Another 'my impression' little long.

[KASM3]

I have had my AW/SN coupe for a few days and I want to do a review but given the numerous reviews already, Ill pick on some things that might not be so spoken about or minor to some of you. Ill duck the flames.

First fit and finish is fantastic. Not a squeak or rattle. On the 19 inch set up,it drives smoother and better than our 330xi with 18 inch non run flat Pirelli's. Amazing! (BTW.Manager confirmed the car is limited until 1200 mile service) Protect that investment. Interior is amazingly quiet and a nice place to be. Press the M button and the exhaust note does get LOUDER and people outside were turning to see what was passing by. LOVE IT!
Driving back from dealership I got 130 miles on 1/2 tank. Hopefully will get better but to be honest I Dont care. The hood bulge is significant and does obstruct the view some but what a presence. BTW pop the hood and the air box that goes under the hood is HUGE and does fill that space.Its not just looks. Can't really tell that in the pictures.

Pedals are perfectly placed and the clutch is light AND I love it. So easy to drive in traffic. No jumping off the line and on a hill will not roll back on you. Easy to drive. Steering wheel is perfect. People who said it's too big must have really small hands. Well, you know what they say. The stick has long throws but accurate and precise. I was planning to change for a short throw but now that I have driven it, its great.

Rear Seats are actually comfortable and useable as long as you're shorter than 6 foot. Very nice. The ambient lighting is FANTASTIC. If you got kids and need a child seat. No problem! The seat is extremely easy to move and the buttons on the top of the seat move it forward w/o bending. It can be done with the kiddies. Go coupe!

HI End Stereo. Much better than the Logic 7! If you are looking for the Booming smash the windows with the 50 cent bass beats, this aint it! But if you're looking for a powerful true music presentation with excellent bass,mids and highs this is your stereo. No distortion at all. Be honest, I kept turning the thing off to here the exhaust.

Well I got another 900 miles until she is freed from her bondage so Im off again. I didnt post pictures because ... it looks like every other freakin AW with 19in rims. SWEET! Flame on!

[par4bmw]

Thanks for the review. Glad to hear you are enjoying your ride.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by KASM3

! (BTW.Manager confirmed the car is limited until 1200 mile service) Protect that investment.

Can you elaborate on this? Limited how?

[swamp2]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Can you elaborate on this? Limited how?

+1. This comment seems inconsistent with the irresponsible test drivers who have already done redline and exceeded 120 mph (in 3rd or whatever...). Could the manual offer a clue (have not digested the whole thing yet - trying to keep some surprises).

[!Xoible]

sounds like a dealer BS line

[KASM3]

this was news to me too. Apparently the computer is programmed to limit RPM's under load to under 7K or so. He didn't give great detail but stated that it wouln't be changed until I completed the 1200 break in. BTW the key fob, records all the engine statistics. Everything.

[monsta]

thanks for the write up, even though your car looks like everyone else's AW post it up anyway b/c this time its your car, take pride!

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by KASM3

this was news to me too. Apparently the computer is programmed to limit RPM's under load to under 7K or so. He didn't give great detail but stated that it wouln't be changed until I completed the 1200 break in. BTW the key fob, records all the engine statistics. Everything.

The key fob bit is confirmed? How do you know?

[KASM3]

When I went back to get plate put on they dropped key fob in the system and it dropped everything. Max RPM, avg speed, etc. ( lot of other categories) I only got a glimpse. I dont know how accurate it is but there were a lot of numbers.

[KASM3]

All right the pressure!

[MelsM3]

Thank you KASM3 for a mature, worthwhile review!

[WCH]

There were some European threads that suggested that the car might be limited until the first service. As I read it, no firm confirmation but it might be true.

[MelsM3]

Originally Posted by KASM3

When I went back to get plate put on they dropped key fob in the system and it dropped everything. Max RPM, avg speed, etc. ( lot of other categories) I only got a glimpse. I don't know how accurate it is but there were a lot of numbers.

My salesman says, that they keep track of demos electronically.

If something happens more than once, that salesman... will have a slight problem.

[cosmos515]

Not true, took out demo and took it ro redline. I was not the first. Car had 800 miles on it.

[VictorH]

Same here took car out with the sales rep, <200 KM on odo and both he and I took the motor to 8400 rpm with no limitation. Sounds like bogus rumors.

What exactly does everyone think is getting broken in with these motors? Its the rings only. I have race motors that get dynoed at full rpm and then run at the track. There is no break in. Had to tear motor down sometimes for other reasons and they look great. Break in on modern motors is hardly needed. Granted BMW wants to limit rpm to <5,000 and they probably have good reason, but it's ultimately for long-term longevity and is doubtful that anyone will notice any difference in performance or longevity. My opinion only and if you want to argue that BMW engineers are a lot smarter than I am, you won't have any argument from me.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

All M cars are dialed back until the 1200 mile service. You CANNOT get full power until after the service. It protects the engine. It has nothing to do with rev limit either.

That's why I keep pointing out that those who have test driven the car aren't getting the full affect.

Especially, that drive in Florida.

Anyway, after 1200 miles the car is open to run. BMW has been doing this for a while...

I understand what you are saying and not calling you a liar, however, do you have any supporting documentation?

[Voltigeur]

-

This is an interesting debate. Logic says that given BMW's service liability and the use of modern electronics in engine management it would make financial (ie risk mgmt) sense for BMW AG engineers to program a 5,500 rev limit in to 2,000 kms.

But I am only speculating ...

[runutzzzzz]

On my M5 you could not use the "power" button and you don't have "S6" until your 1200 miles service. It did NOT limit the RPMs it just only gives you 400HP.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by runutzzzzz

On my M5 you could not use the "power" button and you don't have "S6" until your 1200 miles service. It did NOT limit the RPMs it just only gives you 400HP.

Ok, now we are getting somewhere. Any more experiences?

[JEllis]

Arent all BMWs (and all other cars for that matter) basically dynoed to full RPM right after completion on the assembly line? I have seen pics of GTR's going through this process and have read articles about BMWs going through the same thing. So basically most new cars are taken all the way to redline within the first mile....this is only information that I read and seen. But, to me it appears the break in period is more of a tradition that keeps getting carried on and on.

Of course this is a highly debated topic. Some believe that flogging the motor right away actually improves engine life/performance over the long term.

Jason

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by KASM3

All right the pressure!

Thanks--I'll add mine to the stack next week! Enjoy.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by runutzzzzz

On my M5 you could not use the "power" button and you don't have "S6" until your 1200 miles service. It did NOT limit the RPMs it just only gives you 400HP.

'Only' 400 HP, lol