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Old 03-31-2006, 02:01 PM   #1
robg
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So, TD, what are you impressions of the e90 so far...

I saw your pic post, but haven't seen anything w/ your first impressions. Given that your car searching has become somewhat of a board saga, I'm curious to read how things have turned out w/ your new car. I assume there's no nasty e46-like surprises yet. I guess I"m interested in reading one of those long, tedious posts you find on bimmerfest where the owner gushes over their car. Or, in your case, I'm sure you already have a few pet peeves that no one else has mentioned.
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Old 03-31-2006, 02:53 PM   #2
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The biggest thing at this point is that I don't have any complaints. If you ask me to list things I'd change, I'd only want to hear more engine and exhaust noise. And enable easy installation of a integrated XM Radio tuner. And have a power plug (aka cigarette lighter) that is not behind the as tray door.

But that's really it.

I actually love the car. I'm a bit unnerved, actually, by how much I like it. It just feels right.

While it's obvious that there is more technology involved in teh E90 than was in my former 2001 330i, there feels like less as far as the driving experience goes. Unlike my E46, with this car, you never feel like your control inputs are merely inputs to the master computer which then decides whether or not to grant them and to what degree. It's not intrusive in any way. The steering feels heavier even than what was in my E36 M3. The clutch is light but the engagement feels natural. The throttle responds more slowly than the E36 M3, but not by all that much. For normal spirited driving, it's not an issue at all. And the shifter feels great. Snick, snick.

The interior looks much better in person than in pictures and it a gorgeous, comfortable place to spend time. The gadgets work well and I'm learning to really like them. And there is enough rear seat legroom to actually put a full size adult when the seat in front of them is set for a full size adult. That wasn't the case in either the E36 or E46. But the car still doesn't feel big when driving it.

I'm curious what complaints the autox crowd will have about it. But for how I drive 99% of the time, the car is a near perfect fit.

I am pleased. (And a bit unnerved.)
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Old 03-31-2006, 03:27 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by TD
I'm curious what complaints the autox crowd will have about it.
You know.....I'm fairly certain that e46m3 race rubber will fit under the e90
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Old 03-31-2006, 03:34 PM   #4
Jason C
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TD
Unlike my E46, with this car, you never feel like your control inputs are merely inputs to the master computer which then decides whether or not to grant them and to what degree.

Well, good thing for you that it feels that way - I wish it really were more simple.
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Old 03-31-2006, 05:03 PM   #5
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The steering is too heavy. I don't like that.
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Old 03-31-2006, 08:56 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW Tech
Well, good thing for you that it feels that way - I wish it really were more simple.
I've said it before- I would never OWN this car. Things are going to fail. Many will be very expensive to repair/replace. There is just so much technology at work, much of it newer technology.

These cars will keep factory-trained mechanics very busy in a few years.
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Old 03-31-2006, 10:31 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TD
I've said it before- I would never OWN this car. Things are going to fail. Many will be very expensive to repair/replace. There is just so much technology at work, much of it newer technology.

These cars will keep factory-trained mechanics very busy in a few years.
True. But maybe because it's a 1st year car. 2002+ E46's are pretty solid.

Still, ~$2K is short money to extend one's full peace of mind for 6-years/100K miles.
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Old 03-31-2006, 10:52 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TD
I've said it before- I would never OWN this car. Things are going to fail. Many will be very expensive to repair/replace. There is just so much technology at work, much of it newer technology.

These cars will keep factory-trained mechanics very busy in a few years.
For the first time in years Acura is having problems with reliability, and this in their flagship RL (which is not selling as well as hoped to begin with). Seems electronics are to blame.

Same thing with the MDX.

We may not be able to get away from this problem, I'm interested in how it affects used cars and CPO used cars in the years to come.

Ed
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Old 04-01-2006, 07:47 AM   #9
lemming
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sharp11
For the first time in years Acura is having problems with reliability, and this in their flagship RL (which is not selling as well as hoped to begin with). Seems electronics are to blame.

Same thing with the MDX.

We may not be able to get away from this problem, I'm interested in how it affects used cars and CPO used cars in the years to come.

Ed
you raise a scary, scary point.
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Old 03-31-2006, 08:23 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TD
The gadgets work well and I'm learning to really like them.
Sounds like someone that will soon wish he'd gotten idrive.

Quote:
I'm curious what complaints the autox crowd will have about it.
Is that an offer? Spec E90 day...all Team WTF?! invited. That's what you had in mind, right? Right?
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