NYC M'ers Susan Komen Drive Sat 5/31 - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

blue max · 28th May 2003, 15:21

I'll be there from 1pm - 5pm. Anyone care to meet-up, hang out, go for a drive?

KRM · 28th May 2003, 15:28

Max, I'll be there at 2 p.m. See you there!

Sharif · 28th May 2003, 21:51

Have to be 21 years old

Aiya · 29th May 2003, 03:33

Whoa...sweet!! Count me in guys. I'm gonna do my best to get in and support the cause.

Sharif, I say you should show up anyways. We'll all get together for an impromtu meet.

Don't forget your camera Karman!

KRM · 29th May 2003, 03:41

Rich, did you register for the event?

I never forget my camera for any car meets

Aussie2U · 29th May 2003, 04:34

Look for me guys! I signed my name right next to the hood opening above the left wheel.

(The event was here last week)

KRM · 29th May 2003, 04:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Aussie2U
Look for me guys! I signed my name right next to the hood opening above the left wheel. (The event was here last week)

Sure thing, Rick! Perhaps we should have all from bmwm5.com who participated and contributed sign in a special corner of the allotted space.

Aiya · 29th May 2003, 07:47

Quote:

Originally posted by KRM5
Rich, did you register for the event?

I never forget my camera for any car meets

I tried to register, but the spots were all full. I guess I'll have to be one of the walk-in's. Hopefully there'll be space for me.

KRM · 1st June 2003, 02:06

Guys, I was there from 2-4pm but did not see you.

I tested the Z4 2.5 5-spd today. The car is everything as described in reviews and by word of mouth. The interior was quite spacious for my 6'1" frame, unfortunately it was pouring today so I did not have the opportunity for some much desired top down action (it was sunny and beautiful in the morning, go figure). The interior layout was simple and easy on the eye, however it takes some getting used to for those familiar to the typical BMW setup. My allowed time in the car was not as long as I wished, so I focused more on the driving experience rather than taking time in getting used to adjusting the a/c settings.

The seat was comfortable and provided a decent amount of lateral support, not that I had a chance to test it out much in congested Manhattan traffic in wet conditions. In some sections where traffic was flowing and I got to push her a little bit, I found power to be adequate for this 2.5L in-line 6 unit, but required higher revs to keep it within the 'sweet spot.' The 3.0 and the soon to come Z4M should satisfy the grin factor much more nicely. The clutch was easy to modulate even for me who does not drive a manual too often. Shifting action is typical as in other manual BMW cars, smooth and precise. The handling was nimble and responsive, a characteristic a roadster (and BMW) are deemed to have. Pressing the sport button provided quicker throttle response paired with more responsive steering feedback which added much more enjoyment to the experience even if much of it is stop and go traffic.

If there are any sour points about this car worthy for comment, it probably lies in the the exterior design, but this is only my opinion. The car in person is definitely more attractive than in pics. However, in the car I drove equipped with those 'turbine' look wheels and charity event stripes decorating the car, it did not stir up any emotions by glancing at it. A nice set of bigger 5-spoke rims from ACS, SSR, or HRE might do the trick. As someone once mentioned on the board, I think this car will not age as nicely as say a Boxster or the Z3 given the lines are more radical and less classical. I am in no way a style expert so that's just my 2 cents.

Just for the hell of it, I also tried out the 540iT sport wagon equipped with the M-sport package which provides a sport supension setup, a M-technic aerodynamic bodykit with other sport package aesthetics such as the shadowline trim, sport steering rim, along with ///M footrest and door sills. It's too bad the 540 wagons are only paired with an auto transmission, I would imagine it would be a very fun family cruiser if equipped with the 6-speed transmission providing the best of both worlds for the driver and his/her family. Driving this car, I can't stop thinking about how desirable a E39 M5 Touring would be if it did come into realization. I really envy that gentlemen down in the Southeast who must have taken a lot of effort converting his 540iT into a Carbon Black M5 wagon with identical mechanical internals as in the uber sedan. That surely is the way to go!

All in all, it was fun experiencing the other cars in the line-up. I was also in line to test the 760il, but for some reason, the person before me was undergoing an 40 minute joyride off to some unknown destination and I did not have the patience to wait for the car to return, if it did at all. Oh well, there's always next year!

young-nyc · 1st June 2003, 03:42

we can still test drive the 760IL
there is another coming up right in NJ in JUNE...i'm going to try to make it to that one...

blue max · 1st June 2003, 06:08

I got there late since I was traveling with the entire posse

women!

I've been seeing quite a few 540's with the sport package lately

Priority parking spot

KRM · 1st June 2003, 06:13

Good to see that you attended, Max. I brought the CD-Rs with me today thinking I would have a good chance to see you, I'll send those by mail to your office.

So, which cars did you try out? Did the 760il ever get back?

Aiya · 1st June 2003, 07:19

Oh man, did I miss out. Errands and projects kept me away from the event. Looks as if it was everything it was thoguth to be. Sorry I didn't get a chance to see you guys there as well. Looks as if I'll be attending the NJ ones to take part for a great cause....as well as see some fellow members.

Great pic's guys!!!