BMW 7-series

On Nov 17, 12:40 pm, h... DeleteThis @h-gee.co.uk wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:10:16 -0600, sjmmail2000-... DeleteThis @yahoo.co.uk wrote:
>
> I still don't like the stupid gear selector in the middle of the console. No
> particular use except for putting it in D, R or P so why have it sticking up
> like a flag pole?
> --
>
According to Roundel, the upcoming F01/02 7 Series' gear shifter does
more than select gears. It can also be used as a "manual" shifter,
similar to what was found in the old pony cars of the late 60s/early
70s, i.e., think of those old *B&M* automatic shifters that allows you
to "bang" it into the next gear.

Here's a better review including a great photo of the shifter - notice
the M/S +/-

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901909/
 >> Stay informed about: BMW 7-series 

On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:23:52 -0800 (PST), bfd wrote:

>On Nov 17, 12:40 pm, h... DeleteThis @h-gee.co.uk wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:10:16 -0600, sjmmail2000-... DeleteThis @yahoo.co.uk wrote:
>>
>> I still don't like the stupid gear selector in the middle of the console. No
>> particular use except for putting it in D, R or P so why have it sticking up
>> like a flag pole?
>> --
>>
>According to Roundel, the upcoming F01/02 7 Series' gear shifter does
>more than select gears. It can also be used as a "manual" shifter,
>similar to what was found in the old pony cars of the late 60s/early
>70s, i.e., think of those old *B&M* automatic shifters that allows you
>to "bang" it into the next gear.
>
>Here's a better review including a great photo of the shifter - notice
>the M/S +/-
>
>http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901909/

The problem is - for me anyway - is that the "paddle" shift on the E65 was so
good and easy and the selector left the console clear. The lever is a switch
(of course it is) and is pivoted at the base not as the "old" B&M or even stock
shifters on the Pony cars were about 2" below the console level thus giving a
feel of gear shifting. This one really feel flimsy and if used "hard" feels as
though it will (not would) break off and I can't see a warranty claim being
allowed for that and a repair bill in the thousands?

As I said before the sat-nav has also been downgraded to pro from High. The
dash looks very much like a 3 or 5 and not the limo feel that a 7 should be.

On a different note - I would have liked to buy the 630d (not available in the
US) as I thought it was going to be a "2 door 7 series with all the bells and
whistles " but it turned out to be a 2 door 5 series with a 3 series interior...
didn't like that bit so I bought a 730d SE but I don't think I'll buy the new
one.........!

Sir Hugh of Bognor

--
I used to be an Egotistical Meglomaniac - but now I'm just perfect!

Hugh Gundersen
hsg DeleteThis @h-gee.co.uk

Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK
 >> Stay informed about: BMW 7-series 

On Nov 18, 3:24 am, h....DeleteThis@h-gee.co.uk wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:23:52 -0800 (PST), bfd wrote:
> >On Nov 17, 12:40 pm, h....DeleteThis@h-gee.co.uk wrote:
> >> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:10:16 -0600, sjmmail2000-....DeleteThis@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
>
> >> I still don't like the stupid gear selector in the middle of the console. No
> >> particular use except for putting it in D, R or P so why have it sticking up
> >> like a flag pole?
> >> --
>
> >According to Roundel, the upcoming F01/02 7 Series' gear shifter does
> >more than select gears. It can also be used as a "manual" shifter,
> >similar to what was found in the old pony cars of the late 60s/early
> >70s, i.e., think of those old *B&M* automatic shifters that allows you
> >to "bang" it into the next gear.
>
> >Here's a better review including a great photo of the shifter - notice
> >the M/S +/-
>
> >http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901909/
>
> The problem is - for me anyway - is that the "paddle" shift on the E65 was so
> good and easy and the selector left the console clear.  The lever is a switch
> (of course it is) and is pivoted at the base not as the "old" B&M or even stock
> shifters on the Pony cars were about 2" below the console level thus giving a
> feel of gear shifting.  This one really feel flimsy and if used "hard" feels as
> though it will (not would) break off and I can't see a warranty claim being
> allowed for that and a repair bill in the thousands?
>
> As I said before the sat-nav has also been downgraded to pro from High.  The
> dash looks very much like a 3 or 5 and not the limo feel that a 7 should be.
>
> On a different note - I would have liked to buy the 630d (not available in the
> US) as I thought it was going to be a "2 door 7 series with all the bells and
> whistles " but it turned out to be a 2 door 5 series with a 3 series interior...
> didn't like that bit so I bought a 730d SE but I don't think I'll buy the new
> one.........!
>
Maybe I'm old school, but I like the new direction BMW is going.
First, the body style is way more conservative than the prior E65/66
version. But that's probably a good thing as its more "mercedes/lexus-
ish" and will appeal to that crowd.

As for the interior, I like that BMW is now angling the center console
back towards the driver:

http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901929/

Its interesting that you say the new shifter is flimsy and can
possibly break. The 2009 F01/02 7 Series are not yet available here in
the US, so I haven't had a chance to see/feel one. Then again, I may
never as I prefer the 3 and 5 Series cars.
 >> Stay informed about: BMW 7-series 

On Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:50:18 -0800 (PST), bfd wrote:

>On Nov 18, 3:24 am, h....RemoveThis@h-gee.co.uk wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:23:52 -0800 (PST), bfd wrote:
>> >On Nov 17, 12:40 pm, h....RemoveThis@h-gee.co.uk wrote:
>> >> On Mon, 17 Nov 2008 01:10:16 -0600, sjmmail2000-....RemoveThis@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
>>
>> >> I still don't like the stupid gear selector in the middle of the console. No
>> >> particular use except for putting it in D, R or P so why have it sticking up
>> >> like a flag pole?
>> >> --
>>
>> >According to Roundel, the upcoming F01/02 7 Series' gear shifter does
>> >more than select gears. It can also be used as a "manual" shifter,
>> >similar to what was found in the old pony cars of the late 60s/early
>> >70s, i.e., think of those old *B&M* automatic shifters that allows you
>> >to "bang" it into the next gear.
>>
>> >Here's a better review including a great photo of the shifter - notice
>> >the M/S +/-
>>
>> >http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901909/
>>
>> The problem is - for me anyway - is that the "paddle" shift on the E65 was so
>> good and easy and the selector left the console clear.  The lever is a switch
>> (of course it is) and is pivoted at the base not as the "old" B&M or even stock
>> shifters on the Pony cars were about 2" below the console level thus giving a
>> feel of gear shifting.  This one really feel flimsy and if used "hard" feels as
>> though it will (not would) break off and I can't see a warranty claim being
>> allowed for that and a repair bill in the thousands?
>>
>> As I said before the sat-nav has also been downgraded to pro from High.  The
>> dash looks very much like a 3 or 5 and not the limo feel that a 7 should be.
>>
>> On a different note - I would have liked to buy the 630d (not available in the
>> US) as I thought it was going to be a "2 door 7 series with all the bells and
>> whistles " but it turned out to be a 2 door 5 series with a 3 series interior...
>> didn't like that bit so I bought a 730d SE but I don't think I'll buy the new
>> one.........!
>>
>Maybe I'm old school, but I like the new direction BMW is going.
>First, the body style is way more conservative than the prior E65/66
>version. But that's probably a good thing as its more "mercedes/lexus-
>ish" and will appeal to that crowd.

I agree. I like the styling - not too radical but defiantly different and the
new sharp waist line adds style - lights look good too!
>
>As for the interior, I like that BMW is now angling the center console
>back towards the driver:

I agree with this too as it brings back the "driver's car" feel like the older
E38.

>
> http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-7-series-3/901929/
>
>Its interesting that you say the new shifter is flimsy and can
>possibly break. The 2009 F01/02 7 Series are not yet available here in
>the US, so I haven't had a chance to see/feel one. Then again, I may
>never as I prefer the 3 and 5 Series cars.

It probably is quite robust but looks and feels flimsy and out of place. In the
3 and 5 I can see that it would match the look and feel of a sporty saloon with
the gear lever on the console but in a limo???????????

Nice car though but I think they have listened to the bean counters too much.

--

Sir Hugh of Bognor

The difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

Intelligence is not knowing the answer but knowing where and how to find it!

Hugh Gundersen
hsg.RemoveThis@h-gee.co.uk
Bognor Regis, W.Sussex, England, UK
 >> Stay informed about: BMW 7-series