[mobike008]

I'm excited to share that me and a friend (2 separate cars) heading out in an hour for a trip of our lifetime and something that has been on my bucket list for a long time.

Seattle--> San Diego via. the famous Highway 1 hugging the entire coast of Oregon and California and will be completely through coastal roads and not touching any freeways.

Then a detour to Vegas before heading back to Seattle via. Freeways.

I am hoping the Blau Rakete helps us travel through this 3000+ miles (5000kms) route safe and sound.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year 2022 !!!

This is our route..



Route was planned as such that we don't steer away from the coastline

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by mobike008

I am hoping the Blau Rakete helps us travel through this 3000+ miles (5000kms) route safe and sound.

Update- 3,300 Miles Pacific Coast Drive in my Blau Rakete

Happy New Year to all !!!

Ticked off a major bucket list. A true end to end Pacific Coast drive from Seattle to San Diego (Actually, went up to Tijuana, Mexico Border) and touched the wall and came back.

This was a 11-days roadtrip in my BMW along with a friend, Ram (who did this trip once before and knew the route like back of his hand and most of times does not even use maps) in his Subaru Forester.

Onward Journey until San Diego, we covered every inch of pacific coast via. US 101 and Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH 1) and each time the map takes us inland, Ram would pull us back to coastal route. Basically, we drove for nearly 2000 miles with pacific ocean on right hand-side.

It was a mind blowing experience as some of the vistas we went through was surreal and will never leave our memories for a long, long time.

We covered 3,300 miles (5,300 kms)- 2000 Miles for onward journey via. US101 and PCH1. Return journey of 1300 miles via. I-5 North.

We spent 9 days just to reach the destination (San Diego) stopping at scenic coastal towns for overnighters and stopped in San Francisco, Los Angeles (Enjoyed a Universal Studio visit) and San Diego (World Famous San Diego Zoo Safari). Return drive of 1300 miles via. I-5 North took us just 2-days.

Original plan was to drive to Vegas from San Diego but, we cancelled it as the weather was super inclement.

Out of 3,300 miles, we drove roughly 70% in rain, 10% in snow and 20% in sunny and dry weather. Heavy rains while going via. PCH1 and US 101 was just too much and tackling those curvy mountain roads became even more difficult. While coming back, Oregon was completely snowed out and drove 200+ miles through some crazy weather (Snow, Sleet, Rain and Heavy Fog). It was a thrilling, scary but, thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Driving the Bimmer for such long distances was a revelation. Apart from it's relentless and ruthless power, it's xdrive system was put to good test and the car stuck to ground as if it's a leech without losing poise anytime during the trip as we were doing some unmentionable speeds. All that brouhaha about BMW driving pleasure is so true after experiencing driving it for such long distances. It's opened my eyes to some real joys of motorcar driving.

Blau Rakete has now covered 12,600 Miles (20,000kms) in 11-months of ownership and needless to say, it has been the most joyous and awe-struck ownership of a car in my life.

Some random pics below from this trip. Please do keep a look-out for a detailed photoblog of this epic-drive in the next few weeks.

P.S : You can click and view the full sized pictures.









































Attachment 2254317

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Cross posting from other thread for the Run Flat Tyre Update

Tire Update

I specifically asked him to check tyre depth which SA did using an instrument. At 9000 miles ( 15,000kms), my front has 6mm depth and rear has 5.5mm depth and it’s good until 2.5mm depth which means my current run flats will hopefully last me at least until 20,000 miles (32,000kms) which is not bad at all.

Interesting. Mine is at 4.5mm but I am already at 31K miles. I guess all the highway cruising helped me get more miles. Looking to get the continental or Michelin next sometime soon. Tirerack has some pretty positive reviews for both in the 19" configuration I run. BMW Bellevue is a nice place. I have had only positive things to say based on my experience with them in the past 3 years.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Interesting. Mine is at 4.5mm but I am already at 31K miles. I guess all the highway cruising helped me get more miles. Looking to get the continental or Michelin next sometime soon. Tirerack has some pretty positive reviews for both in the 19" configuration I run. BMW Bellevue is a nice place. I have had only positive things to say based on my experience with them in the past 3 years.

Wow. Nice to know you own the M40i? You bought it new and which year? Do share some pics of your ride here.

B-58 has left such a lasting impression on me that I feel like I just passed out of Kindergarten. LOL!

Well, some people here on forum claim RFT's don't last long. I think it's applicable for Indian roads as we know it's not conducive for RFT's. But, here in US these tyres have a decent life. But, 31K miles is unheard of.

I have already decided which tyre I will go for when it's time to change. It will be Non-RFT's, all-season and either a Micheline Pilot Sport 4 or Continental DW06. Any thoughts on these tyres? Yup, BMW Bellevue has been nice of what little I interacted with them. Very prompt, Great service and they serve nice sandwiches and coffee too.

Don't baby your car too much. Give it the gas. !!

I will be happy if I get 20K miles out of mine.

In other news, What's the world coming to? BMW gives me an Audi as a Loaner

Any guesses on model?

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Any guesses on model?

Looks like it was too tough to guess or there was no appetite to take a guess. Eitherways, here is the loaner. They gave me a Q3 2021 Model which seemed like such a downgrade from mine.

After clocking 100 miles during the day, I felt it has super light steering, lethargic acceleration (acceptable in dynamic mode) and overall a softly tuned car.

Very comfortable but, not at all exciting to drive.



My visit was for a software recall and they promised to return car the same day. In fact, I got a text at 2:00pm but, I was at work so returned the Q3 at 7:00pm and took my car.

They were not able to explain exactly what the recall was for and neither do they mention in the invoice. I believe it was something to do with fuel filters getting mixed up with some other component.

I'm completely dejected after this update.

The exhaust note in "Comfort" has reduced considerably. Sound when the car cranks up is fine- Loud and Beautiful sounding exhaust. But, when I am driving in Comfort the cabin is almost silent. Previously, there used to be a constant feel of the exhaust grumble in the background which would increase/decrease depending on acceleration.

Sports and Sports + seems to be fine and not much effected.

Another major change I note is in "Eco Pro" mode the acceleration is way better. Almost equivalent to "Comfort" and car is now much more silent when driving in this mode. Literally like an electric car.

I don't know if I should be happy or sad about this situation. I am going to call BMW tomorrow and find out what this software update has changed and if the exhaust note is effected by same.

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Wow. Nice to know you own the M40i? You bought it new and which year? Do share some pics of your ride here.

Yup, mine is a 2019 X3M40i. Attached a pic of the ride here at Mount Rainier. Have been too lazy in contributing here, hopefully can change that in 2022! I am considering the Continental DW06 for my ride over the Michelin given its slightly better in handling snow without compromising much on performance. PNW weather is no longer reliable as it used to be.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Yup, mine is a 2019 X3M40i. Attached a pic of the ride here at Mount Rainier. Have been too lazy in contributing here, hopefully can change that in 2022! I am considering the Continental DW06 for my ride over the Michelin given its slightly better in handling snow without compromising much on performance. PNW weather is no longer reliable as it used to be.

Woah! Super nice.

It looks like a spitting replica of my car. Would be nice to see it in person during our meet next month.

Do share you #Cell No so we can connect offline as well. Btw, I am also tilting towards DW06 for that very reason. But, rain is our primary friend here so what's important is whether DW06 is better in rain than Michelins?

P.S : You should write your own ownership review as you owned this car for 3-years. It would be wonderful to know more about this car from a long term owner's perspective.

[GutsyGibbon]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Seattle--> San Diego via. the famous Highway 1 hugging the entire coast of Oregon and California and will be completely through coastal roads and not touching any freeways.

Hey mobike008,
Those are some amazing pics of an amazing drive. I used to take the PCH on my motorcycle - from San Diego to the Bay Area - to see customers. I would be super eager to wind up work and head back - the allure of PCH. All this during pre-covid days.

Perhaps if you had proposed the west coast meetup in So.Cal during your trip down south, I could have made it there Saying this as I think you had proposed a Seattle area meetup.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by GutsyGibbon

Hey mobike008,
Those are some amazing pics of an amazing drive. I used to take the PCH on my motorcycle - from San Diego to the Bay Area - to see customers. I would be super eager to wind up work and head back - the allure of PCH. All this during pre-covid days.

Perhaps if you had proposed the west coast meetup in So.Cal during your trip down south, I could have made it there. Saying this as I think you had proposed a Seattle area meetup.

Hi Gutsygibbon, Nice to see you here. I know about your rides and your trips from SoCal to San Diego as we interacted a few times on Motorcycle threads as I used to be an ardent motorcycling rider back in India.

Thanks for your nice words. It was a dream drive for sure and most certainly a bucket list which many few people would tick off (Several people I know did part of the drive but, mine was end to end- Until Dana's Point) which might be closer to your home. (Do you live around there?)

And, we didn't stop there but, went up to the Tijuana border and also did some shopping in the outlet mall there.

We were on a time bound type of a trip and I missed pinging you. But, next time for sure will ping when I am in SoCal area. Also, do reach out if you are up north in Seattle.

[mobike008]

This came over the weekend. This is the first item I ordered from Ali Express from US and I was surprised with the speed at which they deliver.

They said, it will be delivered in 3-4 weeks but, It came in < 2 weeks.

Quality is pretty good for $18 price tag and fit neatly to the gear shifter. Also, feels smooth & chunky to hold when handling the lever.

This exploration attempt was successful. Now have to check what all I can order.

I have my eyes on a "M Black Hoodie".

[fusionbang]

Looks cool!

What happened to the carbon fiber trim on the center console? I think you got it installed from the dealer sometime back!

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by fusionbang

Looks cool!

What happened to the carbon fiber trim on the center console? I think you got it installed from the dealer sometime back!

Thanks. Oh, I forgot to update that on the thread.

My car sat at the dealer for a couple of weeks waiting for the carbon fibre trim for center console and then they realized my build did not come with it.

Apparently, even in carbon fibre trim, default is dashboard and door trims.

Carbon fiber for center console is yet another additional option (Shucks, BMW really loots people with these crazy options).

Summary- My piano black trim was as per the original build and if I wanted the carbon fiber, they quoted $900 for same. I said- No, Thank you and returned my beautiful 5-series loaner.

I see the carbon fiber trim for CC in Ali Express for < $50. I might just go ahead and order that to complete the look.

[mobike008]

Blau Rakete Completes 1 year and 13,000 Miles

Today marks my 1st year anniversary with my X3 and with just a few miles shy of 13,000 miles (20,800 kms).

It feels like yesterday when I was on an airplane to Washington DC to pick up this beauty.

It's been a rocking year with plenty of road trips and it has been a fantastic companion and kept us truly entertained and importantly, safe till this journey to-date.

Will try to put together a detailed positives and negatives after living with this race-car (err...compact SAV) for a year.

A cute email from David wishing 1st year anniversary





Odometer as of yesterday evening. It will cross 13,000 miles later today

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Do share you #Cell No so we can connect offline as well. Btw, I am also tilting towards DW06 for that very reason. But, rain is our primary friend here so what's important is whether DW06 is better in rain than Michelins?

Agreed. Based on reviews the DSW06 plus seems to perform at par if not better in rains as well. So mostly made up my mind on that. Went to Costco today to check if they sell Continental but no luck. I had my doubts that they don't but wanted to try my luck and see. Need to source them now and see who can get the best deals.

[fusionbang]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Agreed. Based on reviews the DSW06 plus seems to perform at par if not better in rains as well. So mostly made up my mind on that. Went to Costco today to check if they sell Continental but no luck. I had my doubts that they don't but wanted to try my luck and see. Need to source them now and see who can get the best deals.

TireRack would be your best bet. They have mobile tire installation option as well, which is very convenient because they do the installation at your door step.

I changed my tires to the DWS 06 plus today from tirerack.