[fusionbang]

Congratulations Avinash Wish you lot of happy S(miles) on this beauty!

Amazing review and rated 5 stars!!

I missed driving your car last week as I was still trying to digest the drive on Nikhil's M340i. You know what, it is taking me lot of convincing to get those Beemer thoughts out of my mind. I am not sure when I am going to pull the plug and join you guys

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by fusionbang

Congratulations Avinash Wish you lot of happy S(miles) on this beauty!

Amazing review and rated 5 stars!!

I missed driving your car last week as I was still trying to digest the drive on Nikhil's M340i. You know what, it is taking me lot of convincing to get those Beemer thoughts out of my mind. I am not sure when I am going to pull the plug and join you guys

Thanks Sunay for you nice words and nice to know you liked the review

In all excitement, I missed offering you a ride. Next time when you are in Detroit, take it for a spin. Would love to know your view compared to the M340i.

Now half the bunch in Rust Belt are Bimmer'ians..LOL! So you also need to just take the plunge and get yourself an M at the earliest and we can plan another trip to the Triple Nickel which was mind-blowing and meant for these type of cars.

Update

The key drama with my car continues. I got another scare last weekend. Wifey dropped me at some place as I had some work and she drove 15 miles for some shopping and she was supposed to pick me up after a couple of hours. But, after 1 hour, I get a panicked call that while loading the shopping items in boot, she accidentally kept the key on boot floor and it got locked.

She was unable to open the boot and entire car was locked with key inside. Logically, car should open but, it did not. After speaking with cops, insurance and then finally BMW (hard to get them on late Sunday afternoon) warned us not to use unconventional method to open the car as lock will break. Apparently, the car gets locked for security reasons if key is in boot area (not sure what that security is) and never locks if key is in front side of car.

I called a friend who picked me up and drove me to the spot and we tried opening the car but, it won't open. Suddenly, friend told me to try through the app (it didn't strike me till then). I opened the MYBMW app on phone and driver door opened instantly. Whew! what a relief and another new things I learned about BMW.

Anyone knows why the boot would lock? Also, would the car unlock from a remote location?

Too much technology is sometimes a bane. Don't you think?

Team BHP Meet on June 19th, 2021- Ohio Triple Nickel (555) Drive

I drove 500 Miles to drive 90 miles on 555 highway. If you ask me, was it worth it? Hell, Yeah it was not just worth it but, we are planning to do it again very soon.

I have never driven on such roads in my entire life. 90 miles of pure madness (No wonder OEM's like General Motors, Ford etc get their new models to test them) where the road elevations are no short of god's marvel as it goes up in sky and then suddenly drops and you feel as if the car is falling off a cliff and then immediately you encounter a 180 degree turn. This goes on and on for ~90 miles and all of us were pushing our cars to the maximum extent possible and this drive was one of the most exhilarating drives of my life.

Best part was during that entire stretch, we may have passed a couple of dozen vehicles at the maximum from the opposite end. Literally, no traffic and best place to push your car to limits

A detailed report and pictures is coming up on "Detroit Meet Thread" but, here are some teaser pictures of the most enjoyable team-bhp meet in a long time.

[nikhilarni]

Originally Posted by mobike008

The key drama with my car continues. Also, would the car unlock from a remote location?

The Saga of the Keys continue with Avi . The app will work from anywhere. You don't need to be close to your car or within a set proximity.

Get the Digital Key and keep that in your wallet, then you don't have to carry the physical key. Also for iPhone users, you can use an app based key.

Originally Posted by mobike008

Team BHP Meet on June 19th, 2021- Ohio Triple Nickel (555) Drive

I drove 500 Miles to drive 90 miles on 555 highway. If you ask me, was it worth it? Hell, Yeah it was not just worth it but, we are planning to do it again very soon.

I have never driven on such roads in my entire life. 90 miles of pure madness This goes on and on for ~90 miles and all of us were pushing our cars to the maximum extent possible and this drive was one of the most exhilarating drives of my life.

Literally, no traffic and best place to push your car to limits

A detailed report and pictures is coming up on "Detroit Meet Thread"

Hell Yeah! It was absolutely worth it. Like a video game simulator, that drive has been playing like a looped recording in my mind. The Elevations, drops, steeply banked corners and the thrill of using the sling-shot effect while getting out of the curves is giving me goose bumps.

Big shout out to Rohit aka rohittunga for the planning and research on the location and details. Will wait for the detailed report on the Detroit Meet thread. I guess I was the closest to the starting point this time

Its fun to meet fellow T-BHPians and put a face to the name / handle.

Originally Posted by fusionbang

I missed driving your car last week as I was still trying to digest the drive on Nikhil's M340i. You know what, it is taking me lot of convincing to get those Beemer thoughts out of my mind. I am not sure when I am going to pull the plug and join you guys

Hi Sunay aka Fusionbang,

Glad we finally met and thanks for the kind words on my M340i. I am sure you'll be getting a classy Bimmer in your stable; Sooner than Soon!

[mobike008]

5000 Miles (8000kms) completed



Journey from 4000 miles to 5000 miles was completed in 2 weeks, thanks to the awesome team bhp drive meet on Ohio's Triple Nickle 555

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/team-...s-detroit.html (Team BHP USA meets in Detroit)

Well, all I can say is there were couple of fun roll-on's with M5 during this meet and Blau Rakete held it's own. It's primarily due to xDrive vs RWD and also the M5 comes into it's crazy being at very high revs while the turbo's get into action pretty quickly.

Short 5000 mile review- " This car is so enjoyable to drive that words fail to come out of my mouth".

555 Sticker that I bought at the Triple Nickel Diner where we stopped for lunch during the team-bhp meet drive



On my car

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

^^
Keys are indeed expensive. Not sure if they will change the complete set or just get a new coded from Germany. Do ask, what happens if someone finds the earlier key.

Originally Posted by nikhilarni

The Saga of the Keys continue with Avi. The app will work from anywhere. You don't need to be close to your car or within a set proximity.

I got a beautiful surprise and present on my birthday. I got my lost BMW key and home keys back

Miracle Incident

Last week on my birthday, I received a couple of calls from BMW Catonsville and since it was a working day and I was as usual busy, I ignored those calls thinking they were calling me to wish me on my birthday.

Next day, I received a couple of calls again from dealership. I thought " These guys are desperate to wish me on my birthday"

I picked the call on second instance and " Sir, this is XYZ from BMW Catonsville and I'm calling you to let you know that we received a shipping. Looks like you lost your keys at the "Tulip Festival in Holland, Michigan".

I was like dumb and awestruck with this news. Apparently, someone found both keys at the Tulip Festival and must have searched the address of dealership and took the effort to send both keys to them. I am thankful that I had dealership keychain attached to key. God bless the gentleman for making the time and effort to send me the keys.

This is a straight savings of $550 ( $450 for keys + $100 for home keys) which I haven't ordered yet.

This is nothing short of miracle. Don't you think?

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by mobike008

I got a beautiful surprise and present on my birthday.

A very happy birthday. Ths Year is going to be wonderful for you, hope you get an X6M before your next birthday

This is nothing short of miracle.

Absolutely, some good fella took all the efforts

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Absolutely, some good fella took all the efforts

I loved this incident a lot. I plan to pass on a good deed to someone in future.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

A very happy birthday. Ths Year is going to be wonderful for you, hope you get an X6M before your next birthday

Thank you so much for your lovely wishes. Much appreciate it!

Btw, why did you specifically take the name of BMW X6? I am just curious to know? Reason for asking is X6 is a model which people either love it or hate it.

I absolutely love it and drool over it all the time.

That would be perfect upgrade. Believe you me, I am hardly 5 months into this car and I am already dreaming of which car from BMW stable to upgrade from.

Clicked the pic of this beast (X6M). Not sure if its an X6M or a variant. Saw this when I was testing my car at Tully BMW in New Hampshire.






But to own it, I have to steal it..LOL! It costs a cool 120 grand. !!!

[Harshal.Bhosale]

Originally Posted by mobike008

I was like dumb and awestruck with this news. Apparently, someone found both keys at the Tulip Festival and must have searched the address of dealership and took the effort to send both keys to them. I am thankful that I had dealership keychain attached to key. God bless the gentleman for making the time and effort to send me the keys.

Wow, this is definitely a nice birthday gift! How did the dealership narrow it down to you? Do they use a diagnostic tool to match the key to the VIN? Or is the key unique in some other way?

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Harshal.Bhosale

Wow, this is definitely a nice birthday gift! How did the dealership narrow it down to you? Do they use a diagnostic tool to match the key to the VIN? Or is the key unique in some other way?

Part of the VIN number is attached to the white card that you see as part of key chain.

I'm assuming they found out the vehicle and owner details with VIN. They must be also having a different way to identify which key belongs to which car even if they don't have the VIN details.

Would be interesting to know from other Bimmer owners here on forum?

Btw, I note you live in same area as I do. It would be one heck of a coincidence, if you turn out to be my neighbour

PM coming your way.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by mobike008

They must be also having a different way to identify which key belongs to which car even if they don't have the VIN details.

As soon as you pop the key in the reader, it will bring up a lot of information. Every service advisor will have one at his desk hooked to his computer. This is the first thing they do when you bring the vehicle for service. Key carries a lot of vehicle information.

Originally Posted by mobike008

why did you specifically take the name of BMW X6? I am just curious to know? Reason for asking is X6 is a model which people either love it or hate it.

I absolutely love it and drool over it all the time.

X6, I absolutely love this, got it new sometime in 2009, kept for the longest time and sold it in 7th or 8th year of ownership. Was close to picking again last year but then we stayed with Lexus.

So, I love this car like no other, am glad that you like too. Hope the upgrade works for you.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Harshal.Bhosale

Wow, this is definitely a nice birthday gift!?

In my excitement of getting the keys back. I forgot the real birthday gift from wifey. Pictures below

Originally Posted by Turbanator

X6, I absolutely love this, got it new sometime in 2009, kept for the longest time and sold it in 7th or 8th year of ownership. Was close to picking again last year but then we stayed with Lexus.

So, I love this car like no other, am glad that you like too. Hope the upgrade works for you.

Nice info on the keys. It must be easy work for them to identify the key owner.

Wonderful to know you are an ex-X6 owner. That car has some real road presence and that sloping roofline gives it an exquisite look. Some of the Mercedes AMG models have exact similar look (possibly to compete with X6) and they too look fabulous. Any pic that you can share of your X6?

Also, curious to know what are the current cars in your stable? I know of a 7 and Fatboy

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by mobike008

In my excitement of getting the keys back. I forgot the real birthday gift from wifey

you are an ex-X6 owner. That car has some real road presence and that sloping roofline gives it an exquisite look.

I changed my less than 6 month old X5 in 2009 and got the X6. I went to get something checked on my X5 and saw this beauty on the floor. In these days, I used to take decisions very quickly, walked out of the showroom with X6 instead of X5. Good old days, BMW dealership had great relations with us and all documentation and payment happened much later I kept this car for the longest period, I don't recollect when I sold it, must be 2016/ 2017. This car had 20 inch RFT in those days and was a head-turner. A Punjabi singer bought it from me and must have featured in some of his videos too Only 30,000 km in over 7 Years of my ownership, no claims or scratches.

Some of the Mercedes AMG models have exact similar look (possibly to compete with X6) and they too look fabulous.

Yes, the current ones are better but the ones from previous generations were horrible. X6 almost nailed it with the looks.

Any pic that you can share of your X6?

I could not find many. This one is from 2014 most likely.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

I changed my less than 6 month old X5 in 2009 and got the X6. I went to get something checked on my X5 and saw this beauty on the floor. In these days, I used to take decisions very quickly, walked out of the showroom with X6 instead of X5. Good old days, BMW dealership had great relations with us and all documentation and payment happened much later I kept this car for the longest period, I don't recollect when I sold it, must be 2016/ 2017. This car had 20 inch RFT in those days and was a head-turner. A Punjabi singer bought it from me and must have featured in some of his videos too. Only 30,000 km in over 7 Years of my ownership, no claims or scratches.

Well, I am exactly like you. All my cars and bikes is bought with instant decision and purely based on pleasure it can bring to me during it's ownership.

I never look at a car holistically but, evaluate it purely from how much pleasure it can give me when I'm behind the wheel.

Also, I'm not one of those guys who will sit with an excel sheet and do multiple rounds of evaluation/comparison/return on investment and spend years to come to a decision. My decision is instantaneous and most of my 20+ new vehicles that I bought with my money is decided in moment of time or < 2 weeks.

Well, I am bit of a nutcase in that way and consider myself not a normal person. But, hey I cannot change my genes or way I think.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Yes, the current ones are better but the ones from previous generations were horrible. X6 almost nailed it with the looks.

X6 looks fabulous. but, the new gen AMG mercedes also looks fabulous.

I used to worked in same building here in Detroit for roughly 2 years which also had a Mercedes Office. The parking lot is a sight to behold. You name the exotic and it used to be parked in the lot from AMG to G-Wagon etc. At any given point, there would be at least 50 such exotics parked outside and during lunch hours I used to walk around the lot admiring the beauties. Will dig out an old picture if I find it and share it here.

Originally Posted by Turbanator

I could not find many. This one is from 2014 most likely.

Looks nice. Looks like X6 went through a major overhaul over the years and that roof also got more curvy and sloping lines got better.

If I want an SAV (BMW never calls them SUV) upgrade. X6M is what I will buy eyes closed. But, before that there is a lot of money that needs to be earned to fulfill that dream. I have a tough job cut out for me.

[Santoshbhat]

Hi Avinash. Loved reading through your review. Wish you lots of happy miles in your Blau Rakete . X3 with the 40i engine must be a real hoot to drive. X3 is great handling SUV and a wonderful allrounder. When paired with a special engine like this, I am sure it takes things to a different level altogether.

I always believe in going for the best possible (read powerful) engine when buying a car. We just recently got the 40i engine in the X5 and 3 series recently in India. Going by your review, this 6 cylinder petrol is one irresistible package for power hungry enthusiasts. I really wish they start introducing this engine across more models in their range here in India.

[mobike008]

Originally Posted by Santoshbhat

Hi Avinash. Loved reading through your review. Wish you lots of happy miles in your Blau Rakete. X3 with the 40i engine must be a real hoot to drive. X3 is great handling SUV and a wonderful allrounder. When paired with a special engine like this, I am sure it takes things to a different level altogether.

I always believe in going for the best possible (read powerful) engine when buying a car. We just recently got the 40i engine in the X5 and 3 series recently in India. Going by your review, this 6 cylinder petrol is one irresistible package for power hungry enthusiasts. I really wish they start introducing this engine across more models in their range here in India.

Hey Santosh,

Nice of you to visit my thread and for your compliments. Appreciate it.

I recall that you are one of the first BMW X3 owners on the forum and I used to frequent your thread back in the day as I used to ogle at all luxury cars on forum and would dream of owning them. Well, I never knew I would fulfill my dream of owing a Bimmer. Thanks to the good lord !!

We also met once during the Hyderabad-Bangalore midway meet where the infamous BMW incident happened.

A small correction- There is no BMW X3 model called 40i. Mine is a BMW X3 M40i which is the M version of BMW ( Ofcourse, there is a full blown X3M and X3 MC) and there is a distinct difference between the regular X3, right from the steering wheel size, sharper feel, superior braking to adaptive suspension to overall driving dynamics which is much better. Not to mention the crazy acceleration that can knock the socks of a BMW M5 V10 with 510 HP (Please search on YT for this drag race- M40i vs. M5 V10)

I would have gone for the X3M as it’s easily affordable but, it starts at a price where my fully loaded X3 M40i ends. There is no end to what you want and it’s ridiculous that BMW makes you spend money on all these alacarte features instead of offering them as standard. Besides, I heard the X3M is really harsh on ride quality and many folks were downgrading to X3 M40i and were happy with their decisions.

As you rightly mentioned, X3 handling paired with this beautiful 6-cylinder B-58 engine is a knock-out combination and I cannot express the pleasure of driving this car (Experienced it on 555 highway, Recent trip, more details to come in future posts). No wonder the X3 is the largest selling car from BMW in North America.

Finally, Congratulations on your new BMW’s. You seem to be hooked to Bimmers and after owning my first BMW for < 6-months, I tend to agree there is nothing not to like about them from an enthusiastic perspective. It’s tailor made for folks who enjoy enthusiastic driving.

X5 is a great choice, As you may have read in my review, my sister owns the X5 50i (V8, 440 HP) and I have driven her car multiple times over 500+ mile drives and it’s crazy fast and really enjoyable to drive. But, the downside is this V8 engine is a thirsty beast and if driven in Sports/Sports + the average drops to a horrendous 13-14 mpg.

Is your X5 a 3-liter and 335 hp engine or the V8 version? I’m assuming it’s the 3-liter one, wish they had given at least the V8 or plonked this B-58 into the X5 as well. Would have made one heck of a difference.

It would be great if you can create a post of an X3 vs X5 comparison in future as it would help folks who are upgrading. Best wishes for your new acquisition and keep enjoying the Bimmer life !!

In other news, Just back from a 1500+ miles (2400 kms) long weekend drive in which hit the following milestones with respect to odometer readings.

Trip Reading (1520 Miles) after a 4-day Roadtrip Vacation



Completed 6000 Miles on July 4th, 2021



Completed 6500 miles (10,500 kms) on July 5th, 2021



A brief report and lots of pictures will come up in next day or two days as I need to some downtime to recover from all that fun. LOL!

Please keep tuned to this thread for this report and pictures.