Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Interesting that BMW does not have a system like Mercedes does (as far as I can find in a US 1 series manual). Mercedes decides you are about to use the brakes and moves the pads closer to the discs in anticipation. That makes the brakes feel more sensitive because they react quicker.
I don't know if it's still true, but I never liked the way Chrysler brakes felt. Everyone brakes by feel and with some time, you get used to anything, but there was always a brief uncertainty with Chrysler.
---------- Post added 04-11-16 at 01:10 PM ----------
Aren't alternators kind of cheap? I was looking at Miata alternators because I might be asking a lot of ours - the car sits for extended periods. I think I could replace alternator and battery for $200 in less than an hour. Maybe the belt too if I felt ambitious.
Hm. The brakes in the BMW work, but it's quite linear. You push a little, you get a little braking. You push hard, you brake hard. With many other newer cars I've driven it's you touch the brakes, and your face touches the wheel. I'm exaggerating of course, but the brakes are quite sensitive. I kind of prefer the BMW way (not as extreme perhaps), as you can react quickly and don't have to be so careful about not applying too much pressure.
I got used to both systems, but I feel that cars have become overly sensitive, overly assisted. The power steering that is so strong you could use a fingernail to steer the car. The brakes that are so assisted that merely blowing on the pedal makes it slow down. And on and on and on. I like those electronic gizmos that are there to protect you just in case, but have we gotten so weak? What's wrong with having to apply some force to turn the steering wheel? Or to slow down? Reminds me of some Japanese and Korean cars I've tried, where all the power comes within the first third or so of the accelerator pedal. After that, nothing. It's just pretending to be powerful.
I think if driving pleasure matters to you, but you can't justify a MX5 or GT86 as they aren't practical enough (but have the money), the 1 series could be the one. Though to be honest it did feel a bit heavy when I was trying a bit of a slalom.
Btw., I keep getting surprised by how good my reasonably priced Citroen from 2002 is. The steering is sharp, well weighted (and speed sensitive... while being hydraulic). Decent feedback from the road. The suspension is quite comfortable, so are the seats (despite the lack of a trillion settings like the BMW has). The interior is roomy. And that was the car you'd buy if you didn't want to spend on a Golf (which IMHO only feels better made, otherwise it (I mean a 2002 Golf) isn't as good as the Xsara). The only car to keep up so far is that 1 series. The Xsara does lose traction earlier than the 1 series and probably many other cars too.