Thank you again guys for your wonderful welcoming greets, so this is what BMW Club Malaysia is all about, truly magnificent car club indeed.
BTW, here goes my unrefined and unprofessional but honest review of my E90 325i (Titanium Silver, 2006, Sport Package) after driving it for two weeks (my trip from KL to Terengganu and around K. Trg city).
1. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
The car does not let a lot of noise to come into the cabin. It feels a bit weird after driving Proton Perdana V6 with Evo II engine (4G63T) and LSD gearbox. Initially, it feels too quiet but after a while, it is so calm to be inside the cabin although outside, storm is coming out from the inline-6 N52 engine, hehe. No vibration at all detected inside the cabin until today, that includes squeaking sound too. Ride can be a bit harsh at times but this is understandable due to the sport package (17" wheels, type 161 and sport suspension)
2. Powerplant
As mentioned above, my previous car is a Proton Perdana with Evo II engine plus an LSD gearbox so I don't really feel the awesomeness of the N52 engine. The engine seems to take quite sometime to reach the RPM limiter and the torque does not push you to the seat like 4G63T does. Nevertheless, this is not a problem for me. Those days are history. I want to enjoy the legendary handling, high-tech gadgetries and silky smooth N52 engine rather than brutal and fierce breakneck acceleration of 4G63T.
3. Handling
Hmmm.. how do I say this.. I think I need more time to adapt myself with the RWD and heavy body. I still can't take corner in a right line as I can feel the body is so heavy and might actually bring me to the next lane if I push it too hard. Driving in rain, DSC does not even blink a single time, so not too sure if everything is okay. Guess I need more time to learn on how to handle RWD. Last time I test drove Mitsubishi Evo X and Mercedes C-Class C230, it feels more natural to me. Weird but I just need more time to familiarize myself with this new machine.
4. Problems
No problem at all after two weeks and hopefully it stays in that condition in coming years.
5. Ownership experience
It does feel special to drive a BMW. Logos all over the car and on the steering wheel keeps reminding you that you are driving one of the finest machine in the world and it does make you smile from time to time when you are driving it. My advise, just make sure you avoid from being labelled as a nutcase due to this 'auto smiling phenomenon.
Last but not least, with supportive and friendly members in BMW Club Malaysia, it makes you feel that it so worth it in your effort to own the car.
Take care guys and drive safely!
