Bf Feedback

[EvilDaifu]

The new ZF 6 speed auto is truly intelligent. I was in Performance auto mode and going down hill. Going faster than I liked, I started to brake and I could swear the transmission kicked down a gear so that the engine was helping me to brake! You know that feeling when the engine is helping you to brake. Just like I would've done if was in a manual maybe (though I would not have bothered in a manual, I'd have just relied on the brakes).

[replicant]

The change down on braking downhill is the grade logic control algorithm in the control unit for the ZF box - it's also in the upgraded Ion 4 Speed in the BF too and originally debuted in the Ion 4 speed that was in all of the SX Territory models (AWD/RWD).

I was kinda surprised it wasn't placed in the BA MKII but in the Territory installation it was only being used for the one engine spec with Barra 182 whereas it was in roughly 6 different engine versions in BA...

The upgraded Ion 4 speed now only sees service in two engine specs... Barra I6 190 for certain entry and mid range BF Falcons which is the same engine in SY Territory RWD and the E-Gas derivative of the Falcon.

The Rapier ZF Box is in two mechanical versions - one for the I6 Barra 190 (ie NA XR6, Ghia I6 and so on) and in a 600Nm version (with beefed up clutch packs) for the Barra 245T, Barra 230 3v, Boss 260 and the engines for the GT, 'Phoon, Super Pursuit and Tornado. I understand there are 2 shift protocols for the 190 version - one for the XR NA and the rest incl I6 Ghia... and 3 for the 600Nm version, one for the Boss 230, one for the Barra 245T and one for the FPV versions.

Under full throttle in D it seems to change up @ 5500rpm but if you hold it manually it will actually run past the redline to 6250rpm momentarily...

There are not many occasions where that is necessary anyway but nice to have

[HellionXR6T]

Test drove a demo Shockwave BF XR6T sedan today as curiosity got the better of me. Very nice indeed.

The ZF Box is such an improvement ofer the 4 speed SSS in the BA series. Changes seem to be a little more responsive and remarkably smooth. True test of the pudding would be experiencing what it's like with a little extra horsepower but I was overly impressed driving this stock BF. Experienced the "grade logic control algorithm" myself to the horror of the dealer...lol. Not to mention testing the 'performance' mode. Wanted to test the brakes, very cool indeed. If you're thinking of test driving one, give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprized.

[Guest XR666TURBO]

Hopefully I will have the pleasure of driving the BF XR6T with the 6Spd Auto. I was supposed to drive it last week, but the dealers didnt have one in stock. I'll let you all know how I go.

[EvilDaifu]

Took the BF XR6T in for it's "3000km" service. They had to retighten the rear suspension bolts as whenever I braked at slow speed, I'd hear a metal stressing noise like an "eeeehhck" from the rear. They disassembled and reassembled the brakes and found nothing wrong. After they did the retightening of the suspension bolts, it was fine.

You know how I mentioned that when the sun is overheard at the right angle, it makes the dash meters hard to read due to sunlight reflecting off the lower lip of the dash (due to the new liquid metal dash plastics - I'm guessing), well, I finally put a bit of black material on the lower lip and that has stopped the sun reflections from making the dash meters hard to read (I know this because the material I'm using only covers part of the lip and that part that it doesn't cover, the reflections still make it hard to read that part of the dash).

I think I'm starting to hear some clunking from the steering when I've got it on full lock and moving at slow speed. But it does not always happen, so I've yet to find out what makes it consistently repeatable.

Apart from those things (which don't really bother me that much, but I'd thought I'd feed it back to you guys as my experience), I'm enjoying listening to the engine with windows down as I drive

[EvilDaifu]

Hiya guys,

Feann Torr of Webwombat Motoring has reviewed the BF XR8 sedan

http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_...-xr8-review.htm

I won't spoil the read for you!

[YOOT]

  EvilDaifu said:

Took the BF XR6T in for it's "3000km" service.  They had to retighten the rear suspension bolts as whenever I braked at slow speed, I'd hear a metal stressing noise like an "eeeehhck" from the rear. They disassembled and reassembled the brakes and found nothing wrong.  After they did the retightening of the suspension bolts, it was fine. 

You know how I mentioned that when the sun is overheard at the right angle, it makes the dash meters hard to read due to sunlight reflecting off the lower lip of the dash (due to the new liquid metal dash plastics - I'm guessing), well, I finally put a bit of black material on the lower lip and that has stopped the sun reflections from making the dash meters hard to read (I know this because the material I'm using only covers part of the lip and that part that it doesn't cover, the reflections still make it hard to read that part of the dash).

I think I'm starting to hear some clunking from the steering when I've got it on full lock and moving at slow speed.  But it does not always happen, so I've yet to find out what makes it consistently repeatable.

Apart from those things (which don't really bother me that much, but I'd thought I'd feed it back to you guys as my experience), I'm enjoying listening to the engine with windows down as I drive 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Both my BAs do that too mate. In fact, every car I 've owned has had the same problem with the sun. its just a different time of day for each model

[nbtopstars XR6]

  EvilDaifu said:

Hi guys,

I just went to the City Ford Melbourne showroom and they have one Bionic XR6 BF in their showroom.  I wanted to see what it was like in the flesh because I had some questions that I did not see answers to in this forum.  Hopefully this will help others as well.

Well, I wanted to see the front bumper etc first hand and I think it looks good in the flesh.

Then I sat inside because I wanted to see the new interior in the flesh.  I must admit, it does look classier.

Here are some pics below.

The new 6 speed auto shifter I think is better from an ergonomic point of view because it is closer to the driver in manual sports mode by almost an inch.  (No more lounge chair syndrome driving in sports mode where your arms are wide apart...)  The movement of the shifter seemed a bit shorter and slicker (but I could not tell what it would be like driving because I ran out of time and I don't think they would have let me take it out of the showroom anyway...)

I was curious about the new key.  It's not that fancy.  It's still 2 parts like now except the single key opens both the glove box and turns the ignition (used to have 2 sep keys) and it is crafted like a slim icypole stick with grooves running down the sides (like the Expensive Daewoo keys) which means no more holes in the trouser pockets due to sharp pointy car keys (well, I guess it depends on how you carry your car keys...)

And finally, I was curious about whether they had changed the fabrics patterns from the awful spidery pattern.  Well, they have.  It's now tyre treads.  I suppose it is easier on the eyes, but I guess that's in the eyes of the beholder.  I would have preferred Ford to come out with some more plainer patterns, but that's just my opinion.

One other thing, the fleet sales person there told me that Ford had stopped shipping BAs a week ago.  From about 17 Oct onwards, only new BFs have been delivered.    So, I am looking fordward (pun intended) to picking up my new one mid Nov 

Anyway, enjoy the pics...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Got a BF 3 weeks ago, and they lent me a BA for a couple days befoe they delivered it.

The BF is much nicer inside, and the front is much more agressive in my opinion.

I sooooo wish that I could have got the 6-speed, but $3500 was too much I thought (would do it now after driving my old mans Fairmont Ghia!!!!) (no more '05 plated 6-speeds left with the cashback).

Anyway, didn't read the thread, but that's my opinion anyway.

I like the seat pattern, hdes the *beep* stains...... oh, and looks classy as well....

The new key is HEAPS better than the BA key. Easier to insert, and easier on your pocket as well.

Nick

Edited 14/03/06 01:51 PM by nbtopstars XR6

[EvilDaifu]

Hiya guys,

Well, I've had the BF XR6T now for 4 1/2 months and got close to 10,000kms on the clock.

Two days ago, throttle stopped responding whilst travelling at 100km/h and the ETC light came on. I'm going to take it in to Ford to see what they say about it as the manual says it's a serious fault but does not say much more than get it to Ford as soon as possible if the light persists. My ETC light went away after I turned off the engine and back on again, but it was damn unnerving (not the least to say dangerous) travelling at 100km/h in the centre lane of the South Eastern Freeway and suddenly having no throttle response whatsoever

Also, I think my rear suspension bolts are working loose again or something is because I hear this sort of rattling noise coming from the rear. Last time I mentioned the noise at my 3,000km service, Ford said they tighted the rear suspension bolts and the noise went away immediately after that service.

Otherwise, all seems to be okay.

[fantz]

Had my BF XR6 (na, but hey it still goes ok) ;p since early feb, got rid of my LEMON PIECE OF CRAP ba xr6 for it. My stories are fully detailed on another fordforum ;p Had a few probs, 6 speed auto is rough when cold and can be a little rough when warm too, not too hard to confuse it into clunking a little, but miles ahead of the ba. Paint is ordinary, as in, under the bonnet in the engine bay near the right strut there is a 1cent piece sized rusted spot where the paint has bubbled off. Paint doesn't reach all the way into the new fin design next to the foglight (everyone check this, you don't noticed unless you REALLY look). Panel / bumper alignment is ordinary as usual, and has a few other minor imperfections, but overall it's a far superior car to the BA, especially in noise and power/economy.