No longer a GTI, but it is still red in color......
09-22-2012, 12:24 PM
#81
The Third Ball
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You bought a bimmer so now Saintor is 95% your friend...
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09-22-2012, 12:28 PM
#82
אני עומד עם ישראל
efficient response.
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civicdrivr (09-22-2012)
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StreetKA (09-22-2012)
09-22-2012, 02:27 PM
#85
damn was looking @ an 09 328i pearl white myself!
They have exceptional deals on the e90's, I've seen another 08 335i's with somewhat low miles going for about 28K. But I'd much rather opt for the NA engine over the turbo, as its bullet proof and more refined imo.
congrats on the car mang
True, but HID aren't that expensive and hard to install
They have exceptional deals on the e90's, I've seen another 08 335i's with somewhat low miles going for about 28K. But I'd much rather opt for the NA engine over the turbo, as its bullet proof and more refined imo.
congrats on the car mang
True, but HID aren't that expensive and hard to install
Same fuel economy as the ridiculous N20 in bonus (Step).
09-22-2012, 05:01 PM
#88
Banned
I would certainly rather take a NA 280HP engine, but at least the N55 has an engine that sounds just fine in a Bimmer.
09-23-2012, 02:29 AM
#89
Suzuka Master
congrats moog!!!
Nice pick up!!
Nice pick up!!
09-24-2012, 10:38 AM
#90
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Sorry so late with the pics...been busy, but here are a few more quick pics.
09-24-2012, 10:39 AM
#91
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
09-24-2012, 11:03 AM
#94
Moderator
Looks like a big, lovely, red, blank canvas to start working on...any plans?
09-24-2012, 11:04 AM
#95
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
09-24-2012, 11:04 AM
#96
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
09-24-2012, 11:11 AM
#98
Senior Moderator
09-24-2012, 11:12 AM
#99
Moderator
I'd vote for Piano Black (gloss) kidney grills, and a sport steering wheel. BMW Performance exhaust is a nice addition as well as the available Aero body kit for the LCI E90.
ETA: Expensive, but not a bad place to start for ideas - http://www.shopbmwusa.com/BMWPerformance.aspx
ETA: Expensive, but not a bad place to start for ideas - http://www.shopbmwusa.com/BMWPerformance.aspx
Last edited by ttribe; 09-24-2012 at 11:15 AM.
09-24-2012, 11:49 AM
#100
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
At least it doesn't say "John Smith" :wink:
09-25-2012, 10:43 AM
#104
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
09-25-2012, 12:22 PM
#105
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Nice pick up dude!
Congrats man!
Congrats man!
09-25-2012, 12:27 PM
#106
Moderator
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09-25-2012, 02:34 PM
#107
Senior Moderator
I was about to say...
I'm not one to talk, but that wheel gap is killing it.
(Killing it in a bad way.)
Oh, yeah. Congrats.
I'm not one to talk, but that wheel gap is killing it.
(Killing it in a bad way.)
Oh, yeah. Congrats.
09-25-2012, 04:32 PM
#109
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
That interior is 
worthy. Very nice!
worthy. Very nice!
09-26-2012, 05:05 PM
#111
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
In my journey from FWD hot hatches (including arguably two of the best out there in terms of handling) to a RWD sports sedan......I gotta say: RWD - How I love thee!!!
The connected feel in this car when corning is outstanding.
The connected feel in this car when corning is outstanding.
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09-26-2012, 05:08 PM
#112
The Third Ball
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Just dont take off TC....you might get a shock 
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civicdrivr (09-26-2012)
09-26-2012, 05:25 PM
#113
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
^^ efficient!
09-26-2012, 05:47 PM
#114
Moderator
09-27-2012, 04:13 PM
#115
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
Hurray! No wheel lock key in the car.
Dealer says very sorry, will replace all wheel locks and provide new key.....but I gotta bring it in for the service.
Oh well, better I find out that I don't have the wheel lock key now, then when I'm in a jam and really need it.
...and yes, I checked the tool kit and glove box...No dice.
Note: Dealer has two jawdroppers on the lot: 2010 Alpina B7, and a brand spanking new M6.
Dealer says very sorry, will replace all wheel locks and provide new key.....but I gotta bring it in for the service.
Oh well, better I find out that I don't have the wheel lock key now, then when I'm in a jam and really need it.
...and yes, I checked the tool kit and glove box...No dice.
Note: Dealer has two jawdroppers on the lot: 2010 Alpina B7, and a brand spanking new M6.
09-27-2012, 05:14 PM
#116
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
red.. shit.
09-27-2012, 05:18 PM
#117
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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I was at South Bay BMW yesterday to test drive a X1 and they had brand new black on black M5
10-01-2012, 12:43 PM
#118
The sizzle in the Steak
Thread Starter
So, while the car is at the dealer getting the new wheel locks on the car, they give me a a 2012 328i loaner.
Driving the car for the day...here are my thoughts on the 2011 versus 2012.
Steering: 2012 electric-assist steering sacrifices a lot of feel. The steering is far too "effortless", feedback is extremely minimal. It's way too "lux" and far from "sport". Enthusiasts will definitely frown on the steering in a big way. Verdict: E90 > F30
Engine: 2012 turbo four has quite a bit of noticeable torque on tap thru-out the rev band. Very minimal turbo lag...just slightly more lag than my GTI had. It's responsive and quite a bit of fun. However, she is a noisy engine, and not a "good" noisy. Buzzy, and exhibits a very loud "diesel sound" when cold (although this is typical of direct injection motors...my GTI exhibited this as well, it's much louder on the F30) For a car with a base price pushing 40k, it's just not refined enough. IMHO. Fun engine, plenty of torque down low, it's just in the wrong car. Put it in the 1 series. Verdict: E90 > F30....but only because of the inline 6 refinement.
Exterior: Style is subjective. I like the new design. The angles and creases are growing on me. It looks great. Verdict: Tie.
Interior: The two are apples and oranges in this department. The new interior is quite a departure for BMW IMHO. Materials are still top notch. Gone is the more straight forward modern minimalist german BMW driver's interior and replaced with a more stylish swooping design. The loaner did not have too many options, so I can't discuss features. Still blows my mind that a near $40k car can have manual adjustable seats and no leather.
I don't care for the leatherette. It's nice, but it's not leather. I don't know what's worse the E90 giant hump in the dash for the nav screen, or the F30 "monolith" screen sticking out of the center of the dash. Both rub me the wrong way. In the end I prefer the E90 interior over the F30. The F30's look and feel seems less "german".
Verdict: Tie. Why? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Handling: She still handles like a legendary 3. My only gripe is the lack of feel in the steering. Suspension and ride is typical 3. She goes where you point her. Understeer? what's that? :wink: Verdict: Tie....but if you take into account the steering...then I give the nod to the E90
Gripes: Start stop tech. Kill this with FIRE!!!!! It's abrupt. Maybe it's better combined with a NA engine, but on a turbo 4...no thanks. Turn this off. BMW should make this default in the "off" position, and not default "on".
Driving the car for the day...here are my thoughts on the 2011 versus 2012.
Steering: 2012 electric-assist steering sacrifices a lot of feel. The steering is far too "effortless", feedback is extremely minimal. It's way too "lux" and far from "sport". Enthusiasts will definitely frown on the steering in a big way. Verdict: E90 > F30
Engine: 2012 turbo four has quite a bit of noticeable torque on tap thru-out the rev band. Very minimal turbo lag...just slightly more lag than my GTI had. It's responsive and quite a bit of fun. However, she is a noisy engine, and not a "good" noisy. Buzzy, and exhibits a very loud "diesel sound" when cold (although this is typical of direct injection motors...my GTI exhibited this as well, it's much louder on the F30) For a car with a base price pushing 40k, it's just not refined enough. IMHO. Fun engine, plenty of torque down low, it's just in the wrong car. Put it in the 1 series. Verdict: E90 > F30....but only because of the inline 6 refinement.
Exterior: Style is subjective. I like the new design. The angles and creases are growing on me. It looks great. Verdict: Tie.
Interior: The two are apples and oranges in this department. The new interior is quite a departure for BMW IMHO. Materials are still top notch. Gone is the more straight forward modern minimalist german BMW driver's interior and replaced with a more stylish swooping design. The loaner did not have too many options, so I can't discuss features. Still blows my mind that a near $40k car can have manual adjustable seats and no leather.
I don't care for the leatherette. It's nice, but it's not leather. I don't know what's worse the E90 giant hump in the dash for the nav screen, or the F30 "monolith" screen sticking out of the center of the dash. Both rub me the wrong way. In the end I prefer the E90 interior over the F30. The F30's look and feel seems less "german".Verdict: Tie. Why? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Handling: She still handles like a legendary 3. My only gripe is the lack of feel in the steering. Suspension and ride is typical 3. She goes where you point her. Understeer? what's that? :wink: Verdict: Tie....but if you take into account the steering...then I give the nod to the E90
Gripes: Start stop tech. Kill this with FIRE!!!!! It's abrupt. Maybe it's better combined with a NA engine, but on a turbo 4...no thanks. Turn this off. BMW should make this default in the "off" position, and not default "on".
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10-01-2012, 02:14 PM
#119
Suzuka Master
10-01-2012, 02:27 PM
#120
Three Wheelin'
So, while the car is at the dealer getting the new wheel locks on the car, they give me a a 2012 328i loaner.
Driving the car for the day...here are my thoughts on the 2011 versus 2012.
Steering: 2012 electric-assist steering sacrifices a lot of feel. The steering is far too "effortless", feedback is extremely minimal. It's way too "lux" and far from "sport". Enthusiasts will definitely frown on the steering in a big way. Verdict: E90 > F30
Engine: 2012 turbo four has quite a bit of noticeable torque on tap thru-out the rev band. Very minimal turbo lag...just slightly more lag than my GTI had. It's responsive and quite a bit of fun. However, she is a noisy engine, and not a "good" noisy. Buzzy, and exhibits a very loud "diesel sound" when cold (although this is typical of direct injection motors...my GTI exhibited this as well, it's much louder on the F30) For a car with a base price pushing 40k, it's just not refined enough. IMHO. Fun engine, plenty of torque down low, it's just in the wrong car. Put it in the 1 series. Verdict: E90 > F30....but only because of the inline 6 refinement.
Exterior: Style is subjective. I like the new design. The angles and creases are growing on me. It looks great. Verdict: Tie.
Interior: The two are apples and oranges in this department. The new interior is quite a departure for BMW IMHO. Materials are still top notch. Gone is the more straight forward modern minimalist german BMW driver's interior and replaced with a more stylish swooping design. The loaner did not have too many options, so I can't discuss features. Still blows my mind that a near $40k car can have manual adjustable seats and no leather. I don't care for the leatherette. It's nice, but it's not leather. I don't know what's worse the E90 giant hump in the dash for the nav screen, or the F30 "monolith" screen sticking out of the center of the dash. Both rub me the wrong way. In the end I prefer the E90 interior over the F30. The F30's look and feel seems less "german".
Verdict: Tie. Why? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Handling: She still handles like a legendary 3. My only gripe is the lack of feel in the steering. Suspension and ride is typical 3. She goes where you point her. Understeer? what's that? :wink: Verdict: Tie....but if you take into account the steering...then I give the nod to the E90
Gripes: Start stop tech. Kill this with FIRE!!!!! It's abrupt. Maybe it's better combined with a NA engine, but on a turbo 4...no thanks. Turn this off. BMW should make this default in the "off" position, and not default "on".
Driving the car for the day...here are my thoughts on the 2011 versus 2012.
Steering: 2012 electric-assist steering sacrifices a lot of feel. The steering is far too "effortless", feedback is extremely minimal. It's way too "lux" and far from "sport". Enthusiasts will definitely frown on the steering in a big way. Verdict: E90 > F30
Engine: 2012 turbo four has quite a bit of noticeable torque on tap thru-out the rev band. Very minimal turbo lag...just slightly more lag than my GTI had. It's responsive and quite a bit of fun. However, she is a noisy engine, and not a "good" noisy. Buzzy, and exhibits a very loud "diesel sound" when cold (although this is typical of direct injection motors...my GTI exhibited this as well, it's much louder on the F30) For a car with a base price pushing 40k, it's just not refined enough. IMHO. Fun engine, plenty of torque down low, it's just in the wrong car. Put it in the 1 series. Verdict: E90 > F30....but only because of the inline 6 refinement.
Exterior: Style is subjective. I like the new design. The angles and creases are growing on me. It looks great. Verdict: Tie.
Interior: The two are apples and oranges in this department. The new interior is quite a departure for BMW IMHO. Materials are still top notch. Gone is the more straight forward modern minimalist german BMW driver's interior and replaced with a more stylish swooping design. The loaner did not have too many options, so I can't discuss features. Still blows my mind that a near $40k car can have manual adjustable seats and no leather.
I don't care for the leatherette. It's nice, but it's not leather. I don't know what's worse the E90 giant hump in the dash for the nav screen, or the F30 "monolith" screen sticking out of the center of the dash. Both rub me the wrong way. In the end I prefer the E90 interior over the F30. The F30's look and feel seems less "german".Verdict: Tie. Why? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Handling: She still handles like a legendary 3. My only gripe is the lack of feel in the steering. Suspension and ride is typical 3. She goes where you point her. Understeer? what's that? :wink: Verdict: Tie....but if you take into account the steering...then I give the nod to the E90
Gripes: Start stop tech. Kill this with FIRE!!!!! It's abrupt. Maybe it's better combined with a NA engine, but on a turbo 4...no thanks. Turn this off. BMW should make this default in the "off" position, and not default "on".
Good analysis, I've had both 2011 e90 328 for a loaner and the f30 328. You pretty much hit it on the head with how I felt in regard to the overall firsthand impression. The n20 engine does not sound refined but that is a downfall with those loud injectors on a DI engine but it's worth the trade-off in my opinion.
They took this new gen of 3 series too much towards lexus level steering feel and that is probably the biggest gripe, everything else is personal preference and not much different from the previous model.