Went to my local BMW dealer this afternoon to participate in the BMW Ultimate Drive. Man, what a turnout! There were tons of people there, but I was lucky enough to get two drives in. They had alot more cars there than I expected. They had a 328xi sedan, a 335i sedan, a 335i coupe, a 328i coupe, a 335i convertible, a 328i convertible, a 650i coupe, a 650i convertible, a 525i, a 530xi touring, a 550i, an X3, an X5 3.0, an X5 4.8, two 750i's, a Z4 3.0i, a Z4 3.0si, and a Z4 coupe. I forgot to register in time online, so my choices were limited given the number of people waiting to drive. I ended up driving the 335i sedan and the 650i convertible. They had us go on a 16 mile loop that involved driving in town, on the interstate, and on a lonely back road. I didn't get to drive one of the new 3 convertibles, but they demo'd the top for us, and it's pretty slick. A miniscule amount of trunk space with the top down, though.
First, the 335i sedan. I had driven an E90 330i and a 328i right when the E90 was first released. This was my first time with the 335i. This car had the sport package, premium package, and sportronic with paddle shifters. I loved the way the E90s drove when I had driven them before, and this one was no different. However, this damn thing was an absolute rocket! Unbelieveable how fast this car is. There is no fuss - it just goes, and it goes damn fast. You floor it in first, and it's at the redline before you know it. There is no lag, and no turbo noise. None. You would never even guess this car was turbocharged unless you knew about it. It is an absolutely amazing engine, and an amazing car. I just really wish there was a little bit of turbo noise to let you know they are there.
This was my first time driving a 6 series. I think I might have fallen in love. While it isn't as fast as the 335i, it has a NICE sound, and I fit better in it. More room, and the seats aren't quite as tight. There's just enough wind at interstate speeds to make the car enjoyable as a convertible, but not annoying. I was surprised at how quiet the car was with the top down on the interstate. The stereo is the absolute best I've EVER heard in a convertible. More bass than I've ever experienced in any convertible and nice mids and highs. Spatialization takes a little bit of a hit, but that's to be expected. The ride was pretty smooth with the sport button "off" but it firms up instantly and becomes pretty sporty with the sport button "on." I was surprised at the difference that engaging the sport button made. I think I'd take one with a manual and be perfectly happy with that car.
The 328i convertible
The X5 4.8
First, the 335i sedan. I had driven an E90 330i and a 328i right when the E90 was first released. This was my first time with the 335i. This car had the sport package, premium package, and sportronic with paddle shifters. I loved the way the E90s drove when I had driven them before, and this one was no different. However, this damn thing was an absolute rocket! Unbelieveable how fast this car is. There is no fuss - it just goes, and it goes damn fast. You floor it in first, and it's at the redline before you know it. There is no lag, and no turbo noise. None. You would never even guess this car was turbocharged unless you knew about it. It is an absolutely amazing engine, and an amazing car. I just really wish there was a little bit of turbo noise to let you know they are there.
This was my first time driving a 6 series. I think I might have fallen in love. While it isn't as fast as the 335i, it has a NICE sound, and I fit better in it. More room, and the seats aren't quite as tight. There's just enough wind at interstate speeds to make the car enjoyable as a convertible, but not annoying. I was surprised at how quiet the car was with the top down on the interstate. The stereo is the absolute best I've EVER heard in a convertible. More bass than I've ever experienced in any convertible and nice mids and highs. Spatialization takes a little bit of a hit, but that's to be expected. The ride was pretty smooth with the sport button "off" but it firms up instantly and becomes pretty sporty with the sport button "on." I was surprised at the difference that engaging the sport button made. I think I'd take one with a manual and be perfectly happy with that car.
The 328i convertible
The X5 4.8
