[tracerit]

Everyone says that BMW has excellent handling. The only cars that I've ever driven have been an 01 Corolla and my current 04 Accord 4cyl. My next car will either be a TL, A4 2.0T, G35, IS350, or maybe even a Camry. I drive my Accord pretty lax, when I take sharp turns my tires squeal. I was wondering what type of "driving exercises" should I test each car to determine its handling abilities?

[shimshimhada]

Just test drive the car on roads you would normally drive on. Even at mild speeds, a very well handling car should stand out. Or you could ask to do a mini autocross on the dealer's lot.

[KL2DC]

agree with Shim...certain BMW hallmarks will shine immediately, like the perfectly-weighted steering and overall feel of the controls....you will like the car!!

[MIKEYMIKE]

If it was me I'd only be looking at the IS 350, 330i, and the g35.

But the g35 might not be the best choice because the new generation is coming out in september for the sedan.

[SP330]

If you drive relaxed, there's no real need for a BMW, unless the badge means that much to you. Crusing in my Maxima (near identical to the g35) feels nice much quieter and smoother than accords or camrys.

It all depends on what you want, BMW will cost more on average, drive one and you'll understand why.

[Pretender]

Originally Posted by tracerit

Everyone says that BMW has excellent handling. The only cars that I've ever driven have been an 01 Corolla and my current 04 Accord 4cyl. My next car will either be a TL, A4 2.0T, G35, IS350, or maybe even a Camry. I drive my Accord pretty lax, when I take sharp turns my tires squeal. I was wondering what type of "driving exercises" should I test each car to determine its handling abilities?

hahaha...You're just like me before. I owned a 2001 V6 Accord. I did test drives with TL (reliable), G35 (sporty) and ES330 (comfortable), and this was what I thought:
...There're many things other cars can have. Feeling connected to the car, there's only BMW....
I ended up buying a 330i.
That feeling, until you really own a BMW, you never truly understand it.

[JSpira]

Just get in and drive it - a nice long drive preferably on windy twisty roads. I don´t think you´ll have any questions after, except ,, when will mine be here?``

[diesel007]

Originally Posted by tracerit

I was wondering what type of "driving exercises" should I test each car to determine its handling abilities?

Driving exercises?

Here is one:

See a turn go fast.

Seriously you will notice an instant difference, everything feels more solid and there is less body roll in most BMW's. Make sure to test drive a Sport Package car. And be warned after the test drive, you will want to buy the car so you can experience it everyday.

[drkeng]

I had a 98 Acura TL that I thought was "sporty" and handled well after my 93 Lexus ES. Always thought about a BMW; wasn't sure about RWD. A guy I work with "made me" take his 2000 750iL one weekend while he was out of town. As soon as I backed it out of the parking space and shifted into "D", I knew I was hooked. The steering feel was immediately apparent; felt pretty good at 100 mph, too! Couldn't imagine any other car for now. That said, a friend with a current 745 said that the next Lexus LS this fall is going after the BMW feel. Will be checking it out with him. As for me, I'm thinking of one of the first cabrio's next spring.

[stressdoc]

"Connected" is a good descriptor. If you have driven a Buick, and then a Honda, you probably noticed how much more 'control' you felt in the Honda. Some drivers like that, some don't. BMWs are on the other extreme from Buicks; the increased feeling of being connected is another order of magnitude up from a Honda, which is in the middle between the extremes. There are other cars further out than bimmers, e.g., a Lotus super seven, but they are not viable as everyday drivers or as long-distance tourers. Bottom line: BMWs are heaven.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

"Connected" is a good descriptor. If you have driven a Buick, and then a Honda, you probably noticed how much more 'control' you felt in the Honda. Some drivers like that, some don't. BMWs are on the other extreme from Buicks; the increased feeling of being connected is another order of magnitude up from a Honda, which is in the middle between the extremes. There are other cars further out than bimmers, e.g., a Lotus super seven, but they are not viable as everyday drivers or as long-distance tourers. Bottom line: BMWs are heaven.

What about the S2000?

[stressdoc]

Or the NSX.
I should have been more precise, as in Honda civic/accord.
Got any oranges in a honda convertible?

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Or the NSX.
I should have been more precise, as in Honda civic/accord.
Got any oranges in a honda convertible?

I don't have an s2k.

[stressdoc]

Take some of your friends on a test drive.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Take some of your friends on a test drive.

That is a damn good idea: if the salesman goes, "I have to sit with you for the test drive." I'll be like, "Sorry, but my friends need to accompany me."

"What friends?.."

[stressdoc]

If I were the salesman, I would want to go along for the photo op too. Not sure what this has to do with thread concern with how to test drive the E90, but maybe there is an Orange test, seeing how many Gs they can roll around with....

[NJjustin]

I realized just how great my BMW was today when I took my Acura TSX to the bodyshop to get the bumper fixed before I return it. I always though my tsx had descent handling..man was I wrong...the steering was so loose around the corners and the roll was very noticeable. I couldnt wait to get back in my 330i.

[aphall]

when I went on my test drive, my CA told me to gun it after I turned right onto a freeway on-ramp. The on-ramp had a pretty decent curve on it, but it really showed how the car stuck the curve. See if your CA will let you onto the freeway, that way you can open her up a bit too.

[ages944]

curiosity. You didn't mention a BMW at all in you list of possibles..?

[nyyankee]

YES, freeway on-ramp is the best way.

[tracerit]

Definately going to test it on the freeway and let it rip

Oh and I actually had the 3 series on the list, but went back to edit in the Camry and accidently erased too much :P

[firstkill]

Freeway on ramps and I would suggest small surface streets that u can make a left or right onto a large street.

You will be able to accerlate through the whole turn if u you wish

partly due to RWD and mostly the balance of the bmw.

fk