[m@rk]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Gdoes this model get decent damping as it comes specifically with the non run-flat wheel set?

I can't see how it can be set up different.

Order the car with any other wheel and you get RFTs (indeed you can even specify RFT on the standard rims as an option) so if the damping was different, they would be even worse.

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by m@rk

I can't see how it can be set up different.

Order the car with any other wheel and you get RFTs (indeed you can even specify RFT on the standard rims as an option) so if the damping was different, they would be even worse.

I know you can tick the 'RFT' box... but the configurator didn't have other wheel size options, when I tried it. Hence my thinking that we could have different damping for this Efficient Dynamics model. I've read that the ES version on non run-flats is a 'bouncy' nondescript ride.

HighlandPete

[RWD]

Hi All, newbie here....so go easy on me! :-)

Nice to hear some `owners reviews` on the model.

I'm also considering the 320d ED model and had a couple of questions:

1. Is BMW offering active cruise control for the 3 series or is that specifically for the 5 series/other models?

2. Think i'm going to go with the midrange audio system (Hi-Fi loudspeaker I believe its called. But can anyone recommend the top notch Harman/Kardon version? Any real difference?

I take it all the 3 BMW versions are MP3 compatible?

I only ask as my current Volvo has a midrange (performance) sound system which was alot better than the entry level and wasn't far off from the top-end Dynaudio version.

Has BMW moved on with its factory fitted in-car entertainment as back in the early 2000's it was poor and tinny.


3. Is lumber support worth having? I have every intention to order the sport seats - will they do the trick?

4. I'm also thinking about rear/rear side tint - are these as dark/or darker than the rear/rear side sunblind option?

5. Any other nice to have's anyone would like kind to recommend?


Thanks in advance...

[sdb123]

Hi RWD,

I'm a newbie myself but have a view on some of your questions.

Active Cruise Control - I've specced it on my 320D ED (it's on their car configurator so is definitely an option).

http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle...omics_acc.html

The only difference I see is that the 5-series has a 'stop & go' feature on the ACC. http://www.bmw.com/com/en/newvehicle.../acc_stop.html

I think the Hi-Fi option would be fine; I was given a free upgrade to the HK system when I ordered via my company so I won't complain. AFAIK all three systems are MP3 compatible (connected via the AUX port).

I think the Sports Seats are excellent, I had a sit in a 3-series with them at my local dealers. Personally, I can't see the need for the additional lumbar support.

Not sure on the window tints.

The main options I added were the Visibility Pack (Xenons, Adaptive Lights, Rain Sensor, etc.) and Leather interior (only because I have similar on my current car).

Steve

[RWD]

Thanks Steve for your response and ideas - much appreciated. Well done to getting a free upgrade!! I'll try my luck.....

Regarding MP3 compatibility - i take the CD head unit can playback mp3 compiled cd's. Do you know if it supports a DVD mp3 cd? (thats lots of music on 1 cd!!)

If so does the standard entry level system through to HK support CD/CDRW/DVD/DVDRW MP3 media?

I suppose there is the 6 cd changer in the boot that is mp3 (cd) compatible if DVD media doesn't work.

I look forward to testing the sound systems at a local dealer shortly.

Cheers...

[RWD]

One last rant on the audio front - do the 2010 BMW headunits display ID3 taggng? i.e. artist and sound track displayed?

Thanks

[xenon]

Originally Posted by RWD

One last rant on the audio front - do the 2010 BMW headunits display ID3 taggng? i.e. artist and sound track displayed?

Thanks

Yes. My 2008 e92 does - it plays MP3 CDs and displays the tags but doesn't play MP3 DVDs.

[RWD]

Thanks Ian :-)

[bbdivo]

I've read quite a few recent uk based reviews but I think this is the first video review, it's from fifth gear:

[corbijnal]

Originally Posted by bbdivo

I've read quite a few recent uk based reviews but I think this is the first video review, it's from fifth gear:

His mpg is rubbish... He must have been hammering it and / or driving in London...

I can't get my mpg to go below 60!

[ss134]

Great car - i'm glad BMW are devoting so much time to their efficient dynamics programme, this can only benefit us all the next generation of BMW's - the M3 V8 has also received the 'efficient dynamics' treatment - they've introduced stop/start technology.....gets an extra 1mpg

[bencookman]

Interesting video review... Thanks for posting the link. As mentioned above, I'm suprised that he didn't better 52 mpg. My average steadfastly remains at 67 and I'm not hanging around. I've a feeling they must have done a fair chunk of town driving as no matter how gentle you drive, your economy will always suffer from the starting and stopping.

[corbijnal]

Originally Posted by bencookman

Interesting video review... Thanks for posting the link. As mentioned above, I'm suprised that he didn't better 52 mpg. My average steadfastly remains at 67 and I'm not hanging around. I've a feeling they must have done a fair chunk of town driving as no matter how gentle you drive, your economy will always suffer from the starting and stopping.

In fairness... I have a nice run to work... 26 miles each way and I got door to door today without having to stop once! No wonder I'm getting good mpg!

[ken m sport]

Hi all,

If you have a 320ed, could you please post some pics for me to look at. My local dealer hasnt got one in yet to see.

[hmi1750]

Originally Posted by RWD

Thanks Steve for your response and ideas - much appreciated. Well done to getting a free upgrade!! I'll try my luck.....

Regarding MP3 compatibility - i take the CD head unit can playback mp3 compiled cd's. Do you know if it supports a DVD mp3 cd? (thats lots of music on 1 cd!!)

If so does the standard entry level system through to HK support CD/CDRW/DVD/DVDRW MP3 media?

I suppose there is the 6 cd changer in the boot that is mp3 (cd) compatible if DVD media doesn't work.

I look forward to testing the sound systems at a local dealer shortly.

Cheers...

Yes has ID tags. Unless you include a CD changer it doesn't have one as standard.

The non-idrive system only plays CD/RW and mp3s on those - only have one disc where it displays the tags but refuses to play the track!

The standard system is the worst I have had in any car, but it does the job for me.

[bbdivo]

Well today I got an email from my Lease company, apparently my car has arrived in stock!

I ordered on the 27th of April, that's under 3 weeks!! That seems a bit too quick!

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by bbdivo

Well today I got an email from my Lease company, apparently my car has arrived in stock!

I ordered on the 27th of April, that's under 3 weeks!! That seems a bit too quick!

You must be excited! Do you have to wait for the PDI/Vehicle Registration, etc?

Out of interest, what spec did you order?

[mcjizja3]

Originally Posted by bbdivo

Well today I got an email from my Lease company, apparently my car has arrived in stock!

I ordered on the 27th of April, that's under 3 weeks!! That seems a bit too quick!

Lucky you! Maybe someone else cancelled or something?

I ordered on the 19th April and mine is due 18th June, I checked with our lease company (Lex) and that date hasn't changed for me :-(

Who is yours out of interest?

[bbdivo]

Here's my spec:

Xenons
Prof Sat-Nav
Half Leather Sports Seats
Rear Tint
Electric folding mirrors
Auto lights and wipers
Sport Steering

and in Alpine White

Unless that's a popular combo, i.e. they have prebuilt a load of them I can't see how they have got it ready so quick.

I'm actually having to wait for my current lease to expire, which is end of this month, I thought I was going to have a couple month wait but clearly not!

[Rochdale Pioneers]

Regarding fuel economy, my 320d non-ED churns out 47mpg seemingly whatever I do with it. Spends most of its time being accelerated hard and doing a steady *cough* 70 on the motorway. Sure I could get it past 50mpg by not flooring it and cruising at *cough* 70 instead of *cough* 70.

[sdb123]

Originally Posted by bbdivo

Here's my spec:

Xenons
Prof Sat-Nav
Half Leather Sports Seats
Rear Tint
Electric folding mirrors
Auto lights and wipers
Sport Steering

and in Alpine White

Unless that's a popular combo, i.e. they have prebuilt a load of them I can't see how they have got it ready so quick.

I'm actually having to wait for my current lease to expire, which is end of this month, I thought I was going to have a couple month wait but clearly not!

Any news on a delivery date yet?

[bbdivo]

Well, car was ready for delivery today, however my current lease car has some scratches on the front and rear bumpers that need sorting before it goes back, however the lease company is being extremely slow in sorting it out!
Rather frustrating, hopefully it will be sorted soon!