shadowninja

The gear transition doesn't usually feel very smooth, its more like a clutchless manual in that you need to match your throttle speeds to the new gear but without the clutch to help gauge it. Thus when changing gears you tend to find your head snaps forward (or back) and end up feeling LESS in control than a steptronic or normal auto box. Thats just the opinion of two guys I know though... each to their own. The tiptronic should be very similar to the steptronic.

I believe the SMG has been a cost option on the 3-series for about a year now. Personally I've tried similar trannies (not the BMW SMG) ... and have to say I think I'd prefer the steptronic. I've financed a couple of SMG cars for clients, both of whom found them quite offputting. (Plus the guys on Top Gear reckon they're rubbish).

I Second Dave's comments... SHOW US YA BITS! (in a very non-sexual kinda way)

Yeah this car will be an every day driver, plus wife-friendly (steptronic). For the cash that I am considering parting with for the 330ci it would only by an E36 M3 (plus I don't think my boss would like signing for my expenses claims).

Really? an M5 at Shellys... I didn't see it advertised. There are a few E36 M3's for sale around the country if you go to the Virtual Centre on the BMW website.

BTW 318touring, I think I saw you oggling at the car as I drove past you on Oriental Parade. What did you think of it?

I decided to test-drive an E46 330i Msport Coupe today. The 3.0 L6 was very obviously more powerful than my 2.0 L4, with an abundance of torque from a low-mid range. Surprisingly it appeared have slightly inferior handling to my 2003 318 Msport, softer suspension & steering. I'm considering buying... any suggestions? (anyone want to buy a low mileage 2003 318i Msport 2.0L ?)

Ever brake really quickly while on a normal mountain bike... and feel that urge to go head over heels over the handle bars? I was under the impression that braking in a car was to bring the rear of the vehicle lower to aid stability, and bring ensure the weight distribution doesn't move too much to the front wheels.

Nice work... I especially like the pic of the queue behind the 2002.

You know those things are fake don't you...? 'Aftermarket modifications' ... give me the factory originals any day.

Unless of cousre you happen to be a badass gangsta rappa........ Nothing worse than a hyped up rapper driving a nice car. They don't seem to know how to drive over 20kph (too many homeys in the back anyway).

Give me two new M5's over a Roller any day of the week. ... or maybe an M5, an M3 and an 330 convertible (and spend the rest on an ultra-expensive holiday). $800,000 just shouldn't be spent on a car, not even a Rolls.

Keep it clean boys. Don't get that stuff on the keyboard.

Did anyone else watch the last Top Gear episode with the M3 smoking the latest Audi S4 V8? That was well worth watching. (Also wouldn't mind Jamie Oliver's VW Combie Van with a 3.6L Porsche engine).

I've only been hanging out here since I bought my bimmer 6 months ago, but I definitely agree some house cleaning was required around here. The abusive posts and profanity are not tolerated on other boards, it must be very tiring as a moderator keeping this lot in line. I'd put my hand in to help out, but I 'm not sure if I'm on enough hours in the day to be fair to the forum. Email me if you want help.