2008 BMW 535i

The 2008 BMW 535i was love at first drive. And while we do have to admit to a BMW bias, we always thought of the 5-series as a family car. But no more. Once behind the wheel of the new 535i, we felt its silky, smooth power and the strong kick from the twin-turbocharged, 3-liter, straight 6-cylinder engine. Although designed with a little understeer, the 535i handled hard corners well, with the rear end giving a satisfying kick out.

And unlike many other cars, the 535i didn't let us down in the electronics department--its beauty extends beyond the road. BMW is incorporating a new live traffic reporting system into its navigation, which, though not perfect, is the best we've ever seen in a car. Add to that excellent stereo sound and one of the best Bluetooth hands-free cell phone systems available, and the 535i starts to sound like a tech dream come true.

Although our love didn't fade during our time with the car, some of the 535i's idiosyncrasies became less than endearing. For example, we've learned how to use iDrive, and can make it do whatever we want, but it's not our favorite car interface. The navigation system's quirks made it less usable than it could be, and try as we did, we couldn't get our average fuel economy above 20mpg. (20 gallon [US, liquid] = 75.708 235 68 liter). Online Conversion

2008 BMW 5-Series Saloon in Action

According to recent studies, 5 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities are clearly caused by automobile maintenance neglect. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks will greatly extend the life of the vehicle, ensure safer operation and even benefit the environment.

Always consult your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles.

Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.

Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.

Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle's suspension system.

Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.

Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights.

Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.

Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.

Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.

Always consult the vehicle owner's manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements vary greatly. Source

You Can Save Money on Your Car Insurance Policy

These days it's easy to spend a lot of money for an auto insurance policy. Car insurance has become more and more expensive for many people.

The rate you pay for your car insurance policy depends on many factors. Part of the formula the insurance company uses to work out your rate include a good driving record, your age and a good credit score.

You should not try to get by without car insurance for a couple of reasons:

1.) Car Insurance is mandatory. It is the law to have a car insurance policy with at least the minimum amount of coverage

2.) Today it is just too expensive to have an accident without car insurance.

The best way to save money on your car insurance is to shop around.

Don't approach the first insurance company that you come across. Do some research on the rates different insurance companies offer by asking for car insurance quotes. You can approach an insurance company directly for a quote or get a quote online at an insurance web site.

Even if you have an existing car insurance policy, you can save money by changing to a better policy at the time of renewal of the insurance policy. There are several ways to save money on your insurance policy.

One way to get a discount on your car insurance is by increasing your deductible. In fact, you could save as much as 10% on your annual premium if you increase your deductible by 100%. However if you decide to choose a higher deductible, make sure you understand the risks involved with doing so. If you have an accident you will end up paying more out of your own pocket, so be sure that you have financial resources that will help you payout a higher deductible if you should ever need to.

It is important to remember that your credit report is influential in determining your car insurance premiums. This is a rather new determining factor insurance companies have started to use.

Many people don't understand the connection between their credit scores and their driving ability, but insurance companies tell us there is research which has proven a correlation between your credit history and the risk to a car insurance company. So if you maintain a habit of paying bills on time, while maintaining a good credit history, you should be able to get lowered car insurance rates.

It just may be better for you not to use your car to commute back and forth to work. Driving that's related to work usually brings on higher premiums than does pleasure driving.

This is another source of contention for some drivers. If you don't drive to work, what do you need the car for. At any rate, even if you keep your commute driving within a fixed mileage in a year, you will get to take advantage of a discount in the rate of your car insurance policy.

So if your insurance company offers this option, it may be worth it for you to drive a little less to be able to save a little more. You may decide it is more practical to car-pool or use some form of public transportation.

Driving safely gives you a price break on your insurance policy. If you maintain a clean driving record for several years, that means there are no accidents, no drunken or careless driving citations and no moving violations on your driving record you should be able to get a discount on your car insurance rates.

If your car is sporty, fast or expensive, your car insurance will cost more. These cars have parts and bodies that are more expensive to fix. People who buy a car that can go very fast, most likely want to drive that car at a high rate of speed.

Is the true for everyone who owns a sports car, no, but it is for most! These "hot" cars are also the targets of thievery. So if it's a discount on your car insurance don't buy a Vette or a Viper, check out a Toyota or a mini van.

By adding up lots of little tips and you can save a lot of money on car insurance. It takes a little time and foot work, but if you compare a few different insurance companies and the rates for their car policies you will see some savings. The more you look, the more ways to save money you will find.

Of course, if it has always been your dream to get a red convertible Corvette, you are not going to decide to give up this dream to save a couple hundred dollars a year. But there is still room for some give and take when you look over the different car policies and price quotes, you may be able to save yourself enough money for a couple of free tanks of gas!