[Nick M3]

So, I took the M3 in to get the emissions recall reprogramming done today. When I got to the loaner counter, I asked what they had and after the usual list of 328s and 335s, the girl offered me a 535i GT. What the hell, right? I've never driven one, so I might as well.

In one sentence, it's the car I would have designed if I decided that I wanted to drive my living room down the highway. It's very comfortable, quite spacious in the interior (including in the back), rides well, handles decently and is *really* quiet inside.

As usual, BMW's automatic transmission programming is all fucked up and annoying. On the other hand, the 8-speed turns absurdly low revs on the highway. Like, 1,500 RPMs at 60. No wonder the 5'ers are getting better fuel efficiency than the E90s now.

Amusingly, my biggest complaint about this thing isn't the way it drives, feels, or anything about the dynamics. It's quite good for what it is. Even though the steering is numb, it's quite well weighted.

My complaint is that the trunk is too damned small. As in, I couldn't fit everything that was in the trunk of one of my E30s. WTF? Since they don't give you a spare, you'd think that they could at least excavate the floor a little.