BMW Ultimate Drive

Back in a Subie · 08-28-2008, 09:34 AM

I took part in the BMW Ultimate Drive event yesterday held at Okemos Auto Collection in Lansing, Michigan. When I got there it was pretty relaxed, only a few people there too. A nice array of refreshments were available as well as a well trained staff to answer any of your questions about any of the vehicles.

I was scheduled to drive a 650Cic at 3pm and a X6 at 4pm. At 3 the 650 was no where to be seen, so I hoped in a e93 335i and hit the road. Of all the cars I drove, this was my favorite. After I returned I got in a Z4 coupe, that car was fun but was a bit cramped inside and I couldn’t see buying one of those as a daily driver.

Next up was the X6, while the ride quality was extremely nice, acceleration as smooth as could be, interior was nice and plush... it still felt like I was driving a behemoth. I came from SUVs and I don’t see myself going back soon. But one thing that I really liked about the X6 was the Heads Up Display. It projected your speed onto the windshield and it looked like it was 30 yards in front of me on the road.

When I returned with the X6 the 650CiC was waiting for me. First impressions were just kinda "meh" compared to the others, but once I hit the sport button, DTC and manual mode, the sound that car made was pure sex. It sounded like it was fueled by innocent babies and puppies. It sounded so mean I couldn’t help but floor it every chance I got. It was the rawest, goose bump inducing growl that I have ever experienced first hand. The only reason this was not my favorite, again because I could not see myself using that as a daily driver.

Over all the afternoon was a blast, wish I would have had a little more time so I could have tried out the 560i that was there or the 135i. But that will leave me something to look forward to next year. If this event is coming around again near you, I totally recommend hitting it up if you have a free afternoon, great cause, great time... and hey, lets face it, who doesn’t like driving sweet cars on someone else’s gas card for an afternoon! Here are the pics I took, enjoy!

Okemos Auto Collection, host dealership, great staff, highly recommended

Signed X6

Alpina B7 was on hand

Nyulak · 08-28-2008, 12:23 PM

I signed up for the local event occurring on the 3rd of September. I want to tryout a 535xi wagon.

UdubBadger · 08-29-2008, 12:09 AM

damn sounds fun dude... too bad i missed mine

foxman · 08-29-2008, 12:11 PM

WOW, great event somehow I did not know about this. I am disappointed our local dealer did not contact me about this, they held it at BOTH of their locations earlier this month.

Nyulak · 09-06-2008, 12:32 PM

Went to the event and had a chance to drive a 535xi Touring, a 535I, and an X635i. The non-sport auto in the wagon was a bit of a let down. Other than that, it drove well. The sedan had the sport transmission and was far more responsive to my driving. Finally, the X635i handled better than either of them and the transmission worked just as well as the sedan. For only have the I6 TT, the vehicle could still move when you got on it.

I only stayed for an hour as I had other errands to run, but the event was a nice opportunity to try out other vehicles and to support a worthy cause.

08-28-2008, 09:34 AM	#1
Back in a Subie Captain 85 Rep 834 Posts Drives: 15 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (8) Garage List 2015 Subaru Outback ... [0.00] 2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler [10.00] 2015 Subaru WRX STI ... [9.00]	BMW Ultimate Drive I took part in the BMW Ultimate Drive event yesterday held at Okemos Auto Collection in Lansing, Michigan. When I got there it was pretty relaxed, only a few people there too. A nice array of refreshments were available as well as a well trained staff to answer any of your questions about any of the vehicles. I was scheduled to drive a 650Cic at 3pm and a X6 at 4pm. At 3 the 650 was no where to be seen, so I hoped in a e93 335i and hit the road. Of all the cars I drove, this was my favorite. After I returned I got in a Z4 coupe, that car was fun but was a bit cramped inside and I couldn’t see buying one of those as a daily driver. Next up was the X6, while the ride quality was extremely nice, acceleration as smooth as could be, interior was nice and plush... it still felt like I was driving a behemoth. I came from SUVs and I don’t see myself going back soon. But one thing that I really liked about the X6 was the Heads Up Display. It projected your speed onto the windshield and it looked like it was 30 yards in front of me on the road. When I returned with the X6 the 650CiC was waiting for me. First impressions were just kinda "meh" compared to the others, but once I hit the sport button, DTC and manual mode, the sound that car made was pure sex. It sounded like it was fueled by innocent babies and puppies. It sounded so mean I couldn’t help but floor it every chance I got. It was the rawest, goose bump inducing growl that I have ever experienced first hand. The only reason this was not my favorite, again because I could not see myself using that as a daily driver. Over all the afternoon was a blast, wish I would have had a little more time so I could have tried out the 560i that was there or the 135i. But that will leave me something to look forward to next year. If this event is coming around again near you, I totally recommend hitting it up if you have a free afternoon, great cause, great time... and hey, lets face it, who doesn’t like driving sweet cars on someone else’s gas card for an afternoon! Here are the pics I took, enjoy! Okemos Auto Collection, host dealership, great staff, highly recommended Signed X6 Alpina B7 was on hand __________________ After enjoying 9 years with my BMW I am now Back in a Subie: formerly Mi330xi Last edited by Back in a Subie; 08-28-2008 at 11:26 AM..
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08-28-2008, 12:23 PM	#2
Nyulak Captain 29 Rep 957 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SheffVill, OH iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 535xi [10.00]	I signed up for the local event occurring on the 3rd of September. I want to tryout a 535xi wagon.
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08-29-2008, 12:09 AM	#3
UdubBadger Banned 670 Rep 24,685 Posts Drives: '04 330i ZHP Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (22) Garage List 2004 BMW 330i ZHP [9.50] 2011 135i [7.46] 2008 328xi [8.76]	damn sounds fun dude... too bad i missed mine
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08-29-2008, 12:11 PM	#4
foxman Driver 31 Rep 265 Posts Drives: 335i Coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: STL iTrader: (0)	WOW, great event somehow I did not know about this. I am disappointed our local dealer did not contact me about this, they held it at BOTH of their locations earlier this month. __________________ 08 e92 335i 88 RX-7 Vert 07 Jeep Commander 04 RX-8...sold
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09-06-2008, 12:32 PM	#5
Nyulak Captain 29 Rep 957 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 M40i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SheffVill, OH iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW 535xi [10.00]	Went to the event and had a chance to drive a 535xi Touring, a 535I, and an X635i. The non-sport auto in the wagon was a bit of a let down. Other than that, it drove well. The sedan had the sport transmission and was far more responsive to my driving. Finally, the X635i handled better than either of them and the transmission worked just as well as the sedan. For only have the I6 TT, the vehicle could still move when you got on it. I only stayed for an hour as I had other errands to run, but the event was a nice opportunity to try out other vehicles and to support a worthy cause.
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