What Think Ye of the New GT?

[EJFH]

Bro. Crawford, I think your advice is sound. This all started for me a few years ago when I saw a picture of a gorgeous Calypso Red E34 5-Series wagon. The E34 was the last 5er to have a hood that opened from the cowl end instead of at the nose of the car.I had found a pristine used one out of state online. It was a '95. My wife happened to look at it and say she really loved it. She usually doesn't care about cars, so I took note. We only had one car at the time. Without saying anything to her, I arranged to buy the bimmer, got a friend to drive out with me to go get it, parked it in the driveway and put a bow on it. Picked my wife up from her work in my car, and drove her home, watching the recognition spread over her face when she realized why there was this unfamiliar car in the driveway. She really thought I was the bee's knees. Best gift I ever gave her. And we all lived happily ever after, right? Not exactly.

A year later, in a heavy snow, I took her car to get gas for our snow thrower. A Jeep Liberty was coming the other way on a two-lane road. It had no snow tires (people think 4WD makes them exempt from the laws of physics) and was going too fast. The driver lost control, careened across the road, and hit me head on. My wife's car was instantly totaled. I was completely unhurt, not even a bruise. I attribute this to a) the grace of God, and b) the fact that the old E34 was built like a tank. I called her from the police station. Her first words: Are you okay? Assured that I was, here are her next words, delivered wtih chilling intensity: How's...my... car?!? I had to tell her the only car she's ever really been thrilled to own was now so much scrap metal. I tried to find a replacement. But E34s are getting rare, and trying to find one in great shape, with right miles, no rust, and that same Calypso Red...no way.

Then she saw a new E60 535xit on the road, and liked it. Black or dark green. Determined to make amends for my transgression, I promised her one when I felt our finances would allow. That's why I got concerned when I heard the GT was replacing the Touring. She's seen the GT online, and is...neutral. OK with it. But not moved. She likes the wagon.So Lord willing, that's what I'll get her. It won't be as meaningful to her as that E34 surprise was. But she'll have a car she can be happy with.

As for Ford Pinto comments from Brother Perkins: For years, M Division made an M5 Wagon in Europe. I'd certainly be happy to drive that. Besides, I believe your current project car is...an AMC Gremlin? Brings to mind the scripture about beams and motes!

[BroDan]

Ok, ok you have a point Bro EJFH. The Pinto comment was a mote in your eye whilst I look around the beam in mine based on the Gremlin Im building. HOWEVER, NO 5,6, or 7 series BMW will come anywhere near the gremlin when its done. I have completely changed directions with it and have a new build underway. Send me a PM for details. In fact Im renaming the project. It will now be called "Rapid Transit".

Though it may be hard to imagine, try to picture a Gremlin that will smoke the M divisions best in the quarter mile (the easy part), on the top end (still fairly easy), AND in the corners........Your turn to stop laughing, especially when I come to school out there and bring it with me just to prove it!

[JimLowranceSr]

Cog nus cent e is the proper Southern pronunciation. I'm not sure there are enough BMW bikes around here to start a club. Well over in Dallas and down in Houston, where the over paid CEOs live, there may be.

Actually, I am thinking of getting my wife a Buick Enclave.

I was the Service Manager for a chain of appliance center in Cali, and the CEOs wife had a Rolls. She didn't like to drive it because it was so outlandish to see it parked at K-Mart, so he bought her a Jaguar. Can't remember the designation, but it was the cream of the crop for luxury. She drove it to K-Mart with no problem.

Of course, like they say, we have Harvesters that cost more than most BMWs, and they are only used once, maybe twice a year.

[BroDan]

Bro. Lowrance,

My Pastor recently got a Buick LaCrosse Super. Nice car, rides well, handles decently for its size and weight, and has good power. Pastor likes it, pastor's wife loves it.

Im just happy to see them in a nice reliable, comfortable car.

[JimLowranceSr]

We have a Lucerne CXL and it is an excellent vehicle. We have almost 40,000 miles on it and most of them are road miles. My wife has wanted an SUV for a long time and I have advised her that she would regret it as she would lose the "ride" she is spoiled to. The Enclave is a nice crossover vehicle that she might could hang with.

Speaking of GTs, my wifes supervisor just bought herself a new 2010 Mustang GT. Has not made a payment yet and a lady ran a stop sign and totaled it.

[BroDan]

Thats a shame about the Mustang. Hope the owner was unharmed.

[EJFH]

It's official. The BMW Gran Turismo will be replacing the Touring (wagon) in the U.S.A., both in the 5 Series and the 3 Series at the end of this year. While AWD is expected in the 550i GT next fall, the big V8 engine will also saddle the car with a $1,000 gas guzzler tax. I have to get something, as my beloved old E36 325i sedan is getting long in the tooth, and restoring it would cost more than the car is worth. So the plan is this:

1. Get the 535xi Touring (wagon) for my wife. Carbon Black exterior (now available in non-M cars!), beige interior, automatic transmission.

2. Get the 335 xi Coupe for me. Barbera Red exterior, black interior, 6-speed manual. Full Dinan Stage 2 Package aftermarket. Google Dinan. The stuff of dreams.

Now that that's settled, all I need is the money. I need about 30,000 of you to go to my website and buy my book. Okay?

[Psalm97]

Gosh, only Gran Turismo I know is the video game. My brother says I learned to drive on Gran Turismo 2. I claim my driving is not insane, it's inspired. Yeah....

He claims he can see black helicopters overhead, getting video footage for designing the next GT game.

What's this $1000 gas guzzler tax? Is this the other side of the cash-for-clunkers coin?