[Wildcat Jon]

goodness! I picked up my car today at 4:00. Spent 2.5 hours at The BMW Store in Cincy on a beautiful 85 degree, low humidity day. Dave Pavlik is one of the best CA's I've worked with and I've bought Volvo, Honda, Acura and Lexus. The car is flawless. I've put 100 miles on it in the last 4 hours just driving every twisty I can find in the Northeast Cincy area. This car absolutely STICKS to the road. Amazing.

Also, I had the opportunity to drive a 2003 330i convertible (non sport) yesterday and this morning and to the dealership before picking up my car. Driving them back to back, there are a lot of similarities to the cars, but the new e90 takes a fabulous car to new heights. In particular, I noticed that the sport pkg adds NO extra bumpiness over the nonsport 03 330i. In fact, I think the ride was even better. And, my wife has a Lexus, which drives like a dream (just only a different type of dream). Even coming from driving the GX470 a few days this week, my e90 sport rides beautifully.

I spent alot of time fooling around with the idrive controller today. If you spend alot of time on the computer, you'll get the hang of it very quickly. It is admittedly awkward at first, but you get the hang of it. The entertainment controls are a breeze. The only bummer is that the aux input volume for my ipod is much lower than the CD/FM/Sat Radio volume. Otherwise, the Logic 7, once equalized properly, is MUCH better than the 03 330i. The few voice commands I tried worked pretty well (radio type). I also bought the lifetime Sirius today for $357. Since one year is $142 and you get that credited to the price, the $357 (just a little over a 2 year subscription price) is a bargain. The Navi is my project tonight.

I have a Treo 600, not 650, so I don't have bluetooth yet. I did try out the BMW assist with Dave, and it is a great feature. Glad I have it.

For JohnFKitchen, yes, my code AC wood trim came through and the poplar with the black leather looks stunning. I don't dislike the burl at all, but the poplar just pops against the black. Really shows the grain. Dave was gushing over it, as it is the first black/poplar combo they have gotten in.

I'm sure I'll have more to report, but the first 103 miles were an absolute dream. The wait is well worth it.

[YYdoodle]

Congrats on pickup! I was the same way when I got mine. I could tell in the test drive that the handling was awesome but only when I actually got my car was I willing to really push it, the limits are amazing (and I haven't even reached them yet)

[Wildcat Jon]

Terps, thankfully, my CA TOLD me to push a SP manual during my test drive (but I got the step bc of sitting in alot of traffic on the way to work), and I was immediately sold on the SP. But, it had been about 6 weeks since my test drive and all I had was this board and pics to go by. It just worked out that my father in law was out of town and I borrowed (wink) his 330i '03 convertible for two days and drove it to the dealership. It was a cool comparison between the e46 and e90. Both rock, but I am SO happy with my choice and with the options I chose. I am coming from a 2004 Acura TL and the e90 blows it away in every facet.

[Armen52]

Hey Jon, I'm glad you finally picked up your car and that you're so happy with it. I feel pretty much the same about my car. Only a couple of minor "bugs" I wish they'd fixed before release like the ticking B-pillar and not being able to close the moonroof with the engine off.

Anyway, enjoy the car, drive safely, and may you have patience for your break-in period to be over.

[johnfkitchen]

Congratulations, Jon! Great plan going for the lifetime Sirius, that was the first thing that I did after activating the SatRadio. Looks like you'll be playing Navi music all weekend!

And you are so right about the grain in the Poplar. My car is transformed!

Have a great weekend!

[davinet78]

congratulations enjoy your car and please keep us posted

[scottz5]

Congrads and go get a treo 650 it works great! I sold my 600 on ebay for 230.00. Just an idea for you.

[Wildcat Jon]

Originally Posted by scottz5

Congrads and go get a treo 650 it works great! I sold my 600 on ebay for 230.00. Just an idea for you.

How'd you get 230 for a used 600? Wow, that is incredible. I gotta check on what it will cost to upgrade.

[scottz5]

Originally Posted by Wildcat Jon

How'd you get 230 for a used 600? Wow, that is incredible. I gotta check on what it will cost to upgrade.

I had Verzion, maybe thats why? I guess people lose their phones and it is a lot cheaper then spending 500.00 out of contract. Here are some links with people selling them.

Sell yours asap and get a 650. Not only is bluetooth great the 650 is so much better.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VERIZON-PALM-TRE...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/PALMONE-TREO-600...QQcmdZViewItem

[Wildcat Jon]

Thanks guys. I am now at 460 miles on Sunday night and, although I had very high expectations, this car has exceeded them. I so far don't have any rattles, don't have the stopping problem some have reported on the step, etc. I also love the idrive. It was the last option I wavered about, but I am very happy with it now. Plus, the SP ride has exceeded my expectations. I was a little worried about it being too harsh, but I've been very pleasantly surprised. It rides MUCH better than my 04 TL, which had all seasons. My wife drives a Lexus GX470 and she loves the ride of my car, so that should tell you something about the ride quality. I'm also thrilled with the extra room. The width of the car is definitely noticeable over the e46 in the cockpit. After driving an e46 330i for a couple of days this week, the cockpit of the e90 seems much bigger and more comfortable. No complaints.