[biscuits]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Your car was the one on top gear? They told you this or you found out? awesome, Best colour mate. who was first registered owner? bmw uk?

I knew it was a BMW UK Launch/Press Car. There were two on the BMW AUC website at the same time and price. Someone mentioned that the Red w/ Black Leather one at Manchester BMW was the one Fifth Gear had used, so it got me thinking about which one Top Gear had used. As soon as I looked at YouTube it confirmed the reg was the same as the one I had put a deposit on at Huntingdon BMW.

A friend of a friend is a BMW Tech at Bracknell and he often has to work on press/launch cars. He said he'd not think twice about buying one as they get checked in and out each time, with a "make it like new" attitude each time. Buying a used car is always a lottery as to what kind of driver has been behind the wheel, at least this way it's had BMW UK look over it a number of times before I got it.

I think the fact it has the Top Gear video and has been driven by The Stig is really quite cool and didn't bother me in the slightest. At least I know it's run in !!! I just wish I could get a high res copy of the program.... but sure the Beeb wouldn't let me have one. I've series linked all the Top Gear repeats in the hope the episode is re-run.

The colour combo is quite subtle and sometimes I do think I should have gone for the Red or White, but then I'm not really a "look at me, bling" kind of guy. I had it detailed a couple of weeks ago and it really does (well, before the road grim covered it again) look out the box new

[dxb335d]

Mate im with you, ive always said i would buy an ex press car.... Because i know they get good treatment from bmw and everything that may have a slight issue will get replaced.

Great car with good history. Come find me first when you come to sell it.

There is another chap on here with an E93 version who was pissed off when he found out his was used for a mah thrash, i did tell him its nothing to worry about.

Just would have though BMW would have told you, because if i owned it id think its cool and if i never knew id be missing out LOL.

Carlos

[biscuits]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Just would have though BMW would have told you, because if i owned it id think its cool and if i never knew id be missing out LOL. Carlos

In the options list, you will see PRESS PREPERATION. I often wondered what this means, but it's just a way of keeping a record of press/launch cars. It's just like any other optional extra on the car, it's stored on the BMW database linked to your chassis number.

The dealer knew it was a BMW UK press car, but didn't know it was used by Top Gear. I told the sales guy when I collected it and he thought it was pretty cool too. I guess it would put SOME people off though.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by biscuits

In the options list, you will see PRESS PREPERATION. I often wondered what this means, but it's just a way of keeping a record of press/launch cars. It's just like any other optional extra on the car, it's stored on the BMW database linked to your chassis number.

The dealer knew it was a BMW UK press car, but didn't know it was used by Top Gear. I told the sales guy when I collected it and he thought it was pretty cool too. I guess it would put SOME people off though.

Cool as fook mate. What month was she registered? Did you get a good deal buddy?

Maybe press prep does include a few extra bits.

[biscuits]

Cool as fook mate. What month was she registered? Did you get a good deal buddy? Maybe press prep does include a few extra bits.

Built June 2007, Registered July 2007.

Got a cracking deal when I bought it (£8k under other similar offerings), but can pick similar ones up for same money now

[Jake C]

Originally Posted by SoYank

No need to apologize. They haven't kicked me off, uh, yet. Southern, huh? What part? You are saving your Confederate money, are you not?

- A Southern Yankee.

South Carolina. And yes sir I do have a few Confederate Bills stashed away. Oddly enough I'm staying in the North while I am here in the UK for a bit.

- J

[Budgie]

Mines press preparation too....Carlos how you think i got a E92 320d loaded to F**k man ...everyone else has 335D/i loaded.

[stuartrav]

Originally Posted by biscuits

If I remember correctly, if you want to play DRM protected files from an iPod, you need the Y connector, as the audio is fed to the 3.5mm jack, rather than through the USB connector. It is a rip off, but it is very neat and tidy.

I ordered the USB but didn't get the case on the underside of the armrest either. Do you or anyone else on here know if you are meant to get it with the facelift E90? Maybe you only get the case if you buy an M3?

I await your replies before I contact my stealer

[boxtaboy]

Hello, lurking newbie here. Checking out the posts on here for my wife's car - 320iSE Auto Touring. Great 20 page post on 320i issues is the main reason but hoping to learn a few more things. By the wya, anyone know how to get into the housing where the engine air filter is ? can't see any obvious clips, screws or bolts to open it up

[biscuits]

Hi Boxta and welcome. Sure someone will be along soon with some help on your airbox...

[Palmnuts]

I'm not new to BMW's and I've been reading this forum for ages...but I guess I'm still a newbie as I only registered tonight!

Spent months looking at the M3post but theres hardly any locals on there (well, not within a few thousand miles anyway!)...I guess this is the right bit for UK members even with 'M' cars?

[biscuits]

Hi Palmball.... yep this is the tiny corner the UK guys hang out...

[macster]

Hi All

Just registered and a quick hello.

I currently drive an 08 CRV, great tool as I'm a surveyor and also refurbishing our house and the new office premises so very useful!

We have a baby due in Jan 09 and the wife will then drive the CRV and I will then drive the mini until I decide what to get myself.

I'm leaning towards a BMW (Obviously as I am here) I had a brand new 520d M Sport before the CRV but a 4 strong group of thugs broke into the house in broad daylight and stole it from me

Anways, hope this is the right forum to join. As the CRV will be the family car I am leaning towards a coupe this time.

First question, I fancy a petrol this time as I have no commute and drive about 20k a year on business mileage so make a few bob on expenses! and would like a car i enjoy driving more, i had a go recently of my father in laws merc 350cls and it was bliss!

Looking on the web it seems the petrol ones also go for a lot less used so the actual real cost of a diesel seems higher??? Very tempted by a graphite 335i coupe near me, am I mad????

[willhollin]

Originally Posted by macster

Hi All

Just registered and a quick hello.

I currently drive an 08 CRV, great tool as I'm a surveyor and also refurbishing our house and the new office premises so very useful!

We have a baby due in Jan 09 and the wife will then drive the CRV and I will then drive the mini until I decide what to get myself.

I'm leaning towards a BMW (Obviously as I am here) I had a brand new 520d M Sport before the CRV but a 4 strong group of thugs broke into the house in broad daylight and stole it from me

Anways, hope this is the right forum to join. As the CRV will be the family car I am leaning towards a coupe this time.

First question, I fancy a petrol this time as I have no commute and drive about 20k a year on business mileage so make a few bob on expenses! and would like a car i enjoy driving more, i had a go recently of my father in laws merc 350cls and it was bliss!

Looking on the web it seems the petrol ones also go for a lot less used so the actual real cost of a diesel seems higher??? Very tempted by a graphite 335i coupe near me, am I mad????

Welcome,

If you want petrol why not get teh best and buy an M3, I belive there are some on the market for mid 30k, a bargain!

[macster]

Originally Posted by willhollin

Welcome,

If you want petrol why not get teh best and buy an M3, I belive there are some on the market for mid 30k, a bargain!

Weird you say that, watching top gear on Dave last night and the missus said "ooh thats nice, get one of them" it was an M3

Not sure its very sensible though insurance and fuel wise, is it a big leap from 330i/335i I wonder??? They look mighty cool though, it was the previous shape though, which I still love and would save me even more money.

Cheers for welcome.

[dxb335d]

Hi macster,

the 335 is a great tool and can be tuned to be faster accelerating than an m3 and is a great everyday car with better MPG,

OvERALL the M3 is A ''whole package'' and round track is definately more planted.

Try them both.

But the M3 experiance could be overwhelming and you must not let rose tinted spectacles sway you away from the accomplished 335i.

Both cracking cars which dont use diesel.

lotsa love

carlos

[booforty]

You only live once, get an M3

[biscuits]

Hi Macster, the 335i is a fantastic car and on an everyday drive/commute just as quick as an M3. Difference is, the M3 really feels special. The handling, looks and ability to eat a 300 miles weekday trip in comfort and tear round a track at the weekend is simply awsome.

You'd pick up a cracking 335i manual for c£28k and need to spend £7-9k more to get a well spec'd M3. I average 24mpg on a FAST long trip, have seen 28mpg when trying to be economic... and all day long get 20.7mpg driving very spiritedly.

You'll get 5-8mpg more out the 335i... so fueling isn't a load more esp. if you only do 20k a year. Tyres are more, but not a lot as the 335i uses run-flats and the M3's don't (as they are sheeiitee)

The way I looked at is (coming from a 535d and 996 C2) was if I got a 135i or 335i, I'd be wanting an M3 again in 6-12 months.

[macster]

Cheers for responses thus far guys, appreciated.

I will keep researching and will probably test drive some over the christmas break. A mate of mine works for Williams BMW in used sales so I should be able to get access to some rides easy enough.

[piston-pirates]

Just found this 'HELLO' section.....

Maybe I should have started with a Post here before starting threads (Then they might not of been locked in fears of Terrorist activity LOL)

Anyhow.....

I'm from Cornwall, I drive a 335i E92 with plenty of RD goodies, I'm a qualified Motorsport Engineer and apart from being a BMW addict I also like to travel where the sun shines.

I also like long romantic walks in the park......LOL

[dxb335d]

Hi pirates.

[SUB]

Hi everyone I must be the latest virgin in here I notice there's lots to read so I'd better make a start and do some searching, I wouldn't want to ask something that's been asked a hundred times before now would I
Nice forum BTW

Yes I know it needs lowering or does it?