|
 |
 |
|
Blog Archives for October 04
|
|
27 October 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I saw what should be confirmed pictures of the new 3 Series (e90) on the WhatCar website.
I am relieved that BMW is back on the right track with their design. Some early photos of
the new 3 Series had a frontal view that looked like BMW attempting an Audi trick and the
external profile (especially the side view) of the 1 Series seriously reminds me of Alfa.
Anyway, I've seen the pictures and it looks fantastic! Certainly an improvement over the
7 Series and the 5 Series. It's still recognizably related to the latest BMW designs but
what makes it attractive is the combination of the positives from their earlier effort.
The front reminds me of the 6 Series (wow!), the side is a cut from the 5 Series (smart!),
and the rear is a non-drastic but effective style update on the out-going model - great
butt job compared to the 1 Series. I like their illusion of having L-shaped rear tail
lights. Overall, it's very handsome modern design. I can't wait to see the coupe which
should look even more attractive!
|
|
|
|
|
25 October 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I recently heard from a friend that Eibach Pro-Kit springs for the e34 has been
discontinued! That's worrying because I've put in an order for a set for months and am
still waiting. Based on the many reviews and recommendations from fellow BMW owners,
Eibach springs with Bilstein HD absorbers has got to be one of the most popular suspension
upgrades for BMW. The combination works well to improve handling without sacrificing too
much on comfort. It lowers the car nicely for a more aggresive appearance without going
too low that we will need to worry about driving over bumps. Price-wise, it's very
competitive and definitely cheaper than the other options I've considered - including
the Sachs sporting-kit. Hopefully, there's still available stock somewhere (to meet my
order). Otherwise I will have to look for a used set which I doubt will be easy, given
their satisfied owners!
|
|
|
|
|
20 October 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
After being to the dealer's a couple of times, I finally managed to test drive
the 2.0 liter petrol-engined 1 Series. Here's my initial impression from the
short drive:
The car definitely feels fast! I suppose it should be, compared to my daily
drive - the automatic e34 520i. Also, regarding the combination of the smooth gearbox
and engine, the 6 speed manual gearbox has got to be one of the slickest around and
left me wanting to switch back to manual shift. I must have mentioned something about
the speed because the salesperson kept encouraging me to floor the pedal and hold the
gears to high revs. Handling is typical BMW excellent. The car has a good balanced
feel when taking corners. I also had a good sense of what the car is doing and it
instills confidence for spirited driving.
Overall, great handling, manual gearbox and engine. All
the traditional strengths of BMW cars are well demonstrated in the little
1 Series. On the downside, the interior, particularly the quality of
the materials used, doesn't feel up to the standards expected from a luxury car maker.
Interior design and ergonomics are spot on, though.
When we got back to the dealer's, I noticed that the Mini was still attracting a
fair bit of attention from potential buyers. Between the 1 Series and Mini,
I'd probably pick the Mini!
|
|
|
|
|
13 October 2004. Blog entry by Bimmerman.
I finally saw the 1 Series at the dealer's after looking at pictures from the web and
magazines. Didn't make a difference in the flesh; same as the pictures. I don't
particularly fancy the exterior design and yet again the rear was a disappointment - it
doesn't have any distinguishing BMW design. I must admit that I'm not a fan of the
styling of the Z4 and the 1 Series looks to be from the same mould. The design does work
better on the roadster and the Z4 has got a cute rear. The 1 Series definitely did not
produce the visual impact generated by the e60 5 Series. Anyway, I will take a closer
look at the car and hopefully do a test drive. I'm quite sure that the interior design
and the driving dynamics will be up to the usually high BMW standards. However, based on
the price, me thinks the soon-to-be-replaced e46 3 Series would make a better buy.
|
|
|
|
|
8 October 2004. Blog entry by DaBoss.
The all new e90 BMW 3 Series is widely expected to make its debut at the Geneva
motor show in March next year (2005). It seems to have a more conservative design with
more conventional cues as compared to the latest versions of the 5 Series, the
7 Series and the new 1 Series.
Want to know more?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
