RE: PH Blog: heart versus head
Discussion
RedSwede said:
Comparing a previous gen 1-series M-Sport with a GTI MK5 Edition 30.
I absolutely agree that in a lot of ways, the subjective appeal of the 1 was better. But the suspension settings were so bad in that BMW, that I could have never lived with it. It was sooo bouncy - every undulation took the car an extra "bounce" to settle down, and this made it particularly unpleasant over an undulating moorland road. To be clear, I'm not talking hard - hard is fine, and it wasn't hard - it was bouncy.
The Mk5 GTI didn't have this issue - that alone made it the better car for me.
Totally agree - that generation was not tested on real british roads. The new model has spent much development time in Wales. It is much better (I had a previous msport on 18's and it was a nightmare, almost un-drivable)I absolutely agree that in a lot of ways, the subjective appeal of the 1 was better. But the suspension settings were so bad in that BMW, that I could have never lived with it. It was sooo bouncy - every undulation took the car an extra "bounce" to settle down, and this made it particularly unpleasant over an undulating moorland road. To be clear, I'm not talking hard - hard is fine, and it wasn't hard - it was bouncy.
The Mk5 GTI didn't have this issue - that alone made it the better car for me.
I'm with Riggers on the "pointier but less surefooted" handling traits.
There's a quiet little roundabout just down the road from my flat, where I turn right. Regardless of my speed, or the weather, my 318ti will always just step out at the rear, by a few inches, before collecting herself on exit. Doesn't need any driver correction, and I doubt my passengers have ever noticed it happening. But it's a little gentle reminder that front wheels are for pointing, rear wheels are for pushing.
I don't want safe, predictable fun in my car. I just want Fun. Anything else is a compromise (...and an insult to my m4d sk1llz).
The M135i is almost certainly going to be my next purchase. Yes, the headlights are a bit gawky (the M kit helps a lot), but they've finally got the fastback profile right. It looks like a mini 3-Touring. And I really like the Polo-on-Steroids rear. And, yes, I'm a fanboy.
It totally concur with others though, the demise of the NA straight-6 is a major loss to motoring.
There's a quiet little roundabout just down the road from my flat, where I turn right. Regardless of my speed, or the weather, my 318ti will always just step out at the rear, by a few inches, before collecting herself on exit. Doesn't need any driver correction, and I doubt my passengers have ever noticed it happening. But it's a little gentle reminder that front wheels are for pointing, rear wheels are for pushing.
I don't want safe, predictable fun in my car. I just want Fun. Anything else is a compromise (...and an insult to my m4d sk1llz).
The M135i is almost certainly going to be my next purchase. Yes, the headlights are a bit gawky (the M kit helps a lot), but they've finally got the fastback profile right. It looks like a mini 3-Touring. And I really like the Polo-on-Steroids rear. And, yes, I'm a fanboy.
It totally concur with others though, the demise of the NA straight-6 is a major loss to motoring.
Well I have an E92 2.5 I6 which I chose mainly because of the engine (with added BMW Performance Exhaust) and to me BMW have lost the ISP that would keep ME loyal to the brand - I don't want a turbo I6/I4 or a diesel whatever series they offer it in.
My £25k would go to a second hand 996 with Hartech engine rebuild factored in and low depreciation offset against added fuel costs.
My £25k would go to a second hand 996 with Hartech engine rebuild factored in and low depreciation offset against added fuel costs.
Oddball RS said:
Its such a pretty car,
No i'm sorry i'm laughing already, please also remember those that are throwing figures around, i have yet to drive a BMW that gets near its 'quoted' figures thats performance or economy.
"pretty car": has to be said in an Italian accent, in the Alps in the sun...No i'm sorry i'm laughing already, please also remember those that are throwing figures around, i have yet to drive a BMW that gets near its 'quoted' figures thats performance or economy.
Kolbenkopp said:
Totally agree on the heart vs. head bit: IMVHO, cars today are objectively speaking so good that all of the "getting from A to B", running costs, practicality and other issues etc. are pretty much irrelevant and the "seemingly inconsequential matters of personal taste" become the really important, deciding factors.
With the two boxes discussed it would have to be the Golf, simply because I find the styling less offensive and there's otherwise not much in it.
The real winner would be an E87 130i though. How much are these in the UK at the moment? Probably less than a week of depreciation on either a new Golf or 1-Series...
I sold mine last year, a 56 reg with 30k on the clock for 11k. I think I did well considering what they go for now. It was a brilliant car except it was stiffer than a 14year old on a nudist beach. Speed bumps required crawling over. The engine was a total gem and it felt a whole lot more plush inside than a mates R32. Definately recommend but better if you live out of town. With the two boxes discussed it would have to be the Golf, simply because I find the styling less offensive and there's otherwise not much in it.
The real winner would be an E87 130i though. How much are these in the UK at the moment? Probably less than a week of depreciation on either a new Golf or 1-Series...
cris9964 said:
I'm with Riggers... I really like them in the flesh.
Just ordered this car. Speaking with a good friend at BMW HQ this engine (I know 4 cyl but thats progress I suppose), is brand new, full of their best tech and occupies a good middle ground in terms of performance.
I'm using it for local driving and the view on the 135i is absolutely quicker and more evocative, but 80kgs more over the front wheels, and an economy headache. I also have 2 kids and four doors would be nice..(135i, no rear doors).
Added into this, sub 5% APR PCP deals right now on the 4 cyl model and its a no brainer. Im not into the estoril blue, so toned the colour down and I think its a bit of a sleeper.
Runflats will be off asap and I think it could "chip" nicely, looking at the output of the new 328i (4cyl!) - fully insured of course -
m135i is available in 3 and 5 door mateJust ordered this car. Speaking with a good friend at BMW HQ this engine (I know 4 cyl but thats progress I suppose), is brand new, full of their best tech and occupies a good middle ground in terms of performance.
I'm using it for local driving and the view on the 135i is absolutely quicker and more evocative, but 80kgs more over the front wheels, and an economy headache. I also have 2 kids and four doors would be nice..(135i, no rear doors).
Added into this, sub 5% APR PCP deals right now on the 4 cyl model and its a no brainer. Im not into the estoril blue, so toned the colour down and I think its a bit of a sleeper.
Runflats will be off asap and I think it could "chip" nicely, looking at the output of the new 328i (4cyl!) - fully insured of course -
Edited by cris9964 on Thursday 28th June 11:14
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