[mobike008]

Moving the post from meet thread to ownership thread for relevance.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Here are details, yours should also have it as it came in 2018.

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/item/130-bmw-idrive-70

There will be paid subscription for real time traffic. Works well in US & Europe. You can check with local dealer and subscribe.

Driving Assistant Pro, needs to be ordered while configuring though. I don’t think the cars without this feature have required hardware, but you can still check with the dealer.

Thanks for the input. I never found time to explore the full features of ID7.

Looks like I just scratched the surface of the features and capabilities that it offers. Will read the list of features and see what all I have missed using on a daily basis.

Btw, congratulations for making mod.

Originally Posted by abhi06dua

Also sounds like you were stuck in a crazy traffic jam. I've never been stuck for hours, but I do encounter pretty heavy crawling traffic on 405 every now and then. I made sure to option Driving Assistant Professional on my M340i, which comes with Extended Traffic Jam Assist. It works really well and lets me sit back and relax (while still being attentive ofcourse, otherwise the eye tracking turns off traffic assist) while it does all the work for me

When I relocated to Seattle, I was taken aback as traffic here is horrendous.

Back in Detroit, 30 miles means 30 mins or sometimes lesser.

Here in Seattle, 10 miles equals to 30 mins. Traffic on freeways (especially the 405 which is what we all use the most is always backed up)

Do you pay for the subscription for BMW Navigation? If yes, how much and according to you, which features that you get in subscription is worth having?

[mobike008]

When we moved from Detroit, we knew what we will be missing the most.

SNOW

Thankfully, it snowed here heavily during Christmas and New Year which came as a huge surprise and we really enjoyed the White Christmas.

As you may know, Seattle is infamous for rains and not snow.

Pleasantly surprised to note it started snowing last night and it kept through the night with light flurries.

Blau Rakete was also slightly drenched in the white stuff.

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Discount Tires (place I ended up ordering since Les Schwab also went in back order as I was travelling over the past few weeks

Finally got the new set of wheels installed today. Overall, it was a good experience at Discount Tires in Redmond. While the tires arrived 2 days late (Tuesday instead of prior Friday), those guys did follow up with me to keep me posted on progress. I only wish they were a bit more proactive in mentioning about the delay rather than waiting for the last day. Due to the delay, they said I could drop in anytime to get the tires replaced and since I was travelling, I ended up going today morning. I wanted to go early as I expect things to deteriorate as the day progresses and delays creep in. Was there at 8:10 am and was out by 10:00 am. Overall, they did a good job. My only complaint with these guys - online scheduler allowed me to also add wheel alignment but was surprised to know that they don't do alignment at this location. Someone at their IT dept. needs to do a better job. So ended up scheduling a follow up appointment at a nearby Les Schwab center for alignment and paid $130 for it.

Now need to take the car for a long spin to experience the new set. Based on ~30miles of driving for multiple errands throughout the day, this tyre definitely has eliminated some of the "thuds" you experience while driving. I guess that's the difference of moving away from a run flat. Will post a more detailed review once I have done some more miles. Attached below are some pictures.

Originally Posted by fusionbang

If 19", I think this is the same price as Tire rack.

Discount tire does offer free flat tyre and rotation services but les schwab is better and also includes free balancing as well. Touchwood I have never had to endure any issues in the past 6 years here in the US and hope it stays that way.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Now need to take the car for a long spin to experience the new set. Based on ~30miles of driving for multiple errands throughout the day, this tyre definitely has eliminated some of the "thuds" you experience while driving. I guess that's the difference of moving away from a run flat. Will post a more detailed review once I have done some more miles. Attached below are some pictures.

Discount tire does offer free flat tyre and rotation services but les schwab is better and also includes free balancing as well. Touchwood I have never had to endure any issues in the past 6 years here in the US and hope it stays that way.

Thanks for detailed feedback and especially for comparison picture of RF vs. Continentals.

RF tyre picture is after you completed 32,000 miles? Or is this your second set of RF tyre?

Continental tyre pattern looks very nice and can't wait to shod them to my car. Just waiting to complete 20K miles so I can change them.

How much was total damage to pocket for 4 tyres? Assuming you got only 4?

Also, please do monitor the tyre performance and do share a detailed review after you complete 250 miles or more.

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by mobike008

RF tyre picture is after you completed 32,000 miles? Or is this your second set of RF tyre?

Yes, this is after I completed 32K miles and this is my first set.

Originally Posted by mobike008

How much was total damage to pocket for 4 tyres? Assuming you got only 4?

Spent a total of ~$1260 including wheel alignment. On a side note, was thinking how much I have spent on my ride from a maintenance perspective since I bought it in Dec 2018 and realized I have spent only ~$1600 over the course of the ownership including the current tyre change and past alignments and balancing. Why do people complain that BMWs are costly to maintain ?

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Yes, this is after I completed 32K miles and this is my first set.

Wow. That is 50,000kms and an incredible achievement. Did you check the tyre depth when swapping with new tyres?

What is the secret? Do you do a rolling start? Is someone pushing the car? LOL! Just kidding.

Some BMW experts on forum say run-flats does not last beyond 20,000 kilometers. You proved them wrong.

Not sure if you push your car hard. I do and will be happy if I get 20,000 miles (32,000 kms) out of my original set. Do you think it's possible?

Originally Posted by rvracer88

Spent a total of ~$1260 including wheel alignment. On a side note, was thinking how much I have spent on my ride from a maintenance perspective since I bought it in Dec 2018 and realized I have spent only ~$1600 over the course of the ownership including the current tyre change and past alignments and balancing. Why do people complain that BMWs are costly to maintain

+1

I agree on cost of maintenance. After 14,500 miles, I haven't spent a single dollar on the car. Zero cost. Zilch !

Keeping fingers crossed my first cost to incur on Blau Rakete is when I change my OEM tyres.

[rvracer88]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Wow. That is 50,000kms and an incredible achievement. Did you check the tyre depth when swapping with new tyres?

One tire was at 3mm and the other three were just under 4mm. I could have gotten some more miles out of them but was not happy with how they performed in rain and the itch to get a new set meant new tires were coming on.

[mobike008]

Last Week I had to go down to Portland, Oregon for some client meetings. It was a 3 day trip and I decided to rent a nice luxury sedan to enjoy the approximate 600 miles drive back and forth.

When I landed at Hertz to pick up the car, I was pleasantly surprised to note it was a BMW. And, options given to me were a BMW X1 and BMW 230i. While I was pleased it was a BMW, I wasn’t too happy with options. I had a bit of a tiff with person behind the counter and argued neither was a “Luxury Vehicle”

He mentioned “Sir, it’s a BMW and it’s a luxury vehicle” and I told him for price that I was paying, I was expecting a minimum of a 5-Series BMW and not the options given to me. His point was models don’t matter as long as it’s a BMW. Well, I was getting late and I didn’t have either the patience or inclination to debate with a misinformed person.

Both BMW’s were 2020 and coincidentally black in color. I chose the 230i only because it was 25 horses more than the X1 ( 250hp vs. 225 hp) and of course, due to the coupe body style.

BMW 230i comes with same B48 engine as 330i and as this was a small 2-door coupe style car, I was hoping its going to be a more fun to drive than an X1.

Here are some observations from spending 3-days with this car and driving nearly 600 miles. Being a X3 M40i owner, there would be obviously some comparisons to it even if it’s not an Apples to Apples comparison.

Engine, Performance, Gearbox
- Engine felt average from a performance and exhaust sound point of view and like any other good 4-cylinder and 200hp+ engine block
- Coming from an X3 M40i, this engine did not feel powerful. It does not have a “Wow” factor that I get every time I get behind wheel of my car.
- This one felt good only in Sports and Sports + which was the only modes that I was using throughout my drive
- There is literally no sound from engine which was a bit disappointing. When you step on gas, there is a small grumble which gets drowned in NVH (more on it ahead)
- ZF transmission can never be faulted as its smooth and provides seamless transition.

NVH
— First time I drove this body style and it was shockingly loud inside. Plenty of road and tyre noise.
— My thumb rule is how easily I can hear people when I am speaking to them through the car speakers and I had a tough time even in eco pro 
 mode.
—While in my car, the engine note is so loud in Sports and Sports + ( And, I am not complaining..LOL) that its challenge to be heard on a call but, 
 moment you go into Eco Pro the cabin becomes dead silent which is what I like when I take calls in a moving car.

Gas Mileage
— I was clipping it most of the drive as it was through I-5 North and South corridor and this gives an opportunity to really open up the car.
—Gas mileage despite being in Sports mode 100% of drive was excellent. I think I got 26-27 mpg which is great for a 250HP engine.
—In my X3 M40i, if I spend so much time in Sports and Sports + on a highway. I can barely cross the 20mpg mark.

Handling
— Being a small, cute and sleek coupe, I was expecting a razor sharp handling but, unfortunately I didn’t get that feeling. X3 M40i is in a different league with respect to steering feel and handling. It feels lot more “tight” and confident on corners.
— Steering was light, and position was not in a great place especially for someone like me (6.1 tall)
—I adjusted steering a few times. In one position, I can’t see top of screen and when I pull up the steering, information at bottom of screen is 
 invisible.
— Braking was not as expected and lot of pressure had to be applied for a quick stop. X3 M40i on other hand, brakes are so powerful that a gentle and feather touch to brake is enough to bring it to a halt as they come with additional discs.

Space & Interiors
— Finally, space in car was barely enough for a big guy like me. Little said about
the rear space, better it is. I doubt if even children can sit in the back.
-- Basic interiors and since it was 2020 model, it had ID6 which looked old-
school compared to ID7.

—I had a colleague (Slightly built) ride with me for 2 days and even let him drive when I was dropping him to the airport (He flew in from Canada) and happens to be a car guy too (Owns a Subaru WRX) and had more or less similar feedback.

Final notes : I personally enjoyed driving this car for 3-days it was with me. BMW 230i is or folks who are in their late 20’s or early 30’s and who ride mostly alone with minimal or no luggage and want to get into their 1st BMW branded car here in US. But, is definitely not a practical car to own.

A few pics in no particular order.

[moralfibre]

Originally Posted by mobike008

Both BMW’s were 2020 and coincidentally black in color. I chose the 230i only because it was 25 horses more than the X1 ( 250hp vs. 225 hp) and of course, due to the coupe body style.

BMW 230i comes with same B48 engine as 330i and as this was a small 2-door coupe style car, I was hoping its going to be a more fun to drive than an X1.

Nice review. Small correction, the BMW you drove is classified as a Cabrio (in Europe) or a convertible in the US. A coupe has a solid roof which aids in overall structural rigidity that helps with handling.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by moralfibre

Nice review. Small correction, the BMW you drove is classified as a Cabrio (in Europe) or a convertible in the US. A coupe has a solid roof which aids in overall structural rigidity that helps with handling.

Thanks. My bad, It is a soft top convertible. Perhaps, that is also the reason for not so great handling capability.

As weather was cold (40-45F), I didn't get a chance to put down the top to drive it in Miami or SoCal style.

[mobike008]

Welcome Spring.

[mobike008]

My beast completes 15,000 glorious miles (24,000 kms) in 14-months of ownership.

Is it more? or, Is it less?

[mobike008]

April 2nd, 2022

I organized 2.0 version of Team-BHP meet in Seattle.

This time around it was a family drive with mom joining in as well and enjoying herself the most.

We started at 10:30am and returned home at 8:00pm after covering 200 miles. We stopped at multiple beautiful places including a brief stop in Skagit Valley for the Tulips Festival.

Keep an eye out on Seattle Meet-Thread for a detailed report and more pictures that will come up soon. .

[mobike008]

Post for attention.

Check out the Seattle Meet Section for Team BHP Drive 2.0 meet report.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/team-...ml#post5298268 (Team-BHP Meets @ Seattle, Washington)

Lot's of pictures and videos to come up in next couple of days.

[robimahanta]

Nice meet. Any reason for putting that sticker in the ORVM?