[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
E39 528i Ergonomic Gaffe
Bob Messier writes:
<Test drove new E39 528i 5-speed tonight. In most respects, a great
<improvement over my E34 525i 5-speed. One glaring ergonomic gaffe,
<however, is the position of the center armrest and the awkward arm
<position it necessitates while shifting, even when it's in the <rearmost
position. It's apparent that the design was developed with <the automatic
in mind. I'd be interested in hearing from any owners <whether you've
adjusted to this or whether the awkwardness <continues.
I agree. I'm still trying to adjust to it, as there is not much else that
can be done (I've installed the CPT 4000 cell phone on the armrest). I
found that one can rest the elbow on the armrest and still shift relatively
comfortably, but forget the spirited driving.
It is annoying and amazing to see that a BMW of this caliber would have
such a design flaw.
I did not get a chance to test drive the 5-speed before I took delivery of
the car in Munich. So I was unaware of the problem. Oh well...
On another note, has anyone noticed minor clicking/ticking sort of noise
from the side airbag assemblies in the front door panels, over rough road
conditions? It is minor enough that I haven't mentioned it to the dealer,
but it is certainly noticeable.
In most other respects, a truly awesome car.
Christophe Lemaire
Email: christophe.lemaire@domain.elided
**************************************************