So I had to take my Z3 in for oil service yesterday. Turns out that there were some other problems. I needed some work on the steering system, new front tires, and wheel alignment. That meant I had to leave it overnight.
They gave me a 2007 328 as a loaner car. Whoa baby! Did that car drive smoothly! I even took a long way home so I could get some more driving time with it.
I currently have a 1992 BMW 325 that I've had for 12 years. I love it, but it's got over 100,000 miles on it and needs some work. Currently, I just drive it around town. I also drove it to Austin last year for the Blown-Eyed Blodger Meet. If I take my wheelchair anywhere, I have the choice of using my pickup or the 325.
I originally planned to get rid of the 325 when my sister moved to South Carolina, but as I've gotten older I've spent more time in my wheelchair, and have taken it on trips where I had to use my chair.
Now, I've decided to keep a sedan, and was thinking of getting a 3 Series to replace it. Over my life, most of my cars have been used (like the 325). Why pay the depreciation? Get a nice upscale used car that's four years old and keep it for six years. That model has worked most of my life. Now that I'm a retired SRFİ, I really don't care anymore. Why not buy another toy? Probably September. That 328 really drove nicely.
I picked up my Z3 today. It was a beautiful Spring like day here in Atlanta. This is one of the best times of the year. I put my top down and drove to the mall. Did some walking. I haven't done enough of that lately. Drove home with the top down. This is just beautiful convertible weather.
Posted by denny at March 6, 2007 03:20 PMLOLOL!! When I got home at four o'clock, the temp was still one below, not including wind chill (very, very windy today, pulling my car all over the place on the highway). Fuck Algore.
Hope you get the new car! I love BMWs; used to be married to three (1990 M3, 1991 325ix, 1997 540is), but then I got divorced and have a Honda (which I still love). I will always admire the style of the early 90s 3 series, especially the M3. Losing rights to that one was the worst part of the split ;-) Anyway, keep us posted and hope you show us pics when you make the purchase. Someday I WILL own an M5.
Posted by: AnnaD on March 6, 2007 04:31 PM"This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship"
- or -
Another childhood...
3rd? 4th? 5th? __th?
Posted by: Aerosick on March 6, 2007 05:17 PMDenny, last Wednesday, also a nice day, I went and looked at Corvettes. What nice cars. I test drove a convertible (I've never been in a convertible before, but now I've got to have one). Now the decision is whether to buy a brand new one and forgo finishing my basement, or let someone else eat the depreciation and buy a used one. I just fear buying someone else's problems. AAAHH, the tough decisions in my life. It sucks (sarcasm on).
Posted by: Ray on March 6, 2007 05:46 PMWhen you're cruising around just watch out for those HOV lanes. They're real killers.
Posted by: Ralph Gizzip on March 6, 2007 06:53 PM.... get a Merc or an Audi, man.... go and test drive one of Sylvia's sisters..... you need a new convertible so that you can give the Z3 a rest.....
Posted by: Eric on March 6, 2007 09:10 PMIf you're going to buy new, go for the BMW 335... You'll hate the idea of an extra $5K for the larger engine, but you'll love the extra ponies (300 hp .vs. 230) and great handling.
Posted by: dz sokol on March 7, 2007 02:07 AMDenny, Just a quick correction for the item posted by dz sokol. The 335 BMW has the same engine size as a 328 (or 330 in rest of world)which is a 3 litre straight 6, but it is fitted with two sequential turbo chargers which give you the serious power hike. Interestingly this is the first time that BMW have used turbo's unlike mercedes and Audi who have used Superchargers and turbo's for years on thier high performance models. I have an X5 and a 325i and enjoy both. Don't bother with Mercs or Audi's bmw'S are the true drivers cars.
Posted by: Ron on March 7, 2007 05:20 AMDang! Now what are me and Miss Vicki suppose to drive around in? Bwhahaha
Posted by: LisaKay on March 7, 2007 06:19 AMAt least your thinking of one of the few Europeon cars worth actually putting money out for. Even you as a SRF couldn't afford the constant falling apart of a MB or Volkswagen after about three years of driving,and damn,you ain't enough of a Greenie or leftie to grab a Volvo(yecchh)......You know they are bad when even the testers are saying how nicely put together they are but how after about three years they seem to have a lot of warranty complaints.(which is car tester speak for bring a wheelbarrow when traveling)
Posted by: big al on March 7, 2007 10:33 PMwhat ya bringing to texas? think guadalupe river cruise. and i'm driving this time!
Posted by: shoe on March 8, 2007 02:08 PMShoe - I'm gonna drive the Z3 for Christina and Dash's hog roast.
Posted by: Denny on March 8, 2007 03:37 PM