These were real BMWs! So charming…
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I’ve just gone back to an X1 after a two year gap from my previous X1. I must admit the build quality does not appear to be as good. The central tunnel flexes when you press the mode button and I’ve already had two replacement rear passenger side door locks during the first 5,000 miles from new.
Local BMW garage have replaced the faulty locks under warranty within 24 hrs but I am wondering whether to stay with BMW.
Our BMW 1 F40, two years old, nearly 70k km, is faultless for the moment.
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It’s not just the build quality but it amazes me that BMW can get away with offering only a 3 year warranty on their cars. Mercedes and Audi/VW, JLR too
Our Kias have 7yrs. Feel very solid too. Many other brands do the same, some even longer. Most, but not all are non-european.
Bruce
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Which version of EV3 is that, Bruce. I’m assuming GT-Line or GT-Line S ?
Gt line S. The main reason to choose over the GtLine was the 360 deg camera. We have got used to that in my EV6 (also GT line S) and would really miss it! The large sunroof is nice and the seat material attractive and practical too. The uprated radio is not bad, better than the one in my car, but not that great.
My wife keeps her cars 6 or more years so paying for the extra bits is worthwhile. Hate the HUD though.
Bruce
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Funny I don’t mind the look of the new X3 and X5, I feel that they had to break from the Chris Bangle design that a lot of people thought had set them down an ugly path, probably wasn’t helped by him not being there. Hopefully these designs will progress better with the years and as Richard mentioned least those ugly grills.
Ah ok, understood. Thanks Bruce.
It will be interesting to see if BMW will maintain build and material quality in the new X5. I have a 2 year old X5 and have been impressed by the overall perception of quality this vehicle has - something which journalists have been grumbling about in recent years when new models are launched and they evidence the work of the bean counters. The design shock of new models can take a while to adjust to, quality of materials is pretty instant to judge and it sticks. With all attention on electric and hybrid tech I was pleasantly surprised to see 815 mile predicted range when I filled the diesel tank yesterday!
Peter
I recently bought my 2023 Audi A4/45 Quattro off lease. Only has 15.600 miles on it. Really runs great. Very pleased with it.
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Don’t know if you’re aware but Ford made a bullet addition. My Ford dealer was connected and always had some great cars. He was one of very few where you could get a manual pony. I saw 2-3 Mustang GT350R’s and a 500R. And 3 Mustang Bullet’s
Have you noticed how many audiophiles drive either a sports/ sporty car? Or an off road vehicle. My two top choices for sure. But that may be because I learned how to drive in a 59 Willy’s pickup.
Anyway this is my daily ST and it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Well at least until you ride in one in some corners. It’s nothing like the car it’s based on. It comes stock with a racing suspension, 6 speed manual on a 8 thousand rpm, boosted 1.6 producing 205hp ( at 6500rpm) with 235lbs of torque. Yah, Ford lied in the brochure. COBB built one out to stage 3. 300 hp and they said it would burn the tires off its wheels if you weren’t carfull. The insurance on it is normal because the industry doesn’t know what it is. If you stay under 4000 rpm most of the time you can get 25mpg in the city. Mine has the Recaro seats.
I’ve gone through a four lane to four lane turn at 60 which isn’t it’s top capability. I was running Pilot AS 3’s at the time. They all broke loose for a second. The car stayed perfectly level and in complete control. Corners is what it’s built for. I’ve been to 115 though its top speed is 140. I don’t remember if we have any roads with unlimited speed anymore. Used to be some in Arizona or somewhere out in the Wild West.
The ones they build in the UK have launch control now. We never got that here sorry to say. If you want to have a lot of fun on your daily drive try one out.
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that sounds fun! im smitten with my focus ST as a complete daily driver package. Handles well, plenty quick enough and with mountune goodies it sounds good too.
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Been giving the new motor a good workout on a family trip down to Shropshire. Got 41mpg on the 240 mile run down (150 of motorway @ 75mph ish), with 4 adults, dog and luggage; quite impressive! Drops to low to mid 30s pootling around the A & B roads.
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That car must be extremely versatile and practical; a great all-rounder.
It is really good Andy. Not quite as much fun as I guess your RS3 was or your current TT !
I had a couple of the original TTs back in the day and I think the latest (last?) incarnation looks really good.
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That must be because they have lots of dosh and/or very little sense 
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That’s nice. I think that shape has aged well. I do like Audis.
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They 100% nailed the interior in the original TT whose exterior design stuck remarkably close to the concept version. I had a 225 back in the day.
Peter
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