Over the past ~7 years BMW has teamed with the Susan G. Komem Breast Cancer Foundation in an effort to support Breast Cancer. The jest of the partnership is BMW allocates their vehicles for a 20-30 minute test drive at various spots around the country and will donate $1.00 for every mile driven to the Foundation. I have taken part in this charitable event three times. (A local BMW dealer in the area hosts the event. The dealer also sets up a loop @15-20 miles for the test drive, or at least that is how the event has taken place in the past.)

This year I have reserved space to test-drive a 525i-manual, and a 745i.

There is also merchandise that can be purchased to support the Foundation.

I receive an invite in the mail, but I think one can register at http://www.bmwusa.com/Joy/EventsandPrograms/UDSK/.

You must be 21 years of age.

 

I have no pictures to provide, but let me say that the 745i is probably one of the coolest cars to drive!!

The i-drive is pretty darn cool!

 

I heard it was kinda confusing (the i-drive). What do you think?

 

Well, I too had heard/read about the thing being confusing, and I'll admit it would take 1-2 days to get a good handle on proper usage, and operation. That being said the 25 minutes I drove the car I had a great time using it. (I would not reccomend trying to figure out i-drive operation WHILE driving. But it was fun.)

The 525i 6-speed I drove first had the "mini" i-drive. Meaning it controls 4 main functions (and much easier to use), while the 745i i-drive controls 8 main functions. I think I used 2 on each one.


I just felt like a bad azz driving the 745i (even with pink bows on the car)! Everything from start-up to turn-off. (Push "key" into slot on dash to the right of the wheel, and press a "start" button.) (Steering wheel adjust according to seat adjustment for proper "fit", but you can move the wheel manually as well.)

Did I feel like there are too many gadgets on the 745i . . .yes, but I think I could get used to them. Overall the 525i/6-speed provides a nice blend of electro-gadgets while still maintaining driver excitment.

 

I wouldn't mind taking a 525 6-spd for a ride!