German Car Zone

Yesterday I attended the BMW Ultimate Drive event which benefits the Susan G Komen foundation for breast cancer. For every mile you drive BMW donates a dollar to the foundation. Its a fun way to drive various BMW cars for a good cause. I go every year they have it. I'll just get it out the way up front, I didn't get a chance to take any pics! Sorry. Anyway I drove the X6 35i, 650i Coupe, and 335i Convertible.

The X6 is the one that I'd been wanting to drive the most. Its like driving a tallish coupe. That BMW feel is immediate the moment you drive off. Its light on its feet, agile and ready to play. Putting your foot down produces a delay that you don't get in naturally aspirated engine, is it turbo lag or just the tranny trying to find the right gear? Dunno. Anyway its pretty much like driving a sportier, small X5, just what BMW intended. The interior on all these cars are Black with aluminum, not my preferred combo. You don't get to see the real beauty of this interior, another German charcoal bin when done up like this. Still don't like Idrive, it is way behind Mercedes' and Audi's take on the theme. Thank goodness an update is coming.

The real joy here is driving. I can't believe how tossable the X6 is. I wouldn't have dared do the things I did on a public road with any other SUV. You literally can fling this thing around once you get used to the tall ride height. The way it drives and looks is worth all the other little compromises it presents. There is decent room in the back, but not an inch more. The ride is smooth and it doesn't lumber like 99 percent of SUVs do. Only when you encounter certain types of bumps can you tell you aren't driving a regular "car". That said I want one. I have to drive the Cayenne GTS though.


Next up was the 650i. Been wanting to drive this thing for years. It is just my type of car, 2-doors, stylish and exclusive compared to the sea of BMW sedans on the road. Power, oh man the power. 360hp will get your attention very quickly. There is a section of road on the route where you can get up some real speed very quickly, but you have to brake really hard before cresting a hill (or you risk a ticket). Normally I can do about 50-60 mph in my car, but I was able to do 70+ in a quick short burst and then tuck it in at 40 mph for the law sitting there. AMAZING. Driving this car I'm reminded where there is a BMW and Mercedes-Benz in this world. A BMW feels light and playful, a Mercedes is more buttoned down and serious, heavy feeling. This is way it should always be, no need for them to try and emulate or beat each other at their own game. I tried waiting for the 650i Convertible but the line was just too long.

I noticed that you sit far back and deep/down low, and deep in the 6-Series. The dash seems very far away compared to my car. Disconcerting at first, but you soon adjust and styling flying. Needless to say the 650i is seriously fun and is capble of taking you to jail very fast. Either for speeding or crossing a 4-lane highway in a single swoop. BMW chassis control is ridiculous. The 650i is not a light car, but you sure wouldn't know it the way it drives, at least on a public road. Still don't like idrive, and the trunklid is still the single most jarring feature to ever mess up an overal good looking car. I need the convertible.


Last but not least was the 335i convertible. The transmission seems to hunt around for gears a little bit more than I remember, and there is some turbo lag compared to a naturally aspirated BMW engine when you demand big power in a hurry. BMW has otherwise tuned the hell out of this engine and its exhaust, great sound and what a shove in the back. Very little if any cowl shake and it handles like its on rails. I raced some of the other participants and only the guy in the 550i could really do anything. Impressive. I really could see myself with a 335i Convertible or a 650i convertible....hmmmmm. Probably the 650i.


They had an M3 there, but it was "reserved" all day! I only saw it once, then it was gone. They had nearly every BMW there except the M5 and M6. There was even an B7 there. Yikes, just hearing it take off was enough for me. It too had long sign out sheet and I didn't have all day. Still don't like the 1-Series, sagging side crease and homely front end do it in for me. The 135i I heard people raving about. The X5 wasn't very popular with the X6 present. Understanable.

Had a great time on a compressed schedule. Pics next time!


M

foundation for breast cancer - I wish they arranged a thing like that in Sweden. Its a nice thing to do.

I'm glad you liked the X6. When I drove it two months ago I was equally amazed and dazzled by it's capabilities. It's a very special car and the X6-M should truly be an astonishing car.

No, ...

X6 is just a very non-BMW truck nobody asked for.

The X6 is pointless on paper, but you forget about all the jazz once you see and drive it. Most of the world's greatest cars are the same way.

M

I got an email today from the local dealer that sponsored the event:


Hi Marcus,

My name is Andre Sneed and I am a Client Advisor at Bill Jacobs BMW. I’m writing to thank you for participating in “Drive For The Cure” to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on Friday, August 1, 2008.

The total money raised for Susan G. Komen For The Cure from this Event was $7,641.00 with 6,013 test drive miles driven and $128.00 in donations.

We at Bill Jacobs BMW want to ensure that you always feel comfortable contacting us for all of your BMW sales, service or parts needs. We at Bill Jacobs BMW look forward to a continued, strong relationship with you.

I am very confident I can fit your needs and wants concerning any new or pre-driven vehicle you are looking for. I am confident I can put you behind the wheel of one in no time!

My clients enjoy an up-front HASSLE-FREE experience. If I can be of any assistance, please contact me either by email or phone at your earliest convenience!

Thank You!

Andre Sneed
Internet Client Advisor
Bill Jacobs BMW | MINI


Keep in mind this was just one day 10AM - 5PM of test drives.


M

Oh, well, some are actually asking for it...

Footballers' wives? Victoria Beckham & Co.?