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Old 01-13-2010, 02:36 PM   #101
wdc330i
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According to some threads on rennlist, the switch costs about $600, and is key operated (250 parts/350 labor). 2006+ models have weight sensors that will disable the airbag, which theoretically means that a switch isn't necessary, but I'd much rather have the switch.
Yup, a real switch sounds more reliable.
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Old 01-13-2010, 02:39 PM   #102
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Yup, a real switch sounds more reliable.
I dislike the automated systems. Put something like a heavy bag of groceries or a laptop bag int he front seat and it starts screaming at you for not having a seatbelt on.
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Old 01-13-2010, 02:41 PM   #103
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Thinking back to my recent drives in a 997 and an E90 M3... between the two of those I think the M3 is preferable. The 997 just wasn't that thrilling, even filtering out the misery that is an automatic transmission.

The latest C+D "Lightning lap" issue comparing various cars around VIR (a notorious horsepower track) was enlightening. The Cayman S was just as fast as a 911 S. That says a lot for how backwards the 911 is.
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Old 01-13-2010, 02:43 PM   #104
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Thinking back to my recent drives in a 997 and an E90 M3... between the two of those I think the M3 is preferable. The 997 just wasn't that thrilling, even filtering out the misery that is an automatic transmission.

The latest C+D "Lightning lap" issue comparing various cars around VIR (a notorious horsepower track) was enlightening. The Cayman S was just as fast as a 911 S. That says a lot for how backwards the 911 is.
...and the E92 M3 was faster than either.
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Old 01-13-2010, 03:15 PM   #105
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I dislike the automated systems. Put something like a heavy bag of groceries or a laptop bag int he front seat and it starts screaming at you for not having a seatbelt on.
Yes. My 330i would tolerate my backpack (with heavy laptop inside); my X5 will not. So, I've just taken to buckling the seatbelt and putting the bag in front of it.
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Old 01-13-2010, 03:36 PM   #106
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Yes. My 330i would tolerate my backpack (with heavy laptop inside); my X5 will not. So, I've just taken to buckling the seatbelt and putting the bag in front of it.
My E90 was really touchy. It got on my nerves. And I refused to buckle-in my laptop. So I'd usually just fling it over the seat into the back seat once the car started yelling at me.
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Old 01-13-2010, 03:47 PM   #107
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My E90 was really touchy. It got on my nerves. And I refused to buckle-in my laptop. So I'd usually just fling it over the seat into the back seat once the car started yelling at me.
I don't buckle in the laptop. The belt pulls tight across the seat and you can then put anything you want on top of it.
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Old 01-13-2010, 03:49 PM   #108
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I don't buckle in the laptop. The belt pulls tight across the seat and you can then put anything you want on top of it.
Well, I don't have to worry about it any more. The E90 is gone and the E39 doesn't give a shit if you buckle up or not.
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Old 01-13-2010, 04:27 PM   #109
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Well, I don't have to worry about it any more. The E90 is gone and the E39 doesn't give a shit if you buckle up or not.
Sometimes older IS better.
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Old 01-13-2010, 11:01 PM   #110
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The latest C+D "Lightning lap" issue comparing various cars around VIR (a notorious horsepower track) was enlightening. The Cayman S was just as fast as a 911 S. That says a lot for how backwards the 911 is.
Unless they just had a burst of stupid when they tested the Atom (video), I'd take their comments with a grain (or bushel) of salt. The C&D test driver had comments like "the thing just does not want to point in a straight line as you can ...whoop... see".

This has been quite a topic of discussion (as you can imagine) over in the Atom forums. Either the car was set up very badly or the driver wasn't used to a car without power anything and no electronic nannies.
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