[rawr]

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/insights/crm/innovation/content.html?WT.mc_id=1f6391a1-9b84-43ae-aaa6-75f1975dce8f

so you can sign up for this event to drive various bmw vehicles around a course that includes acceleration tests, slalom, etc. unfortunately, they won't let you take it out on the track to.. track it, but rather to sample these vehicles. the new 535i and 550i will be there as well apparently. so will the active hybrid X6. too bad no M cars :(

May 7 - 9 in Vancouver! anyone interested?

[d1]

bump! So did anyone sign up for this? Is there a separate classroom session or do you just go at the time you signed up for and the classroom session is included within that time?

[FerrariEnzo]

i signed up..

[SpartanAir]

Does it cost anything?

[?NR]

^ absolutely nada. Friday has slots left, saturday is pretty much booked up, sunday is avail still.

I'll be there on Saturday with !SG. It's a good chance to try out X-Drive, new N55 twin scroll single turbo etc.

[slammer111]

^ Going on Saturday with a buddy. :D

[hk20000]

^ absolutely nada. Friday has slots left, saturday is pretty much booked up, sunday is avail still.

I'll be there on Saturday with !SG. It's a good chance to try out X-Drive, new N55 twin scroll single turbo etc.

What slot did you guys sign up for? I might see you at the event! :thumbsup:

[q0192837465]

i just signed up with a frd thru the website. Hope there will still be spots left

[skyxx]

LOl, when i got the invite code, the First two friday shifts are the only ones left. I'm watching Ironman 2 midnight showing too :cry:

[N.A Honda]

I'm interested but where does this take place and does it cost anything? I can't seem to find anything on the site with the info.

[skyxx]

Doesn't cost anything. It's usually held at Pitt meadows Airport. I've been to it last year, pretty fun!

[rooster328]

i signed up but never got a email :(

[StealthFighter]

i'm going at friday for 1:35pm slot

[DuhDang]

Iam Friday at 3:00 I signed up for it a while back and got a email like last week lol

[?NR]

What slot did you guys sign up for? I might see you at the event! :thumbsup:

Saturday 9am - 11am

[FerrariEnzo]

WOOT i tried earlier but it was ALL full..

tried again.,. now i got a spot

Vancouver
British Columbia Driving Centre
Saturday, May 08, 2010, 2:15 pm

who else has a slot close me?

[slammer111]

^ I'm in that slot along with 3 friends. We'll see you there. :D

[Matsuda]

Saturday 9am - 11am

I'm in the 8am slot

[DuhDang]

so whos in it for a joy ride and whos actually interested in purchasing the car LOL

[FerrariEnzo]

do you work for BMW? is it safe to tell you!?!?!? :p

[hchang]

so whos in it for a joy ride and whos actually interested in purchasing the car LOL

I don't think they care, they just want to show the public what features their car has, and how they think its "better" than all of the competitors out there.

[death_blossom]

^
I think they also want the selected ppl to talk about their experiences to friends/family. Word of mouth is always the best way to advertise, of course.

[maxx]

im in at 1045!! anyone else?

[G]

Do you need full class 5? or can my N suffice?

I mean, I am asian, and I have my N, that's almost the 2 characteristics of most BMW drivers haha.

[rawr]

won't be able to make it :( to those who are going, please tell us how it went!

[hk20000]

I am registered for Sat 4:30pm....

Damn won't see many of you guys then. But I get to sleep in LOL

[d1]

I'll be there tomorrow - 11:20

[HonestTea]

Saturday @ 1pm

[skyxx]

I'll be there in uh 5 hours. :lol Fuck....

[rooster328]

still disappointed i didn't get a invite and we got 3 bmws.....kinda interested in the new 5er

[Harvey Specter]

Same here, I'm interested in the new 5 series as well. I'm taking my car in for the first service next week, might ask for a test drive while I'm waiting.

[FerrariEnzo]

still disappointed i didn't get a invite and we got 3 bmws.....kinda interested in the new 5er

haha so why do you even need to go?? just bring your car there...


but i wasnt happy to find out that its going to be at PORT MOODY!!!

[skyxx]

Got back from the drive. Pretty fun. My favourite was the 135I. :) The new 5 series looked great too.

[rawr]

Got back from the drive. Pretty fun. My favourite was the 135I. :) The new 5 series looked great too.

please elaborate! :D

[skyxx]

On what?
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[maxx]

got back as well. the 5 series was amazing. the interior, the graceful exterior, the dynamic ability of the car even in "comfort" mode. This car has no flaws. Nothing is left for compromise.

My favorite was the 135i with M sport pack. Too bad they had no manuals.

Great day!

[HonestTea]

I wonder if I can bring a different guest then the guest I put down hmm...Called BMWCS and their office is closed hmm..

[FerrariEnzo]

I wonder if I can bring a different guest then the guest I put down hmm...Called BMWCS and their office is closed hmm..

yes i was wundering too... my wife wont make it and my buddy wants to go...

will the guest beable to drive also?

[Matsuda]

yes i was wundering too... my wife wont make it and my buddy wants to go...

will the guest beable to drive also?

I hope so too cause I'm bringing my bitch mananetwork
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[Levitron]

Yes, guests are allowed to drive.

They have a rotation system which allows everyone to have a go at the wheel of every model available there.

I was kinda disappointed in the 335d. I guess I expected a little bit more "umph" upon jamming down on the accelerator pedal, but I didn't get any of that until at least towards the end of the initial straight (and I mean VERY end).

All in all a great event as always. The girls were pretty cute ;)

[d1]

Even in sport mode I didn't like the 535 at all - it felt too big to be considered fun on the slalom.

The 135 sounded mean and it was my favourite but acceleration wise it didn't feel that quick to me. The 335 was good too but I didn't like the sound of the 335d - the ticking sound from the diesel isn't very attractive. They all understeered too so that took away from the fun but I still had a good time. I would definitely go again in the future.

[TOPEC]

Do you need full class 5? or can my N suffice?

I mean, I am asian, and I have my N, that's almost the 2 characteristics of most BMW drivers haha.

last year i went with my N, not sure if they changed it this year.

[HonestTea]

yes i was wundering too... my wife wont make it and my buddy wants to go...

will the guest beable to drive also?

Are you still gonna bring your buddy? Still contemplating on the guest part too lol

and yes, guests gets to drive.
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[Matsuda]

i think as long as you rsvp'd that you're bringing a guest, it should be fine.

I'm looking at google maps at the location, do we actually go in through the entrance from McTavish Road? it looks like that's where the actual course will be.

[HonestTea]

^ I'm not too sure about that, their should be some signs that they put up with the BMW logo to direct you, that's what happened last year.

[skyxx]

got back as well. the 5 series was amazing. the interior, the graceful exterior, the dynamic ability of the car even in "comfort" mode. This car has no flaws. Nothing is left for compromise.

My favorite was the 135i with M sport pack. Too bad they had no manuals.

Great day!

Even though the 135I did not have a proper manual setup, it's still basically a double clutch system(Ei Audi's DSG). :) What time did you go?

[StealthFighter]

A. there's signs to point you there if you go onto ford road.

B. N drivers can drive. my friend did today.

C. 5 series is comfy, 1 and 3 series are more fun. you can't feel the pushed back into your seat torque though. so kinda disappointing. slalom was fun.

D. There were some cute chicks working at registration like levitron said.

[FerrariEnzo]

im glad there are signs.. coz i just googled it and did the street view but saw nothing but old streets.. haha.. so i was freaked.. i thought they gave out the wrong address..


ANYONE wanna meet up and have a drive down there for those that are in the same time slot!!!

PLZ let me know soon..

PM for my number or give me your number

im in the 215pm time slot

[HonestTea]

Guest can be different they are pretty leniant a long as you rsvp'd :)
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[marc0lishuz]

535i - pretty awesome steering response from such a big car. Still no track star, but more than adequate in the Sport+ setting for spirited driving.

335d - Very disappointed in this one. 425lb-ft sounds like a lot, but you don't really feel it.

335i - New motor is incredible in this car. Absolutely flawless drivetrain and steering. Hands-down winner in my book (although interior looks dated now)

135i - Perfect for such a tight track. Acceleration and braking were superb, and with a shorter wheelbase, it was also amazing in the slaloms. This car (with the M pkg) totally owned the track.

[!SG]

so i was at the 9:20 event with niteraven... and though other participates smoked cones, i got yelled at for going fast thru the 5 series course. =/ i did not hit or touch any cones, im just very well versed in autoX'ing and car control.

other than that, it was fun, i found the turbo deisel a little laggy on pedal response.

i loved that 135 with the m package (m steering wheel)

one side note, someone finally smartened up and made a push button sunroof shade retrack and close!

[skyxx]

Loved the low growl of the exhaust in the 135I as I drove into the staging area.

[maxx]

Even though the 135I did not have a proper manual setup, it's still basically a double clutch system(Ei Audi's DSG). :) What time did you go?

1040

[FerrariEnzo]

WOOHOO

just came back from it.. i gotta say, i LOVED the 550i.... 4 wheel steering was incredible going thru the cone track.. feels nice..

my fav was the 135i... the growl as it started...

took some pics.. im uploading them to my photobucket page.. 78mbs.. i deleted some.. hard to take pics while gettin tossed in the cabin..

[Matsuda]

I was at the 8am slot today with mananetwork, saw SG waiting with the next group.

The 550 was quite fun in sport mode for such car of its size. The 335D wasn't bad, just not very exciting. The 335i was pretty damn fun, but the 135i took the cake for me. It felt nimble and quick and I had the most fun pushing it.

when we were leaving I was like "I don't even want to drive my car anymore" There were two guys that came in a modded S2000 with our group, I'm guessing they're probably on revscene too heh

[HonestTea]

Went to the one at 1:35pm, we started at like 1:55pm which was fail and we spent like 40 minutes looking at the 550GT and X6 then we went over and drove the new 5-series, I didn't get a chance to hop in the 550i though :( tried 535i like 3 times LOL

The 5-series was actually pretty nice for such a big car, granted that the 550i V8 would've been even better. The 335i coupe was nice, the 135i with M-Sport Package was the highlight of the day though. M-Sport Package + DCT, perfect for tracking or doing spirited driving on. The 335d was decent, granted I'd rather take the 335i over the 335d though since I felt a bit of lag on the 335d.

Overall a REALLY fun event! I enjoyed it especially with the weather we had today..SUPERB! The guys were pretty cool at the event as well, the senior guy and the guy talking about the X6/550GT was pretty funny or at least they tried to be lol and Richard(I think?) on the 5-series portion was really cool and chill, had some talks about cars and upcoming events for BMW. Nice guy!

AND last but not least, the girls working there were HOT :) Even though they were covering up but still, I'd hit it :) I wonder if you guys took any pictures of them ;) hahahaa

[?NR]

the 5 series, regardless of generation have been the best seller for BMW world wide.

[?NR]

I was at the 8am slot today with mananetwork, saw SG waiting with the next group.

The 550 was quite fun in sport mode for such car of its size. The 335D wasn't bad, just not very exciting. The 335i was pretty damn fun, but the 135i took the cake for me. It felt nimble and quick and I had the most fun pushing it.

when we were leaving I was like "I don't even want to drive my car anymore" There were two guys that came in a modded S2000 with our group, I'm guessing they're probably on revscene too heh

snobs didn't say hi to us? :lol

[!SG]

just to reiterate,

the 5 series cars were all 535's

the 3 and 1 series cars were 335's, 135s, and the 335d.

the 550 was inside on display next to the x5 active hybrid. the 550 was the red one with the funky rear.

[hk20000]

^ one of the cars used in the 5 series run WAS a 550i. At least at the 4:30 session it was there. There were no 550i GT for testing but there was a regular 550i sedan.

#4 car IIRC. Hauled so much ass compared to the 535i.

They told me not to push that car that hard I was going a lil bit sideways in the 550 lol. I told them I thought it's the 4WS doing it. Loved the 335i loved the 135i but the electrical power steering was so numb at the slalom....I guess you get more information through the seats only and better concentration that way. The brakes are great but I don't know why do they even want us to do 2 complete ABS'd brake tests they attest to nothing to the car's performance (or I should say, one test would have been enough). The brake and avoid test at the 5 series test was more surprising as the car will nimbly do a double lane change while under full braking and ABS engaging. Very well mannered business saloon I must say.

2 6'2" white folks rode in the 535i and complained that if they sat one fore and one aft there is no legroom for the back, while in the front the guy has plenty of right leg room and then left knee right up the dash.... Which is a downfall with modern sculpted dash design?
http://image.motortrend.com/f/27265285+w750/2011-bmw-5-series-dashboard.jpg

[slammer111]

The new 5 series definitely felt smaller than my uncle's 1998 (2 generations old) version.

IIRC, Car #5 is the 550i. Car #4 is the 535i that does NOT have the rear wheels that turn. The rear wheels on the other 5ers turn 3deg in either direction. According to the sign, below 60km/h they turn in opposite directions (to tighten your turning radius). Above 80km/h they turn in the same direction to assist in smoother lane changes. I must say it makes turning tight corners (like the sharp L turns on the course) noticeably easier.

The 335d was surprisingly quiet for a diesel. That was impressive.

Something I noticed about ALL of the cars (ie BMWs in general) though. They all don't seem too pull too hard? I can swear my stock C230 pulls harder off the line (though obviously this shouldn't be true). I'm wondering if BMW torque converters simply slip more or something.

[?NR]

i was dissappointed that they didn't have the E89 Z4 35iS w/N55 twin scroll there, or the newest 335iS twin scroll there as well.

the lack of 6MT cars there were meh too haha.. I actually put that down as a thumbs down in their ending survey.

those cars comes alive with MT.

[FerrariEnzo]

just to reiterate,

the 5 series cars were all 535's
there was ONE 550... my buddy and I where standing beside the 550 when we arrived at the 5 series station... that was the only 5 series i drove...

[!SG]

oh, ok, that explains it, they had one of the 5 series pulled off the side.

[HonestTea]

Their was definitely a 550i there, too bad I missed out on it :( It would've been beastly I'm sure and it's too bad they don't really let you push the car hard and experience just how good it is, not talking about turning DSC/DTC off and racing but you know :) hahaha since they were starring at me after every run like "Once you lose control, I'm going to beat the shit outta you" glare :rofl:

I agree! They should've brought over the new Z4 35iS and the new 335iS, they would've been hella fun, hell they should've brought a E92 M3 as well just for kicks :)

[skyxx]

Yup, there was a 550i. I like the new cabin layout of the 5 series. It looks great. The 5 series interior feels more compact(which I like) for a car of its size. I love the new look too (F10). Styling cues from the E90-E92s which makes it look much more sporty. Thumbs up from me. As for the 135i w/M package, I felt that the interior was really cheap but the performance and compact size of the car made up for it. The Montego blue colour of the 135i looked great too! Overall the event did a decent job in "educating" us the consumers about the cars.

[?NR]

The F10's will outsell the F01/02 simply because it looks like a 7 series, has almost all of the available technology for a smaller price tag. Integral steering is a new option which includes active steering from earlier models. I will always hate the new style BMW electronic shifters. Lol. Nay, hate em.
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[Mananetwork]

snobs didn't say hi to us? :lol

We did two!! But from a distance :haha:

[Azriel_Strife]

sounds like fun.. hmmm.

[DuhDang]

The 335i were the newer twin scroll ones, thats what the instructor told us.

[hk20000]

the DSG like tranny was damn awesome. Don't need MT no more.

the 4WS feels just like my Galant ROFL.

[FerrariEnzo]

This Was The Money Shot

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/2k2silvercivicsi/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive%20May%2008/IMG_0198-1.jpg

[?NR]

The 335i were the newer twin scroll ones, thats what the instructor told us. I stand corrected. now that I remember it the newer ones with twin scroll also have LED for the angel halos.

[RabidRat]

Fun event!

I'm gonna have to go against the grain though and say that the 135i really disappointed in the handling department. Plenty good for daily driving (and I suppose this is strictly what I'd own one for anyway), but to take it through autocross seems like it would be a nightmare. For lack of a better word, the handling felt incredibly sloppy and the thick M steering wheel that felt so amazing to grasp while stationary or driving in a straight line, felt like wrestling with a fat chick when navigating the slalom.

I was pretty happy to get back in my car afterwards.

....until I hit the highway onramp and stepped on the gas to realize nothing was happening. I think I would really enjoy a 135i for a daily driver. I liked the DCT enough that I could probably live with it if someone held a gun to my head, and the power and torque is - for me - out of this world.

[maxx]

here are some pics

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2453.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2455.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2456.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2467.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2478.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/vwmaxpwr/Bimmer%20pics/BMW%20Innovation%20Drive/IMG_2479.jpg

[Adrenaline Rush]

Enjoyed the test drive - the 335 and 135 were the best driving cars for sure.

I like the compactness of the 135 as it's very tossable and has a great drivetrain. But the styling really needs some work - the back looks fine but the front and side view make it look tall, narrow, and ungainly. And if they could add a real LSD to the 135 or 335, they would really be track stars.

[skyxx]

To add to the Test drive for the 5 Series. When I test drove the 550i, I realized that there was a head up display. Pretty neat feature. When I was driving through the course the annoying "warning" sound kept on saying I was speeding. After I was done I changed the Speed limit to over 100. Annoying as fuck when I drove around the course beeping at me. :lol

[HonestTea]

Only the 550i had HUD? O_O!

[DuhDang]

the HUD is amazing not distracting at all