[tinytrevor]

So, I've picked her up today. Wasn't really thinking much of it or having any expectations whatsoever, as was more a bit sorry to see the m lite go.
Only managed to take a few crappy photos.




Now, my only regret is not speccing the leather dashboard, but this could be done next time, so not a biggie.

I have made a few observations after driving for a while:

• the ride is so much smoother on the 19" RFT, the car does not bounce all over the place and soakes in most of bumps

• seats are more comfortable than in the m lite?

• HK is fucking amazing as I came from advanced setup in the 1er, need to play with the setting, I found in one of the other threads

• getting used to the auto and the different modes, should I put the car first to N, apply handbrake and leave it as it is or put in P and then apply handbrake?

• subjectivly, my first impression is that the manual is faster or at least more dramatic, auto makes the car move effortlessly and above the legal speed without any dramas, whilst driving the manual I was aware of the speed all the time, worried I may be driving too fast everywhere now

• engine note is a bit different, can't say excatly what it is, so need to get used to it and then try to find the differences

• the paint and interior leather is loved by everyone who's seen the car, which is no surprise given the amount of time and effort that went into detailing

• had a quick shot of the M3 demo and arranging for a test drive soon, can see this going the wrong way...

Need to wait for the weekend to take it out for a drive on the Duke's Pass to see what the differences are between this and the m lite.

I am impressed overally and looking forward to bonding with the car - which is why I can't wait for the trip to Wales and then Croatia!

[Englishbloke]

Looks great!

Not sure I understand the auto question.

When you stop the car it will automatically go into Park. Some don't even bother applying he handbrake (mainly Americans), I always do.

[tinytrevor]

What I meant is, when driving towards a set of traffic lights that you know take a while to change to the green light (and when trying not to be a knob and dazzle the car behind with my brake lights - like the knobs in Aldis do!) what is the common practice:
1. just keep my foot on the brake whilst sitting in D
2. stop and put to P
2. stop and put to P and apply handbrake
3. stop and put to N and apply handbrake and then P (optional)

[Englishbloke]

I've been driving autos for 20 yrs and 99% of the time I keep my foot on the brake. Whole point of an auto is being lazy

[bmnut]

Originally Posted by tinytrevor

What I meant is, when driving towards a set of traffic lights that you know take a while to change to the green light (and when trying not to be a knob and dazzle the car behind with my brake lights - like the knobs in Aldis do!) what is the common practice:
1. just keep my foot on the brake whilst sitting in D
2. stop and put to P
2. stop and put to P and apply handbrake
3. stop and put to N and apply handbrake and then P (optional)

I wouldn't put it into P if temporarily held in traffic if I were you, unless you are absolutely positive you won't get 'rear ended'.........someone told me when I got my first auto (current car) if you get heavy rear end hit and auto box is in P then the parking pawl will get ripped off the inside of the box and there's no fix..it has to be a new box!

[j.s.]

Originally Posted by tinytrevor

What I meant is, when driving towards a set of traffic lights that you know take a while to change to the green light (and when trying not to be a knob and dazzle the car behind with my brake lights - like the knobs in Aldis do!) what is the common practice:
1. just keep my foot on the brake whilst sitting in D
2. stop and put to P
2. stop and put to P and apply handbrake
3. stop and put to N and apply handbrake and then P (optional)

Don't put it in P, if you get hit from behind it likely turns into a new gearbox and not just a new bumper

[bmnut]

Your new car looks stunning by the way!

[roshambo]

:

If i got a heavy rear end hit (ooh err), I'd want a write off so wouldn't give two hoots about the gearbox!!

[bmnut]

Be careful what you wish for!

[k44ENT]

Looks awesome
If stopping at lights just leave in D and put the hand brake on. If its a short stop say at a junction leave in D and use foot brake. If you are waiting for more than a minute or so i'd stick it in park and put the hand brake on. I've got to get used to a manual very soon
Just don't sit with it D and your foot on the brakes if the brakes are very hot, use the hand brake!

[philiper1]

Very nice car, I am so glad I don't need a bigger car as touring 3 series are just brilliant enjoy

[subsy]

Congratulations

[Rob 1267]

Lovely car Trevor

[225]

Very nice!

[Daftasabrush]

Originally Posted by tinytrevor

What I meant is, when driving towards a set of traffic lights that you know take a while to change to the green light (and when trying not to be a knob and dazzle the car behind with my brake lights - like the knobs in Aldis do!) what is the common practice:
1. just keep my foot on the brake whilst sitting in D
2. stop and put to P
2. stop and put to P and apply handbrake
3. stop and put to N and apply handbrake and then P (optional)

Lovely car!

When stopping, do no. 1 unless it's dark and you're feeling particularly nice then put it in neutral, hand brake up then put it in D once I'm ready. Never use park unless actually parking, and only put it in park after the hand brake has taken the strain (to prevent gearbox wear).

[Rukka]

Looks great with the sun on it. Enjoy your new motor





.

[svenj]

Lovely looking car (but then guess I'm biased as my new F31 340i is also EBII)

[andyp421]

Looks great - look forward to some more photos when you get chance

[HiBee]

Looking good.

Not seen any other 340i's about in my area, plenty of 335d's though.

One was tailgating me for a few miles along the A1, i was taking it a bit easy, he decided to overtake & pulled away only to pulled over by the traffic polis about a couple of miles further on.