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New Owner Thoughts – 320d 2l M Sport Touring Xdrive (G21) 2019 Having owned the car for one week now, I thought I’d share my thoughts on it. Firstly, I would like to say my experience has on the whole been one of over whelming positivity, it is a joy to drive, cheaper that A4 Avant to insure and decent mpg. I did sort of buy it on a whim, and by that I mean I didn’t do weeks of research into it like I did with the Audi (I was originally looking at A4 Avant 2l diesel Quattro (why I need 4x4 who knows) 19-20 plate). I test drove three A4’s, a Volvo V90 AWD and a V60 AWD. I dismissed the Volvo’s, lovely comfortable seats, superb auto box but very plasticky interior, and all touch screen (I want a button for the sodding air con!!) A4’s were quiet, refined, comfortable and had a bit of go, so my mind was made up. However, finding the “one” was proving to be a bit of a challenge, after several months a friend said why not try a 3 Series? Now, I have never been overly keen on BMW’s having driven several in the past, I found everything heavy, doors to open, pedals to press and the steering I thought was so heavy I was convinced the power steering was broken in it. So, I’ll admit I went into the test drive slightly jaded. After 10 minutes I found my prejudices of old completely blown away, so bought it there and then. The Surprisingly Good – (In no particular order) Fuel economy - Pretty good currently averaging around 48mpg, that’s running round locally and a couple of motorway drives. Head Up Display – What I thought would be a gimmick and complete waste of time, is actually really surprisingly good. You rarely have to look at the dash, particularly like the sat-nav info being displayed on it (even from Waze, and not just BMW maps). Gesture Control – I know this will be a bit divisive, but I love it for turning the volume up and down. Will I still be using it in a months time? Voice Commands – My old man was particularly impressed you could ask the MPG, I must say it is one of the better systems I’ve tried. Powered Tailgate – Friends had it on their cars, I thought it was pointless. Now I have one is there any other way to open the boot? Although I’m still trying to get the hang of kicking under the bumper to open it (I do an amazing Hokey Cokey and still get no where). I do like the fact you have the lock button on the boot close button as well. Lock/Unlocking – I’m using the hand in the handle to unlock and tap to lock option, purely because I’m not fully trusting yet the walking up and away method. I’m a bit OCD – have I locked it etc. Boot Glass Opening – why is it good, it just is. Lighting – First time having LED’s, BMW have done themselves proud managing to fit two suns under the bonnet. Interior multi-colour lighting, again didn’t know I needed it but love it. Never had puddle lights but more handy than I thought, and door handle lights, why are these not standard on every car? Silence – How have they managed to make a diesel that quiet – well done indeed. Oil and Adblue levels (even though with BMW’s premium service they didn’t bother to fill it up!!). Nice that you can check in the car. Could Work Better! TPMS – Thought is would be a God send (I would usually check tyre pressure every 6/8 weeks) but its took at least three attempts to get the pressure right (BMW service and MOT, not one tyre pressure matched, so much for paying for premium service) Run Flats – not keen, harder ride and still need to buy a new tyre. No sodding place to put a spare – Progress!!!?. Wireless Charging – Currently all it seems to do is heat up the phone to the temperature of the sun, and put about 4% charge on in half hour. Yes, it does go blue when put it in the tray and the phone is QI compatible - S24 Ultra. What is the deal with the cup holders - Was the brief, design wireless charging tray, but make it VERY nearly impossible to get the phone out if the customer places a cup in the cup holder – job well done if it was. Auto stop/Start – urghhhh!! – does it really help??? Hold Assist – can’t get the hang of it, looking like I’m head banging to heavy rock. Jerky on the start and the stop. I’m old school I like the creep, makes a nice smooth go. I am very easy on brakes. Door Sills – need cleaning, how do they get so dirty. Rear View Mirror – not the most generous view (yes, the dog guard doesn’t help), but anti dazzle wing mirrors are good. Christ Alive – Reverse Camera – Want to watch me do an impression of a 90 year old learner driver, stick a reverse camera in my car. Hopefully I’ll get the hang of it. I do think the front camera is quite handy for pulling out of tight junctions though. Like all newish cars the drivers seat bolster does wear – do we need it? All in all I really, really do like it. I do expect to still be pleased with it in a month’s time. Yes, the Pimlico blue colour was a big buying factor (more than likely paid a premium for it). Would I buy it again, at the minute yes I would.

Hope this has not been beaten to death already. can I use20" x5 wheels on a 2015 650I X? thanks.

Knowing the Brake are going to work and the tyres are going to point you where you aimed plus stop you is always a big PLUS 🤣 Now you can drive it like you stole it with confidence 🤣 EHJOY Dave

Hi Donna Welcome to the Forum You have changed just about everything so not much left Is the squirt strong or weak ? When the pump was changed was the filter cleaned or changed ? That leaves either a loose connection (can you hear the pump when it stops squirting) or a Kink in the hose Hope this helps Dave

Well!! It started as a budget query but after a little research and shopping around I managed to get a couple hundred pounds discount off the total price. Originally I was only going to replace the rear set but I also needed a front tyre so I’ve gone all out and purchased two from tyres to match the rear asymmetric 6’s and a full set of discs and pads. So doubled my budget but peace of mind and aesthetically 😊

When you say budget, what price did you pay?

As with all modern car seats the drivers side bolster has started to wear, the leather one in mine has just started to loose the leather shine and the stitching has fluffed. Anyone used any really good product to help delay the inevitable, I've currently just started applying a bit of Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather 3in1 Leather Cleaner & Protectant. Was thinking of trying a bit of dubbin.

Agreed, I was also eyeing up MICHELIN PRIMACY 4's, although BMW fitted new tyres when I bought the car, so I have a while to go until changing (hopefully).

Help needed please with front windscreen washers. They only seem to work when the engine is not running, I open the bonnet to test then & they work fine, close the bonnet & they work fine, drive off & they might squirt once or twice. I've changed the pump, the pipe & the washers. Any ideas please Thanks

Morning Ross I would start by checking that all injectors are OK, seated properly and fixed down at the correct torque. If there are no injector or glow plug issues then the valve train needs investigation could be a lifter sticking or a Vanos issue. Dave

Has anyone else had this no sound problem recently ?

I have exactly the same problem BMW say it is due water getting ito the amplifier which needs replacing £1800 The problem is it looks like a designe fault which they wont admit to, so it will happen to the new amp

Hi, I have this knocking noise on the top of the engine. It started with a low knocking sound then it got progressively worse until I stopped and got recovered. New top turbo 3k miles ago and fresh oil change. Car seems to be all working fine apart from the aggressive knocking. Any ideas? 2013 x5 40d 110k on the clock. IMG_6024.mov

Hi, I have the same fault, was it the injectors?

You haven't given much away here ? But Welcome to the Forum anyway I know there have been a number of recalls since 2020, here I am assuming (dangerous) that all yours are up to date ? I have read of several incidents of SME faults 21F21F seems one of the most common with PHEV. Why BMW seem to deny there are issues I just don't understand. Check the US sites they may have more information due to Class Actions in the USA manufacturers tend to move faster with fixes and Recalls Good Luck Dave

Morning Shawn Take a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box, it will call up your model then search the Body and Trim sections You should find what you need there, once you have the part and it's part number then you can search for the best price for a replacement Dave

Can you guys tell me the best place to order a lower window cowl molding for a 2013 BMW 320i? Mine is super dry rotted and I’m getting water in my driver’s side floor board. I checked the sunroof water tubes and they seem to work well. I also ran water on the outside of drivers door to see if it was the door vapor barrier but didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. The cowl is the only obvious thing that looks bad.

Anyone having major issues with their PHEV x5 SME issues causing major faults BMW say all is good be interested to know if this is a one off or a major manufacturer issue

Hi Paul Carpets are a "Touch and Feel" purchase in my mind for my wife's Subaru I had a local Carpet fitter make up a set. He did a great job all edges taped and stitched and the non slip pads on the back he was able to get the car mats out of off cuts (Contract quality Wilton in Beige). He charged around half the cost of Subaru direct might be worth tracking down a fitter and asking Another thought are Guys like Quarry Motors but again you would be buying unseen but at least they know what OEM BMW mats are. Dave

Can anyone advise on best place to obtain new full pile replacement mats for my E64. Just had a bad experience on ebay so they are going back, totally missold. Just need a nice set in black with the velcro pads already fitted as per BMW spec.

S24 Ultra is QI charging compatible (which I belive the factory fitted OEM charging tray is) I have a QI wireless charger in the house for it. Like I say I get a Blue LED when I put the phone it the tray, but doesn't seem to want to charge, will borrow a friend's phone and try that. Thanks

Cheers, useful info thanks.

Hi Guys I have an E92 330d with 150k on I’m having the swirl flaps deleted and it’s booked in for a gearbox service next month, other than regular servicing is there anything else I should be doing (preventative or otherwise) thanks Daz.

Morning Hans If the fault is EWS or CAS related I think you need to read up on resetting/resyncing the Key/EWS/CAS or if your diagnostics are up to it re-programming them. As you have a donor nearby maybe take the EWS and Keys ? Fingers crossed it is fairly simple and a reset works Dave

Morning Rich First is the wireless charger OEM or aftermarket ? Second is your phone compatible with the charger? (it seems not) I only know 1 person (our son inlaw) who uses wireless charging he is an Apple user and the system in his 3 series is OEM he has no issues Dave