| Long Term Test | BMW 123d M Sport Coupé |
Been anywhere interesting?
We've had the car in Ireland since the last update, so it has been used for trips up and down the country when needed. Bizarrely, I seem to be spending more time stuck in traffic and in town in the 123d than I do anywhere else, given its abilities as a mile-muncher and entertainer once the roads turn twisty.
Anything stand out...?
Thanks to all that time spent in town, I've been getting to grips with the Start-Stop system. I know the driving test teaches us to put the car in neutral and pull up the handbrake while stopped in traffic, but let’s be honest here; not many people do that all the time, especially in constant moving traffic.
However, that's the technique needed to use the Stop-Start function to its fullest, though the handbrake is optional. Once I re-adjusted to driving correctly, I'm amazed with how often the car's engine car be stopped completely and it's actually quite calming too without the rumble of the engine on tickover. No doubt it's having a positive effect on the fuel economy too, with 40.4mpg seeming to be the rock steady average, despite very little motorway cruising.
...and for the wrong reasons?
All that stop starting is making me realise that actually, the engine is quite loud at idle. It's a pity, as it's such an impressive unit in all other ways, continuing to deliver effortless performance while returning impressive fuel economy.
Where next?
I'm hoping to find time to take the long way around to meetings this month, though looking at the car launch schedule I fear the poor 123d may be all too often left in an airport car park. Still, I can't help but smile every time I return to it.
