Quote:
Originally Posted by Blake
well as a native texan, i've been to the riverwalk a few times for pleasure, but didn't even go once while i was working down there. it's a crowded tourist trap and nothing else. but if you're going to be stationed in san antonio, you might as well take your bimmer to austin for anything greater than an oil change or brake service. it's closer than houston, and cooler, too.  and echoing tom, i-35 between dallas and the mexican border is probably the worst stretch of road in the united states. not only is the highway in shoddy disrepair, but it needs to be 8 lanes all the way from dallas to mexico. the amount of 18-wheeler NAFTA traffic is staggering. san antonio is like a big small town. the best thing SA has got going for them are the spurs and the alamo. that's really the only two things to call home about. (and as a mavs fan, i HATE the spurs  ) the town is compiled with a bunch of rough neighborhoods with a couple good neighborhoods scattered in the mix. most of the good areas are far outside of the city center (near and north of 1604), with the exception of alamo heights. but yes, clear bra is highly advisable. full front and fenders is what i'd recommend. san antonio is not an m3 friendly city. /end rant haha |
Okay...i hear most of the military types live up north then. Make note to myself call the realtor early regarding rentals!
Quote:
Originally Posted by new2bmw
Uhhh ohh... I regret stumbling onto this thread. I live in SA, and just ordered my new E92 today. Now I'm gonna be scared to drive it here! 
I will echo the sentiments above, regarding the Austin dealership... thats where I ordered mine, and will take it for service. (plus I have heard that they do a good job installing Dinan products)
Stay far away from BMW of San Antonio for either sales or service!! |
Note to self...look at BMW SA for parts pickup ONLY unless the M3 implodes on I-10 or something! Otherwise wave at it as you head to the SA Airport or something! Dayum guys how can they be THAT bad and be the only BMW dealership in the city? I guess Austin and/or Houston are my alternatives. Anyone have address/contact info for good folks at either?
Quote:
Originally Posted by getlucky
I'v been stationed in DC and just left San Antonio (Lackland) SA is by far, better than DC. Stay away from the BMW dealer. If you need some parts I have some friends that have a Aftermarket truck shop. They just ordered me a air filter for my M3. PM me if your interested. What branch are you?? You must do the Hill Country between Bandera and Medina just watch out for my brothers on the Harleys. And if you like beer go to Hills and Dales. Tell you what just shoot me a email lhardy5@gmail.com |
Okay thanks for the tip. Will shoot you and email. I am AF.
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigjae1976
Here is a link to the local euro club: www.strictlyea.com
They are pretty cool. I joined them for a dyno day. If you go to BMW of Austin, stay away from Stan in service...total douche bag.
+1 on the clear bra. The body count from debris on TX highways is 4 windshield chips, 5 foglights and now a new windshield. Oh, and 1 bumper cover.
There are a couple of cool tracks in the area. Texas World Speedway is one of the faster ones. Plus there's an auto-x club in SA somewhere, SPOKES I think.
Tejas BMWCCA chapter is OK. They just do a monthly meet and some country cruises. No drivings schools or auto-x. |
will check out all the above. Also note to self clear bra...look up links! LOL
Quote:
Originally Posted by dosserj
As a resident of SA and a Spurs fan I guess I should give my input. I agree the traffic is ridiculous and could easily by improved with better timed lights. I think the roads themselves are OK, however I do have sizable rock chips in my front bumper so I clear bra is not a bad idea.
I have been rear-ended 5 times in my 7 year stay in SA. Luckily only 1 was in my M3. But I got a RD Sport rear out of the deal so it's OK I guess. But seriously, people do not pay attention during peak traffic times and there is a wreck pretty much every day on my way to or from work. From 7-9AM and 4-6PM, the major highways turn into parking lots b/c of said wrecks and/or weather slowing traffic.
SA is in the top 3 most obese cities in the nation and that can be directly attributed to the Mexican food restaurants. You cannot go out without having at least 1 basket of chips and salsa. Then they bring the tortillas. And you have to finish with the delicious sopapillas. So it is easy to exceed your daily carb intake in one sitting.
The closest track is near San Marcos called Harris Hill and it is a lot of fun (about 35-40 minutes away). I'd also recommend Texas World Speedway in College Station (around 3 hours away). The M3 is a blast on both.
As every one else has mentioned, BMW SA is terrible. I ordered and service my M3 at BMW of Austin. It is only about an hour and a half away and worth the drive. I try to avoid BMW SA at all costs. I have only gone in to top off my oil. Everything else is done in Austin.
Blake hit the nail on the head about the Riverwalk. It is a complete tourist trap. There are much better (and cheaper) bar scenes elsewhere.
For any aftermarket goodies, I'd recommend The Max on San Pedro. They are mainly a tire shop but can get anything. They installed my Remus exhaust and HRE wheels. They are registered vendors for both. They'll do a good job and not cheat you on the price. In fact, I went in for tires a few weeks back and they told me to order directly from Tire Rack and ship to them because they could not beat their price. So I did and had them install them.
Hope you like it down here!
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Okay additional note.. I think I'll clear bra both the M3 and my Boxster before I arrive. May also do the wife's SUV too but then its a lease so I likely will not since its going back to the dealer likely when its time is up!
Quote:
Originally Posted by SHADY1
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Shady I have an Escort Solo already but hmm a V1 and hardwire install may be warranted. What is the radar policy/law in Texas? Legal in MD but illegal in Texas in this area. What about GPS radar detectors...any good?
Wow...thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated.