\ WHO TO CALL:

& Auto Editor Andrew McCredie

985-2131 (113)

SO, YOU'VE got $67,000 to spend on a new four-door family buggy, but it has to be sporty, Well, BMW might just have the car for you.

By Zack Spencer

Contributing Writer

The BMW 5-series has been updated with two new engines —

» the 3.5-litre V-6 has been replaced

by a 3.0-lite V-8 in the 530i, and 4 bigger 4.0-litre V-8 in the 540i (Look at the last two digits on a BMW name tag to find out the engine size).

My most recent spin was in the 540i, and the new 4.0-iitre V-8 is nothing short of a masterpiece. All 282 horses pull this heavy car with the niost amazing ease and smooth- ness. Passenger after passenger were heard to mutter the same five words (or at least a close facsimi-

te): “Man, is this a smooth car!”

Only a beefy growl from the engine and exhaust intruded the cabin area, just enough to let the driver know that all that moncy was well spent.

4995 yUK

5.7 litre V8, automatic, 4 wheel : drive, fully loaded with all power -. 3 options. stk» 5068) ;

1995 SIERRAS

EXTENDED CAB 5.0 litre V8, automatic, . air cond, chrome te SS

plus ‘all power options. 1STKe os 2

Photo submitted

THE BMW 540i is available with a new five-speed automatic that has the ability to track drivers habits and shift accordingly.

My Streer Test 540 came with a six-speed manual gear-box. Most people ask if any car really needs a sixth gear? I’ve driven a few cars with this set-up but, this is the only one that actually could be used reg- ularly. At 100 km-h (62m.p.h.), in sixth gear, the engine turns over at about 2,000 rp.m. With a thirsty V- 8 under the hood this is welcome news. ;

What impresses me most about all BMWs is the way they drive on

the road. The driver can “feel” the road through the precise steering and taught, but never jarring, sus- pension. What the car is doing on the road is relayed with authority. If you drive well, this new 540i wili make you look good at every

. tum.

If you're looking for four-door, family, hot-rod perfection (and cost isn’t a great factor), look no further than this latest rocket from the German automaker.

Sunday, January 29, 1995 — North Shore News —

Roaming around for nearest lane

ALL ROADS lead

roam,

ne to

By Shaun Contin Contributing Writer

Neat pun, eh? This week's topic is the the nearest available lanc rule.

When turning from one street to another, you must always turn into the nearest available lane (with a couple of exceptions that Vil discuss later). This is to say: when turning right. do so from the curb jane and into the curb lane. Turning left? Tum from the left most lane into the teft most lane traveling in the proper direction.

This rule is most often ignored in 3 multiple lane situa- tion (the Lonsdale and 13th Street area, for example) when a driver needs to turn first left and then right at the next intersec- tion, or vice-versa. The proper method in this situation is to’

‘complete a proper tum followed

immediately by a proper lane change. Sure, its a bit more work, but, like Quaker Oatmeal, it’s the right thing to do.

{f you turn right and into the wrong Jane, you just might crash

4.3 litre V6, ‘automatic, 4 wheel drive, loaded with air, conditioning, A.B.S., limited slip differentials. ists 5132)

’ North America’s best light

_ truck value. Completely restyled & ready far.work or play (stKe 5044)

te 2, 960

1995 SUBUF

with the car that was turning left onto the same street. if neither of you are paying attention. Regardless of fault (there are a few variables), this is a very silly accident — completely avoid- able.

Upon occasion. what is nor- mally an available lane ceases to be se when it is obstructed by say, a taxi waiting for a fare (a rare occurrence, I’m sure), When you are forced to turn wide, you are still obligated to check for anyone else needing that lane. it‘ is not yours automaticaily.

Finally, there are marked, dual turn lanes from which you are forced to tura into a more distant Jane. There are dotied (broken) lines painted on the ground to guide you through

this. Please watch for them.

One last, related point. Large trucks and buses often must turn wide from what is normally the wrong lane, being large and all. Please give them room. Be safe...

The Buffalo roam; cars... -..- should not.

Shaun Contin is she owner/operator of Upper Levels Driving School. To reach Shaun for a questior: or comment, call "984-8688.

5.7 litre VB, ‘automatic

4 wheel dr., alloy wheels... : O%§ all power options including seat. $ Top of the line! stke 5173) _ SALE 39, $60

Sate § 12,260

| , REGENCY | Caaitise:

Buick GMC.

1160 Me wine Drive; North Vancouver

Alt payments are plus taxes for 36 monthe & inctude freight & PDI. sdimmy’s3, 990 dawn T.P. $17,598 “Suburban s7; 490 down Te $24, S14 Yukon $6, 990 down

EAA

DTP $22,362 | Sonoma $1960 down TP. $9, B64, ‘Slerra $3, 590 gown TR 316,514"

985-6333

4s