Saying Goodbye

[Van Canna]

thanks Bill.

And yes, God made that countryside knowing there would be great cars taking to those hills, No?

[Bill Glasheen]

It makes you think God was Bavarian...



At least their beer seems heaven-sent.



- Bill

P.S. Did you catch my post on hill descent technology after the Blue Ridge Mountains picture?

[Van Canna]

Just caught it now. Had not scrolled down enough.

You are a car wizard _ thank you.

[Van Canna]

Top dog

[Van Canna]

Delivery imminent_

At the dealer being 'prepped up' and 'accessorized'

[gmattson]

What a beautiful car!

"Enjoy the ride"!

[Bill Glasheen]

It's truly a driver's car. Appearances alone can't possibly show the full truth.

This is a case where there is a wolf beneath the wolf's clothing.

- Bil

[Rich]

Very Nice.

[Van Canna]

Thanks guys. It is a dream of a lifetime. You know the ‘some day’ car.

Bill,

I chose the most popular options_ 6 speeds Steptronic transmission that has three modes: regular drive automatic, sports drive automatic, and sports manual.

Sports package_ Navigation_ Premium package_ Premium sound/logic 7/ sound package_ Cold weather package/heated steering wheel_ and Park distance control/audio visual_ auto band.

Should be in my driveway this Friday.

But this has me excited, as these schools are also run at the Foxboro Stadium.

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/Per ... er/default

What do you think of the school ?

[Bill Glasheen]

Sounds like proper scenario training to me. Sign me up!

I've been known to be stopped now and then by a highway trooper who will take me
to court because I (ahem) sometimes drive in a "frisky" manner. Usually there's
no good reason to nail me other than the fact that I'm breaking a stupid law. On more
than one occasion, a Henrico County judge has either dismissed the charges, or
sent me to a day-long driving school. And you know what? That classroom
driving school is fantastic! I'm a better driver because of it.

Would you believe that one of the things I learned in this classroom driving school
was that it's often safer to go with the flow of traffic than to obey the posted speed
limit? Say it ain't so!

Have fun, Van. I'm jealous. But then again, I've learned a few things by pushing
vehicles to their limits. No reason not to do such a thing in a proper controlled
environment. I guarantee you that you'll have fun and learn something as well.

- Bill

[gmattson]

I bet you would have lots more fun on that track with your "Mini"!

But I guess you will somehow get through the course with your Beemer.

[Van Canna]

Thanks Bill. When I drive, especially these days of bad drivers/homicidal drivers cutting you off and so on_ I know I need work on skills I took for granted.

Just like karate, right?

[Bill Glasheen]

You take a Mini, and I'll take a 3-series Beemer with x-drive, George. We'll see who
makes it through their obstacle courses first.

This school will show you why BMW makes the best driving machines. Minis and other
small cars may be fun. But FWD has serious issues if you want to do some hard
turning at high speeds. Throw in some slippery pavement, and it gets even more
interesting...

- Bill

[Van Canna]

I bet you would have lots more fun on that track with your "Mini"!

But I guess you will somehow get through the course with your Beemer.

Very true. But when I test drove the BMW 530 XI _ there was a 'certain handling' and 'rifle shot' power that became intoxicating.

The All wheel drive _ plus the dynamic driving control system built in_of the BMW keeps you glued to the road no matter what its conditions, and how you corner her.

[gmattson]

Van can lend you his Beemer and I'll rent a Mini. We can set up a tight course at the Maritime academy Sunday morning! (I get to set up the course though)