Alf's 123d Vert has Finally Arrived

[AussieAlf]

Hey guys,

Well she's finally here! Le Mans Blue 123d E88 manual (of course) Convertible with Alaska Grey interior, Anthracite soft top and M sports pack. From my point of view looks the goods.

Before I get to my first impressions, they are coloured by 10 years of MX-5's, the last 5 in a turbo SE with 105kw ATW driving about 1050 kg, and a lowered sports suspension. In a word, a go-kart.

During the test drive of the (non M-sports equipped) demonstrator I hadn't had enough time to really get comfortable with the handling and was a little worried I'd made the wrong decision. Well Since yesterday I've driven 500km, mainly on twisty roads and the car has come up trumps. Around the twisties, she hugs the road at least as well as the MX-5, though with slightly more body roll. However, with that body roll comes compliance. So where the MX-5 tended to skate sideways a bit over corrugated bitumen, the 1 just dug in and followed the road.

By the end of today's drive through the hills, I was taking the familiar curves at the same speeds and with the same surety as in my little red go-kart. One thing I did notice is that I was consistently using 1 gear higher than in the Mazda, so that hairpins I was used to taking in second I found more comfortable in third, and the fast 4th gear 100kph curves were more comfortable in 5th. What I couldn't believe was the acceleration out of curves in these higher gears, the diesel just had so much to give. I know the 135 has even more up its sleeve, but, though I haven't driven it, I can't imagine needing more.

The sound from the outside at idle is a little tractor-like, but once in the car you don't hear that. I haven't heard it under acceleration from outside yet, will have to get the missus to do a couple of passes up & down the street to check it out.

Anyhow long and the short of it is I'm now much happier and no longer concerned that I'll miss the MX-5.

Surprises:
- It has a dipstick (thankfully)
- how much room there is under the bonnet (hood for the kibbitzers from across the pond).
- that torque that just goes on and on.
- the gearbox is every bit as good as the MX-5.

Thanks for all your help during the wait, guys.

Cheers,
Alf

[135BANDIT]

cooooooooool ------- always wanted a vert , but not game enough i guess.

[Taymaishu]

Congrats Alf - can definitely tell your excitement!!!

Treat her well

[sparoz]

Nice - Gratz!

[esky]

Thanks for your report. I couldn't find a manual 123d to test drive. Congrats on your car, it looks fantastic. My 123d won't be ready till November. Can you report back on your engine oil consumption before your second service. My diesel Passat just burns it up. I have to top it up with 4 litres before each annual service.

[AussieAlf]

Thanks for the kind comments guys.

Esky, I'll keep an eye on oil levels for you. I'll probably change the oil at 5000 and 15000km myself before the first official oil service, but will keep an eye on usage.

Cheers,
Alf

[aliti]

Hi all,

From the drive home from the dealer I topped it up by 250ml. Obviously wasn't topped at pre-delivery.
Checked again at 3000km's, topped up with a little under 100ml.

[Jeef Beef]

Lookin lovely Good to see you are really enjoying your car from the get go.

Have to say that you aren't missing out on too much in the twisties compared to a 135i...the punch out of corners in my 123d loaner felt damn near identical to my car.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by Jeef Beef

Lookin lovely Good to see you are really enjoying your car from the get go.

Have to say that you aren't missing out on too much in the twisties compared to a 135i...the punch out of corners in my 123d loaner felt damn near identical to my car.

Or a 125i.. I distinctly remember thrashing the pants off you 135 boys on the Akuna run that night. Lost Tim in my rear vision mirror, and AFAIK he had one of the quickest 135s i've seen.



Wonder what loaner i'll get tomorrow - probably some beat up 120.

[banglemangle]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

Or a 125i.. I distinctly remember thrashing the pants off you 135 boys on the Akuna run that night. Lost Tim in my rear vision mirror, and AFAIK he had one of the quickest 135s i've seen.

Hmmm

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401483

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by banglemangle

Hmmm

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=401483

Price of fish?

[rocketship]

Re earler comments on oil consumption, I have done 17000km, only just now needed to put 1 litre of oil in. Good bloody thing too, cos the oil cost $85 for 4L at AutoCheap! The BMW Workshop guys said to use Castrol w0/50 (from memory) - it is a synthetic, and thin as cat's piss - never seen motor oil so fine! Still not had the first service, makes it very economical/convenient, but probably the first service cost will make up for it!

[AussieAlf]

I'm planning to do a full change at 5k and 15k, then halfway between the dealer services. It's been 3600 km and no noticeable drop on the (real) dipstick yet. Colour stillgood, how's yours after 17k, rocketship?

Cheers,
Alf

[BMW_x5_Msport]

nice man congrats! and i like the color combo!