06-09-2010, 08:31 PM | #1 |
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Day at the BMW Performance Center
I am looking at the '11 X5 5.0 when my 550i is at end of lease later this year. I had the perfect opportunity to play with X5s at a corporate event at the BMW Performance Center. I'd highly recommend going there if you have the opportunity for a driving school or PC delivery. Among the events was an off road session in the X5. There were 45 degree slopes, points where only 2 wheels were on the ground, and 18 inch water fording. We drove the X5 35d, and you'd never know it was a diesel. I am certainly sold on what the X5 can do offroad. We also got to sample several BMWs from a Z4 roadster, 335d, M3, 750i to the 550hp X6M. Note this was THE X6M that was just run in On Lap of America.
I would post pics but the internet connection is quite useless here.
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06-09-2010, 08:54 PM | #2 |
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Sounds like you had fun. Im also looking into purchasing a 2011 x5 diesel or 3.5 sport package. Im located in NY and wondering if its worth a trip down there. Can you please tell me cost and how many days you spent there? Also can you order the car there and pick it up when its built.
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06-10-2010, 08:36 AM | #3 | |
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Quote:
Since I purchased a Z4 off the lot, yet live close, the dealer offered a "mock delivery". Its the same experience, but I already own the car. I'll get this on Friday. Wednesday was just a corporate event. A computer seminar sponsored by IBM with the perk of fun on the track afterward. There are also more extensive driving courses at cost, from teen schools, all the way up to an Advanced ///M School where you learn high speed racing.
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2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s
2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i Last edited by richard in NC; 06-12-2010 at 08:37 AM.. |
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06-11-2010, 02:55 PM | #5 |
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The order is placed through any dealer. Just ask for Performance Center Delivery.
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2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s
2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i |
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06-12-2010, 08:35 AM | #7 |
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I also did a "BMW 101" or mock delivery session at the PC for my Z4. Even though I bought the Z4 off the lot, I was given a day at the Performance Center and finally got it scheduled. The corporate event described above happened to be the same week.
There were 9 cars being delivered so they split us into 3 groups. My group had a 535i delivery and an X6M delivery. The 535i owner got to drive a 550i, the One Lap X6M was used, and I drove a Z4 35i DCT, just like mine. We first did some lapping on a small (2nd gear only) course with a slalom, a couple of short straights and sharp turns. Being the only driver of the Z4, I got lots of laps (20 or so). Being already familiar with the car, I used Sport mode, manual shifting, but full DSC on. It was nice to finally get to REALLY push the car in a controlled environment. The Z4 may not have the raw feel of the previous gen M Coupe but it sure can get the job done. We then did an ABS braking exercise, and hit the skid pad in a 335i. I was hoping to use the Z4 and learn its balance and edge but we really didn't have time for that and just got a few spin "opportunities" DSC off, and a few laps DSC on. He did let me try some drifting. I could do only 1/4 lap before losing it in the really slick areas. We then hopped in X5s and headed to the factory for a tour. It's definitely more automated than the old Z3s I saw 9 years ago. On the way back we hit the off-roads area. The X5 definitely impressed with what it can do. Once again I forgot to snap a pick of the water crossing. At 20 inches deep, its above the base of the doors. He mentioned the summer tire options are nearly as capable. But I guarantee you that the wheels would get scraped on the rocks. After lunch, we all got rides in the M5. It never fails to impress what the car and instructors can do. Everyone then headed to the deliveries. I just spent a few minutes with my car, asked a few questions and bugged out for the drive back to Charlotte. I would highly recommend the Performance Center Delivery if you can do that. I also spent time in downtown Greenville. Its a nice small city with a neat city park and waterfall.
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2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s
2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i |
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