[gadadhar]

My Vermillion Red BMW 320D
It is 6 months and 8900 KMS since I have taken my dream car - a Vermillion Red BMW 320 D, I thought it is a good time to put down my initial ownership report

Some shots to start with

On way to Wayanad



Jr. loves it more than me



Test Drives and Booking

Nearing completion of 5 years in my dear and trusted Elantra CRDI, I began my hunt for my next love. Unlike my earlier choices it took me more than 8 months to make my decision. My key requirements were 1. Diesel 2. Automatic 3. Powerful 4. Around 20 Lakhs.

Vehicles that I checked are
1. Ford Endeavor AT : I almost decided to buy this, but Ford showroom informed that it is out of production (was in April) for a facelift. I doubt this information since I saw an adv recently on Ford midnight sale (never thought cars will be sold like this) with Endeavor

2. New Fortuner AT : Ruled out since better half was not happy with body role + Long wait

3. Skoda Laura AT : Visited there new showroom on ring road near Kanakpura road signal (remember it as TAFE).They didn’t have a test drive car and they promised to get it to my place on weekend. Next call I got from them was around 2 months back checking on my enquiry. With all horror stories around Skoda after sales service, this was the final nail on the coffin

4. VW Jetta : Same experience as above on the test drive, got their follow-up call after I took delivery of 320D

5. Cruize AT : Finalized a deal on this and started looking for a buyer for my Elantra. I wanted to close deal on Elantra so that I can save a good amount by transferring the no claim bonus. Chevy dealership did not offer a fair price and getting a buyer outside took longer than expected. Price of the vehicle increased by around 70K and they were not ready to give it at pre-budget price though I was ready to make a booking next day. This factor combined with cramped interior (compared with spacious Elantra) resulted in deciding against the diesel rocket

Back to square one after 8 months hunting was disappointing on top of the worrying factor that my Elantra value is depreciating. That is when I came across the BMW adv that advertises 13999 EMI. I am sure many BHPians have seen this adv and wondered whether it is so cheap to own a Beemer – If not, I have don’t many times in the past, but never dared to check and find the details. This time out of desperation, I decided to explore and walked in to Navaneet on Hosur. WOW – lot of Beemers in all shapes and sizes gleaming was a feast for the eyes. I was not interested in test drive of 320D since my BIL owns the same model and I have driven it umpteen times. What matters is money and whether it is affordable, found that 13,999 scheme needs a down payment of 20 Lakhs which was way out of my reach. I had lost my hope on owning a beemer in life and had stood up to say “Sorry for wasting your time guys” , that’s when sales guy started mentioning about 2 pre-budget priced car that was in stock. That was tempting for me, maybe I wanted take revenge on the Cruze guys for not offering the pre-budget price. One was vermillion red and other grey, seen red in X1 to X6 but not on 320D and that became the choice.

Bargaining for a BMW??? Yes, it was more than how we do in Madiwala market except for the fact that you are in comfort of huge luxury showroom and refreshments are provided to keep you lured. I work for a corporate that has got a discount of 50K whereas wifes company does not have any. I want to take the car in her name to transfer the no claim (did I say that Elantra was in her name). They agreed to compensate NCB by offering an equivalent discount. That is where I smelled there is room for negotiations, After few rounds of bargaining, price came down to a level that sounded fine for me. But things went bad after they evaluated my Elantra where I walked out, got a call within an hour that another 50K can be given as discount on BM. That completed the deal and their very friendly sales guy Mohan (recommendable) turned up in no time and collected all papers for loan and Elantra sale with a promise to deliver the car in 2 weeks. More discussion with wifey valuation from CarVale made me think that my dear Elantra is going at a very low price. We called to confirm whether we can get the additional 50K discount on BM if we are not selling the Elantra to them and the deal was stuck.

Finalized on BMW Executive since higher version were way beyond my reach, I would suggest to go for the higher version if your pocket allows since there are many features you feel is missing in the lower version.

Wait was not too long, got delivery of the dream machine in less than 2 week. There were 4 deliveries on the same day and I was surprised to hear that they had sold close to 70 BMs in that month.

Taking Delivery



Now on to the review part after driving 8900 KMS in BMW 320 D Executive

My first long drive on this was to Kerala that too on the very next day after taking delivery. Though no break-in kms is advised by BMW, kept a light foot for the initial 2500 kms. I am not quite sure whether this procedure was required, however I thought it is not going to do any harm and I ended up getting an FE of around 16 during those days

Since then I did many long drives including the forest areas of TN and Kerala and through some very bad roads. My daily use is driving from home at JP Nagar to my workplace in electronic city through Bennarghata road and then NICE road (around 35 kms daily).

My feel towards the car is mixed but can blame only some of the pothole filled roads of Kerala and the horrible Bangalore traffic for it. Thought of why I didn’t take the SUV haunts me at times while on some of the bad roads. Let me try to out an unbiased review on my dream machine

Drive: 320D is driver’s car, it is absolute bliss to be strapped in the driving seat of this sedan and hit some of the good highways (hope we had better roads to make good use of this power mill). It takes off like a Jet on the tarmac when pushed and the auto gear box is a beauty that precisely knows when to shift up/down, you will never feel the lack of power. You feel it is pinned down to the road when you hit the corners at high speed, enjoyed this handling part of the machine during the drive to Mangalore where the roads are with twist and turns after Sakleshpur. I don’t think I could have maintained the same average with my Elantra.
I enjoy toggling between the sports and normal mode during the long drives for some sharp overtaking maneuvers. Moving to sports is just a tap to the left on the gearstick, this move is not felt in any way to the passengers (except for my Jr. who will be excited and says Go Acha Go!), but for the driver it’s a sudden burst of power and car shoots off having the gears holding on for longer. I have read for the new 320D, steering and suspension stiffens while moving to sports mode, not sure the same happens for the earlier model. I tried sports while coming downhill in Munnar and found it useful in reducing braking. All this comes at a cost, I have noticed a significant drop in FE (less by 20 to 30%) while driving in Sports mode.

On Bad Roads: GC was a botheration initially since the Bangalore hump designs are not great + my regular outings to areas that are not know for not so great roads. I used to very careful while using BIL’s 320 and has managed without a single incident of rubbing the belly even after driving around 5 k both in city and long drives but has never taken it through any bad roads and with full load. Now with my own Beemer, Belly or mud flaps touches with full load on the big humps, I guess it is not bad for a vehicle with GC of 161 mm, after all it is not as bad as I had imagined. I have done very bad stretches (heard about the horrible Kuthiran and Walayar stretch in Kerala?) with 4 people and decent load in the boot, never had an issue provided being a bit cautious. Once during the rains I had to drive through a stretch of mud that was like a slurry for around 300 mts to reach our resort, with no foot on accelerator (or a light foot), we could manage this with 4 people + Jr + boot full of luggage. A innova got stuck here later, you should the surprise of the driver when he saw the BM parked in the resort, he thought there was an alternate route.

Comfort: It is a driver’s car and pampers the driver the most. My wife says the front passenger seat is just like Elantra (I tends to disagree), but claims the backseat is much more comfortable than the Elantra and back A/C blowers with temperature controls are a big relief. I will call it a 4 seater since the big bump in the middle makes it not so comfortable for a 5th person on a long drive. Small features like the automatic back blinds and the manual backseat side blinds are big help during long drives. Music system is good for me, but it would have been great if there was option to play directly from USB. Bluetooth pairing worked well on my Android and Blackberry, I don’t use it much since I prefer not to take calls while driving. Dual zone A/C with climate control and back blowers with temperature control cools the cabin quickly and maintains it the way you want it to be. Front seats have electric adjustment, I found it not useful when the settings are not stored in memory. Elantra used to have lot of storage space in the front and on the door pads, it could have been better in BM, I miss the Sun Glass and bottle holder badly. Personalization features for the locks, wipers etc are handy

FE: FE for a Beemer, why not – we are in India and the diesel prices are going up. It gives 11 to 12 in city whatever way you drive. It becomes a matter of choice during long drives, it can give around 16 KMPL if you are happy to be a sedate driver (tough to do in a 320D), spirited driving gives around 13 KMPL. I have noticed the real average is always slightly less than the display on the trip computer. Any how the figures are not bad at all for diesel and type of power it delivers
High Speed Handling: Hitting the three figure mark is like a breeze and you won’t feel it unless you look at displays. Higher side of the 3 fig marks are done at ease and you still feel in control of the car. Steering becomes stiffer as speed increases and provides excellent feedback and braking is gradual and well in control. I had a bad experience with my BIL Beemer when I had to break hard at very high speed. It was on the highway where the tar has melted and surface had uneven tracks, car pulled through the track and was like going out of control. I managed to pull through, but it was bit scary and had never experienced anything similar in the Elantra

Run Flats: The most debated part on a beemer I think is the run flats with no spares. After reading the horror stories by fellow BHPians of getting stuck without a spare, I’m thinking about getting a step-in tyre even at the cost of losing a majority of my boot space.

Ownership Cost

I’m sure this guy is not going to be cheap to maintain, have taken the insurance top-up of zero depreciation by paying around 30k extra. To maintain this statuesque, I have to shell out around 1 lakh every year provided no claims are made (else it will be more). Paid 1.67 lakhs last month to include the 3 years 60K Kms cover, hope both will cover all the possible expenses.


Snapshot of what I like about the Car

• POWER – Awesome is what I call it, shift to Sports, it becomes another animal
• Handling – Grounded, feels great on the winding roads
• Sound Proofing – Honking and sound of maddening Bangalore traffic does not trouble you. BM has got a very noisy engine, but the sound does not reach you inside the cabin, it is as silent as a petrol car
• Auto Transmission – 6 speed auto gear box provides all the fun while driving. It knows when to shift up/down, you will never feel the lack of power.
• Sports Mode – Not sure it’s Jr. who likes it more, it’s fun to move to sports and zip while overtaking. I use it while doing downhill on ghat roads
• Auto Wipers – It’s big boon during monsoon. But at high speeds, I have felt the speed set by auto is not sufficient
• Angel rings – Enhances the look of the car when switched on
• Mileage – Around 12 KMPL in city, long drives sober drive – 16 KMPL, Enthu Drive – 13 to 14
• Ground Clearance – Though it is only 161 mm, I am not having issues unless you have 5 people and some load in the boot
• Boot Space – Huge, there is some additional space where the spare tire would have gone
• Secret key to lock boot if the car key is handed over to valet parking (don’t think I will ever do it)
• Personalization settings for indicators, lock etc
• BMW zero maintenance plan of 3 Years – 60 K + Insurance without depreciation
• Head Turner: Though there are many Beemers around, you get a passing look from people.

Snapshot of what I didn’t like about the Car

• Run flats and no spare wheel, I do lot of travel to remote places that does not have a BMW showroom anywhere nearby, I am planning to add a spare, this will take away the advantage of the big boot. They are also too noisy on rough roads and makes solid thud sound even in small potholes
• Audio system does not play from USB drive
• Head light switch button touches the leg when I enter the car and gets switched on, bad design
• Start/Stop switch is on the left hand side, would be more convenient if it was on right hand side
• Back seat can take only 2 people due to the hump in the middle
• Limited storage space inside, no space for bottles and sun glasses
• Between the front windshield and bonnet, there is lot of space (like a pocket) where leaves, dirt and other stuff can accumulate.
• Need to think how good is the road before starting to any location, I was not much bothered with the Elantra

Issues

• Automatic wiper speed was not reducing when the rain reduces. Got it checked in showroom, but they told all is working fine and so is the case now
• There was a very slight wind noise at very high speeds from the driver side, this is audible only to the driver if audio is switched off and speed crosses 130 kmph. Need to get this checked

End of the day and Beemer is a Beemer and I am enjoying it!

Adding some snaps, most of them are shot on mobile and my apologies for the poor quality

With fellow BHPin Vinay



Twins



Interior





More Shots

[Rudra Sen]

Mods note: Thread moved from Assembly Line to Test-Drives & Initial Ownership Reports.

[AdiSinghV12]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

Finalized on BMW Executive since higher version were way beyond my reach, I would suggest to go for the higher version if your pocket allows since there are many features you feel is missing in the lower version.

Congrats on the 'True Diesel Rocket'. The exclusive would have been great but the CE is 10 times more VFM then the Dynamic Edition. Truly a no-nonsense (sports) car! You won't give a damn to those missing features when you'd be sitting behind that wheel in the captain's seat! Wish you hundreds of Happy Miles ahead! Cheers!

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by AdiSinghV12

Congrats on the 'True Diesel Rocket'. The exclusive would have been great but the CE is 10 times more VFM then the Dynamic Edition. Truly a no-nonsense (sports) car! You won't give a damn to those missing features when you'd be sitting behind that wheel in the captain's seat! Wish you hundreds of Happy Miles ahead! Cheers!

Thanks. True that is VFM and I'm enjoying the sporty part more than anything. As a veteran BM owner, hope you are consultable for any advise

[ampere]

That is one happy BMW family ! Nice deal and nice counter intuitive thinking to realise that you could indeed go for a beemer. Congrats and wish you many happy miles.

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by ampere

That is one happy BMW family ! Nice deal and nice counter intuitive thinking to realise that you could indeed go for a beemer. Congrats and wish you many happy miles.

Thanks Ampere. It was not an easy decisions considering the cost of maintenance and other facts for a beemer. I am enjoying the drive, it’s a wonderful on long drives when the roads are good, but it is a different story when roads are not so great. If you remember, I had checked on the forum many time before driving to Munnar, Wayanad and through Kuthiran. I’m not sure whether it is the GC or run flats that bothers me more when setting off to a remote place with bad roads.

[arup.misra]

Many congratulation on your beemer. Truly a VFM for somebody looking in the luxury segment. The BSI is indeed money well spent for the mental peace. Wish you a hassle free ownership for many many years.

[karan561]

@ Gadadhar - Congrats on your buy, frankly this is a very unique color on the BM & makes it look a million bucks with the beige interiors

Also a very detailed review on the same, Also do share whats your take on the behavior of the suspension & ride Quality on bad patches of roads / potholes or the broken tarmac or uneven road leveling as surprisingly you havent mentioned any notes on the same.

Please also share the TYRE PRESSURE you are running or experimented with ?

[bigron]

Congratulations. I am really digging this shade . Its a well sorted car and you going to enjoy your time with it. i know people who have shifted to normal tubeless rubber from run flats and have mentioned a world of difference. Ride Safe.

[mallumowgli]

Been waiting for your report from the time you changed your avatar. Through a BMW is way beyond what I can think of, always feels nice to read about a fellow bhpian's ownership. Actually, I was a bit surprised to see your avatar change to a BMW knowing your penchant to leave civilization behind quite frequently!!

Congratulations and enjoy lots of miles in your 320d

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by karan561

@ Gadadhar - Congrats on your buy , frankly this is a very unique color u have got yourself on the BM

Also a very detailed review on the same, surprisingly you havent mentioned any notes on the behavior of the suspension & ride Quality on bad patches of roads / potholes or the broken tarmac or uneven road leveling ?

Please also share the TYRE PRESSURE you are running or experimented with ?

Thanks karan. I haven't seen this color on BM Sedan's earlier, but guess it is becoming popular and is features in the recent adv.

Suspension is stiff and ride quality is not so great (didn't want to call it bad) on broken roads. Heavy thuds are felt inside if you hit a pot hole even at moderate speeds.

I haven't played with the air pressure, changed to nitrogen on the same day, filled the range specified for normal load (was it 33 and 31?). I have not checked the pressure after that, reason being I could not recollect the recommended readings (silly reason after driving for so long). It will be great to know your recommendations on the air pressure

[vkaul1]

Congrats on your beemer gadadhar.. The CE is a fantastic VFM (if you can call a beemer that )

Am sure the driving pleasure that you would be experiencing would be pure bliss. What a move up from Cruze to BMW

You did the right thing by taking the BSI. It will give you absolute peace of mind. The RFTs are the major reason that has kept me away from the beemer. Reading about your drives & routes I too would strongly recommend you sacrifice boot space for a spare -

1. It will enable you to carry on with your journey with minimal disruption
2. Prevent the damage to RFTs

Happy Motoring.

[AdiSinghV12]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

As a veteran BM owner, hope you are consultable for any advise

Haha sure, you're welcome! My first suggestion would be get the interior LED lights package... Gives a very premium look... & get the mobility kit!

Originally Posted by gadadhar

I'm enjoying the sporty part more than anything.

That's what I told you about. You won't EVER miss any other feature, except the sunroof I reckon. In fact the CE is certainly my personal favorite, less goodies = less distraction = more driving pleasure! With the money saved, you can opt for the 'Performance kit', takes the car to a different league all together. I myself is planning to get a CE 3 by Diwali...

[gadadhar]

Originally Posted by arup.misra

Many congratulation on your beemer. Truly a VFM for somebody looking in the luxury segment. The BSI is indeed money well spent for the mental peace. Wish you a hassle free ownership for many many years.

Thanks arup, I would not have taken a BM if not for the BSI

Originally Posted by bigron

Congratulations. I am really digging this shade . Its a well sorted car and you going to enjoy your time with it. i know people who have shifted to normal tubeless rubber from run flats and have mentioned a world of difference. Ride Safe.

Thanks bigron. My BIL moved to tubeless recently, I'm yet to drive it after the change.

Originally Posted by mallumowgli

Been waiting for your report from the time you changed your avatar. Through a BMW is way beyond what I can think of, always feels nice to read about a fellow bhpian's ownership. Actually, I was a bit surprised to see your avatar change to a BMW knowing your penchant to leave civilization behind quite frequently!!

Congratulations and enjoy lots of miles in your 320d

Thanks mallumowgli, work kept me away from BHP for few months (read it as working hard to pay the EMIs). It's true, at times I feel whether BM was my type of car, I feel my drives are confined to civilized places now

Originally Posted by vkaul1

Congrats on your beemer gadadhar.. The CE is a fantastic VFM (if you can call a beemer that )

Am sure the driving pleasure that you would be experiencing would be pure bliss. What a move up from Cruze to BMW

You did the right thing by taking the BSI. It will give you absolute peace of mind. The RFTs are the major reason that has kept me away from the beemer. Reading about your drives & routes I too would strongly recommend you sacrifice boot space for a spare -

1. It will enable you to carry on with your journey with minimal disruption
2. Prevent the damage to RFTs

Happy Motoring.

Thanks vkaul1, CE made it affordable in India

True that Cruze and BMW are miles apart, I may soon add a spare to the boot, will keep you posted

[karan561]

Originally Posted by gadadhar

I haven't played with the air pressure, changed to nitrogen on the same day, filled the range specified for normal load (was it 33 and 31?). I have not checked the pressure after that, reason being I could not recollect the recommended readings (silly reason after driving for so long). It will be great to know your recommendations on the air pressure

I usually keep 30 psi in all 4 pretty low than the recommended

Recently Have changed to 32 psi in all 4, waiting for a longer trip to judge the difference

Originally Posted by gadadhar

True that Cruze and BMW are miles apart, I may soon add a spare to the boot, will keep you posted

The fact that the CRUZE is being compared to the BM is itself a big compliment for the CHEVY

Yes i own both but trust me the CRUZE is a complete RIOT to drive.