Test drove some BM's on Friday

[msm]

Last Friday one of the guys at work arranged a BMW run to Magalies and we got to drive some awesome machinery. Thought I'd post some of my driving impressions on the cars:

The list was:
320d Auto (Standard)
X1 2.0d Auto (Standard)
X3 3.5i Auto
530d Auto Sport
125i Convertable

Spent about 15-20mins in each car, except for the 125i. Decided to drive the 530d again instead of the 125i

So here's my impressions:

320d:
Was surprised at the tractability of the newer motors. Pulls quite cleanly from low down - a hint of lag, but nothing serious. Car was standard and not much to write home about. In/around traffic when we were in Centurion, the car felt quite nice with a decent ride. On the freeway, it was cr@p - PERIOD. My E46 has a smoother and quieter ride. Spent about 15 mins on the highway and was glad to get out.

X1 2.0d:
Pointless car. Feels like a higher, cheaper 3 series. Marginally better ride than the 320d.

X3 3.5i Auto
Awesome car. Miles ahead of the previous X3 - feels a bit like the old X5, but more planted. We got to some twisty bits and needed to overtake some trucks when I got into this thing. Engine pulls very cleanly from idle right through to the red line. New 8 speed auto box shifts very quickly and smoothly. Only downside is that when you play with the flappy paddles, 8 gears feels like too much, but I guess that due to the engines great flexibility. I did not expect much from this car, and it really surprised me. New iDrive is very nice and easy to use. The coolest thing was changing to sports mode and seeing which of the cars components get adjusted.

530d Auto Sport
Based on the "bloated" looks I was expecting a bit of a "boat like" ride... I was WRONG. This thing drives like a proper BMW - ended up spending almost 30 mins in this car. It feels relaxed when you ease off, but hit the accelerator and it feels like a sports car again. The ride is very comfortable yet firm enough around corners. Would make a perfect daily driver :mmm: - relax when you need to and enjoy it when the roads are quiet. As expected the 3.0d engine is superb and the 8 speed box is the perfect match for it too. iDrive same as the X3 - very good.


So flame away ... these were my impressions of the limited cars driven back to back. Of the lot, I would take a 530d Auto as my perfect daily car.

 

[MikeR]

:thumbsup: what you have said is about the same impression I have - but I feel the 530d is bloated although good to drive. I would like to the the X3 on a long run

 

[msm]

but I feel the 530d is bloated although good to drive.

I drove the Sport model and I think that makes a huge difference to the handling. Did not drive a standard one, so can't compare :dunno:

 

[Sith]

Thanks for the impressions, really enjoyed reading them. The new X3 is getting a lot of praise, so must be a good package. Sure it's also stealing plenty sales from the X5 now. As for the 5, I prefer the looks to the e60, and expect it to be the usual good allrounder that all Fives have been. Have driven a few 320d's, they don't excite me, but imho are streets ahead of the petrol equivalent. Don't know too much about the X1, havn't bothered, just doesn't float my boat. Cheers