BMW driving experience
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From: Houston
BMW driving experience
I just returned from a BMW driving experience for the X3 which was awesome. I got to drive the new X3, Lexus R350 and Mercedes GLK350...I got to drive around a track with a driving instructor and it was the funnest thing I've done so far...Afterwards we did hot laps with the instructor driving and it was awesome...That X3 really handles great...I was really impressed...The Mercedes had decent handling but was harder to handle...The Lexus just plowed thru the corners...
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Re: BMW driving experience
I was lucky enough to drive a late 80's and early 90's 3 series BMW's. They were a friends dad's car. By the time my friend got to drive them, each was old, especially the 80's one.
I have to say, neither impressed me at all.
They were probably the lowest basest model available. Underpowered, underwhelming. The handling didn't jump out at me, but then again, I didn't drive them the way I would now to take advantage and really test the handling. I just remember the underpowered nature bothered me as a teenage driver. The interior's were nice though. I might have not had the same appreciation for RWD back then as I might now.
I have to say, neither impressed me at all.
They were probably the lowest basest model available. Underpowered, underwhelming. The handling didn't jump out at me, but then again, I didn't drive them the way I would now to take advantage and really test the handling. I just remember the underpowered nature bothered me as a teenage driver. The interior's were nice though. I might have not had the same appreciation for RWD back then as I might now.
Joined: Dec 2011
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Re: BMW driving experience
Like many, I've always imagined blasting an expensive sports car through a twisty, high-speed thrill ride. Maybe it's the TV commercials. The ones that require a legal disclaimer: "Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt." Alas, most of us can only fantasize about what it feels like to control the power of a true performance car. Either we can't afford one, or we never get the chance — or the nerve — to push a car that hard.
So we're left wondering about the mystique of BMWs, the standard-setter for performance among premium-brand sedans. What is it about these so-called "ultimate driving machines" that seduces thousands of otherwise practical people into making monthly payments that rival the mortgage?
BMW is attempting to answer this question with a nationwide consumer event, the "Ultimate Driving Experience". Designed to teach drivers of all levels to feel more confident and in control on the roads, the no-fee program offers consumers a chance to drive the redesigned 2006 BMW 330i through an autocross at breakneck speeds. Even better, participants also do an Audi/BMW/Infiniti comparison, testing the 2006 Audi A4 3.2 and the 2005 Infiniti G35 back-to-back against the redesigned 3 Series.
The half-day program I attended took place in a large parking lot outside the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, temporarily converted into a test track. The "UDE," as it's called, began with a class on driving dynamics, hard braking and safety, led by professional racing instructors. Attendees then broke into groups of three. Each group was taken for a reconnaissance lap, in which the instructor drives the track, pointing out its features and illustrating driving techniques.
Each participant, in turn, then drove the 3 Series as fast as he or she could through the twists and turns to see how it handled: full-throttle acceleration through straightaways, aggressive cornering into tight turns. Then we did the same with the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G35. All three cars came equipped with the sport package, performance tires and automatic transmissions. We lapped the course plenty of times as either drivers or passengers.
So we're left wondering about the mystique of BMWs, the standard-setter for performance among premium-brand sedans. What is it about these so-called "ultimate driving machines" that seduces thousands of otherwise practical people into making monthly payments that rival the mortgage?
BMW is attempting to answer this question with a nationwide consumer event, the "Ultimate Driving Experience". Designed to teach drivers of all levels to feel more confident and in control on the roads, the no-fee program offers consumers a chance to drive the redesigned 2006 BMW 330i through an autocross at breakneck speeds. Even better, participants also do an Audi/BMW/Infiniti comparison, testing the 2006 Audi A4 3.2 and the 2005 Infiniti G35 back-to-back against the redesigned 3 Series.
The half-day program I attended took place in a large parking lot outside the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, temporarily converted into a test track. The "UDE," as it's called, began with a class on driving dynamics, hard braking and safety, led by professional racing instructors. Attendees then broke into groups of three. Each group was taken for a reconnaissance lap, in which the instructor drives the track, pointing out its features and illustrating driving techniques.
Each participant, in turn, then drove the 3 Series as fast as he or she could through the twists and turns to see how it handled: full-throttle acceleration through straightaways, aggressive cornering into tight turns. Then we did the same with the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G35. All three cars came equipped with the sport package, performance tires and automatic transmissions. We lapped the course plenty of times as either drivers or passengers.
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From: Gilroy, California
Re: BMW driving experience
Hi Freeda,
I must say, very nice having you, a senior feature editor from edmund's, posting on our board.
I would have hoped, however that your opinions relative to BMW's would have changed a little since you wrote this article in 2007 ....
BMW's Ultimate Driving Experience - Edmunds.com
I must say, very nice having you, a senior feature editor from edmund's, posting on our board.
I would have hoped, however that your opinions relative to BMW's would have changed a little since you wrote this article in 2007 ....
BMW's Ultimate Driving Experience - Edmunds.com
Originally Posted by Freeda02
Like many, I've always imagined blasting an expensive sports car through a twisty, high-speed thrill ride. Maybe it's the TV commercials. The ones that require a legal disclaimer: "Professional driver on closed course. Do not attempt." Alas, most of us can only fantasize about what it feels like to control the power of a true performance car. Either we can't afford one, or we never get the chance — or the nerve — to push a car that hard.
So we're left wondering about the mystique of BMWs, the standard-setter for performance among premium-brand sedans. What is it about these so-called "ultimate driving machines" that seduces thousands of otherwise practical people into making monthly payments that rival the mortgage?
BMW is attempting to answer this question with a nationwide consumer event, the "Ultimate Driving Experience". Designed to teach drivers of all levels to feel more confident and in control on the roads, the no-fee program offers consumers a chance to drive the redesigned 2006 BMW 330i through an autocross at breakneck speeds. Even better, participants also do an Audi/BMW/Infiniti comparison, testing the 2006 Audi A4 3.2 and the 2005 Infiniti G35 back-to-back against the redesigned 3 Series.
The half-day program I attended took place in a large parking lot outside the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, temporarily converted into a test track. The "UDE," as it's called, began with a class on driving dynamics, hard braking and safety, led by professional racing instructors. Attendees then broke into groups of three. Each group was taken for a reconnaissance lap, in which the instructor drives the track, pointing out its features and illustrating driving techniques.
Each participant, in turn, then drove the 3 Series as fast as he or she could through the twists and turns to see how it handled: full-throttle acceleration through straightaways, aggressive cornering into tight turns. Then we did the same with the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G35. All three cars came equipped with the sport package, performance tires and automatic transmissions. We lapped the course plenty of times as either drivers or passengers.
So we're left wondering about the mystique of BMWs, the standard-setter for performance among premium-brand sedans. What is it about these so-called "ultimate driving machines" that seduces thousands of otherwise practical people into making monthly payments that rival the mortgage?
BMW is attempting to answer this question with a nationwide consumer event, the "Ultimate Driving Experience". Designed to teach drivers of all levels to feel more confident and in control on the roads, the no-fee program offers consumers a chance to drive the redesigned 2006 BMW 330i through an autocross at breakneck speeds. Even better, participants also do an Audi/BMW/Infiniti comparison, testing the 2006 Audi A4 3.2 and the 2005 Infiniti G35 back-to-back against the redesigned 3 Series.
The half-day program I attended took place in a large parking lot outside the Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia, California, temporarily converted into a test track. The "UDE," as it's called, began with a class on driving dynamics, hard braking and safety, led by professional racing instructors. Attendees then broke into groups of three. Each group was taken for a reconnaissance lap, in which the instructor drives the track, pointing out its features and illustrating driving techniques.
Each participant, in turn, then drove the 3 Series as fast as he or she could through the twists and turns to see how it handled: full-throttle acceleration through straightaways, aggressive cornering into tight turns. Then we did the same with the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G35. All three cars came equipped with the sport package, performance tires and automatic transmissions. We lapped the course plenty of times as either drivers or passengers.
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