Stutopia Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 (edited) WARNING: There's no conclusion or questions to this, just my ramblings on the car I had to ferry 3 colleagues to Birmingham as part of working this weekend, which meant the Zed got a rest and Enterprise got a phone call. The upshot, I met a beautiful young lady in a car park who gave me... the keys to a 2014 BMW 320D M-Sport Automatic. I was very pleased to get something new (to me) as I've never been given the keys to a Beemer and I was also worried I might get a Vauxhall! Obviously you all know that looking directly at a 3 Series (the one you think is yours amongst all the others) doesn't exactly make your tummystick tingle. The "roar" of diesel being warmed up 'til it burps into life isn't quite the same as the bark of igniting the Zed either. I actually found the Start button a bit irritating, as I wanted somewhere in the dash to put the keys but for them not rattle or slide around. I don't drive with a coat on and you have to get them out to unlock it, but then there's nowhere for them to sit I also still don't know why you have to press it twice to switch it off??? I'm sure keys were working fine. There was some fairly irritating tramlining, but I think a change of rubber might help there. I also saw the traction light more times in three days that I have in three winter months on the Zed, which is beyond my comprehension (maybe the winter rubber on the Zed ???). However, the BMW has that "good" TC that allows you to keep pressing on, whereas the Zed stops you where you are and gives you a bo!!ocking before letting you go on - I guess that's just 10 years of technology it's missing. Last of my moans was the diesel grumble that never seems to totally go away, even while cruising it is a bit irritating - I'm sure the zorst on the Zed is a lot louder, but it seems a whole more interesting to hear. However... The ease of having only two pedals around town was great. I also fell for the nav/stereo/everything display, controlled by the all ruling MEGA DIAL. Having a quaint rear seating area is an interesting touch, I can certainly see the benefit of from time to time. The giant boot was amazeballz when I had to take something to the tip, but having said that, if it was my BMW, that filthy waste wouldn't have gone anywhere near the boot I also enjoyed spending 30 odd quid getting to Brum and back instead of 60. Something I didn't expect to like, but actually did, was the d!cking about with Sport/Comfort/etc modes. At first I couldn't figure out why you wouldn't just live in sport mode and simply go easy on the right foot when you weren't pushing, but the comfort mode softened the throttle response off really nicely and it didn't hold on to the gear quite so aggressively either, which made the proceedings a chunk more relaxing when I was just pootling about town with passengers. I also liked how much of our crap roads it soaked up without me noticing. I soon cut down scanning the road surface as much as I do in the Zed. What I liked most was the auto box, and not just in town. I've driven autos before, but only in a Camaro and an Insignia - both of which were a bit slow and clunky when responding to sharp jabs of my right foot at roundabouts and the like. However, I was super impressed by the auto in the BMW. I think it had at least 12 gears, as it was always shifting, particularly when you stick the foot in on the motorway for an overtake. But it was so quick and smooth the frequent changes didn't bother me. In fact, even with it normally dropping two cogs and that slight auto delay when you request maximum warp, it felt as quick as shifting down with a blip in the Zed and pulling out - though nowhere near as tuneful or satisfying The feature where you can flip it left and have a little sequential fun is something I'd like to spend more time with to see if it's proper or a novelty. All in all, I wanted to be a bit hipster about the 320D and BMW in general, but by Monday afternoon I was definitely sad giving her back - until I saw it next to the Zed at least - but I couldn't fault it for anything big and even the little niggles are things I'm sure I'd adapt to. I think I've learnt that I enjoy very much an auto box and a bit more comfort and modernity in the cabin than the Zed. I couldn't imagine selling her for a 320D but the 335D or 335i could find me reaching for my wallet, though I'd want to test drive a Jaaaag XF too before I keyed in my PIN. Would the super MPG of an oil burner versus a petrol make up for the less good noise? Maybe an auto 370 would give me the step up in interior quality and switch to auto I enjoyed this weekend, but would also still deliver the sense of theatre and a proper sound - albeit without the rear seats or big boot. Maybe an Infiniti G37 would be worth a test drive too? In the car park before the BMW went home, if it was just a charm and beauty contest I wouldn't need long to know which keys I was reaching for Any thoughts or suggestions for future cars welcome... Edited February 10, 2015 by SuperStu 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Haha I'm falling for a 335i auto even though I haven't driven one yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 Lot of cars could tempt me away from the Zed, ...for instance my old man has an 07 BMW 335ci, very capable car and if it was modded would probably wipe the floor with my supercharged Zed quite easily. They just don't have the looks though or the rarity so for now I'm happy just to day dream. Definitely think my next car's going to be German though, ...unless by some miracle I can get the funds together for an R35 GTR. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted February 10, 2015 Author Share Posted February 10, 2015 (edited) I'm always browsing Auto Trader but nothing's stirred me yet, coming up on 2 brilliant years with the Zed so I no longer feel guilty about making eyes at other cars, but everytime I think about selling her when I'm actually behind the wheel, I can't shake the feeling I'd regret it Edited February 10, 2015 by SuperStu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 I'm always browsing Auto Trader but nothing's stirred me yet, coming up on 2 brilliant years with the Zed so I no longer feel guilty about making eyes at other cars, but everytime I think about selling her when I'm actually behind the wheel, I can't shake the feeling I'd regret it Have to admit even with what I've done to my Zed I still cheat on it a little and browse Autotrader & Pistonheads, ....it's like porn for petrol heads. Last months fetish was the 2006/7 Audi RS4 as I'd really like to get a 4wd again and would love to scratch my V8 itch especially after hearing Dan's (Ekona's) V8 BMW & Lexx's old VXR8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 Mmmmmmm V8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne370Z Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) The wife has a diesel Mokka and I have to say I love how it only costs pretty much exactly half as much in fuel when ever we go anywhere in that instead of the Zed and only having to cough up £30 come road tax renewal time. However, I`ve often said to her if it comes to a time when we only have one car I`ll be deciding which one we keep and I won`t be getting rid of the Zed ...... Edited February 11, 2015 by Wayne370Z 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Last months fetish was the 2006/7 Audi RS4 as I'd really like to get a 4wd again and would love to scratch my V8 itch especially after hearing Dan's (Ekona's) V8 BMW & Lexx's old VXR8. You really should, it was part of the attraction of the car just to say I'd owned one 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwra Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) Good review that, Ive had a few 320d's as hire cars (and have driven just about everything else BMW sell) and they are bloody good cars, it has to be said. You mention the Jag XF, for me its the only real competitor - the Audis and Mercs look nice but are a bit bargey without being as nice to be in as the Jag, Fords/Vauxhalls and Jap iron dont have the quality and anything you actually lust after will not be as practical. If youre doing any kind of miles then fuel is a consideration, the big V8s are awesome but 15-18mpg puts a heavy strain on the wallet, even with cheap fuels these days. The Mk7 Golf and M135i are well worth a look on that account, nearly as quick and nearly as practical as an RS4 but 35+mpg all day long cant be ignored. Edited February 11, 2015 by docwra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 (edited) Last months fetish was the 2006/7 Audi RS4 as I'd really like to get a 4wd again and would love to scratch my V8 itch especially after hearing Dan's (Ekona's) V8 BMW & Lexx's old VXR8. You really should, it was part of the attraction of the car just to say I'd owned one Surely a V8 has to be american before you can properly tick it off? :stir: Edited February 11, 2015 by SuperStu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Ye bought a 330ci M Sport convertible, pleased with it, but its not a Zed I'll use it for the Summer and hopefully 370 may have dropped as bit by then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted February 11, 2015 Share Posted February 11, 2015 Last months fetish was the 2006/7 Audi RS4 as I'd really like to get a 4wd again and would love to scratch my V8 itch especially after hearing Dan's (Ekona's) V8 BMW & Lexx's old VXR8. You really should, it was part of the attraction of the car just to say I'd owned one Surely a V8 has to be american before you can properly tick it off? :stir: Don't agree with that and I'm pretty sure Dan will agree with me on this that it doesn't have to be an American V8 to be ticked off the list, ...especially as both us will no doubt want to go round corners at some point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 ...anything you actually lust after will not be as practical. Very succinctly put, I'd never actually made that connection before, though it seems obvious now Now I know that, I actually need two cars, plus a track toy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted February 11, 2015 Author Share Posted February 11, 2015 Last months fetish was the 2006/7 Audi RS4 as I'd really like to get a 4wd again and would love to scratch my V8 itch especially after hearing Dan's (Ekona's) V8 BMW & Lexx's old VXR8. You really should, it was part of the attraction of the car just to say I'd owned one Surely a V8 has to be american before you can properly tick it off? :stir: Don't agree with that and I'm pretty sure Dan will agree with me on this that it doesn't have to be an American V8 to be ticked off the list, ...especially as both us will no doubt want to go round corners at some point. Of course mate, V8 magic is V8 magic, whatever the origin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 I dunno, I can almost see his point on that one: A Euro V8 just doesn't have the same magic as a Yank one. The only exception is when you go into the Italian V8s that rev to high heaven, as they really are something special but completely different. But yeah, for me a V8 is a V8. I guess it'd be like saying the V6 in the Zed isn't a proper one as a V6 should be Italian... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 V6 - Japanese. Flat 6 or straight 6 - German V8 - American V12 - Italian though the Germans have made a good go of a V10 as well - all of them are made by Germans, or owned by Germans! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 I4 = GB I6/B6 = German V6 = Italian V8 = US V10 = I can't call this one: The V10 in the CGT, the V10 in the LFA and the V10 in the Viper are all special! Let's call it a draw. V12 = Italian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brillomaster Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Nothing for the Japanese? Alright, in that case, i'll award NA engines to Italians, if the Japanese can have turbos. And the Americans can have superchargers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 Sold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docwra Posted February 12, 2015 Share Posted February 12, 2015 (edited) I dunno, I can almost see his point on that one: A Euro V8 just doesn't have the same magic as a Yank one. The noise my Range Rover makes ......... Oh, and this Edited February 12, 2015 by docwra 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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