Sharkfan Posted November 8, 2022 Share Posted November 8, 2022 The answer to the question between auto or manual is Alpina's Switch-Tronic. Yes, it's an autobox but with torque convertor lock-ups in every gear it acts like a manual including engine braking on change downs. I haven't driven one of the newer ones but certainly all my older cars get driven as a manual box on any kind of roads except motorway cruises or severe congestion - then it becomes a simple easy auto again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve VH Posted November 8, 2022 Author Share Posted November 8, 2022 Yes it was a pretty open-ended question not just aimed at 5 series bmw's, so far we have had mentioned a 205, a 7 series, and a DAF truck. Sometimes it is not the car, but the road, did anyone else see TopGear on Sunday with the presenters taking on the Grossglockner pass in Austria, it is a very scenic route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duncan-uk Posted November 8, 2022 Share Posted November 8, 2022 Not sure i have any pictures but i had epic fun in a 306HDi sedan in Morocco. They wanted to rent us a fiat, I felt in Africa a Peugeot was a safer bet so they gave us the bosses car. Did near 1000 miles. Marakesh, the Atlas mountains and some glorious drives. A trip i will always remember for many reasons but the driving was special. I think for me its how a car rides and steers. Preference is still manual but actual power is not the issue, a willing engine whatever its output and a keen chassis yields the most fun. Another stand out is a 3.8 (i think) V6 mustang convertable we hired in Las Vegas, crude and unsophistcated, harsh at revs but perfectly suited for the 300 odd miles to the Grand Canyon via the Hoover Dam and a brush with the law. Came back to the Uk and got in a leggy 523i touring which was a far better product but the 'stang suited the environment. Bit of a ramble but yesterday i had cause to head to Norfolk and back in a day, took the 535i, it was fine, did all i needed and more but i didn't feel thrilled. Its good to drive but doesn't tickle the emotions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve VH Posted November 8, 2022 Author Share Posted November 8, 2022 I went up the Grossglockner, one of many Alpine passes I have driven, alas, not in a sports car, but driving a touring coach, at least I suppose I was getting paid to drive them, with a super view through the large windscreen. I fully agree with you Duncan, alot of the modern cars don't tickle the emotions the same way, maybe they are too good, with no faults. I remember reading a roadtest on the E34 M5, the motoring journalist parting shot was, "I just wish I wanted to drive it somewhere for the hell of it" Maybe, dare I say, it is an age thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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