Here it is: My "Ultimate Driving Machine"

[stlcity]

Finally Picked it up yesterday. The "mods"( I use the term loosely ) on it include: 3M clearbra, tinted the windows and Luv H3 angel eyes. The black kidney grills and painted front reflectors are on the way. Will post some updated pictures once they are installed. The interior photos were taken before I got the weather tech mats...Its Space Grey metallic, black perforated leather with aluminium trim.

As far as driving goes: I cannot put in words the adrenaline rush that I get when I put my foot on the gas. I have not taxed the engine or used the M button(my CA told me not to touch it until I hit 1000 miles). The handling is exceptional, power is phenomenal. This truck is amazing to drive (sure it will get better once I ditch the RFT lol)

As far as break in period: CA told me not to go over 4K rpm, not to use cruise control and vary the rpms when on the highway. Any other tips guys?

Now to find a good radar detector: U guys have any ones that u like?

Thanks again for all the help that I got during the ordering process. U guys are awesome.

[Naz24]

Wow. what a beautiful car! I am so jealous

as for radar detector, definitely definitely go for the Valentine 1. It is a great detector and all the big car enthusiasts swear by it

[LeMansX5]

Congrats! looks great in that color.
I have both Valentine 1 and Passport 8500 and happy so far with them. Next time I will try 9500ix

[Naz24]

LeMans,

my friend has the 9500ix. And we drove down to florida together and did a comparison. the V1 definitely won in that competition, actually won by a long shot..

[mswaz]

Looks great love that color as well. Please keep us posted on how the aluminum trim holds up to scratches and wear and tear. Would like to get that on my next one but worried about how it'll hold up over time. The Piano Black trim scratches and scuffs easily.

[iMpower]

I am sure you are thrilled to get your awesome ride after all of the painstaking research that you have done.

Looks very elegant and classy. Simply a beautiful car with a great color combination.

We haven't decided yet whether we'll go with the Monte Carlo Blue vs. Space Gray metallic.
I really love the blue, but hope it wouldn't be too flashy you know.

Let me pick your brains on your purchase, if I may:

1. Why did you go with perforated leather? It's what I'm considering too, but is it purely for looks, since pricewise the extended leather is the same whether it's perforated or not.

2. The 3M clear bra looks awesome and I can't see any lines. Did you have it installed at the dealer?

3. Could you please list all the options you got on the car?

4. During the break-in period of 1000mi, is it certain RPM that you can't go above or what are the exact restrictions?

5. What kind of tint % are the front windows?

Sorry to bombard you with all the questions (I'm sure I'll come up with more).

Congratulations again on the beautiful vehicle. It's definately one of a kind car!

As far as radar-detectors go, it's certainly a must. Valentine 1 is always a great decision. The only thing about the Passport is that it can show where there are speed camera's and such, and I don't believe Valentine 1 has that.

[stlcity]

Thank u all for the feedback. Looking at the valentine 1 and Passport 9500ix. I hear the later has the memory feature that is helpful. My friend has both and with limited research I am leaning towards the 9500ix.

iMpower to answer your questions:

1. When I chose active ventilated package, it defaulted to perforated leather. Ventilated package because of its seat ventilation needs perforated leather. If I am wrong someone can correct me
2. The 3M bra and tint was installed at the dealer before I picked up the car. The dealer has a person who does it on all their cars. My CA showed me a few Porsches, Audis and Bimmers with the 3M installed by this person. Was very impressed with his workmanship. So it was a no brainer for me.
3. Options: the only things I did not get were the 6CD changer, rear entertainment and roof rails. CD changer in this era of digital music dint make sense to me. My CA told me to get 3 ipads for the price of the rear entertainment system: better option as its more a entertainment weapon than the single screen DVD player/
4. Break in: was told not to use the M button/cruise control, stay below 4000rpm and to vary the rpms on highway until 1000miles
5. Tint: not sure what percentage they are. He did apply another coat on the back and then got the front to as close to match as possible but staying legal. I will call him tomorrow and get back to u.

[iMpower]

Thanks for the reply.

Are you thinking about any suspension, ECU, exhaust tuning down the line?

[stlcity]

Originally Posted by iMpower

Thanks for the reply.

Are you thinking about any suspension, ECU, exhaust tuning down the line?

Wheels will be the next project. I am going to put Pirelli snow and ice on these rims. Hope to get custom rims for the RFTs when they go back on in spring.

Debating between Dinan/ESS tune. Will do one of them in spring. Have to research more about the Dinan warranty vs the lower cost and options that I get with the ESS tune. If I decide to do exhaust I will do the Akra. Down the line though... All in all exciting times lol.

[iMpower]

Originally Posted by stlcity

Wheels will be the next project. I am going to put Pirelli snow and ice on these rims. Hope to get custom rims for the RFTs when they go back on in spring.

Debating between Dinan/ESS tune. Will do one of them in spring. Have to research more about the Dinan warranty vs the lower cost and options that I get with the ESS tune. If I decide to do exhaust I will do the Akra. Down the line though... All in all exciting times lol.

Speaking of wheels, I think the ones below are some of my favorite ones that I've seen on the M.








Exhaust wise, I'm definately with you on the Akrapovich.

The ECU I kind of like the peace of mind that Dinan offers full 4yr/50K warranty to match that of BMW, pretty impressive indeed.

The Dinan suspension also looks cool. I wonder if anyone here has one.

Cheers!