The cars and bikes thread!

[geoffbot]

Tire selection is key with low profile tires. Some have an extra protection rib that protrude out over the rim for protection. Also patients and not being in a hurry will prevent this also. There is always time for speed.

My XK 8 will be 20 years old in October and the chromed alloys list on the original window sticker are still like new.


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Blimey. Good work. Because the cabin in this gen 3/4 series is the same when I manoeuvre I'm used to parking okay with the old track, I suspect this is a bit wider. Must be more careful.

[tribe125]

Nice picture. It looks like it’s raring to go, just sitting there.

If you don’t get back in quick enough, it might just shoot off without you.

[mlcor]

@geoffbot, given your need for speed, if you go for a Lotus I'd recommend either the supercharged Elise or an aftermarket supercharger on the NA version (which is the way I went). Presuming that's available over there. Also be prepared that the stick is, shall we say, not the absolute slickest out there...

Having said that, nothing I've ever driven short of competitive go karts handles and steers like an Elise. Unbelievably telepathic, even more so on the track.

I had mine for nine years, but as I got older, it got more and more difficult to live with in terms of ingress and egress. Shouldn't be a problem for you for several decades yet.

[gnuyork]

@geoffbot, given your need for speed, if you go for a Lotus I'd recommend either the supercharged Elise or an aftermarket supercharger on the NA version (which is the way I went)

I'll 2nd that...

[litlmn]

500 mile review.

Speed - doesn't feel loads faster than the 328i really, and it's less than 1s to 60 faster, so it isn't. Both limited to 155mph. Doesn't kick you in the chest or anything, but it's obviously rapid. I think I see a lotus or something similar raw in my future.

Handling - not as good as my 328 saloon. The chassis is floppier even in the harshest shock setting, which is jarring. But...

Drop top factor - so good. Fricking love it. Worth the handling drawbacks. Feel like a midlife crisis prick, which I kind of am, but hey.

Exterior - love it. Love the colour, wheels, lights, looks mint. Really really love the mirrors. Looking forward to the first wash tomorrow.

Attachment 108726

Interior - very very similar to my old car, carbon trim is nice though. It's got nav unlike old one though.

Attachment 108727

Toys - Bluetooth streaming audio instead of just calls like my old car, heated seats, heated steering wheels, cameras, warm neck scarf is nice with the top down, electric memory seats are new, and handy (let a friend drive it today and didn't take me 5 minutes to get it how I like it again). Android connect thing would be nice, but not the end of the world. Wasn't invented in 2015 anyway.

Noise - even if all of the above was all negative the engine and exhaust note makes up for it alll. Especially in tunnels and with the top down OMG. So good. Overrun in 2nd and 3rd is sublime.

Overall - super super happy. A similar age and miles 440i m sport convertible is 6k less for 90% of the performance, but I don't think it sounds as good, and the little touches on the M are worth it for me. I could've got a coupe competition pack with even more expensive alloys to curb for the same price but the drop top is worth it for me. So glad I found a manual.

A+

Sounds like a stage 1 tune and a strut brace/sway bars might be in order. Otherwise, good review.


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[happyscrappyheropup]

Sounds like a stage 1 tune and a strut brace/sway bars might be in order. Otherwise, good review.


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Agreed on the tune, but I'd leave suspension alone for now. The convertibles are always a little flexy but it should be better with the top up.

[mlcor]

@gnuyork, @Raza, and other aficionados, I found your t-shirt:

[geoffbot]

@gnuyork, @Raza, and other aficionados, I found your t-shirt:

I rye the end of the manual. Love them.

[geoffbot]

This is cool. Hadn't heard of them before https://youtu.be/BpcvbKF1tUw

[happyscrappyheropup]

I rye the end of the manual. Love them.

My Z06 and M3 are both 6spd 3 pedal manuals. IMO, they are best for slower cars like the M3. Once you start making power, it's tough to drive. Even with 345 wide Michelins, I get wheelspin on the 3-4 shift in my Z06. Pedaling the car at those speeds is tough.