44 ~ North Shore News — Friday, September 15, 2000 On Oas Frais page 38 console are two open cupholders with small spring- loaded kaobs for gripping different-sized cups. But extra-large cups won't fit in here. BMW convertibles have many safety features, includ - ing Dwo “pop-up” roll bars behind the rear seats and a strengthened windshield frame that can act as a rollover bar, In addition, there are front and side airbags (for front passengers), adjustable head restraints, three-point seatbelts, and standard ISOFIX mounting points for child seats. Ina recent frontal crash test of a BMW 3-Series sedan by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the BMW 3-Series was rated as a best pick. For active safety, the 323Ci also includes anti-lock brakes, ASC traction control, and available DSC dynamic stability anti-skid system. A top for all seasons The 323Ci has a well- made fabric top with inte- grated headliner and a heated rear glass scratch-resistant window. The power top is ‘fully automatic and is pro- tected by a hard boot cover ., when lowered. Raising and lowering the top takes TS BO 528 Weich 2118 {Menday-Saturday) -Edward Staron "Rental Cars Available SAR eat ne TRANSMISSIO 7 Nan eee ttle FER “890 West 15th St. af Marine Orive Rorth Vancouver 984-0371 SOREN ROO RE AIS LY LNA IIS UTE VICE CRESTS SM eM TEN eC 3-Series rated ‘best pick’ approximately 25 seconds which BAIW claims is the fastest time in its clays. An optional hardtop with a heated rear window ts avail: able tor winter use. The alu- minum hardtop is relatively fightweight (30 kg.) vet is strong enough to support a roof rack. Powertrain designed for long life The 323Ci's 2.5-litre, inline DOHC, 24-valve, siv- cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower at 5,500 rp.m. and 181 ft.-Ib. of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine uses BMW's variable valve timing, system called “double VANOS”, a system that allows infinite adjustment of intake and exhaust valve cams, and thereby of valve opening times. Double VANOS provides optimum combustion based on engine speed and ioad, benefiting both emissions and fuel con- sumption. The engine is designed for a long life and minimal ser- vicing. The engine’s camshaft is chain-driven and the alter- nator uses a ribbed drive belt, providing an expected life equalling that of the engine. Long-life spark plugs do not need to be changed until 160,000 kilometres, and the average oil-change interval is about 24,000 kitometres. @ 1.0.8.0. & PRIVATE INSURANCE CLAIMS @ DOMESTIC & IMPORTS - CARS & TRUCKS @ DOOR & IGNITION LOCKS - GLASS © RUST REPAIRS - RESTORATION ® CUSTOM PAINTING - COLLECTORS. Announcing The Hew Price Guarantee We guaranice to be the lowest price for all your cooling, system needs. * Radiators » Gas Tanks © Heaters ¢ Full mechanical Fast Orive-in Service » Free Estimates , . Nor-est Radiators Cooling System Specialists for 48. Years 1175 West 14th, North Vancouver 3 blocks south of Marine of Comberton unease O84 0374 in U.S. crash test NEWS photo Paul McGrath WITH the top down and the side windows wp, there is very little wind buffeting in the front seats at highway speeds. Normal conversation is possible. With the top up, the two rear passengers have plenty of headro and adequate legroom in part because of knee depressions in the back of the front seats. A new 2.5-litre engine is expected this fall which will offer more horsepower, torque and engine efficiency, bur will remain an inline six- cylinder engine of the same displacement. A manual five-speed trans- mission with direct drive in fifth gear is standard equip- ment. This transmission fea- tures lifetime oil life and the clutch is self adjusting and service-free. Optional is a five-speed automatic Steptronic trans- mission which can be shifted manually. Driving impressions I found the 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder engine to be Name:: Address: any AUTO REPAIR or SERVICE Auto Repair ENTER AT NORTH SHORE NEWS T1389 LONSDALE NV. extremely smooth and refined, and in this new chas- sis, seems quieter than in the previous generation 3-Series body. Under hard accelera- tion, the engine revs up ina smooth, even progression to its 6,000 r.p.m. rediine. Even at high revs, this engine doesn't seem strained. Ata steady 100 km/h in fifth gear, the engine revs at 3,000 np.m., higher than most six- cylinder engines at this road speed, yet not rough or noisy at ail. , The 323Ci has excellent driving dynamics. Its 50/50 front/rear weight distribu- tion and fully independent suspension (front strut- type/rear link) provide fase om sana sme in cts nn nm is sh come ety mt sr ee my ne em cum <= + nnn sm cms cums ms tam an ems ed superb handling and balance with high cornering limits. The 323Ci is very easy to drive quickly because of its precise, well-weighted steer- ing feel, balanced chassis, and excellent four wheel disc brakes. The five-speed manu- al transmission in my test car felt as slick as a soup spoon immersed in olive oil, but when changing gears, the dri- veline wasn’t as tight as [ expected. While the 323Ci’s ride is very smooth and comfortable on the highway, the raised top tends to shake and quiver when traversing road bumps and lane markers, and the ride feels stiff over bumpy roads, perhaps due to its very Save $20 on Brakes Reg $92.95 1600 Mackay Rd North Vancouver {next to Avalan Hotei) 931 Complete Automotive Repairs, Maintenance & Service 296 PEMBERTON, NORTH VAN 987-4 Street © 88B member © Govt Inspection Facility 53897 © AirCare Certified 80618 © Lifetime Warranties 834 West 1st St. N. Van For an appointment call — Open: 77. Mon-Fri 8-5 om, low-profile 225/45R-17 inch * radial tires. ; ; : With the top down and. - the side windows up, there is very little wind buffeting in the front seats at highway speeds. Normal conversation is possible. With the top up,-: the two rear passengers have plenty of headroom, and ade quate legroom in part because of knee depressions in the back of the front seats. The thick “C” pillar of the convertible top creates a blind spot for the driver .- when attempting to change lanes, but otherwise outwar visibility is very good. =>.” As I mentioned, the’ 323Ci’s power convertible: top is fully automatic. The driver presses a switch on th centre console, and the top” unlocks itself from the wind shield and folds into a cavity under the hard rear boot |: cover which raises and lower: ee: esr oa Mike: Lee =: Carter Chev Olds - i pleased to announce that Mike Lee has joined ‘our sales team. Mike. has considerable North Shore vehicle sales experience, : to help you with. every. aspect of the car buying’ experience. Mike would like to welcome ali, of his past and present cus-. tomers to stop by, visit and: see all the new and used vehicles Carter Chev Olds, has in stock. 845 MARINE DRIVE, NORTH VANCOUVER : Cheviy Store’: 987-5231 B10743 -