[mobike008]

Blau Rakete went through its regular car wash. I try my best to wash it once every fortnight but, it does not really happen.

I take "zero" care of its paint protection but, even after 20-months it's shine after a nice car wash is a treat to the eyes.

I found this new car wash near home who did a better job than others I used in the past. For $15 bucks, they did a platinum wash which is pretty reasonable.

Here is a video of the car wash. Love the rainbow colors.

https://youtu.be/a4NtitID1m0

Also, bought a lovely and useful device to inflate the tyre pressure of BMW as well as my new e-bicyle.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=G_OnARW39eA?feature=share

[mobike008]

It's been a month now since my last update.

Things with Blau Rakete is absolutely smooth and there are zero issues (touchwood). It works like how a German machine should work-smooth, effortless and without any issues.

I have completed 21,500 Miles (~ 35,000kms) in 20 months of ownership.

Despite working from home, I just don't know how I am clocking these miles.

We need a reason to go to Portland (0% sales tax state) which is 3 hours or 200 miles from home. And, in the past have done plenty of day trips and sometimes even to get groceries. LOL!

When this event came up, I could not resist and immediately booked it.



I can't wait to lay my hands on the i4. Wish it was an i14 M50, things would have been a bit more lively.

One thing that I can never get enough is the stock exhaust of the B58. Every day is filled with it's aural pleasure and I cannot thank BMW enough for filling our lives with joy of this sound.

Here are a couple of latest videos of the stock B58- Goes without saying, please use a good pair of headphones to enjoy the exhaust sound.

When you unleash a beast from it's cage. Hey, I am referring to the car and not my wife....LOL!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=2Z9KhH-L-MY?feature=share

A TBHPian friend and colleague was visiting Seattle from Detroit. We had a great time catching up over dinner. He shot this video when I dropped him back at night.

https://youtu.be/t3yx2T11PzE

[mobike008]

Wish you all a Happy Dussera 2022 from "Blau Rakete" & " White Lightening"

It's been a tradition in our family (like many families) to do "Vahan Pooja" each Dussera. Learnt it from my parents and I continue the tradition.

Back home in India, it used to be an elaborate affair. But, here in US, I like to keep it simple.

Drive the vehicles over lemon (to drive the evil eye away) and drive over them and not turn back but, do a small round and come back and park the vehicles.

I was hoping to do this year's pooja with "10 Wheels" but, unfortunately, I had to do only with " 6-Wheels"

Thanks to god, I was able to enjoy so many amazing cars and motorcycles over time and hope to enjoy many more in future.

[mobike008]

Got a nice update to "MY BMW" app for my Apple Watch.

It's super convenience to quickly glance through the basic details of status of my car.

Not sure if same update is also made to BMW owners in India?

Details of the update



Isn't it always a relief to know that "All is good" with your car?



My Apple Watch also shows the gas and miles left status- Very helpful !!

[mobike008]

22,000 Miles/32,000kms completed in 21-months of Ownership

Touchwood !!!

Yes, I had to start this post with touchwood as Blau Rakete has been a dream to drive and apart from the crazy fun that I get every single time I am behind this beast, there is nothing adverse to report.

Let me cover some important areas that we normally experience as its normal to experience wear and tear for every product.

Rattles- None. The cabin is deathly silent and not a single rattle till date. Touchwood, again !!

Tires- Someone from the forum mentioned RFT's don't last more than 10-12k miles and here I am after 22,000 miles, I know I can squeeze more life out of them. And, all of this despite aggressive driving all the time.

Punctures- None. Touchwood, yet again.

I am waiting to change the tires to experience the car's original potential.

Gas Mileage- Fantastic is the word. At an average, I get about 22mpg but, what shocks me is the rising cost of gas prices again. Last tankful was a tearful $85 bucks.

Money Spent on maintenance from date it came home- A princely sum of $0.

My apologies for such a boring report but, that's what the reality is.

I'm enjoying the fall colors everywhere in our state and area outside home and neighboring communities is exploding with fall colors.

So I thought 22,000 miles deserves a small photoshoot.

22,000 mile click



Our home community- Fall & Dusk make a deadly combo



Outside community



Pretty. eh?



From last weekend when we picked Cabbage, Strawberries and Corn....Haha!



Following pictures are outside home or neighboring communities.

[mobike008]

Guys,

Wish you all a happy Diwali 2022.

On this auspicious occasion Blau Rakete got a lil' sister.

We added a 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance to our garage.

Details here : https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/elect...ml#post5426730 (Unique Tesla booking experience | EDIT: 2023 Tesla Model 3 Performance delivered)

A dream of owning the fastest (err..2nd Fastest as it's elder sibling is fastest) production electric car has finally come true.



Couple of pictures of the beauty !!!





Safely tucked into the garage.

[mobike008]

Last weekend, Team BHP Seattle folks enjoyed a beautiful drive of 250 miles to enjoy the fall colors.

A few pictures from that meet.

More Details : https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/team-...ml#post5429568 (Team-BHP Meets @ Seattle, Washington)

[mobike008]

Blau Rakete's lil sister (Rosso Diablo) ownership review is out.

She has mesmerized us as much as Blau Rakete.

Detailed Ownership Report here :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/elect...ml#post5440379

[mobike008]

Ever since Tesla entered our home, Blau Rakete is getting treated like a "Step Child".

Proof- Just one-tankful in last 45 days.

[mobike008]

It’s been 23 months that Blau Rakete (BR) is serving me unselfishly and I was a bad master and never gave her any special treats.

There was a time during the initial days it was washed once a month (Here in US, you don’t need car washes that often unless you live in areas where environment is dusty, rainy or snowy most of the year).

I lived in Snowy region before so I had a religious washing routine and now live in a rainy region and the washes have drastically reduced as it gets naturally cleaned on a regular basis.

After a long time, last Friday afternoon was little slow at work and also wanted to get myself some exercise so decided to give the BR a nice once-over with a new polish that I ordered a few weeks ago.

From the maze of polishes available, this one had the best reviews on Amazon and people are swearing by it and say they literally use it once a year (some maybe 2-3 times a year) and shine lasts for a long time.

Primary reason being this is liquid based and not wax based. Also, it’s cheap and costed just $7.79.



As I had an hour to spare and wanted to experiment this product.

I just cleaned the car with a wet cloth and after it dried, I applied the polish liberally panel-by-panel and waited for it to dry for 15 mins.

Then I buffed with a fresh cloth in circular motion and results were phenomenal.

Not sure if the pictures give the right impression but, the whole car was shining like a mirror.

I would think of this as a slightly hurried job. Next time, I plan to wash the car and do a better job.

For now, let the pictures do the talking.

Before



After



Can you spot the Tesla charger in the side profile?



Shine was mirror-like. Super impressed with results even with such a hurried job.

[mobike008]

Last weekend on December 7th, 2022, Seattle Team BHPian's had a wonderful time visiting Diablo Lake which was probably the only place accessible due to the incessant snow that we have been receiving over the last few weeks.

I never thought we will see a white thanksgiving (Christmas is always given) but, this time it was a pleasant surprise.

Our original plan to Mt. Rainier National Park was cancelled due to road closures.

This drive meet became a short one (200 Miles/320 kms) round trip but, the amount of snow that we witnessed and experienced was second to none.

A wonderful day spent amidst lots of snow exploring the beautiful PNW.

More details on the Team BHP Meet Section :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/team-...ml#post5458014 (Team-BHP Meets @ Seattle, Washington)

Sharing some pictures here of the Blau Rakete and some lovely company she had on this beautiful drive.

[mobike008]

Blau Rakete completes 23,000 miles with absolutely zero issues to report till date including the tires which are still stock. (Touchwood)

Despite the tires doing so many miles, it still took us through a snowstorm/blizzard last weekend and got us back home safe and sound.

Here is a short photoblog and report of that snow blizzard and weekend trip to the beautiful Bavarian town of Leavenworth, WA :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...ml#post5462181 (Leavenworth, WA - Visit in a BMW to the most X'massy Town in USA + Experiencing a snow blizzard)

A few pictures from that trip ( Please click and see them in full resolution )

[mobike008]

It just feels like yesterday, when I was in Boston (December 2020) and we had driven down to New Hampshire’s BMW Dealership (Tully) to look for a car for my niece and I ended up test driving the X3M40i and falling utterly and helplessly in love and buying this car when I was not even in the market for a new car.

I had never even heard about this variant and especially the explosive B-58 Engine. I bought it within 2 weeks and fondly remember customizing it and then flying from Detroit to Washington D.C to pick up the car and driving back in snowing conditions. Whew !!

Can’t believe that 2-years have passed by so quickly.

24,000 miles (actually, I am a tad shy as Tesla has taken over my life. LOL!) and just nothing to complain. Sorry, if it’s a boring 2-year old feedback report. But, it’s plain and hard truth.

My quick take-away after owning this car for 2-years.

1. Engine- This is the first thing that comes to mind. Raw, Noisy and Best Sounding Engine from the BMW Line-Up. Period !

2. Performance- Insanely fast when you want it (Sports+) and becomes timid (EcoPro) when you are in the mood to relax

3. Engine Note- Sorry, if I’m harping on the engine note. This deep realization can be found only when you sit-in/drive/own a B58 engine. It’s pure music to the ears of an automotive enthusiast.

Especially, it’s raspy metallic exhaust note. And, boy’o boy when you do a hard braking when in SPORTS+ mode, the gurgles, spurts and backfires can be compared to my most favorite music (Pink Floyd). Pure Bliss.

4. Ride & Handling- It rides superb and there is no discomfort in any road condition and handling is “almost” like a sedan. But, after driving the M3P, handling feels a bit SUV’ish.

5. Brakes- They are as grippy and strong as it was on Day 1. I like the feel and stopping power more than the Tesla.

6. Tires- Stock and with zero punctures till date. Touchwood !!

7. Cargo Space- X3 M40i is a true combination of a sporty & functional compact SUV. It has loads of space at the back (especially with rear seats down) and has been used to move furniture/bicycle/gym equipment/car full of groceries etc. from one location to another.

8. Music System- Harman Kardon is pretty good. But, it just pales in front of the Tesla which is probably the best music system in any car under $100K here in US.

9. Cost of Ownership- Finally, this is the best part. I have spent $0 till date to own this vehicle. Kudos to BMW for giving this wonderful experience. I would buy another BMW at the blink of an eye going by this experience.

Summary- It’s been a fantastic 2-year ownership and hope to enjoy this beast for a few years more.





When I get bored or down, I re-listen to this sound on headphones a few times. It just uplifts my mood.

https://youtu.be/uUCDbzXQKqc

Here is a travelogue of a roadtrip done in Blau Rakete in July 2021 :

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...ml#post5475489 (BMW X3 M40i goes to Smoky Mountains, Tennessee + Nashville, Tennessee)

[Hayek]

Just amazing how your tyres last so long and the car is so trouble free. Also amazing how much you drive in the US.

Have run through 2 sets of tyres in a little more than what you have driven (49,000 kms) and have had a few niggles, albeit over 6 years. How long is the BSI pack you have taken? Presume routine services have been done - just covered by BSI.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Hayek

Just amazing how your tyres last so long and the car is so trouble free. Also amazing how much you drive in the US.

Well, let me tell you another phenomenal story. Prior to this car, I had a Mazda CX-9 (Ownership thread is there on the forum) and had driven that over 50,000 miles and there was zero punctures to that car ownership as well.

Maybe I take good care of the tires (Check air pressure each month) or make sure I park properly (curb rashes are famous in US) /miss potholes.

Eitherways, I have been super lucky to not have a single puncture in nearly 100,000 miles of driving in US (Rental cars included).

I have been working from home since I got the BMW and hardly drive during weekdays. As I love to drive, I crank up miles over weekend and have done many, many long drives.

Here are a few that comes to mind :

1. Drive to Great Smokies National Park (Travelogue on Forum)

2. Leavenworth Snowy Drive- Craziest drive in Snow Blizzard (Travelogue on Forum)

3. Couple of trips from Detroit to Boston (2000-miles round trip) from a total of 15 trips that I may have done (rest were all in CX-9)

4. Covered every inch (literally) of state of Michigan which is a pretty large state in US.

5. Multiple Detroit to Chicago Drives (500 mile round trip)

6. Epic Drive in December 2021 (Seattle to San Diego/Tijuana, Mexico border) of nearly 3500 miles/5500kms round trip (Plan to write a travelogue of this trip in next few weeks)

I love to clock miles and always take the long route to a destination. Call me crazy but, I feel the happiest behind a wheel.

Originally Posted by Hayek

Have run through 2 sets of tyres in a little more than what you have driven (49,000 kms) and have had a few niggles, albeit over 6 years. How long is the BSI pack you have taken? Presume routine services have been done - just covered by BSI.

That is really sad to know. A lovely car like BMW needs good tarmac to enjoy its real potential. All said and done, while the Indian infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds, it’s still not conducive for a holistic experience of these type of luxury cars.

I note you are from Mumbai. MH in general has the worst infrastructure in the entire country from developed states (I may be wrong but, that’s my opinion). Other states have really built nice roads but, MH still lacks behind (especially the other parts of MH). Perhaps, that’s one of the reason for your tires taking a beating.

BMW does not offer a BSI package in US for new vehicles.

Every BMW that you buy in US, the regular services (Oil Change, Wheel Alignment, Regular Servicing) is covered for 3 years and/or, 36,000 miles at no cost.

What this means is that maintenance cost is $0 for 36,000 miles (if you don’t encounter any other problems (i.e))