Monday, May 16, 2011

DAY THREE - Learning to Drive


When I started the engine this morning, before pulling out of the garage, that pesky radiator icon came up on the display again. I called the dealership, and the service advisor told me to drop by and they would top it off for me. Problem solved apparently.

After that call was completed, I took off and Zelda gave me a nice ride to work. I drank my coffee out of the new mug my wife found at a garage sale. I'm still having a little (ok, more than a little) trouble keeping my foot out of it, (the engine, not the mug) but I'm maintaining control.

Mileage seems pretty good so far. I checked the iDrive and learned that I've averaged 19.6 mpg since I picked up the car. It came with a full tank, which is about half empty now. I'll probably reset it when I fill the tank. I'm hoping the mileage will improve as the car gets broken in a little more.

I rolled the windows down for the first time today. Since they did the tinting Friday, they suggested I not roll them down until Sunday. I waited an extra day, just to be on the safe side.

I do have one issue so far, although it's probably something that will work itself out in time. When I take off from a stop light, it seems that I either take off way too slow or way too fast. I haven't found that middle of the road procedure for driving normally. It seems to be eluding me. Is this something that just works itself out as you get used to the car and how it drives? Is it possible the engine needs some adjustment? Research may be required to figure this out unless one of my readers has an answer.

Zelda is in the garage now, safe and sound. I've cleaned the exterior glass from the rain we drove through yesterday (with those magical rain-sensing wipers!). I may do a little waxing after it cools down a bit. I'm thinking hood and fenders tonight. Doors and rear quarter panels on Tuesday night. Roof and rocker panels on Wednesday night. That should work well, because it's supposed to rain Thursday and have thunderstorms Friday and Saturday.

So far, I'm still lovin' it. Feel free to leave a comment.

8 comments:

  1. After finish reading your blog, all i had to say is congratulation on your BMW. Thank you for taking your time to write about your first/impression of the 335i. Matter a fact, Im currently looking for a used 335i and from reading your blog i have learned a great deal about it.

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  2. Thanks, Jeff. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'll try to keep it fresh with new info as it goes on. Be sure and let us know if you buy the 335i you're considering.

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  3. Is your can a manual or AT? If it's a 6MT, your launch from a stop will improve with time & practice. If it's an AT, your on your own. gl

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  4. Gary - It's an AT. It actually was a little better today. I haven't had a new car in so long I may have forgotten how they act at first. LOL. Thanks for the input.

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  5. I think the AT transmission 'learns' your driving style & will in time be as you like. gl

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  6. lol. how do you like the AT? i currently drive a 6mt but im considering A 335i AT since it's less work and hassle. I test drove the AT the other day, oh man does it feel more powerful than my car. however, a part of my brain is telling me to get a 6mt just because it's "kooler" and "you feel the car more" haha let me know! thanks

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  7. Jeff,

    The AT is very nice. I like it a lot. However, this afternoon on the way home I was thinking "I wonder if I would like a 6MT better." I think both have their advantages, but with a car like the 335i, I think the 6MT might be the way to go. If I had it to do over again, I might have chosen the manual. Actually, it's such a responsive car that either transmission is a good choice. It just depends on your driving style and what you would prefer. The paddle shifters and the sports mode on the gearshift can give you a little of the manual experience without the clutch. You might want to drive one of those before making a final decision.

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  8. oh haha i see. I think i decided that i want to get a AT. As much as my male testosterone is telling to get MT, i don't want to deal with the hassle. Now i just got to find a good deal on one :D. Hey Adam, do you recommend me selling my car first or taking it into bmw for a trade in value?

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