a favor and head down to your local dealer. If you have driven one, then you know what I mean.
Concerning mods, chips, and the like, I do not believe in altering the engineering efforts of an esteemed automobile manufacturer such as BMW. When they design and build a car, they're putting the whole package together, and you know what, it's pretty good. What are you really gaining by throwing on a $500 aftermarket exhaust? There's a good reason why BMW doesn't guarantee warranty service if your car is modified - they've never tested it under those conditions. Who's to say that a mod here won't adversely affect the performance/reliability of some other component. If you want more power, than do it stock. If the 325 isn't enough, then get the 330 --> M3 --> M5 --> 911 Turbo --> 911 GT2. To each his own.
Enough ranting for now...
Well, a 6-spd anything sounds great. Until it shows up, I'm keeping my 325i manual and inviting anyone from Honda/Acura (except for the S2000 which I love!!) to come try me out
I'd really be interested in getting together after our cars arrive to compare steering. I've got a Week 14 build 330i (first week of April production) that has light steering. They've put my name on the retrofit list, but I'd still like to compare. I assume all your cars were built later than mine, so they should have the revised heavier steering. I think I was on the bubble and was unlucky.
By the way, my car was on the Jingu Maru. Should be here in a few weeks since it docked earlier this week. Same for you?
It appears that the optimally efficient cruising speed is somewhere between 50 and 60mph (I know, this varies with a NUMBER of conditions - humidity, road, temperature, tires, tire pressure, etc., but this is IN GENERAL). I've returned 32-33mpg when cruising in that range. At a constant 70-75mph, I've returned a bit less -- 30-31mpg or so, and I would assume about a 2-3mpg loss for every 10mph average above that. Similarly, at each tank I find it interesting that the avg mpg correlates well with the avg mph. Not accounting for driving style, I'd estimate that it decreases ~3-4 mpg for every 10 mph decrease as well. So if I do a lot of city driving one tank and average only 20 mph, I could predict with pretty good accuracy that I would see about 18-20mpg. At 30 avg mph, about 22mpg; at 40 mph, 26 mpg; etc.
This is for the 3.0l engine. I'd guess the 2.5l to be 1-2 mpg higher in all ranges, particularly in the lower mph averages where city driving is dominant.
This is a highly un-scientific study, but I thought it interesting -- engines are truly efficient both in terms of specific power output (hp/l) and fuel consumption. Of course, the data could also be skewed by the fact that I find it very difficult to shift below 4,000rpm, and I drive 180 degrees from the recommended efficiency practices of pretending there's an egg on the pedals...but that's why I bought this car, right?
I'm confirmed to drive a 530i (and a 740iA) next weekend at the Ultimate Drive. Can't wait! I just hope the 530i is a 5-speed manual (I assume it is, since the "A" is conspicuously amiss). Would have LOVED to have been able to reserve a 540i 6-sp, but they're not bringing them to the dance. That will have to wait for a slow day at the dealership!
One interesting caviat....at least in Texas. Holds true for Progressive and Kemper. One reason the rates are lower is because the insured is put into a "County Mutual" affiliate. Still Kemper, but a part of Kemper that is NOT regulated by the state. This means they can charge higher premiums to riskier drivers, and be VERY competitive with low risk drivers. So what?
The "So what?" is that if you file a claim and have their preferred rate, you can VERY quickly be reclassified as a high risk customer. In fact, at renewal, they don't HAVE to renew your policy! Just an fyi from a guy (me) who has a father-in-law who is a Farmer's ins agent. : )
In case anyone missed it, there's a new discussion on the Owners Board here for FAQs that errickson has kicked off beautifully.
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I agree that 8 out of 10 drivers won't know how to squeeze the juice out of a manual better. That's why I'm speaking mostly for myself - I am 1 of those 2 in every 10 that do know how to squeeze that juice. I trust by your post that you don't place very high confidence in your stick and clutch abilities. 540i 6-spd owners sweating it at a light? Those people really don't deserve to drive cars that good, what can I say? And no, you don't need a $60+K M3 to fight the modified Civics - my VR6 was sufficient for that and so is a half-the-price $32K 325i manual. Guilty until proved otherwise
I have driven a 528 and I don't know what you mean. They are great cars and definitely better cruisers that the 3-series but not as much fun as their respective 3-series. The 5-series is still much heavier and bulkier. I think when I'm 10 years older I may like it better but I'm not at that point yet.
One other option I thought of....both you guys could have your cars transported to Austin (split the transport costs) Probably wouldn't be more than $300 - $500. Have it delivered to your FRONT DOOR!!!
How 'bout them apples?
I checked the sight and didn't see anything that made copying forbidden. I think all the info is basically common knowledge, but I guess I'll find out one way or another...
Anyway, I can have just as much fun in my 330 without worrying about my 0-60 times.
My point on the 540i 6-spd vs. GS430 is this. Without looking up the specs, I believe the 0-60 times are within 0.1-0.2 seconds of one another. Unless that 540i driver has a perfect launch EVERY time and doesn't miss any shifts, the GS430 will take him. Not saying that it can't be done - just that it's not as easy as you may think it is.
Your continued informative posts are much appreciated, but I do believe the comment about "not deserving such a car" comes off as a bit high-and-mighty.
I would suggest this to the Moss Motors buyers from Austin: if your cars do arrive together, contact Richard and ask if he can put them on a truck for you and meet you halfway in Houston to take delivery. I have heard that he does this on occasion...
Platypus, both Texasdoc and myself are/were on the Tellus, arriving from Norway I believe to Charlston, SC. Keep in touch and I'm sure we can arrange to compare steering.
Gotta go.
-Getz
Best Regards,
Shipo
Your criticism about my comment on the 540i 6-spd drivers is well-taken. I do remember even C&D staff complaining that getting the car into second especially is a major pain in you-know-what and can snap your head off. I didn't know the Lexus was so close acceleration-wise either.
Anyhow, on to more tangible stuff: what's the story on your retrofit - did you get a call from BMWNA yet? One more thing: you don't have to answer this - I was wondering what your bimmer.org ID is so I can follow your posts better. Mine's universally the same, although MadMax is my middle name. Thanks.
MANUALS
Optimizing 0-60mph or 1/4-mile runs requires the driver to be able to modulate the throttle, clutch, tires, and surface to achieve the best launch possible. Too many rpms and popping the clutch may result in excess wheel spin, costing precious 0.1's at the line. Too much "clutch spin" and too little rpm's, on the other hand, may result in unused friction potential between tires and road being left at the line. It's a fine balance, and even shifts carry some amount of variation, though not as much as at the critical launch. Many variables, much driver subjectivity.
AUTOS
Before technology set in, there were basically two choices: a) mash the throttle , and b) brake-torque the engine, effectively using the brake as a clutch to maximize available tires-road friction. Option b) is hard on the torque converter but can improve on option a)'s times. Wouldn't do that in every-day driving, just as I wouldn't drop the clutch at every light. However, now that we have "sport" modes, traction control, manumatics, etc., the different possible techniques permutate. For example, would turning traction control off and using the "sport" mode whilst brake-torquing not provide the best times? My guess is yes, it does. But is that "standard" across testing techniques, or are other testers simply mashing the throttle, costing them a half-second at the line? This introduces more potential subjectivity into the testing techniques, which opens up the possibility for apples-to-oranges comparisons.
I am not one to over-analyze every 0-60mph and 1/4-mile statistic, but I think this is interesting! Anyone have any insights into this???
Best Regards,
Getz
I believe that it is illegal to feed wild animals in Wyoming.
Burrsr,
Back in my single days, I used to subscribe to about 10 different car rags. While this has not been for several years, back then every car manual or automatic was tested in a variety of way to eek out the best times. This means everything from the good old "Mash the Throttle" to some very delicate slight of hand (foot). I highly suspect that the same still holds true.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Thanks
Best Regards,
Shipo
-Getz
My name was added to the retrofit list two weeks ago, but I've heard that the wait is quite long due to parts availability (or lack thereof). I would be surprised if I get the call in June.
As far as this 325/330 debate....I'm not a fast driver and for the most part the cars are identical except for the engine. I'd rather save the 4-5K difference.
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