The Old New 5
Here we are. After a few months of messing around, here is the final result. Opinions are definitely mixed about the 'new' look. Some of the fellas thinks the car is sliding backwards. Others adore the 'stock' look. As for me, it depends on the situation. With the car standing still, it certainly does not draw any oohs and aahs. She kinda look like any ordinary E39 5 series. But, to a keen observer, he would know that this is no ordinary 5. A few checks here and there would give it away. In this aspect, there are certainly 2 groups of people that I classify as 'looks only people' and 'performance oriented people. Actually, there is a 3rd group called the 'looks and performance oriented' people. I would classify myself as a 3rd groupie but at this point in time, I am leaning towards Groupie 2.
Anyway, without much adieu, here are some updates. Starting with the wheels, the ROH 18" have been replaced by 19" Tecnomagnesio Magnesium rims shod with Dunlop Sportmaxx 245/35 all round. The weight per rim is about 10 kg. After putting them on, I must say the steering has improved. It's definitely much lighter to manage and considering the high speed B roads drive that we do on weekends, my arm muscles certainly appreciates it. The only gripe I have is that they are really horrible to clean. Since I am using stock brake pads, the brake dust simply covers the whole rim and turns it into a brake dust reservoir. In a couple of weeks, my Axxis Deluxe pads will be arriving. That should cure the brake dust problem and cut down cleaning time. Anyway, it's still a bitch to clean. By the way, yours truly is probably the only guy in the whole town to have this rim. They actually sat in a showroom for 6 years before they were finally bought over by me. And the guy who imported it is actually an old friend whom I used to visit. He brings in stuff for Ferrari, so you know this is good stuff.
Check out the steering. Can you see the paddle shifters? Life has never been the same since I had them installed. I cannot possibly think about driving another car without paddles shifters of some sort except those button types which they put on the Alfas. Paddle shifters are pure necessity for me. The SMG shift system may not be the most updated compared to others but when you get the hang of it, you won't feel the difference. Best time to use these paddles are of course on the B roads, when charging into a corner and charging out. Coupled with sensible driving, the feeling is heavenly.
I will leave you to enjoy the old new 5 for now.
posted by gabey @ Saturday, September 16, 2006
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