KL2DC
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- Joined
- Jul 14, 2006
- Messages
- 1,788
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Closing in on 10k miles on the clock....
I am learning more about the car's characteristics...I feel this car is set up more as an autobahn cruiser/stormer than a backroad carver. I find this car really comes into its elements at steady high-speed cruise. It just gobbles up miles effortlessly and competently. At speed, everything starts to make sense...the firm yet compliant ride, the seat design, the steering feel/ratio, the transmission even those darn RFTs....it's pretty darn good!! Even the dash layout/design is set up for this, true it lacks the sporty and intimate cockpit feel of the E46 but adter many miles/hours behind the wheel, you'd appreciate the airy expanse of the front cockpit and the minimalist design is more soothing.
On a tighter course, the E90's got a few things going against it (to make it short of perfection). Its weight, dimensions and refinement. Here, I find the E46 is livelier and lighter on its feet...especially in tight autocross style courses/turns. I also find the E46 more communicative in steering, seat of pants and sounds. Don't get me wrong, the E90 is very competent especially with the sport suspension...it will take all types of corners with much speed and capabilities. And the steering feel is still best in class in weight and feedback. Also the 6-speed Step in DS mode picks up the revs of the N52 well enough. But I must concede that the E46 is a little bit more entertaining.
After 7 months of ownership, I still feel the magic of the car. The car is still a joy to drive long after the honeymoon is over. The exhaust and engine note has gotten louder (sportier) and the suspension has settled in and is a bit more compliant (a plus when tackling DC streets). I took the long scenic way to the office this morning: I took some curvy back roads on this fine autumn Friday morning. The air was crisp (OBC says 9 deg celcius), the moonroof was open, the AC and radio was off, the sky was blue and the sun was shining, highlighting the color of the leaves which has begun to turn. I left the car in DS as I snaked through the parkway and reveled at the exhaust note bouncing off the stonewalls/bridge. It was very nice
Problems? I have some new rattles for my SA to hunt and rectify (dreaded B-pillar clicking). I still need to monitor oil consumption but it is levelling off. The car is wearing well...still looks as good as the first day off the lot. New car smell has gone down though
I am learning more about the car's characteristics...I feel this car is set up more as an autobahn cruiser/stormer than a backroad carver. I find this car really comes into its elements at steady high-speed cruise. It just gobbles up miles effortlessly and competently. At speed, everything starts to make sense...the firm yet compliant ride, the seat design, the steering feel/ratio, the transmission even those darn RFTs....it's pretty darn good!! Even the dash layout/design is set up for this, true it lacks the sporty and intimate cockpit feel of the E46 but adter many miles/hours behind the wheel, you'd appreciate the airy expanse of the front cockpit and the minimalist design is more soothing.
On a tighter course, the E90's got a few things going against it (to make it short of perfection). Its weight, dimensions and refinement. Here, I find the E46 is livelier and lighter on its feet...especially in tight autocross style courses/turns. I also find the E46 more communicative in steering, seat of pants and sounds. Don't get me wrong, the E90 is very competent especially with the sport suspension...it will take all types of corners with much speed and capabilities. And the steering feel is still best in class in weight and feedback. Also the 6-speed Step in DS mode picks up the revs of the N52 well enough. But I must concede that the E46 is a little bit more entertaining.
After 7 months of ownership, I still feel the magic of the car. The car is still a joy to drive long after the honeymoon is over. The exhaust and engine note has gotten louder (sportier) and the suspension has settled in and is a bit more compliant (a plus when tackling DC streets). I took the long scenic way to the office this morning: I took some curvy back roads on this fine autumn Friday morning. The air was crisp (OBC says 9 deg celcius), the moonroof was open, the AC and radio was off, the sky was blue and the sun was shining, highlighting the color of the leaves which has begun to turn. I left the car in DS as I snaked through the parkway and reveled at the exhaust note bouncing off the stonewalls/bridge. It was very nice
Problems? I have some new rattles for my SA to hunt and rectify (dreaded B-pillar clicking). I still need to monitor oil consumption but it is levelling off. The car is wearing well...still looks as good as the first day off the lot. New car smell has gone down though
