Yay, another opportunity to test drive a BMW loaner

[Thud]

This week I'm going to get my 3rd loaner in the past 8 months when I bring my car in for service.

Today I got the yellow engine light, very rough idle, and reduced power like I have an SUV strapped to my roof. Too bad, my current fuel pump only has about 11,000 miles on it (car has almost 30k total). Unfortunately Thursday was the earliest appointment date-- meaning I have to commute in the next 2 days with everybody behind me honking and yelling at me for driving like a grandma.

Maybe I'll get a convertible this time? That would be sweet! I guess I'm looking for a silver lining to owning a car that I keep having to take in.

So what's your best loaner car been?

[Itanius]

I've only had one... a 2010 X3. I was not impressed, and I wouldn't buy one.

[Judge]

I got two 328's and a Kia Spectra on my three service trips (fortunately for only routine work and nothing major). Since getting the Spectra I will never complain about the 328 again.

[Thud]

Originally Posted by Itanius

I've only had one... a 2010 X3. I was not impressed, and I wouldn't buy one.

I've only been in a couple BMW SUV's, both X5's... they didn't impress me either. But I'm not really a fan of SUV's in general. I guess they had to make them because they wanted to keep the "brand-loyal" segment who demanded SUV's.

Er, sorry... Sport Activity Vehicles.

I like wagons and some crossovers though, mainly because they feel more like cars.

[tcd223]

only had one loaner so far, but my car goes in again in 8 days to fix the quarter panel that was dented by the dealership while they were changing my hpfp. They gave me an e90 335xi and it was a stick. The clutch felt like everyone whose gotten the thing has done a few big clutch dump burnouts and then taught their spastic neighbor how to drive stick. Still, it could have been worse and I'd gladly take that same loaner again.

when i had my 328xi in for the steering lock (twice) I got an X3 which was exactly what you'd expect it to be, and a 2010 Mustang V6 from Hertz on the other visit.

[SlickShift]

Best so far was a Nissan Maxima. Great looking car, but the CVT absolutely kills the fun.

[Atombyte]

My last time in they went insane and loaned me an '07 Z4-M. I had a lot of fun in that car!

[Itanius]

Originally Posted by tgb335i

My last time in they went insane and loaned me an '07 Z4-M. I had a lot of fun in that car!

I was hoping for something more sporty like that myself. I let out a quiet sigh when they handed me the keys to an X3.

[Thud]

Originally Posted by tgb335i

My last time in they went insane and loaned me an '07 Z4-M. I had a lot of fun in that car!

Holy crap... I don't think my dealership loans out M-cars.

[Evice]

Originally Posted by Itanius

I've only had one... a 2010 X3. I was not impressed, and I wouldn't buy one.

I got an X3 for wife and I really enjoy it. Especially if you own a dog and don't want it in your 1er

[enigma135]

Been riding around in a 328 loaner since Saturday waiting for my HPFP to be replaced...not too shabby but definitely not as fun as my 1er....Other than that I had a sebring convertible for a couple days, I did like that you only had to push the button once to go topless instead of holding the button down like on our convertibles.

[Thud]

Dropped the car off this morning, the BMW service rep said they were going to investigate whether the previously fuel pump replacement I had in 2009 was the latest model (I'm pretty sure another model came around late last year, didn't it?)
He also said they were going to update the software. Maybe that'll get rid of my turbo lag.

ANYHOO.... My loaner is a 535i. It's got a few booboo's.

I've never driven this generation of 5 series before (2010 model). My review so far:

-The version of iDrive in this car isn't that annoying to use, it works pretty well. Kinda wish I had it in my 1-er now.
-The stock sound system is pretty good
-Acceleration was adequate but barely what I'd call "sporty". The weight really shows in this car. Handling is nimble though.
-Exhaust is much more muted than the 1 and 3 series
-It feels surprisingly small from the driver seat. Inside it's not markedly roomier than the last 3-series loaner I had. I thought it would be a lot more spacious than a 3-er.
-Comfortable, cushy standard seats. Good for long trips I think. I still like my 1-er's sport seats better.

Nice car to drive, but I wouldn't buy one, unless I got a killer deal on an M5. I like the new 5-series much, much better, and the E39 comes in a close second. This bangelized version feels and drives like a BMW should, but the overall design inside and out just sorta feels "phoned in."

[dbtk]

My current on is a 328Xi...underpowered and not very fuel efficient. My 135i was getting 26-27 mpg. The 328Xi is getting around 24...and not driven aggressively.

[JasonCSU]

The only loaner I've had was a 335xi sedan. It was a very nice car and the steptronic was the best automatic I've ever driven, but I was quite happy to get my car back.

[x5mad]

E93 m3 vert. Did not want to give it back! Other more memorable one was an e92 335 coupe. Quite liked it and IMHO the exhaust note was louder and nicer sounding above 4k rpms than the 135 and also felt more stable and planted in the twisties than the 135 coupe which to me felt quite twitchy in those areas.

[Thud]

Sweet, my car is ready this morning.... with another new HPFP of course.

I want to turn this boat back in and get my go-cart back!