[K a s h]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Is there a fool-proof way to independently check BMW India VINs for service bulletins, i.e. apart from connecting the 3 to BMW ISPA or DCSNet? Again, open to ideas on any critical parts or known issues that I can request BMW to inspect closely and change under BRI if necessary.

Well, no idea about service bulletins, but for safety recalls you can refer to https://www.siam.in/siam-voluntary-recall.aspx.

[itwasntme]

Had had a bad bonnet scrape last week when a water tanker stalled on one of those nasty (tiny but steep) concrete speedbreakers, and rolled back onto my 3. I was also at fault absentmindedly following too closely. Net net, the headlight luckily escaped damage but there were a couple of ugly scrapes cutting down to the bare metal and a deep dimple on the LHS.

Took it to my usual FNG Carmed (Hennur), and they did an outstanding full bonnet repainting job within 2 days flat. Was planning to do a front bumper repaint too + full body detailing, but needed the car back urgently coupled with the unseasonal rain made it dicey for repainting. Nonetheless, full marks to Kalyan, Nishanth and Vishnu for accommodating me at such short notice.

Also got them to fit my 'batman' style ORVM covers which had been sitting in my boot for the last year. Had bought them off eBay UK and they needed some minor filing/mods to fit tightly. Will PPF them as they are glossy black and really prone to swirls etc.
Maybe an acquired taste for some but I love them!

Some pictures follow:

[androdev]

Happy to see the car got its shine back! I had a similar incident with a BMTC rolling back into my car (Škoda Laura). Since then, added one more section to my internal “how to drive in Bangalore” guide :-)

No comments about batman mirrors - hope you are feeling 5-10 years younger, lol!

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by androdev

Happy to see the car got its shine back! I had a similar incident with a BMTC rolling back into my car (Škoda Laura). Since then, added one more section to my internal “how to drive in Bangalore” guide :-)

No comments about batman mirrors - hope you are feeling 5-10 years younger, lol!

Nosy neighbour asked why the top mount is already broken

[guyfrmblr]

The batman ORVM covers look great, they add a sporty look to the car. I hope the top protrusion was towards the outer side, it would have kept all the pesky two wheelers away from your car

[sgm]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Took it to my usual FNG Carmed (Hennur), and they did an outstanding full bonnet repainting job within 2 days flat. Was planning to do a front bumper repaint too + full body detailing, but needed the car back urgently coupled with the unseasonal rain made it dicey for repainting. Nonetheless, full marks to Kalyan, Nishanth and Vishnu for accommodating me at such short notice.

, nasty one

Good to see the amazing work done to fix the scratch

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Also got them to fit my 'batman' style ORVM covers which had been sitting in my boot for the last year.

Some pictures follow:

Doesn't this kind of sporty looking Batman style cap add more wind noise?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by guyfrmblr

I hope the top protrusion was towards the outer side, it would have kept all the pesky two wheelers away from your car

Thanks! Agree, a couple of them (tastefully finished in rusty metal) would do wonders to the autos and now the insane quick delivery brigade. Having said that, I now need to protect the new mirror caps quickly, else they will collect ugly swirls and scratches.

What is the general recommendation for such glossy black covers? Ceramic coating or PPF or both?

Originally Posted by sgm

Doesn't this kind of sporty looking Batman style cap add more wind noise?

Thanks, yup the work was indeed great.

Frankly, the 330i anyway makes so many enjoyable noises when at speed, I don’t think the added wind noise will be audible. Again, this Batman style mirror cap is on most of the M cars I believe.

[itwasntme]

A few updates:

Tirumala darshan:
Lord Balaji summoned and hence did a lightning quick Tirumala trip via that sublime STRR and Chittoor Bypass. Details here: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route...ml#post5920942 (Tirumala / Tirupati Seegradarshanam query)

First sight from Alipiri Gate :



Brake fluid service @ KUN Bellary Road:
Got the 3 back with no surprises. INR8.5K for brake fluid service done in 2.5 hours smoothly.

BRI expiry - mid-June:
They reminded me of my now 6 year old battery while I returned the favour highlighting the intermittent sunroof rattle, sticky horn pad (RHS side only), and a slight rattle from left front suspension.

Said they typically do thorough checks before any BRI package ends. Will go back to them end-March for the 5Y oil service as per CBS, although my BRI itself ends mid-June. Maybe do 2 checks, one during the service and one (I assume paid) mid-June so that any warranty items can be carefully examined. Does this sound right?

Was assured vehicle is in immaculate condition mechanically, and that my VIN did not throw up any required issues or service bulletins. I did note fleetingly the words, 'hood strut' on their screen but forgot to query the same later while collecting the car.

Added that might be able to cover the (expensive) VARTA AGM battery only if it is faulty, but not if any degradation is due to only ageing. There are no obvious warning signs from the battery yet. Does the G20 measure and throw up battery warnings via the CBS, or is it something to be measured and monitored manually?

General:
Front bumper due for repainting this/next week. Also exploring whether it is worth tastefully adding auxiliary projectors to augment the idiotic LED headlights.

Tyres are in an odd mix after I replaced one blown tyre some time back. Madhus obviously heard my pain and are opening a new workshop in North BLR. I am guessing a lot of expensive vehicle owners are now breathing a sigh of relief, albeit coupled with a lot of 'touchwood' thoughts.

Picasso WIP:
Was filthy since the Tirumala dash and added grime from adjacent roadworks. The undergrowth in our neighbouring vacant but forested property caught fire and the whirlwinds created with ash, flying ember and general dust ensured a ghastly sight.
Estate Picassos were elated at a fresh canvas (), and hence gave it a good clean today, with the tyre polish still pending.

[Nishant345]

Considering your year of purchase (2020) and your flawless upkeep, you’re in a unique position to not lose much money if you decide to sell her and “upgrade”.

I know you absolutely love her as one should, but give it some thought.

[d3mon]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Brake fluid service @ KUN Bellary Road:
Got the 3 back with no surprises. INR8.5K for brake fluid service done in 2.5 hours smoothly.
[b]

8.5K just for brake fluid? Last I got it done for my 3 a few years back, it was only around 2K odd.

Did you get anything else done too?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by d3mon

8.5K just for brake fluid? Last I got it done for my 3 a few years back, it was only around 2K odd.

Did you get anything else done too?

No, nothing else. Let me check my paper bill. I’m seriously irritated by BMW India for not retaining my billing history on their app and/or site. Is it the same for you too?

Sent out to beat with the beater BMW. Sales assistant was mystified what saar was up to.

[d3mon]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

No, nothing else. Let me check my paper bill. I’m seriously irritated by BMW India for not retaining my billing history on their app and/or site. Is it the same for you too?

Looks like they took you for a proper ride. The first and the 3rd year service only differ in brake fluid change, and that costs a grand total of Rs 1940 extra, which is what you should have been charged.

Maybe they scammed you with the old Petrol additives, engine wax and lube and interior enrichment something?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by d3mon

Looks like they took you for a proper ride. The first and the 3rd year service only differ in brake fluid change, and that costs a grand total of Rs 1940 extra, which is what you should have been charged.

Yup, got royally scammed by them; have escalated and waiting for resolution.

Anyone using the KUN Bellary Road workshop please examine your service bills line by line. Astonished at their gall to pad a 8K invoice with 4K of bull. I was naive enough to trust them but never going back there again.

Took a few pics while waiting for the Boss Lady .

[Venkygupta]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

Also exploring whether it is worth tastefully adding auxiliary projectors to augment the idiotic LED headlights.

I don't know if you remember, but I complained about the same issue to you when I bought my 320d. I'm still facing insufficient lighting on my car.

I am contemplating installing Aozoom TH02 aux lights on the lower grill. This is still just a thought, and I haven't made up my mind yet. Please check them out when you get the time. I'm told there is no need to cut the grill for these lights, but I am still unsure as I found no mention of anyone putting aux lights on a 3 Series anywhere.

Do you think I should go ahead with this?

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Venkygupta

I don't know if you remember, but I complained about the same issue to you when I bought my 320d. I'm still facing insufficient lighting on my car.
I am contemplating installing Aozoom TH02 aux lights on the lower grill.

@venkygupta: Of course I remember your stunning beast. Am sure you're getting in some solid miles with your location and good highways.

I am also very keen to enhance the headlights in a 'legal' manner without inviting undue police attention. Part of my daily commute is on a 2 lane highway with blinding headlights + I routinely drive on curvy and erratically surfaced local village roads with zero lighting. The best bet is fitting inconspicuous but high quality + output micro-projectors in the lower air intake/grill area OR into the small cutouts on either side of that area.

I found a great video from Poona Motors showcasing their work on a LCI 330GL:

https://youtu.be/7dbsBFCKuFY?si=yl11WhblgoIL13Oe

The great thing about the LCI 1 and LCI 2 bumpers are that they are angular/flatter and at 90* to the road, unlike our pre-LCI Sport / Luxury Line bumpers which are far more 'softer' and curvy. The LCI fitment in the video above is largely at the right height + relatively away from water ingress issues during monsoons etc.) + mounting panel can be separately removed and worked upon resulting in an almost OEM . Also like the fact that they are not connected to any BMW high/low beam wiring, and is in fact a standalone fitting with a separate switch.

Can you tap your known installers and ask them what exactly they plan to do. i.e. where they plan to fit them, how will they manage the wiring/battery connection etc.? I will do similarly here in BLR.

Reassuringly enough, graaja is very happy with his Fortuner Aozoom fitment . If Aozoom works for him, I am happy to fit them too. No use in dissing them as a 'Chinese' company. Everything is Chinese these days especially in the automotive aftermarket.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5916141 (From a Sporty Sedan to a Rugged SUV - Attitude Black Toyota Fortuner 4x4 AT Comes Home)