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Blog Archives for July 04
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30 July 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
BMW cars have one of the best automatic transmissions around so its not surprising
that most BMW owners start off with an automatic car. After some time, they appreciate
the finer and distinguishing qualities of BMW (drivability and handling) and decide to
upgrade the car for better performance. Most of the time, they'll want more power
followed by improved suspension although I'd almost always do it the other way around.
But if you're serious about owning a performance BMW and couldn't care less about driving
in stop-and-go city traffic, swap the automatic for a manual BMW and feel the difference!
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28 July 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
There are many older BMW cars, those more than 10 years old, still running on the roads.
The e30 3-series probably accounts for a large chunk of the population. So, amongst the
e30 model lineup, which would I buy? I really, really want an e30 M3 because it is one
of the best production driver's car built ever and it one heck of a cool car!
Unfortunately, it only comes in left hand drive and parts and maintenance are not exactly
cheap. So, it makes more economic sense to buy one of the other varieties of the e30.
In any event, BMW enthusiasts who buy the e30 these days will most likely be getting it
with the intention of doing up the car with performance enhancement parts.
So, which e30 then? Stay tuned...
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3 August 2004. Comments by DinanM3:
The easy answer is "get the lightest car you can with the most horsepower".
Having owned 2 e30's and now a e36 M3, there are certainly things about the
e30 I miss - road feel, nimbleness, maybe a little more "balance", for lack
of a better term, ease and cost of parts and maintenance. This is not to say I
don't totally love my e36, it's just different.
Anyway, if I were to have the resources to have a fun
e30, it would be a
'89-'91 325is....fun, fun, fun. |
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26 July 2004. Blog entry by DaBoss.
Did you know that the BMW iPod Adapter allows the Apple iPod to be seamlessly
integrated with your BMW? This adapter allows the iPod to be plugged into a cable
in the glove compartment of the BMW. Once plugged in, the iPod can be controlled
through BMW's audio system and multifunction steering wheel.
Getting excited? Note that this adapter is only available for the 3 Series, Z4
Roadster, X3, X5 and the MINI Cooper at a price of $149 (plus installation cost).
Installation can only be performed by authorized BMW and MINI centers.
Want to know more?
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23 July 2004. Blog entry by DaBoss.
In the autumn of 2004, BMW will showcase for the very first time the BMW 1 Series -
a compact class car with five doors. Although prices have not been officially
released yet, it should be significantly more affordable than the other BMW models.
I guess it's a strategic move by BMW as it has not previously been represented in
this segment. Anyway, even if the price is right, it wouldn't be suitable for a
family man like myself. My dream BMW is still the BMW 318i - sleek, sporty and
affordable.
With the 1 Series, the Ultimate Driving Machine is now also available in the
compact class...
Want to know more?
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3 August 2004. Comments by DinanM3:
I just sold my 318is after 2 yrs. True, it is light and nimble, but no amount
of weight savings could make up for the lack of horsepower and low rpm torque.
I tracked the car several times per year, and while going "flat-out" in the
corners is a cool experience, 4 cylinders is still 4 cylinders (M3
e30's
excluded). If you are considering an e30, make it a 325.
Respectfully,
One who's been there and has upgraded. |
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20 July 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
If I were to buy another BMW, it would have to be an older 3-series since they are fantastic value for money now and they display all the
BMW ride and handling qualities. The question
would then be whether to buy the later and more stylish e36 or the classic e30. If it were my only transport,
I'd pick the e36 for its space and comfort. But since this is about looking for a second/fun car, the e30 wins hands down. The e30 should be very much cheaper than the e36 and the spare cash (that would've gone towards the purchase of the e36) can be spend on improving the car. Although it's been around for more than 20 years, parts can easily be found at used parts yards. But to start off, it has definitely got to be manual shift!
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13 July 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
Although it's almost 20 years since it was first produced, the e30 BMW M3 is still
very much sought after today. The e30 M3 does not have the power of contemporary
M-cars but many enthusiasts prefer the handling and balance of the e30 M3 over the
e36 and even the e46. This could be due to the fact that the car was designed by
BMW's motorsports division for racing in the European Touring Car Championship.
Hence, the e30 M3 is first and foremost a racing car but built for daily driving.
I've never been out on a track in an e30 M3 but I've had the opportunity to ride
with a mate who does. Even on the streets, it's easy to appreciate its qualities
and why it's the perfect fun car!
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6 July 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
Although BMW cars perform well in stock condition, they can always be improved
further as demonstrated by the work carried out by BMW's motor sports division.
One of the more popular upgrades carried out by car owners is on the car suspension.
There are many aftermarket tuners that cater specifically for BMW cars such as ac
schnitzer or alpina and but the cost of their suspension upgrade kits can be very
high. Nevertheless, owners of BMW cars keen to achieve much of the same performance
enhancement at a lower cost can upgrade the standard absorbers and springs with
those made by companies like Bilstein and Eibach. Since it's time to replace my
car absorbers, I'll have Bilstein absorbers and Eibach springs on my car shortly!
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2 July 2004. Blog entry by DaBoss.
Based on a report from Reuters
(3 May 2004), BMW drivers have more sex than owners of any other cars. A German
magazine "Men's Car" surveyed more than 2,253 car drivers (aged between
20 to 50) and determined that male BMW drivers have sex about 2.2 times a week as
compared to 1.6 (Mercedes) and 1.4 (Porsche).
Want to know more?
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