carmudgeons.com  

Go Back   carmudgeons.com > Automotive Forums > Car Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-31-2006, 02:01 PM   #1
robg
Carmudgeon
 
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,224
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.
robg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 02:53 PM   #2
TD
Founder emeritus
 
TD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,002
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.)
TD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 03:27 PM   #3
bren
lawn boy
 
bren's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer
Location: Maryland
Posts: 14,029
Quote:
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
bren is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 03:34 PM   #4
Jason C
Carmudgeon
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Carmudgeonly Ride: Invalid Carriage
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,932
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.
Jason C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 05:03 PM   #5
Nick M3
Relic
 
Nick M3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Bethesda, MD
Posts: 12,438
The steering is too heavy. I don't like that.
__________________
2011 M3
2006 Sierra 2500HD 4WD LBZ/Allison
2004 X5 3.0i 6MT
1995 M3 S50B32
1990 325is
1989 M3 S54B32

Hers:
1989 325iX
1996 911 Turbo


Nick M3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 08:23 PM   #6
clyde
Chief title editor
 
clyde's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 26,599
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?
__________________
OH NOES!!!!!1 MY CAR HAS T3H UND3R5T33R5555!!!!!!1oneone!!!!11

Team WTF?!
What are you gonna do?
clyde is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 08:27 PM   #7
Rob
The user formerly known as rwg
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Carmudgeonly Ride: Z4
Location: Vegas baby!
Posts: 8,261
I think you have to wait for somewhere between 6 months and a year before a new car owner is willing to donate his car to the Team WTF?! drivers.
Rob is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 08:53 PM   #8
clyde
Chief title editor
 
clyde's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 26,599
I started offering my car up immediately upon commencement of the following autocross season (after buying in late November).
__________________
OH NOES!!!!!1 MY CAR HAS T3H UND3R5T33R5555!!!!!!1oneone!!!!11

Team WTF?!
What are you gonna do?
clyde is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 08:54 PM   #9
TD
Founder emeritus
 
TD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,002
Quote:
Originally Posted by clyde
I started offering my car up immediately upon commencement of the following autocross season (after buying in late November).
That's at least 3 or 4 months.

As for my car, at least let it get out of break-in first.
TD is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2006, 08:56 PM   #10
TD
Founder emeritus
 
TD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,002
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.
TD is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:40 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Forums © 2003-2008, 'Mudgeon Enterprises - Site hosting by AYN & Associates, LLC