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The Car Thread - Page 3

post #81 of 201
12/12/01 at 11:32pm
I've been very happy with my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. 3.2 L V6. Perfect for all the shitty potholes in the industrial areas I have to drive around. Great for loading up bikes, camping gear, bass guitar amps, skiis, or doin' the nasty.
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post #82 of 201
12/13/01 at 12:35am
Which one you would like to drive?



Left:
Jeep Grand Cherokee <img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
4.7-liter SOHC 16-valve V-8 with 265 hp 325 lb-ft torque,
4WD,
4-speed automatic transmission.

Right:
BMW X5 SAV :cool:
4.4-litler DOHC 4-cam 32-valve V-8 with 290 hp 324 lb-ft torque,
Full-time all-wheel drive with All Season Traction,
5-speed with Adaptive Transmission Control and STEPTRONIC automatic/clutchless manual.

Kenneth
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post #83 of 201
12/17/01 at 9:25am
Jonathan-

Do your 19s slow you down?

Most people say they do, but I think it has more to do w/ weight& gearing.

Im doing a tranny swap on my 98 M3 to a euro 6-spd. Ill be moving the diff from 3.25 to 3.64or3.73 when I do. This should take care of any 'over wheeling' that might occur from 19s. While Im at it, Im going to install a Rouge flywheel & Sachs comp clutch.

Good choice on the BBS. Im looking at CHs or LMs.

Im in DC too. Do you go to DTMpower.net. There are alot of Bimmer meets-probably not many until spring tho. You should come.
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post #84 of 201
12/17/01 at 7:53pm
I'm looking at new cars already. I test drove an Audi A4 1.8 T today. Holy cow, that 4 cylinder gots some power to it. I floored it on I-64 and 100 before I knew it. I am going to test drive the A4 3.0 quattro soon and see how that compares. I am also looking at a BMW 325i.

Can someone give some advice and their opinions?
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post #85 of 201
12/17/01 at 8:23pm
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>I'm looking at new cars already. I test drove an Audi A4 1.8 T today. Holy cow, that 4 cylinder gots some power to it. I floored it on I-64 and 100 before I knew it. I am going to test drive the A4 3.0 quattro soon and see how that compares. I am also looking at a BMW 325i.

Can someone give some advice and their opinions?</strong><hr></blockquote>

well are u limiting yerself to european? and whats the price range that yer workin w/?
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post #86 of 201
12/17/01 at 8:48pm
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>I'm looking at new cars already. I test drove an Audi A4 1.8 T today. Holy cow, that 4 cylinder gots some power to it. I floored it on I-64 and 100 before I knew it. I am going to test drive the A4 3.0 quattro soon and see how that compares. I am also looking at a BMW 325i.

Can someone give some advice and their opinions?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I feel that Audi kicks ass all over BMW. I also think you already drove the best one, unless you have eighty grand to spend. Actually the S4 is pretty sporty if you can spend a little more than the A4.

Audi is to BMW as Apple is to IBM!
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post #87 of 201
12/17/01 at 9:13pm
Thread Starter 
[quote]Originally posted by Keda:
<strong>Jonathan-

Do your 19s slow you down?

Most people say they do, but I think it has more to do w/ weight& gearing.

Im doing a tranny swap on my 98 M3 to a euro 6-spd. Ill be moving the diff from 3.25 to 3.64or3.73 when I do. This should take care of any 'over wheeling' that might occur from 19s. While Im at it, Im going to install a Rouge flywheel & Sachs comp clutch.

Good choice on the BBS. Im looking at CHs or LMs.

Im in DC too. Do you go to DTMpower.net. There are alot of Bimmer meets-probably not many until spring tho. You should come.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I've never felt that the 19s slowed me down. I've got the CHs and they are so freggin light... I think it's more a question of having a car that's made to handle it... 19s may slow morons in civics down, but on an m3.. no troubles....

Anyway... I've never been to DTMpower, but I'll check it out.

I may just be driving a plain-jane 330ci by then though.. blasted insurance.

Oh, and whoever said that Audi is the Apple of car world, you're wrong. Audis are just tarted up VW's. BMW is about the last family-owned major car company in the world. They are the smallest of the major German marques. Their attention to detail is unparalleled, and the cars have a soul, unlike Audis, which, while being great cars, don't have the same... bmw-ness to them.

There is a soul and a connection with the road in a BMW that is unmatched in any car, shy of a +100,000 dollar one. Note the Car and Driver 2002 Ten Best: the 3-series is on for the 11th straight year. The 5 is on for the 7th. These are the 2 lowest priced BMW lines, yet they rank among the best-recieved cars in the history of the automotive press.

Audis are just wanna-be BMW's. Quattro is the only thing they've got going for them. There's nothing more satisfying than the whirring and the velvety smooth power delivery of a BMW straight six... it's something that has been refined for decades. They're really more flexible, usable powerhouses, and they do it with unparalleled smoothness.
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post #88 of 201
12/17/01 at 9:29pm
how did i know that the previous post would spawn a reply by jonathon?

btw, im really not all the impressed by the 3 series or the 5 series--the only BMWs i enjoy over other cars are the Ms.
the car and driver top 10 thing dont mean much...the civic and accord are regularly on that and they arent exactly performance vehicles--just well made.

the m3 is probably one of the best vehicles u can buy (the newest generation anyway). unfortunately, its a lil pricey now--just get a honda S2000 and throw a supercharger in it, and uv caught up to and surpassed the m3 fer 2/3rds the price. of course, hondas basically giving away the S2k...32k is so incredibly low for that car its amazing. and most people dont know anything about em...
til they lose a race to one, that is.

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post #89 of 201
12/17/01 at 9:36pm
[quote]Originally posted by _ alliance _:
<strong>

well are u limiting yerself to european? and whats the price range that yer workin w/?</strong><hr></blockquote>

I am looking primarily at German autos for now. I am looking at the Chrysler 300m, which is a great car for the money, but I haven't test driven it yet.

And I am trying to keep it around 30k; that's about the limit of my money. I wish I could afford the 50k range, then I would either be in a 540i or A6 4.3 quattro. But alas, the Navy don't pay well...
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post #90 of 201
12/17/01 at 9:39pm
[quote]Originally posted by sizzle chest:
<strong>

I feel that Audi kicks ass all over BMW. I also think you already drove the best one, unless you have eighty grand to spend. Actually the S4 is pretty sporty if you can spend a little more than the A4.

Audi is to BMW as Apple is to IBM!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Well, I feel you can't go wrong with either. German auto is the way to go. I am not looking at Japan at all. The 300m is the only American car I am looking at. Maybe a Volvo S70, who knows. But primarily German cars are the best. I couldn't believe the quality of the A4 I drove. And I couldn't believe that I hit 100 mph on an acceleration lane on I-64 here! And on a 4 cylinder, too! And that Tiptronic tranny is sweet. I think BMW offers that, too.
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post #91 of 201
12/18/01 at 5:56am
BMW=IBM WTF!!

Ive driven many cars, but my M3 is in a class by itself. True, the US got screwed on the 240 HP E36 M3 while the europeans have a 320 HP version. But even the US moto can pass 260 rwHP w/less than 5k of NA mods.

Im working on a euro motor swap. I had bought an engine in Oct, but got screwed over by a POS named Bill Regas (aka Ceno Illusions). Now Im looking for another one. When Im done, I will have about 365 bHP without any forced induction.

Yeah Bimmers suck.
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post #92 of 201
12/18/01 at 7:08am
I blasted by an M3 this morning in my 2000 dodge caravan,(4 cyl, 3 spd auto (yes THREE)) while listening to the Christmas station on the radio.

At least I've got two valentine ones!

I'm going to swap out my rear windows wiper to a lighter one next week. I might even top off the tires to their recommended pressure. And this 88 cent gas is great!

I might get a carbon fiber rear bench seat, too.

I know .... I'm just dreaming.

JRC
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post #93 of 201
12/18/01 at 7:18am
Soon after I got my ///M, I learned to stay away from minivans. Even I know my limits.

Actually, between minivans and SUVs, Im ready to give up driving. I cant stand them. In DC it seems like every prick that couldn't drive a 2000lb car has run out and bought a 4000lb off-road vehicle...and a cell phone.

I dont drive my BMW to work, because Im scared of the other drivers. Atleast once a week, one of tese monstrosities nearly hits me. Thats why my daily driver is a 89 Honda Accord w/300,000 miles (makes me appreciate the ///M more too)
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post #94 of 201
12/18/01 at 9:18pm
JRC, good one...

Hoofhearted, nice mini! Sweet. Kate has something like that I think.

[ 12-19-2001: Message edited by: breakskull ]</p>
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post #95 of 201
12/18/01 at 10:01pm
[quote]Originally posted by Keda:
<strong>BMW=IBM WTF!!

Ive driven many cars, but my M3 is in a class by itself. True, the US got screwed on the 240 HP E36 M3 while the europeans have a 320 HP version. But even the US moto can pass 260 rwHP w/less than 5k of NA mods.</strong><hr></blockquote>

All right, all right, the M3 is an exception. Can't a guy make a sweeping generalization any more? I've been hating on BMWs for so long that now that they finally make ONE car that basically beats all the German competition in its class, I can't see saying "BMWs suck.... except the M3." It's easier just to keep it simple!

Jonathan, even if Quattro WERE all that Audi had going for it, that's pretty big, unless you're always going to be driving in a straight line on dry pavement.

And if you think Audis are just "tarted up" VWs, then you haven't been inside an Audi since the 5000 or so, I guess.
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post #96 of 201
12/18/01 at 10:35pm
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>
The 300m is the only American car I am looking at. </strong><hr></blockquote>
My dad owns a 300M and before I got my own car I drove it a lot. It is a wonderful car, especially for an American car. The engine is really powerful and the dual exhaust is really nice. 253 horses is plenty powerful for a midsize sedan. I also like the analog clock, very nice touch. The manual shift mode is a nice touch too. I would strongly reccomend seriously considering it. But on the other hand , people seem to go crazy for BMWs so.... just my $.02
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post #97 of 201
12/19/01 at 7:29am
G4dude, the 300m is definitely a fine car, but I have noticed that a new one is almost 4 grand more than that Audi A4 1.8T that I test drove the other day. And Audi has 4 year 50K mile maintenance plan that inlcudes everything but the tires and windshields. That's a hard deal to pass up.

I am on my way to Casey BMW... 330i looks nice, but at 35k, that's almost out of my budget. The 325i is what I am probably going to look at.

Next week or so Pomoco Chrysler is where I'll end up. Thank God there ain't no Ferrari dealer around here...
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post #98 of 201
12/19/01 at 8:06am
Thread Starter 
[quote]Originally posted by sizzle chest:
<strong>

All right, all right, the M3 is an exception. Can't a guy make a sweeping generalization any more? I've been hating on BMWs for so long that now that they finally make ONE car that basically beats all the German competition in its class, I can't see saying "BMWs suck.... except the M3." It's easier just to keep it simple!

Jonathan, even if Quattro WERE all that Audi had going for it, that's pretty big, unless you're always going to be driving in a straight line on dry pavement.

And if you think Audis are just "tarted up" VWs, then you haven't been inside an Audi since the 5000 or so, I guess.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hmmm... let's see. My god, the amount of sheer idiocy represented in this post is beyond my comprehension.

Let's dissect, shall we?

You say "finally BMW makes a car that beats all German competition in it's class"

Hmm, looks to me like just about every BMW model for the past, oh, 5 or 6 years has soundly beaten its competitors, German, American, or Japanese, in most comparison tests in car magazines.

Re: Quattro. Yes, it's a good thing for when you're going off-roading in your $40,000 dollar sport sedan As for wet/snow performance, I would venture that the skid protection fitted to all BMW's and Mercedeses is perfectly sufficient for most wet conditions. Sure, it's not going to blast through a snowbank, but, then again, neither will an Audi... And if you really want AWD, you can get it on some BMW's and Mercedeses.

And yes, I have been inside an Audi this side of the 5000... I drove an A4 1.8T just the other day, actually, mr. sizzle chest, and I was immediately struck by how similar to the interior of a modern Jetta/Passat it was. Granted, the TT has a very, er, unique (read, cheap looking) interior to it, but the fundamental design ethos behind the interiors are very similar.

In addition, Audi seats SUCK. Even the sportiest ones that I could find in the dealership, being in the S4, seemed like flat benches with very little lateral support.

I do like the diversity in interior finishes that Audi offers. It's nice to be able to, with little difficulty, order a non-standard color of leather or Alcantara, with a wierd wood or something.

Fact is, I just can't stand cars that require forced induction (turbocharger) to make power. It seems that it's cheating: It's clear that Audi can't seem to make a normally aspirated engine that is anywhere near as brawny or usable as a normally aspirated BMW engine.

If I had to buy an Audi, it'd be an RS4 or an S8 cars that have no competitors from BMW. In every other category, though, I think that the Audi offering gets stomped all over by their BMW counterparts.
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post #99 of 201
12/19/01 at 8:16am
[quote]Originally posted by Jonathan:
<strong>

Hmmm... let's see. My god, the amount of sheer idiocy represented in this post is beyond my comprehension.

Let's dissect, shall we?

You say "finally BMW makes a car that beats all German competition in it's class"

Hmm, looks to me like just about every BMW model for the past, oh, 5 or 6 years has soundly beaten its competitors, German, American, or Japanese, in most comparison tests in car magazines.

Re: Quattro. Yes, it's a good thing for when you're going off-roading in your $40,000 dollar sport sedan As for wet/snow performance, I would venture that the skid protection fitted to all BMW's and Mercedeses is perfectly sufficient for most wet conditions. Sure, it's not going to blast through a snowbank, but, then again, neither will an Audi... And if you really want AWD, you can get it on some BMW's and Mercedeses.

And yes, I have been inside an Audi this side of the 5000... I drove an A4 1.8T just the other day, actually, mr. sizzle chest, and I was immediately struck by how similar to the interior of a modern Jetta/Passat it was. Granted, the TT has a very, er, unique (read, cheap looking) interior to it, but the fundamental design ethos behind the interiors are very similar.

In addition, Audi seats SUCK. Even the sportiest ones that I could find in the dealership, being in the S4, seemed like flat benches with very little lateral support.

I do like the diversity in interior finishes that Audi offers. It's nice to be able to, with little difficulty, order a non-standard color of leather or Alcantara, with a wierd wood or something.

Fact is, I just can't stand cars that require forced induction (turbocharger) to make power. It seems that it's cheating: It's clear that Audi can't seem to make a normally aspirated engine that is anywhere near as brawny or usable as a normally aspirated BMW engine.

If I had to buy an Audi, it'd be an RS4 or an S8 cars that have no competitors from BMW. In every other category, though, I think that the Audi offering gets stomped all over by their BMW counterparts.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I see that you failed to counter my Dodge Caravan 2.4 Cyl, SEVEN passenger lux-tour-de-force! Oh yeah, can't take the heat!

Price? $14,200 after 'greeen slip' and applicable rebates. 24 MPG, too!
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post #100 of 201
12/19/01 at 8:21am
Thread Starter 
[quote]Originally posted by JRC:
<strong>

I see that you failed to counter my Dodge Caravan 2.4 Cyl, SEVEN passenger lux-tour-de-force! Oh yeah, can't take the heat!

Price? $14,200 after 'greeen slip' and applicable rebates. 24 MPG, too!</strong><hr></blockquote>

touché, sir. touché.
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post #101 of 201
12/19/01 at 9:52am
[quote]Originally posted by Jonathan:
<strong>

Hmmm... let's see. My god, the amount of sheer idiocy represented in this post is beyond my comprehension.

Let's dissect, shall we? </strong><hr></blockquote>

My mistake. I failed to recognize that it's unreasonable to good-naturedly question something like brand preference. Apparently I alone among all human beings on earth have failed to recognize that BMW is and has always been by far the greatest car manufacturer ever. Thanks for setting me straight.
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post #102 of 201
12/19/01 at 10:07am
Not all Audi A4 have to use a turbocharger to get power. The A4 3.0 has a 3.0 V-6 with 220 horsepower, which is more than the BMW 330i has, and for the same price. But still, Audi vs BMW is a losing argument. That's like arguing red vs green apples. It's German engineering, and you can't go wrong with that.

I just got back from a test drive on a BMW 325i. All I can say is: DAMN. What a fine ass car. That 6 cylinder sounded sweet. The 2002 325i has 184 horsepower, if I remember correctly. The Audi A4 1.8T has 170, and I was damned near unable to tell the difference between the two. I hit 100 on the highway with pure ease on both test drives and both cars were a 10 on that 1-10 scale. I'm gonna be hard pressed to make up my mind.
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post #103 of 201
12/19/01 at 10:26am
They have TURBO dodge caravans out there, too!

<a href="http://www.allpar.com/eek/mplus.html" target="_blank">http://www.allpar.com/eek/mplus.html</a>
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post #104 of 201
12/19/01 at 10:46am
[quote]Originally posted by sizzle chest:
<strong>

My mistake. I failed to recognize that it's unreasonable to good-naturedly question something like brand preference. Apparently I alone among all human beings on earth have failed to recognize that BMW is and has always been by far the greatest car manufacturer ever. Thanks for setting me straight.</strong><hr></blockquote>

its ok, we forgive u
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post #105 of 201
12/19/01 at 2:51pm
Thread Starter 
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>Not all Audi A4 have to use a turbocharger to get power. The A4 3.0 has a 3.0 V-6 with 220 horsepower, which is more than the BMW 330i has, and for the same price. </strong><hr></blockquote>

The 3.0 liter inline 6 in the BMW makes 225 hp.


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post #106 of 201
12/19/01 at 3:04pm
[quote]Originally posted by Jonathan:
<strong>

The 3.0 liter inline 6 in the BMW makes 225 hp.


</strong><hr></blockquote>

a 2.0 honda makes 240

whats yer point...?
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post #107 of 201
12/19/01 at 4:00pm
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>G4dude, the 300m is definitely a fine car, but I have noticed that a new one is almost 4 grand more than that Audi A4 1.8T that I test drove the other day. And Audi has 4 year 50K mile maintenance plan that inlcudes everything but the tires and windshields. That's a hard deal to pass up.
</strong><hr></blockquote>

I wasn't aware the Audi was so cheap. Indeed, that is a hard deal to pass up.
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post #108 of 201
12/19/01 at 5:36pm
[quote]Originally posted by G4Dude:
<strong>

I wasn't aware the Audi was so cheap. Indeed, that is a hard deal to pass up.</strong><hr></blockquote>

how much is it??

how bout a convertible w/ 240 hp, 0-60 in 5.5 and more maneuverable than almost anything other than a 911 (or w/in reasonable price) for 32k?
any takers?
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post #109 of 201
12/19/01 at 8:19pm
[quote]Said Sizzle:

All right, all right, the M3 is an exception. Can't a guy make a sweeping generalization any more? I've been hating on BMWs for so long that now that they finally make ONE car that basically beats all the German competition in its class, I can't see saying "BMWs suck.... except the M3." It's easier just to keep it simple! <hr></blockquote>

Look at the current model offerings across the board. Now look at all of BMWs model offerings. Lastly, look at when all the rest introduced their car in relation to when BMW introduced theirs. Done?

Then you will see that BMW has set the trend in their segment across the board. The 3-series is the most emulated car on the market: the C-Class, IS-300, A4, Infinity's new thing, and all the rest try to be the 3. And that's for good reason: it's the best!
Next you'll see the 5-series. It's balance between handling dynamics and luxury set the bar higher than any other company could reach. The E-class, GS300/400, A6, etc... all tried and failed. The 5 series continually beats the competition in comparison tests across the board.
The 7-series. This one is not as definitive as the 3 and 5, but in terms of sport/luxury, it again set the standard. The new S-class tried to match it, as did the (awesome) A8. I won't even comment on the bloated new LS430. And just watch how iDrive in the new 7 is copied. It blows Mercedes' COMMAND out of the water! If only they had made the back of the new 7 as pretty as the rest of the car...
X5? Just clearly the best SUV out there. Handles like a BMW sedan, which is to say that it handles like the best cars on the road. It's stylish, comfortable, and fast. Watch all the next SUVs try to blend what it has.
The M line has caused every competitive company to create or adopt a similar brand. Mercedes bought AMG, Audi created the S line, Lexus is supposedly working on their own versions, and Infinity is too. BMW completely led the pack.

So what is it about BMWs that makes your Chest Sizzle? Much like Apple, they innovate beyond the competition in ways the others could only dream of. BMW = IBM. Please.

QED Pook :cool:
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post #110 of 201
12/19/01 at 8:38pm
[quote]Originally posted by PookJP:
<strong>

Look at the current model offerings across the board. Now look at all of BMWs model offerings. Lastly, look at when all the rest introduced their car in relation to when BMW introduced theirs. Done?

Then you will see that BMW has set the trend in their segment across the board. The 3-series is the most emulated car on the market: the C-Class, IS-300, A4, Infinity's new thing, and all the rest try to be the 3. And that's for good reason: it's the best!
Next you'll see the 5-series. It's balance between handling dynamics and luxury set the bar higher than any other company could reach. The E-class, GS300/400, A6, etc... all tried and failed. The 5 series continually beats the competition in comparison tests across the board.
The 7-series. This one is not as definitive as the 3 and 5, but in terms of sport/luxury, it again set the standard. The new S-class tried to match it, as did the (awesome) A8. I won't even comment on the bloated new LS430. And just watch how iDrive in the new 7 is copied. It blows Mercedes' COMMAND out of the water! If only they had made the back of the new 7 as pretty as the rest of the car...
X5? Just clearly the best SUV out there. Handles like a BMW sedan, which is to say that it handles like the best cars on the road. It's stylish, comfortable, and fast. Watch all the next SUVs try to blend what it has.
The M line has caused every competitive company to create or adopt a similar brand. Mercedes bought AMG, Audi created the S line, Lexus is supposedly working on their own versions, and Infinity is too. BMW completely led the pack.

So what is it about BMWs that makes your Chest Sizzle? Much like Apple, they innovate beyond the competition in ways the others could only dream of. BMW = IBM. Please.

QED Pook :cool: </strong><hr></blockquote>

well yes, but its still no hyundai


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post #111 of 201
12/20/01 at 7:38am


It's sometimes like a cart actually.
But not quite at the same speed level though.

I did not mind to test drive the BMW Z8, which is sort of family to a Mini driver. I happen to know a big girl with a load of a big purse who actually owns a Z8! :eek:



But when I had to pay the bill after our pit stop for fuel, I was less happy. <img src="graemlins/hmmm.gif" border="0" alt="[Hmmm]" />

Anyway, you all are thinking about 550bHP cars in a 55mph country, isn't that a bit weard?

There is no speed limit in this country, however more than 90 per cent of the German Autobahn limit the maximum pace on a local basis, but it IS fun to drive at 150-160 mph while both lanes are empty. Granted.

[ 12-20-2001: Message edited by: Kate ]</p>
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post #112 of 201
12/21/01 at 12:34am
[quote]Originally posted by _ alliance _:
<strong>

how much is it??


</strong><hr></blockquote>

I test drove an Audi A4 1.8T that pretty much loaded for 28k. The 325i that I looked at would be about 1.5k more.
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post #113 of 201
12/21/01 at 9:34am
[quote]Originally posted by ctt1wbw:
<strong>

I test drove an Audi A4 1.8T that pretty much loaded for 28k. The 325i that I looked at would be about 1.5k more.</strong><hr></blockquote>

not too bad i suppose, but if i ever spend that much money on an audi or bmw, it better be for an S4, or M3 cause really those others just aint worth it in my book. w/ what i have now, i can outperform all of those and keep up w/ the S4 and M3 for 3/4th of the price...
but hey, to each his own i guess...
german engineering is great, but there are still better and cheaper alternatives out there.
even so, i might eventually buy a german car one of these days...once i have a job that pays better than $8/hr and after grad school is paid off.
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post #114 of 201
12/21/01 at 10:31am
Well, the Navy is finally starting to pay well. After 14 years, my base pay will be 2500 per month plus some other stuff added on to that, so a 28-30k car will be the limit I will go for.

There was an ///M-3 inside the showroom at the dealer. It was only 52k. So I ordered a couple...
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post #115 of 201
12/21/01 at 3:24pm
That brings up a question I've always wondered about. How much is the "right amount" to spend on a car? I knew a girl making under $20k who bought a car that cost her eighteen months' salary. I also know a one-income married couple driving around in over a hundred grand worth of SUVs.

But if I bought a car that cost me even a year's salary I'd feel like I was being too extravagant. Seems to me that a car that cost 2-3 months' salary "felt" about right to me.

And of course, the more money you make, I guess the lower percentage of your salary it seems reasonable to spend on a car. Should a guy making $100k buy a car that costs $100k?

I guess if you're a real car enthusiast, there's nothing wrong with spending a couple years' salary on your car (or cars), since it's not only your transportation but also your "hobby."

Thoughts?
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post #116 of 201
12/27/01 at 11:11am
I got my M3 for 32k (out the door). I was planning on paying more than that, because I originally set out to buy a new M.

I found my limit when the sales guys were selling the M3s w/a 5-10k markup. Hell No! Thats just on principle.

In place of the E46 M3, I am spending money on a European motor for my E36. In the end, Ill have more HP and less weight than the new M3.

As you can tell, I love cars. So for me the right amount to spend is much higher than some others. My dad and brother both see cars as simply a means of transportation. My Dad is perfectly happy to drive a 4cyl Camry. Hmmm, I dont get it, but to each his own.
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post #117 of 201
12/27/01 at 11:18am
My name implies the car I will eventually own for a weekend joyride.

Probably a late stingray model. '78 - '82 maybe.

And for them day-to-day cars how about a ML Benz for the new england weather and a Benz S600 for the family
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post #118 of 201
12/27/01 at 12:26pm
An S600 Mercedes... Hmmm, I've got a spare 125k to spend on a car. I got that in quarters lying around here somewhere...
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post #119 of 201
12/27/01 at 12:57pm
[quote]Originally posted by corvette:
<strong>My name implies the car I will eventually own for a weekend joyride.

Probably a late stingray model. '78 - '82 maybe.

And for them day-to-day cars how about a ML Benz for the new england weather and a Benz S600 for the family </strong><hr></blockquote>

ugh...
mercedes are the most overpriced cars there are...
yeah, theyre nice and all, but not worth the $$.
look at the SLK...the 230 model is like 40-50k, and has 190 hp fer crying out loud. my 14k integra can take that POS...and dont even bring in how badly my S2k would tear it apart in every way...what a joke...
yeah, it looks cool, but yer paying insane amounts of $$ fer the name alone.
if u want to spend alot of money on a good german car, get a BMW or audi or somthin...
i dont see mercedes as really being worth it unless u want to look rich...
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post #120 of 201
12/27/01 at 1:14pm
Sorry, my van still proves to be more reliable than all of your cars. There aren't any distractions at all. The radio doesn't work (and hasn't for years), the lights in the car don't work (and haven't for years), the car doesn't go above 80 without feeling like it's going to break apart (the spedometer only goes to 100 MPH and that's in the 'red zone').

Plus, I have over 100,000 miles on the van and have never been in an accident, been pulled over for speeding, or blown a tire.

Face it, my van rocks, and your cars are nothing like mine at all. If I ever totalled my car (which would be pretty hard to do any way), it would be much less devestating than if any of you totalled your fancy 'pretty boy' cars. Plus, in Massachusetts (worst drivers in the northeast), other cars avoid mine like the plague.

Plus, it's a true American vehicle. What more could you want?
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