BMW 3 Series Comparision Drive: Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto

[segadcsonic]

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/insights/crm/3series/banner.html

Test drive great luxury sports sedans on a closed course. They have a similar event every year, and it's always a trill from my experience.

Too bad I'll be out of the country in April :(

[sprung]

thanks OP, signed up!

[Rohit]

Thanks!

[flyingdutchman]

thanks!

[BlueStar]

Thanks OP!... hope i get an invite

[belfour]

Thanks signed up. Did the Mini one a couple years ago.

[NoJebasNo]

Signed up.
My friend invited me as a guest to the BMW 1 series test drive last year. It was so awesome, figure i'd try and return the favor this year. Thanks OP.

[sportmiester]

Thanks OP - will check it out

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

404-ed! D=

edit: lol their updating their site atm, worse timing ever!

[khowells]

still 404-ed

seems odd - maybe too many RFD ers hitting site:lol:

[leafsrule99]

Yup still 404 :(

[khowells]

working now - but says wait and see if you qualify

may want to pick the answers to the questions with that in mind

[Raven_007]

Thanks. So, if approved, I can bring a friend, correct?

[hoob]

Signed up, hopefully I get in... I am legitimately looking in this category in about 10-12mo and am leaning towards Audi. But I want to test that 335d, it looks like a torquebeast.

[flito ray]

2 hours of driving? do they at least giv eyou refreshments?

[hoob]

2 hours of driving? do they at least giv eyou refreshments?

Nah... Just extra incentive to take the road course really fast!

[techwiz]

Thanks. I did the Mini one last year, it was fun. :D

[Shinjieva01]

signed up. thanks OP!

[Chiggy335]

Signed up. Thx OP. Great chance to see what my car can do without trashing my own car. LOL

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

its up now finally, signed up!

[Sepiraph]

Thanks OP! I went to one w/ Cadillac a few years ago.

[bjb00]

Thanks, signed up, should be fun.

[bob0]

sweet. i usually take part in the mini events and those are a blast.
thanks op!

[MP3_SKY]

Went to the Mini Event 2 years ago, is not really 2 hour non stop driving. They set you in a group of people and the group can try few cars within the 2 hr slot. Then another group with continue driving for 2 hours, etc...

[dasaylay]

Hm...requires a fully licensed driver....I should've gone for my G sooner. I got my G2 3yrs ago but never got around to getting fully licensed since :(

[jeeva86]

thanks, do they have manual?

[ferkel]

where is it in toronto? i don't have flash10 on this work PC :(

[MP3_SKY]

thanks, do they have manual?

On the previous Mini event, there are couple manuals, but most are auto.

[jeeva86]

where is it in toronto? i don't have flash10 on this work PC :(

Downsview Park

[radeonboy]

Thanks I signed up but what are the chances they are gonna let a teenager like me ride in one, they probably just scout for people who are most likely drive the expensive vehicles and are older.

[Terrific_Deals2k8]

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/insights/crm/3series/banner.html

Test drive great luxury sports sedans on a closed course. They have a similar event every year, and it's always a trill from my experience.

Too bad I'll be out of the country in April :(

What Wilfred?! Out of the country? Say it ain't sooooo!!! Noooo... :cheesygri

[TeriyakiJack]

I was lucky enough to have been chosen last time around for the MINI event. Too bad that kind of back-fired as I actually came out of it liking the MINI less after driving it hard. The Mazda 3 and GTI were actually more fun.:lol:

Maybe BMW will be smarter this time around.

They'll likely choose the IS250/ A4 2.0T and C300 instead of the more potent engine choices. However, they do have the beast of the 335 available this time.

[NoJebasNo]

Got an email
Thanks OP

[9Doorz]

Got an email
Thanks OP

i haven't got an email yet?:( How did you answer the question they asked?

[YLSF]

I never learned how to drive standard. For those that went last year do they have both automatic and standard versions? (I know it would be more fun with a standard car... but...)

EDIT: Just checked, they said most of the cars are automatic but there will be some manual transmission.

[Excessiveplayer]

Signed up my dad....

Too bad, I'm 18 but only have the Probationary license...will get my full one in December :(

[aquafina sucks]

Got an email with a PIN, but it's already full :(

[bayerischemw]

signed up and hope to roll in these babies!
thanks OP!

[shiner]

Thank you, for signing up for the BMW 3 Series Comparison Drive. Participation is limited so please watch your inbox in the coming weeks to see if you qualify for this exclusive event.

[Arrow]

Got an email with a PIN, but it's already full :(

Same here.

[radeonboy]

how old are you guys who got the email? i want to see what age group they are targeting...

[techwiz]

I didn't get an email this year. Maybe it's cause I recently purchased a car. Sigh.

[spider78]

I got in for the vancouver event. I'm 30.

[NoJebasNo]

how old are you guys who got the email? I want to see what age group they are targeting...

21

[Terrific_Deals2k8]

Got the e-mail and PIN, WOOT!! Yeeha, thanks OP :D

[McLaren]

It sounds like they are just sending emails for the vancouver event?

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

anyone from GTA get any emails yet?

[bokchoy]

Got mine and signed up right away. Are all the cars manual or are there automatic too?

[canaboost]

Got an email with a PIN, but it's already full :(
ME too. I dont under stand how I am invited but not at the same time...

[Excessiveplayer]

Anyone invited from Montreal?

[mel4186]

Thanks!

[sam_ma]

Anyone invited from Montreal?

Same question here, anyone from Montreal got the email already?
I went to the Mini one last year and, same as TeriyakiJack, came out of the event liking the Mazda and the VW GTI much more than the Mini.

[harpons]

check your email.
my Montreal invitation email was sent out at 6pm today.

[Excessiveplayer]

Got my Montreal Invitation..

Full during the 3 day from 10 to 12 :(

Had to choose 8am to 10am :(

Guess it will be an early saturday!

THANKS OP

[sam_ma]

Got my Montreal Invitation..

Full during the 3 day from 10 to 12 :(

Had to choose 8am to 10am :(

Guess it will be an early saturday!

THANKS OP

Same here, I got it yesterday 6pm and every time slot was still available. I had to wait to see who would come with me (a couple of friends would give me their first born for this) and when I signed up this morning I had to choose Friday 8-10am. That's ok, will try not to burn too many clutches so you guys in the latter sessions still have the cars. ;)

[Excessiveplayer]

Woot...Mine's tomorrow..

How was yours?

Are they all Manual? Hopefully :D

Those cars will be abused!

Are they going to resell them as demos?

Hopefully not lol..

[hoob]

I just got my PIN for the Toronto event. Woot!

You are invited to an exclusive event where you and a friend can drive the entire BMW 3 Series line-up of premium Sports Sedans and compare them back-to-back against the competition. Accelerate. Slalom. Maneuver. Avoid. Brake. Six real-world scenarios that demonstrate two weeks of driving performance in just two hours.

[sprung]

anyone from GTA get any emails yet?


You have been registered to take part in the BMW 3 Series Comparison Drive. This exclusive event takes place at Downsview Park, located at 35 Carl Hall Road, Toronto, Ontario. See map below.

Registration Summary

Confirmation Number: *************
Event City: Toronto
Event Location: Downsview Park
Session Details: Sunday, May 31, 2009, 8:00 am
Confirmed Guest: Yes

http://crm.bmw.ca/microsites/xDrivePhase3/images/maps/Toronto_e9_map.gif

Please Note:
- Bring your confirmation number or a copy of this email with you to the course.
- We recommend that you dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable flat-soled footwear. (Open-toed shoes are not allowed.) Be sure to remember to bring your sunglasses and prescription driving glasses should you require them.
- Each session will begin and end at the appointed time. If participants do not arrive on time we are unfortunately unable to guarantee their spot in the course.
- This two-hour course begins with a mandatory 25-minute information session. Participants who have not attended it will not be allowed to take part in the driving portion of the event.

We look forward to seeing you there,

Sincerely,

Kevin Marcotte
Director, Marketing
BMW Canada

[McLaren]

Just signed up, can't wait!

[hoob]

I just got my PIN for the Toronto event. Woot!

My friend isn't getting back to me on when he's available, and all the slots are filling up... Is it time to find a new friend yet?

[yellman]

got mine

[bokchoy]

Woot...Mine's tomorrow..

How was yours?

Are they all Manual? Hopefully :D

Those cars will be abused!

Are they going to resell them as demos?

Hopefully not lol..

They are all automatic and not so badly abused. at the end you get a coupon for bmw service/parts if you buy a car within 90 days.

[charliebrown]

Got mine for Toronto :)

June 6 is full

[i-o_o-i]

just signed up, hope I get an email back from them and hope it won't be full yet for Toronto one, the Vancouver and Montreal one are full though...

[Excessiveplayer]

It was pretty cool...tried out the 335d (diesel) has some really nice torque.

free cookies (breakfast) too :D

Nice cars and they even let you try the Audi A4 ( 2009) Lexus IS 250 (2009) and the Mercedes C class (2009).

Awesome test drive!

Those tires and brakes need to be changed:lol:!

[MC25]

OMG, that is sweeet! Closed course test drive wow, you can reallly give er! I wish i was in the area around then :(

[robattoronto]

I got in for Sunday June 7th at 1pm, but might be busy at that time. Anyone want to swap the time slot?

[pfbmgd]

No call yet .

[lisdoncca]

I am not sure it is a good idea to test-drive a BMW... I will not want to drive current car after!

[spider78]

I am not sure it is a good idea to test-drive a BMW... I will not want to drive current car after!

Yes - i agree.. I went to the driving event, and now i own a 328i

[xGambitx]

why can't I get in? How do they choose people?

[rage2021]

I'm guessing they choose people on income and the time frame they put down for looking to buy a new car :D

[YLSF]

I am hoping some spots open up. I got the invite e-mail but when I checked the available dates there was only a few early friday morning available. The next day it was fully booked and keeps saying to check back for cancellations.

[AzN_RiverdaleCI]

=/ didn't get mine

[D-Sisive]

i went today

the instructors take you on a demo lap for the course (think go kart track)

then you get to try out

323i
328xi (sports or executive edition) - they had one in manual
335i
335d
a4 quattro
is250 awd
c300 4matic

i tried out the

323i (seems alright for daily driver, got to 70km on the straight)
328xi executive (too loose cause of the cushy suspension, got to 80km on the straight)
is250 awd (same as rwd but slower a bit, better interior than bmw, but too wild to control when driving same style as bmw, got to 70km on the straight)
335d (i took this monster out 2 times cause i couldnt get the 335i the 2nd time...torque monster, got it to almost 100km on the straight before the hard break)

didnt care for the audi or benz so i didnt try them

got a coupon for 90 days, if you get a bmw (lease/finance) you can get either

1)drive training (including the m3) on a killer course (the course is worth ~$450)
2)tire/rim protection warranty
3)$500 giftcard for bmw shop (not parts or services, like clothes, stupid stuff)

[spider78]

got a coupon for 90 days, if you get a bmw (lease/finance) you can get either

1)drive training (including the m3) on a killer course (the course is worth ~$450)
2)tire/rim protection warranty
3)$500 giftcard for bmw shop (not parts or services, like clothes, stupid stuff)

If you wait a few more weeks, you will get a $500 cash incentive emailed to you - which you can apply on top of the coupon they gave you at the event

[sprung]

had and excellent time at this event Sunday morning. we were the first group out that day with an 8AM start. we got a brief intro/presentation on BMW technology and changes to the 3 Series this year.

after that, a BMW staffer took us out for a lap through the course. it featured panic stops from 80KM, 45KM slaloms, and some other fun bits.

after that we got to go in the cars with our partners/buddies. No more BMW staffer aboard. however, they watched us closely and radioed back feedback to each other. For example, one guy stalled the manual right at the start. 1 more stall and they said they'd let him only spectate.

we got to try the 323, 328xi, 335d, Lexus IS250 AWD, and an Audi A4. it was a blast to boot around the test track. my only complaint is that the free 'breakfast' consisted of cookies, pop, coffee, and water. would've liked better food. other than that, awesome event!

BTW - 335d was our favourite with A4 a close second in terms of driving experience. However, the A4 had the nicest interior by far.

[ibadaccord]

had and excellent time at this event Sunday morning. we were the first group out that day with an 8AM start. we got a brief intro/presentation on BMW technology and changes to the 3 Series this year.

after that, a BMW staffer took us out for a lap through the course. it featured panic stops from 80KM, 45KM slaloms, and some other fun bits.

after that we got to go in the cars with our partners/buddies. No more BMW staffer aboard. however, they watched us closely and radioed back feedback to each other. For example, one guy stalled the manual right at the start. 1 more stall and they said they'd let him only spectate.

we got to try the 323, 328xi, 335d, Lexus IS250 AWD, and an Audi A4. it was a blast to boot around the test track. my only complaint is that the free 'breakfast' consisted of cookies, pop, coffee, and water. would've liked better food. other than that, awesome event!

BTW - 335d was our favourite with A4 a close second in terms of driving experience. However, the A4 had the nicest interior by far.


For something that's FREE, I wouldn't have expected anymore than what I've got. I was in the 10am start group. I was in the 335d with the test driver, then managed to drive the C-class, 323 manual, 335i and was a passenger in the A4, 335d and 328xi.

To me personally, the BMWs (328xi +) handled the course really well however as an everyday sedan where you might have to deal with carseats at the back and all, I find the 3 series not roomy enough compared to the A4 and the C class.

I drove the 335i and it is a very fast car, specially for that small course, the 335d performed very well however the "delivery truck" idling noise from the engine was quite noticeable.

Based on this event, I would rather drive a C-class!

[alamshahid]

I took part in the event on Saturday 3pm and got to drive the A4, 328xi, 335i, 335d. Overall the experience was fantastic. Never driven any car like that on any road, it was a great feeling pushing them as hard as you wanted.

I found the 335i to be the overall best for the track and if I were to purchase one it probably would be that model, the 335d had really good torque but was kinda loud when idle.

[maniacshopper]

is this still available for booking?

[hoob]

Just got back from the 8-10am June 06 event. It was decent, got to drive the 323i, 328i MT, 328xi, 335d, A4 and C300.

The Mercedes was pretty bad overall, the Audi was decent. Surprisingly I really liked the 323 quite a lot.. It has a very heavy steering response but overall drives very nicely. The 328 and 335 were limited by the course setup and just seemed too constrained by their computer stability controls (which we were forbidden from turning off -- understandably.)

One thing I found odd was that braking in the 3-series seemed a lot less grippy than I would expect, bordering on "bad". Maybe the braking zones were too washboarded or something but they just really didn't seem to stop very fast. The A4 was better.

Driving the sole manual 328i was a letdown since nowhere on the course do you actually need to shift... So it's a bit pointless and you don't get any feel for the clutch at all (which, to me, seemed very soft, for the 4 shifts I had to do.)

Overall the event was well-organized but the instructions in the intro lap with the instructor seemed rushed and like he didn't give a (#$*#$. The lady at the end of the run was a bit annoying in that she'd accuse you of not doing a full stop or of late braking when for sure neither violation applied (am I supposed to brake at the "brake zone" sign, or at the cones 10 feat further - the intro lap instructor didn't mention) as well as unclear instructions shouted over the radio (telling "the 328" or "the xdrive" to stop, when there are 2-3 of them on the course, or your're in the middle of a slalom and take half a second to try and remember what model you're driving and see if the instruction is for you -- why not just say "Car 6"?)

I did walk away more impressed with BMW but with a realization that their sports seats aren't for me, and that their higher-end stuff like the 335 probably isn't worth it for me (the interiors seemed cheesier the higher the trim line.)

[JDMpanda]

signed up :D

[gendiman]

Was in the Sunday morning 8AM session.
Even with the large group, I managed to try the 328xi, 335d, Audi A4, Lexus IS250, Mercedes.

The 328 handled the best for me with the Audi coming in a close 2nd. The Lexus and Mercedes didn't even come close and were sliding everywhere.

I would have like to have tried an Infinity G series in comparison as I've heard they handle very well and come closest to matching the BMW 3s in terms of performance.

[charliebrown]

Was in the Sunday morning 8AM session.
Even with the large group, I managed to try the 328xi, 335d, Audi A4, Lexus IS250, Mercedes.

The 328 handled the best for me with the Audi coming in a close 2nd. The Lexus and Mercedes didn't even come close and were sliding everywhere.

I would have like to have tried an Infinity G series in comparison as I've heard they handle very well and come closest to matching the BMW 3s in terms of performance.

Not sure if it was my friend's poor driving, but the A4 handled pretty poorly.

The interior of the 3 series (i.e. the audio & HVAC controls) was pretty disappointing especially when compared directly against the A4/Lexus (too many small buttons in the C300 4matic)

Handling in the 328xi was much better than the Lexus & C300 that I tried (and the A4 seemed questionable at best...)

Didn't get to try to 335d tho :(

If the X3 looked better, we might have considered it during our recent purchase :cheesygri