[CanadianDriver]

taken from an email: i have not attended one of these functions from maranello nor in 'sauga. anyone knows / share comments on what their experiences were? (assuming remoferri group did something like this in the past)

[MrPig]

Got something similar from Autohaus as well. Too bad it's not during the weekend.

[DMafia46]

Its a hour long test drive thats what i thought maybe some free food and a one prize to newyork

[Rampage9]

I guess I'll find out, I signed up for next week.

I'm interested to see what the F30 is like to drive.

[Rampage9]

Well I went to the Maranello event today.

They had a walk around introduction to the three model lines (more focus on the Sport line), and the new features, etc. Then you choose what line, and what engine you want to test drive an go for a spin.

I took out a Sport Line 328i, and just some quick feedback I found:

- N20 is a nice engine! Lots more pickup at all RPM's compared to the N52.
- N20 really sounds like a diesel at idle & low RPM's.
- Stop/Start didn't kick in at all during the drive (even though it was enabled), so no experience with that
- Steering is a lot lighter than the e90, but admittedly not that bad for an EPS system
- Suspension feels a lot smoother than a sport pack e90 - whether thats suspension tuning, 3rd gen RFT, or the taller profile stock tires (or combo of all)
- Interior: Lots of hard plastic around the shifter area, which looked and felt cheap
- Plastic sun visors (just like on later e90's), also cheap looking
- New I-drive and screen was really nice

Overall, I was impressed. Looks way better in person than in photos!
Still not convinced with the new 'lines' and how it restricts choices & colours.

Also, interestingly, apparently hydraulic power steering will be an option in the 3rd quarter, in case you don't like the EPS.

[bobblehead]

^^ I am going on Friday. Planning to take out the 335. Afterwards, maybe try out a 650 ... if they let me.

[CanadianDriver]

Originally Posted by Rampage9

Well I went to the Maranello event today.

They had a walk around introduction to the three model lines (more focus on the Sport line), and the new features, etc. Then you choose what line, and what engine you want to test drive an go for a spin.

I took out a Sport Line 328i, and just some quick feedback I found:

- N20 is a nice engine! Lots more pickup at all RPM's compared to the N52.
- N20 really sounds like a diesel at idle & low RPM's.
- Stop/Start didn't kick in at all during the drive (even though it was enabled), so no experience with that
- Steering is a lot lighter than the e90, but admittedly not that bad for an EPS system
- Suspension feels a lot smoother than a sport pack e90 - whether thats suspension tuning, 3rd gen RFT, or the taller profile stock tires (or combo of all)
- Interior: Lots of hard plastic around the shifter area, which looked and felt cheap
- Plastic sun visors (just like on later e90's), also cheap looking
- New I-drive and screen was really nice

Overall, I was impressed. Looks way better in person than in photos!
Still not convinced with the new 'lines' and how it restricts choices & colours.

Also, interestingly, apparently hydraulic power steering will be an option in the 3rd quarter, in case you don't like the EPS.

Thanks for sharing. I'm more likely to pay them a visit now, and also to meet Mike from Parts@Maranello.

I like the hydraulic power steering option

[Rampage9]

Originally Posted by CanadianDriver

Thanks for sharing. I'm more likely to pay them a visit now, and also to meet Mike from Parts@Maranello.

I like the hydraulic power steering option

Oh ya, forgot to add that you get a BMW mug too

[CanadianDriver]

Originally Posted by Rampage9

Oh ya, forgot to add that you get a BMW mug too

No BMW mugs handed out ... boo!

Reception: register and handover your license for them to photocopy
Part 1: technical details about the new F30 by a Maranello BMW engineer
Part 2: 10 minute test drive around the block, with a sales guy

There was food, but not meant for F30 test drive participants... or at least no one invited our batch to have a bite/drink.

I'd say, they tried to mimic the annual BMW Canada test drive at downsview. Nothing to see here.