Jazzbass

Exactly - well said!

As far as BMWs I've had: E36 318 E36 325 E39 528 Looking back, the 318 was the most FUN to drive, 'cos I had to work it all the time to get anywhere fast. In contrast, the 325 had much more power and was exhilarating, but still not quite as much fun - it was a bit too easy to drive - I didn't have to push it as much. Also I think the fatter tyres gave me less road feel. The 318 had 205s and the 325 had 225s. The 528 is a very very nice car to drive, but I don't think its as much pure fun as the 3s. It is smoother, quicker, accelerates better, handles like a dream, but somehow - I don't feel the need to push it as hard. I've also driven quite a number of other BMWs, including a couple of genuine M3s, a '84 320 Alpina (was my brother in laws until he rolled it), 328C, 330C, 320D, 535 and 540 and a couple of 7 series. Drove an M3 this morning and loathed it - 19" wheels just jar my old body way too much. While the more powerful cars are great in their own way, it is my opinion that driving the less powerful cars brings out the better driver in me. What is your experience and opinion?

> or probably better Stirling Moss I met Stirling Moss when I was a kid. I talked him out of a BP lapel badge he was wearing. I've still got it. You guys who can remember the man must be freaking OLD!!! I know I am...

I like BMWs - don't care if they're stock or tricked out - I just like the marque. I don't drive a BMW to be looked at... I drive one for me.

WOW - the redneck north... I was thinking of moving to the Bay of Islands to live - maybe I'll reconsider...

> "oh - your not disabled - but you car will be when you get back" ROTFL - love it - wish I had the guts to use it....

LOL - yes, it does!!

> although when I was really young I got stuck sitting on an electrified one for 30 mins, couldn't quite grasp that it was the fence zapping me - karma ROTFLMAO - :bowdown: 30 mins!!

Just a head-up on a new book you might enjoy: 101

Your thread title 'hate it or love it' is very appropriate. I suspect that the wheels and lights will polarise people. My personal view is that chrome wheels are not suited to BMWs, neither are clear lights. So I don't like it. Please note - my opinion should not in any way be taken as anything other than that - an opinion - just like arseholes, we all have them - there is no right or wrong - just whatever opinion suits us at the time. I did see a 325 with spinners on and nearly lost my lunch....

I may, for the first time in my life, vote National this time. I'm heartily sick of being nannied by aunty Helen and the nancy boys..

No, I haven't witnessed any road rage incidents recently. My personal opinion is that people with anger problems like that should not be allowed on the roads, as there's always something going to piss them off and a person who has lost control like that is temporaily out of control (insane if you like). Out of mental control whilst driving is not a good look. You did right to call the cops - since we're not allowed to shoot those wankers, more's the pity...

Mate, that is dreadful, but like you say - a really good advert for BMW safety. Glad you're OK. Don't try it again ....

I agree with you - those clear lights are hideous for my tastes. But they could be replaced with real BMW ones for a few $$

I hate people who hate Tottenham I was born about 3 miles from White Hart Lane...

I thought in the beginning they started as aeroplane engines - hence the propellor logo??? Its certainly no biggie and I will continue to call my car a Beemer.

- hey, thanks, Andrew. I'm having a slightly better day today - yesterday I bit everyone - they've all hidden today

Unfortunately, people who own red cars (we've all been there) have to learn that their paint deteriorates faster than all other colours. Personally, if you love the car, I'd go with a full respray, but you might get away with just the bonnet & boot and a decent cut with a fill clear coat spray. Bear in mind the costs of above are almost more than the car is worth.... but if you have plans.... go fer it!

LOL - quite right! BTW - I see pwned has now gone from plates - was available last week...

Yes, that is the American view, but not embraced in the rest of the world... Americans are a weird lot...

I thought Inka was a coffee substitute??

Had a 'discussion' over coffee a few minutes ago with work colleagues about BMWs in general. It was, shall we say 'illuminating' .... The general ignorance and arrogance of people who not only do not own a BMW but have never owned or even driven one, just floors me. It seems they all have opinions based purely upon hearsay (which is never a way to formulate opinions, IMO) and some of them .... amazing!! I've had 49 cars, the last three all being BMWs, but apparently my opinion is not as worthy as someone who has had two Falcons or Commodes or who is on their first ever car - some Japanese import or something... Have all of you been in a similar boat? People who have no smegging idea wtf they're talking about trying to tell you about things (in this case BMW cars) you know rather well?

One article I read said that however it was spelt, Beemer, Beamer, Bimmer - it was always prounounced bee-mer.... have to wonder about that...

Havingsome time to fill in at work I did some research on the usage of Bimmer and Beamer around the world. The general consensus came out that Bimmer is predominately American, where Beamer is predominately the rest of the world, although there are contradictions in all countries. Personally, I use either as suits, with maybe a preference for Beamer, but bloody hell, you could get flamed crispy on some forums for using one or the other. Boy, some people really do have anger issues!! There are some real wankers out there!! I could not believe some people could get so upset over this... I'm so glad I'm a Kiwi!!

is 413 Fiji Green?