Meeting the Legendary M3 CSL with a Manual Swap This time, although it’s not a Porsche, I had the chance to drive a BMW M3 CSL and would like to share my review. But this isn’t just any M3 CSL. It’s a 2003 E46 M3 CSL, one of only about 150 imported to Japan, and an ultra-rare model converted to a manual transmission. BMW holds a special place in my heart. I once owned an...
BMW M8 Gran Coupe Competition Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, so I’d like to share my review. I’ve written about this before on the blog, but I really like BMW as a brand. Especially the M3 (and M4), which I love, and it’s one of the three cars I’ve wanted to own at least once in my life—from youth to old age (Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz SL, and...
MINI John Cooper Works The other day, a friend purchased a BMW MINI JCW (John Cooper Works), and I had the chance to take it for a test drive. This time, I wanted to review it with as few preconceptions as possible, so I didn’t do any prior research before the day arrived. The JCW I saw for the first time had a completely different vibe from a regular MINI. The first things that catch...
BMW M5 I’ve written several times before about my love for BMW, but among them, there was one car I admired deeply in the past. That is the E60 M5. Back then, whenever I spotted an M5 or M6 on the streets, which was quite rare, I remember thinking, “How on earth could someone ever own a car like that?” It was such a distant dream for me, a flower on a high peak I...
Alpina D5S Personally, I’ve mentioned many times in past articles how much I like BMW as a brand. Since driving the E36 318is, I’ve really loved BMW’s driving dynamics and fun factor, and it remains one of the manufacturers I’d love to own if given the chance. Among BMW’s lineup, the high-performance models that stand alongside the M series are the “Alpina” cars. Although I’d always wanted to try and own an Alpina someday, I...
Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the current 8 Series Gran Coupe, and I’d like to share my review. As usual, I’ll focus more on the driving performance and compare it with the Porsche Panamera I previously owned. BMW 8 Series The BMW 8 Series has been one of my dream cars since childhood. I remember vividly the day when I first saw the previous generation 8 Series parked in front of a...
Recently, my husband has had the chance to test drive various classic cars owned by acquaintances. I’m truly envious… Just the other day, he got to drive the BMW Z4 M40i and kindly wrote up his impressions. Please have a look if you’re interested. The Joy of Driving, BMW The other day, I had the opportunity to experience the BMW Z4 M40i, and I’d like to share my impressions from that drive. I’ve mentioned this...
Finally, Selling Our BMW 320i The other day, we finally said goodbye to our beloved BMW 320i (F30). I briefly mentioned it in a previous article, but this time we decided to use an online simultaneous trade-in appraisal service. Also, my husband, who is experienced in these matters, handled all the negotiations, while I observed and learned from the sidelines. By the way, I want to make it clear from the start that this article...
BMW 320i, Last Drive By the time this article is published, my very first beloved car, the BMW 320i, will have already been sold. However, recently I had the chance to drive on the highway, so I decided to take one last drive in the BMW 320i. Regarding the sale of the 320i, I decided to have multiple dealers come to my home at the same time for a simultaneous appraisal. That said, since I...
My Beloved BMW 320i As I briefly mentioned in a recent post, after much thought, I have decided to say goodbye to my very first car, my beloved BMW 320i. I bought the 320 used last April. Struggling to drive our family’s MT-spec Boxster and unable to drive much even after getting my automatic transmission license lifted for three years, I thought, “At this rate, I’ll never be able to drive a Porsche MT. I...
