Evening all,
Well, as some of you may already know I have been thinking of changing my Golf GTI for something a little more...well...erm....motorway hungry.
Well, here it is.
Excuse the poor pic, but was dark by the time I got back.
I am now the proud owner of a BMW 335d M Sport.
So, I hear you cry, what was it like.
I took it fairly gently on the way back....for about 40yds....then spanked it up the main road (straight line). That was about when my smile started, and it hasn't quite stopped even though I've been home for an hour.
First impression....the word "immense" comes to mind, also "refined", "poised" and "temptation".
Admittedly, the drive home was filled with the mrs gripping the hand rail and me playing with all the knobs, bells and whistles. So wasn't what I would call a proper test. However, I can see me spending a few hours on night/day with the iDrive manual. My god its like a spaceship.
The car rolls over the tarmac like a well trimmed ocean going liner. Its does seem to bump a little over rough surfaces but I assume thats the M Sport Suspension. The steering can go a little light at some points and again, believe this could be the run flats? However I am not sure whether it has them. The ride is smooth yet provides some sporty feedback. A little more distant than the GTI but you still feel involved. However, I haven't pushed it at all.
Engine wise I find it hard to fault. At lower speeds, or on tickover you hear the infamous John Deer rattle that reminds you your in a diesel but after about 30ish you don't notice it really. A quick push of the paddles and it drops a gear and there is an almost diesel like sound. But again, disguises itself rather well.
On the motorway, cruising at 70 is weird. You have to remind yourself your moving, or you'd be tempted to grab 40 winks. This tells me I made the right choice. I spend nearly 20hrs+ in the car each week so this is what I want...a motorway thoroughbred.
Pulling onto the last motorway, I decided to test its bavarian horses. I went from 80 to Warp factor 10 in flash. I honestly could not get over how quick it was. I'm gonna have to be so careful. My mrs looked at me in a combination of excitement, fear and pride. What a motor.
I spent 10mins or so playing with the iDrive when I got home but still am none the wiser.
I would be wrong to compare it directly with the GTI at the moment. Definately different beasts. I'll know better in a few days. But on the motorway they are worlds apart. Hence why I really changed.
but anyway, so far so good. Get a good drive back for work tomorrow and then some B road action on the way home. But do need to get used rear wheel drive first. Been a while.
Will keep you all posted.
