Nov 21st, 2011
The new F30 3 Series has elicited quite a few question from BF readers since it was introduced about a month ago. And more than a few have been questioning the car’s use of electronics to change the driving behavior and performance. Will it actually change the “feel”? That we won’t know until we drive the car later this month. But the other end of the spectrum – EOC Pro mode – we can tell you about. Here’s Robert with the question:
I am curious about the new “eco pro” setting on the F30. BMW claims a potential improvement of 20% fuel consumption. Will this be over and above the stated US EPA mileage? in other words, will the stated EPA mpg numbers take into
consideration the eco pro mode or can we expect even better mpg on top of these numbers if we utilize the setting? Thanks.
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Jun 13th, 2011
We’ve covered ConnectedDrive extensively on BF and even spoken with the engineers behind it all. But we haven’t heard from readers and owners about their day to day use of the product. While we expect most have had good experiences thus far, we have heard of a few less than stellar stories when it comes to dealerships having a full command of the functionality of the system. This latest comes from Greg and is a good example of some of the issues we’re seeing.
I recently traded in my 2008 135i for a 2011 328i xDrive and I ordered it with the BMW Apps package and have the Connected Drive app on my iPhone. Problem is, it seems that I know far more about what the App and CD can do than anyone at the Chicago dealership and a majority of the functionality is not working. Having emails or texts read to me. Bluetooth iPod play. All “office functions” and probably an issue or two more if I thought about it. My dealer simply said to schedule a loaner and they’ll figure it out, the sales men told me that’s how they guys learn the new stuff. However I really don’t want my car to be the designated guinea pig.
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Nov 15th, 2010
Now that snow, ice and other winter messes are showing up all over the world we have received many question about the functions of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). The following information is a brief synopsis of each of its functions and the basics behind it all. We hope that this information is useful and provides you with some answers to your questions. The information here is for the newer generation of cars equipped with DSC.
DSC is ON by default, there is no need to press any buttons on start up. DSC uses a series of sensors to detect wheel spin, yaw rate of the car and other properties. Using sensors and other electronics it can apply the brakes as needed, cut engine power and with Active Steering it can make small steering corrections to better keep the car under control. In layman terms, all the nannies are on by default and help to keep the car from spinning out. When DSC is intervening a caution light will flash in the instrument cluster.
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Jan 7th, 2010
We were recently asked to comment on a 2009 common position statement (PDF) from the Diesel Fuel Injection Equipment Manufacturers targeting US diesel fuel standards. The manufacturers included are: BOSCH, CONTINENTAL, DELPHI, DENSO and STANADYNE. They all produce fuel injection systems for cars used in the US. BOSCH is of course the most notable for us BMW enthusiasts.
The paper discusses the use of bio-diesel, Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in the US and other fuels throughout the world with diesel fuel injection systems.
The alarming piece of information that came out of this paper is that the lubricity of ULSD does not meet these manufacturers’ minimum requirements. So is the US fuel not up to par and did BMW over look this?
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Nov 2nd, 2009
This week’s Ask BF comes from reader Bob Hayhurst:
Currently I have an E30 and a R56 and both BimmerFile and MotoringFile are taylor made for me. Now my question. The other night I watched a show about the worlds largest car transport ship named the Faust out of Sweden. They were shipping both MINI’s and BMW’s (among others) from England to the US. I noticed on the BMW’s that each car had what appeared to be a coating of sorts which was evenly applied and which caused each cars paint to have a dull and flat appearence. I don’t think it was dirt or gime and it did not seem to be visible on the MINI’s, Jag’s or Rolls Royces. If you know; is this some type of protective coating applied to the cars for shipping? I’m more curious then anything, Thanks Gabe for both sites,
Thanks for the kind words. The material you are talking about is called Cosmoline. It is a thick waxy substance BMW coats the vehicles in for shipment. It is removed by a hot water wash at the US port, separated and then recycled. BMW’s X5 and X6 vehicles wear protective cloth bags that are reused. On newer cars you can sometimes see during the hot summer wax like drips coming out of the door seams.
Apr 3rd, 2009
Mine is above. I’m guessing it may be Michael’s as well. But what about yours? What do you day-dream about more than any other current BMW model?
Feb 26th, 2009
We have been asked this question a lot lately: “What is going on with the turbo lag software update?”
We have some good news for all of you that fit the criteria BMWNA laid out in their official statement. The software is out and obtainable, though some dealers may need an arm twist.
Our original post here help spread the word initially. This follow up should answer the questions in regards to obtaining the update and what it entails.
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Jan 22nd, 2009
Since the recent record breaking cold-snap in much of Northern America (and even some parts of Europe) we’ve heard all sorts of MINI/BMW owners experiences with their cars. While the vast majority of them have been quite positive we wanted to reach out to those who have had some issues with the extreme cold. At temperatures as low as -30F we expect some issues, so lets hear about them. What have you experienced with this kind of cold? And if you haven’t had issues let us know that as well.
