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      02-03-2007, 02:31 PM   #1
mjh93sa
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Dealer Open Day

I was down my local dealer for an open day arranged with assistance from the BMW Car Club (GB) today and as predicted in a previous post the diet had to go on hold in favour of one of their excellent bacon baps.

It was interesting to see around the service area as the workshops are actually on the first floor above the showroom. They have a neat two storey tall rotating computerised parts storage system and being only a couple of years old and designed with input from the dealer staff it's all laid out as neatly and cleanly as you would expect from a BMW dealer.

Unfortunately the E93 didn't make an appearance as had been hoped, but the demo fleet was being pressed into hard service. So much so that the MiniGp was out of action for want of fuel at one point. I limited myself to the E92 335i auto and E90 330d MSport auto (for the purposes of future buying reference).

Impressions?
335i - clucking bell that thing is quick! If you're the sort that likes to redline the car (MF?) then it's gonna put a smile on your face. It came in for a lot of stick from the M3 brigade for being too cosseting and refined, with not enough raw edge (though they didn't complain about the speed). The consensus was that it was too soft for a balls out fast car, needed driving too hard for a grand tourer and so was a little hard to define it's role.

All I can see is they seem to be missing the point, it'll go like something off a well greased shovel, but is refined enough for everyday use. The newer autobox was also actually quite nice, and gives it much more the character of a manual due to the increased torque lock-up, so much so that I kept going to shift gear when coming to a halt!

330d - People kept coming back saying they were converted to diesel and that on balance they preferred the 330d to the 335i as it had a better balance between speed and comfort. Basically they felt it's identity was less confused.

What can I say beyond it's a great car, okay it's not as fast as a 335i, but things still get small in your mirrors at an alarming rate. The older generation of autobox is not as nice as that fitted to the 335i, you feel less connected to what's going on. Whereas the autobox on the 335i would stand up against a manual for my affections, I'd still prefer the manual over this older version.

It's just a shame they didn't have a 335d available, as given the showing of these 2 it would probably have walked away with everyone's vote.

Roll on their next Ride and Drive event....
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      02-04-2007, 05:23 AM   #2
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Nice write-up Matt.

So, what do you think you'll end up with next then- would you try the 325d, if you had the chance?

All the best.

Viv
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      02-04-2007, 05:55 AM   #3
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Having had two 330d Sports, we were desperate for a test drive of a 335d M Sport. I took one out from our local dealer and was absolutely gobsmacked. It only had about 50 miles on the clock but went like lightning. It had so much more instant go than the 330d and also didn't run out of puff at 100MPH like the 330d does. I was definitely hooked and our order is now placed with delivery expected 2nd week of March. It felt as quick as our old M3 Evo but was much easier to drive as well. The larger brakes are better than the 330s also. Only 5 weeks to go.

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      02-04-2007, 06:47 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vivekk View Post
So, what do you think you'll end up with next then- would you try the 325d, if you had the chance?
Viv
I'll definitely be trying the 325d before coming to any decision. The dealer is putting together their next ride and drive event at a local hotel at the moment so I'll be along to that for a bit more information gathering.

It'll all come down to a final determination of budget and required toy level. Depending on the deal that can be struck it'll probably come down to a toyed up 325d, lightly toyed 330d or a very basic 335d.

Only time will tell!

PS: Apparently, despite the Mini Traveller only having appeared as a concept at several shows, the dealer already has 8 orders!
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      02-04-2007, 11:19 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mjh93sa View Post
Impressions?
335i - clucking bell that thing is quick! If you're the sort that likes to redline the car (MF?) then it's gonna put a smile on your face.
I drove the 335i coupe a week after launch and boy was it fun, I had a smile on my face the whole time! It will be my next car for sure but probably not until 2008.
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      02-05-2007, 04:48 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by mjh93sa View Post
It's just a shame they didn't have a 335d available, as given the showing of these 2 it would probably have walked away with everyone's vote.
I think the 335d would have sold itself.
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      02-05-2007, 09:44 AM   #7
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Matt, you haven't covered the most important question...was there a bouncy castle?
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      02-05-2007, 10:05 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by beauforty View Post
Matt, you haven't covered the most important question...was there a bouncy castle?
And did you have a go on it ?
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      02-05-2007, 11:47 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by needforspeed View Post
And did you have a go on it ?
Also, were you allowed to do belly flops or was that strictly prohibited?
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      02-05-2007, 12:42 PM   #10
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No bouncy castle, as it was about 1degree and foggy all morning that was probably for the best.
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      02-06-2007, 05:58 AM   #11
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No bouncy castle, as it was about 1degree and foggy all morning that was probably for the best.
I hope you complained.
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