3 Series Ultimate Drive San Francisco

I did the "Ultimate Drive" autocross with the E90 sport package/steptronic transmission car today. The instructors were race car drivers (including 24 hrs. of LeMans champion Davy Jones), and we did autocross laps in a cone-demarcated course that was probably less than 0.5 miles in circumference. In addition to the 330i E90s (with Active Steering) we each got a lap in an Infiniti G35 and an Audi A4 quattro with the 3.2 liter V6. There was some "coaching" from the event staff, but there was unanimous agreement among the students/customers that the 330i was the best car through the course. Each of the competitors cars was outfitted similarly to the E90 (with Sport Package), but the Audi plowed through the twisties while the Infiniti floated and oversteered.

Many of us pushed the cars beyond our own limits, activating the stability control systems. The whole thing was LOTS of fun, and I'm even MORE impatient now about my new baby that arrives in port about July 18.

Reply » 3 Series Ultimate Drive San Francisco

I was at the event on Friday also (9am autocross) and it was a real eye-opener to do the comparison of the 330i to the G35 and A4 -- the Infiniti and Audi weren't dumbed-down versions either... they were both top of the line with sport packages.

I already own an E90 and the event just confirmed/reinforced my confidence in BMW producing the best driver's cars. Compared with the Audi and Infiniti, the 330 was much more responsive and gave much better feedback. I was really really suprised about how sloppy and sloshy the Infiniti felt -- the car was all over the track and very hard to handle.

Another suprise was how much I loved the active steering. I was having a bit of a second though on choosing that option, but now I'm completely sold on it.

Afterwards, I also did a few "test drives" in a 7mile loop in an X5, x3, and 6-series... The 6... wow. Can't imagine what the M6 is going to be like...

Great event BMW!

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Here are some picts:

Reply » 3 Series Ultimate Drive San Francisco

did they allow walkins for this event?

Reply » 3 Series Ultimate Drive San Francisco

It's too bad they didn't have g35coupes on hand instead. I don't think anyone in their right mind considers the G35 sedan in the same league. Sure, that says a lot about the E90, but I'm not surprised at all by the results. I drope a couple at pretty high speeds through some very twisy roads in the santa cruz mountains and it just laughed at me and asked 'is that all you got? bring it on'. Floaty was far from the opinion I had.

I'm sure the E92 will be even better, can't wait for that comparison

-Mike

Reply » 3 Series Ultimate Drive San Francisco

I was on the event today. I agree with CalfeeRider about the G35 and A4 Quattro handling was not up to par compared with 330i w/ SP. Most of the driver have the similar opinions. I was riding with Davy Jones for a few laps and when his turn to drive, he whipped to the slalom course like swiss knife, very precise. I was sliding side to side on the back seat.
There wasn't that much coaching on course this year compared from last year.

New things I noticed. The window controls were relocated on the door panel. The lock/unlock button is on the dashboard panel. I like liked the new key fob and the push start button..very cool.

There is only one quesiton they could not answer.
Where is the OIL FILTER located? I thought the oil filter was on the same location but it's water pump instead.

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