[stillweriselh44]

Originally Posted by Yash96

While buying iconic sounds it is currently showing like this

I bought it through web browser from a PC, although that shouldn't make a difference. I suggest you try doing it through "Connected Drive Store" on the car apps itself. I think you might have to upgrade the iDrive software via Remote Software Upgrade module to access this on the car OS.

[jkt]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

... my UTD was ~4.8 mm.
... I paid a pittance for the (then) 28K RFT.

1. Wouldn't mixing old and new tyre on the same axle cause issues particularly on drive axle (rear axle) due to the mismatch in torque on left wheel and right wheel due to the change in wheal diameter on one side?
I think it can be approximately 1% in worst case (3 mm versus 8 mm).

2. This would also cause difference in rotational speed of the wheels, which is a factor in exercising Electronic Stability Control.

3. Grip levels of old vs new tire may be different, which means different limits while taking right turn versus left turn.

4. Older tyre will have lesser grip (due to reduced tread depth) and greater torque (due to smaller diameter), which means tendency to start slipping sooner on hard acceleration for wheel with older tyre.
So, the traction control would kick-in sooner.

I am wondering what you and other experts think about it.
What does BMW recommend?

The effects may be too small to be bothered for other cars but it's a BMW- a high performance vehicle which many enthusiasts love to push to the limits!
More importantly, the effects are related to compromise in performance as well as safety!

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by jkt

1. Wouldn't mixing old and new tyre on the same axle cause issues particularly on drive axle (rear axle) due to the mismatch in torque on left wheel and right wheel due to the change in wheal diameter on one side?
I think it can be approximately 1% in worst case (3 mm versus 8 mm).

You have raised a valid point under Indian conditions where tyre damage (and subsequent replacement), is extremely common especially in the 18"++ tyre sizes. Just look through the BMW threads on TBHP or just Google for BMW India tyre damage. Refer this on the M340i thread: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5685480 (My BMW M340i LCI | A case study in YOLO | Ownership Review)

As such, globally BMW recommends a maximum of 2mm difference between tyres on the same axle but warns xDrive owners to be extra cautious on this aspect.

I was okay to change only one tyre as my BMW dealer provided only one replacement under BMW Secure coupled with fact that even the new Turanza T005 RFT wad barely 7mm in tread depth when brand new. Hence, a difference of 2-3 mm did not bother me.

However, the 330xx & 320xx in India are RWD, and different rules probably apply to the xDrive M340i.

In terms of the TCS kicking in (more), frankly I have not noticed this but have noticed that the wiggling from the rear axle is more pronounced. That could be down to the general wear and tear of the tyre too, especially if driven in a spirited manner.

[jkt]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

You have raised a valid point under Indian conditions where tyre damage (and subsequent replacement), is extremely common especially in the 18"++ tyre sizes. Just look through the BMW threads on TBHP or just Google for BMW India tyre damage. Refer this on the M340i thread: https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/test-...ml#post5685480 (My BMW M340i LCI | A case study in YOLO | Ownership Review)

As such, globally BMW recommends a maximum of 2mm difference between tyres on the same axle but warns xDrive owners to be extra cautious on this aspect.

Thanks for your reply and pointing to the other thread which has great amount of relevant details!

xDrive vehicles expect max tread depth difference of 2 mm for all four wheels (as per the info in the referred thread), which is even more difficult to maintain if tyre sizes in front and rear axle are different as it wouldn't allow tyre rotation between front and rear axle and tyre wear would be naturally more on rear axle.

Looks like tyres worry and engine performance push the owners of BMW sedans in India in opposite direction!
I wish Google or BMW has pot-holes also mapped into their maps for India !

[doc&drive]

Originally Posted by AnkitShroff

Happy to share that I have booked 330Li M Sports Pro a couple of days back. I was fortunate to get a really good deal and the deal was finalised on the second day of checking out the car (since the figure I had in my mind was matched)

Congratulations!!!
It would be of great help if you can share the amount quoted for you as i am planning to exchange my A4.

[AnkitShroff]

Originally Posted by doc&drive

Congratulations!!!
It would be of great help if you can share the amount quoted for you as i am planning to exchange my A4.

Have DM’ed you the details.

[abhishek242001]

Originally Posted by abhishek242001

Hi, I am in the market for a A4 Technology or 3 GL/LWB 330i.
.

Did a back-to-back TD of BMW 3 GL M Sport Pro Petrol followed by Audi A4 Tech. Below are the observations.

1. BMW definitely gives a better Kick when the accelerator is floored compared to Audi. Did 3-4 sharp accelerations in sports mode and got the same kick in BMW. Audi A4 felt confused when I tried doing it the 1st time (CVT-type lag in RPM vs actual speed). The 2nd time, when I tried again in Audi, the kick felt properly. Being a sedated driver, I will do this hardly once in a quarter when I see an open stretch of road and I am in a hurry to reach somewhere, else I will mostly be in the speed limits.
   
2. For the car in standstill and AC off, I could barely hear the BMW engine being ON but was clearly hearing the soft engine note in Audi. The AC fans are louder in the BMW. Also, the BMW steering did have some cyclic rumbling feeling. However, during driving, the Audi was quieter compared to the BMW on the Inside.
   
3. Both cars felt extremely planted even at 120 KMPH (Straight Line). BMW was just ahead by a thin margin owning to the extra weight, Low GC and wider tyres.
   
4. The city ride is definitely comfortable in Audi due to the softer suspension. Also, seat cushioning on the BMW is slightly stiff/harder.
   
5. The Lane keep assists work well on high speed. Though the Blind spot detection on the ORVM was not working for some reason. Also, Couldn't test the ACC. Can owners of M Sport Pro models confirm if ACC is offered? Even the SA was confused and kept saying only the AEB & Blind Spot detecting are offered in ADAS. Had to show him 'Lane keep assist' in action. Felt so happy to know more than the SA (Thanks to Team BHP members for all the knowledge they shared).
   
6. In Traffic, the Audi Parking Sensors alerted properly about other vehicle proximity. In BMW, I didn't notice anything audible. (Maybe the SA had turned the sound down) Also, the ADAS indicators are positioned poorly in the left corner of the console, making it difficult to spot them beyond the steering wheel.
   
7. The Harmon Kardon system in the BMW is Great and very loud (read Deafening) post 70% max output. Audi B&O is overkill. Post 40% of the peak output, nothing is audible from outside, and I feel it is a big distraction. Cannot hear horn of Audi inside the cabin or other vehicle outside. Also, could not hear what the Audi SA was saying while sitting in the passenger seat.
   
8. The Gear Lever (or the lack of it) in BMW felt underwhelming. Audi's Gear Lever feels premium like an Aircraft lever. The Adjustable center armrest in Audi helps in feeling more comfortable while driving.
   
9. Could not get to test the Ground clearance point as TD was on mostly well-paved city roads and highways.
   
10. The Okapi Brown interiors in Audi are a Tad too dark for my liking, and the Beige interior does not feel premium enough. BMW has nailed this one perfectly. Open the door, and you feel that opulence. Also, the Dashboard and door trims in BMW are covered with soft material while it's just soft plastic in the Audi A4.

For Audi A4 Tech, got an on-Road offer with 3 3-year Extended Warranty + 1% TCS for a 2024 model for 49.75 L.

BMW 3 GL M Sport Pro Petrol is offered at 62.60 L on-road without any Extended Warranty. The SA seemed not interested in offering that and had no idea about the pricing, even when I inquired.

Calculating which bullet to bite.

[Visaster]

I have this problem on the 330li Jan 2025 vehicle run just 1500km. After the last time I had parked, it took my 4-5 days for the next use. I noticed that there was some fuel smell coming from the rear end of the car only.

It runs fine
No error
No dripping on the floor
Fuel lid tight
No smell inside the cabin

The smell existed again after a short drive. Wondering what could be the reason and what I might be missing.

[itwasntme]

Originally Posted by Visaster

I have this problem on the 330li Jan 2025 vehicle run just 1500km. After the last time I had parked, it took my 4-5 days for the next use. I noticed that there was some fuel smell coming from the rear end of the car only.

I am assuming upfront there is no rat menace in your parking area?

Further, is the fuel tank full and/or exactly what RON/brand of fuel it it? Depending upon ambient temperatures, the fuel vapour will slowly vent (as designed) and be odorous.

Your 330Li is also new and could well be that exhaust components are still 'bedding in'.

[Visaster]

Originally Posted by itwasntme

I am assuming upfront there is no rat menace in your parking area?
.

I hope not, I am cat protected, easily more than 10 of them lazing in the apartment.

Everything had been normal past 2 months, until the last time I parked. Never had this smell before, and only from the rear end outside the car.

Will do a detailed inspection today. Just wanted to know what to look for. Chennai heat is constantly increasing, but that is no reason I should be having leaking fumes.

I am assuming fuel tank issue.

[sunikkat]

Originally Posted by abhishek242001

Calculating which bullet to bite.

Honestly 3GL feels half a segment (if not 1) higher than A4. Personal opinion, I had found 3GL interiors to be better quality than even A6. Only the ambient lighting in BMW is very basic and no rear curtains. And in drive and handling no comparison with both A4 and A6. For approx. 12 lakhs difference my suggestion is to go with 3GL.

[doc&drive]

Originally Posted by abhishek242001

For Audi A4 Tech, got an on-Road offer with 3 3-year Extended Warranty + 1% TCS for a 2024 model for 49.75 L.

BMW 3 GL M Sport Pro Petrol is offered at 62.60 L on-road without any Extended Warranty. The SA seemed not interested in offering that and had no idea about the pricing, even when I inquired.

Calculating which bullet to bite.

It all depends on what you want. If you are a keen driver who love to push your car go with BMW 3 GL.

But if you are finding 12 lakhs extra is not worth, stick with A4. You cant go wrong with either brand.

3 GL has better driving dynamics and a more modern interior. A4 has better value for money.

[Visaster]

Showcasing my 330Li Msport Pro. Long form dream come true. An allrounder car like all other vehicles in my garage.

Likes:
It looks great with the M kit, refreshed dashboard with the screen, spacious interiors, good leg room, great mileage, a true multitasker, family mile muncher and fun sport car.

Dislikes:
Alloy wheel looks dated, Poor boot space.

[sunikkat]

Has BMW stopped 330Li. The BMW website only has details of 320Ld

[jetpack470]

Originally Posted by abhishek242001

For Audi A4 Tech, got an on-Road offer with 3 3-year Extended Warranty + 1% TCS for a 2024 model for 49.75 L.

BMW 3 GL M Sport Pro Petrol is offered at 62.60 L on-road without any Extended Warranty. The SA seemed not interested in offering that and had no idea about the pricing, even when I inquired.

Calculating which bullet to bite.

I evaluated both these cars last year before ultimately going with the Audi. For me, the advantage of the BMW was that it had a more modern infotainment system, the legroom in the rear was expansive, the car was E20 compliant, and the car had good pick up.

Negatives were the quality of stalks and buttons and other materials were noticeably worse than in the Audi. The indicator stalks were the most obvious in showing the difference of quality, the ones in the BMW felt cheap to the touch and basic. The suspension is very soft and on our undulated highways and new roads, above the speed of 70-80 there was an unacceptable level of vertical movement for me. There were no sunshades in the rear windows. As I mentioned to the salesman, I didn't want to reject a car because of sunshades alone, but at the same time, it's such an easy thing to include, why doesn't BMW do it? I insisted on filling a feedback form to BMW urging them to start including sunshades in their LWB cars. Lastly, the boot space is very small.

With the Audi, I felt the performance was lower but considering the cars im coming from and the quality of roads and fellow drivers in our country, I've been on cloud 9 with the performance of this car in the last 10 or so months I've owned it. I've never once felt acceleration to be lacking or even floored the pedal so the lesser performance is not an issue for me. On the other hand, while I expected good mileage, the numbers I get from the Audi truly surprised me. My current average mileage is 13.8kmpl, and on highways I get 20+. This mild hybrid system is very sensitive to driving style so in chock-a-block traffic this mileage will drop to 8-9. The suspension on the Audi is something everyone complimented both in forms and IRL when I was looking. Having owned the car, I get it. It is on the softer side, it's excellent at absorbing potholes and bad roads, but it's not as wavy as the BMW on high speeds on undulated highways. 10/10 from me as far as the suspension is concerned.

Other things I liked in the Audi were, it's an old car at this point, so it has all those classic vintage 2010s features, like actual buttons for AC and music controls. What a rare sight in these days. This was a big deal for me pushing me towards Audi because even the newer Audis have done away with buttons. Its UI is old fashioned but it gets the job done and the screens are high resolution. The seats are good in both cars but each lacking in its own way, the BMW had adjustable thigh support, the audi does not. The audi has lumbar adjustment, the Bmw did not. You can Choose which you prefer.

In summation, 12 lakhs or so is a huge amount of money. The Audi is a dated car(in tech, definitely not in looks) but in many ways it's a good thing and not a bad thing, it doesn't follow many of the annoying trends of the current generation cars. If you are ok with that I would say go for the Audi. However, if you like the newest tech and features, you'd enjoy the massive rear seats, and you'd actually make use of the higher performance compared to the already fast Audi, and you have 12 lakhs to spare, the Bmw is the one for you.