[Kelly66]

My BMW 320d | 7 Year Review | DIY Mods | Highlights | Lowlights

Hi Friends,

It's been 7 years since I bought my BMW 320d F30 LCI Prestige model. Here's a summary of my ownership experience after the 7th year service at 42783 kms in Jul'24:


Bye Cruze & Buy BMW

Flashback:

Well, I was quite happy with my earlier daily driver, Chevrolet Cruze LTZ (Velvet Red). One fine day, in Mar'17, there was an article in the newspaper stating that Chevrolet is going to stop production of Cruze in India. I had done only 38800 km in 6.5 years but didn't want to run the risk of market value dropping in the subsequent years coupled with spares shortage.


We quickly started thinking of selling the car and going for a lateral upgrade. We looked at options like the Toyota Corolla Altis and Innova. My son suggested going for a level upgrade since we will be keeping the car for at least 10 years if not more....Got lucky and sold Cruze on OLX within 7 days of posting for 50% of buy price.

Cruze Velvet Red



Shortlisting & Buying:

We then shortlisted and test drove the Audi A3, Merc CLA, Volvo D60 and BMW X1. Each of these had some limitations. The common issue (except D60) was the space constraint and comfort at the back for my wife. X1 was the least comfortable with it's stiff suspension. The BMW sales guy asked me to try the 3 series (since I wasn't planning to keep a driver) and said that he had a couple of models in stock at a good discount since next gen was expected in 2019.

BMW 320d Sportline (Red) was available for Rs.45L (fixed price), BMW 320d Luxury Line (Black) was available at Rs.43.5L (fixed price) and BMW 320d Prestige White at Rs.40.5L (negotiable). Since it was a significant upgrade for me, wanted to keep the spend to a bare minimum. Even though I was keen on the Sportline, the final price difference of nearly 7L was not digestible and I didn't want to go for Red again. Somehow, I always felt the Melbourne Red spoils the rear look since the tail lights blend with the body colour. Had it been a different colour would have definitely given it a serious consideration since a HUD, a bigger iDrive and a rear camera are features I would have loved to have.

Anyway, we negotiated and brought the price down to Rs.38.4L for the Prestige and closed the deal since they were not budging on the other models. It was a June 2016 manufactured model.

BMW 320d Prestige 2017


BMW 320d Prestige 2024 (with Bimmercode mods)







DIY MODS

Bimmercode Mods:

Bought the Bimmercode app and a Vgate iCar Pro BT OBD2 dongle to enable the following hidden features in the car:

• Angel light & Welcome light setting changes
• Auto Start Stop function off by default
• Daytime running lights for rear
• Cornering lights activation
• Door handle lights when reverse gear is engaged
• Fog lights with parking lights
• Fold/unfold mirrors automatically
• Pressure and temperature in tyre pressure monitor
• Seat belt reminder duration & distance
• SPORT+ driving mode
• Easy entry seat travel
• Digital speed in board computer
• AC display color change from orange to white
• Brake Force Display (still haven't got this to work though)

Putting BT OBD2 dongle to better use:

Since the Prestige model comes with a 6.5" iDrive without navigation I wanted to create a digital dashboard that can display a lot more vehicle parameters and also has built-in Navigation, a Dashcam view and can play Spotify. The BT dongle came in handy since it was anyway lying idle after the Bimmercode changes. No need to worry about Apple Carplay or Android Auto support.

My Digital dashboard:

Components used for Digital dashboard with built in Navigation, Dashcam, Spotify (Total cost Rs.14200/-):

• Vgate iCar Pro BT OBD dongle (Rs.1.2K)
• 8" Lenovo Android tablet (Rs.10.5K)
• Realdash app with a premium dashboard (Rs.600)
• Wifi camera with free V380 Pro app (Rs.1.2K)
• Car Magnetic holders to hold the tablet (Rs.700)

Initially I was keeping a 10" Android tablet behind the steering wheel or against the iDrive with a Free version of Realdash (RD). Later on moved to an 8" tablet to make it more compact so that I can place it near the AC vent without blocking the MID and the iDrive screen.

RD Free version on 10" Tablet



RD Premium version on 8" Tablet








Subsequently, I tweaked the RD Premium dashboard for different modes and mostly place the tablet near the AC vent.

I have placed shortcut buttons for Night mode, Navigation, Spotify and Dashcam at the bottom left and right in all RD modes. RD also supports select voice based commands.

Some of the Vehicle parameters that I have set on RD apart from the regular ones (see the small dials in each mode):

• Boost
• Distance to Service
• IAT
• MAP
• MAF
• Max Speed
• Barometric Pressure
• Weather
• Altitude
• Engine Load
• Average Speed
• Screen Brightness
• Oil Pressure
• Humidity
• Throttle Position

RD can display a lot more if we can map it to CANBUS. But we need to know the BMW F30 specific PID numbers for that. Any of you have access to these PIDs? OBD connectivity has its limitations.

Have set a timer to switch between the following modes every 30-45 secs.

RD Normal mode (Note the DIY sunshade)


RD Inspired by Audi virtual cockpit (Note RD's built in map directions on top)


RD Sport mode (also switches automatically when RPM crosses 2200)


RD Inspired by BMW ID8/ID7 design (Note Spotify playing on top)




RD View from Passenger side


RD View showing Google Maps popup (can be kept as overlay too)



Always On Rear camera set-up:

I installed a HD 1080p camera near the trunk handle and connected it to a 5" display to view the rear of the car. Day vision is very good but night vision is average, unless the roads are well-lit and no headlights beaming at the camera.





The 5" display is kept near the cup holder for a quick glance. It is an always on display showing the rear view even when the car is moving forward and is powered from the cigarette lighter socket. So, no need to tamper with the reverse lights for power. Unfortunately, guidelines can't be disabled.




Cigarette lighter connector bought from Amazon US for this always on set-up. Has a power button to turn off the display.




I recently moved the display behind the iDrive to have an easier glance at the rear, especially while overtaking on highways instead of glancing at the side view or rear view mirrors. Near the cup holder is more discreet but predominantly useful only while reversing. Which location would you prefer?



AC reading is in White because of Bimmercode mod! Better than all Orange.



DIY Dashcam set-up:

I converted a Wifi camera to serve as a front dashcam installed behind the car's rear view mirror. I use the V380 Pro app to store the recordings onto an SD card. There is delay of around 2 secs when comparing live view and dashcam view because it is Wifi based and also this camera was originally meant for security monitoring.



Front Dashcam View with Google Maps overlay:


I normally keep the type pressure around 34-36 psi. Note the high temperature and pressure of the tyres. Any of you seen higher figures?

Daytime clarity is very good and it has infrared night vision too.

At a signal, if I press the Dashcam shortcut to have a quick look (as seen above), it will go back to RD view after 30 secs (I have set a timer). It will keep recording in the background.


Key Highlights of this journey

Frugal maintenance:

Who says a BMW is expensive to maintain? Here's a proof of how frugal a BMW can be with it's Condition Based Service (CBS) model:

Odometer: 42783 kms
Age on 17/7/24 : 2665/365 days = 7.3 yrs
Total Maintenance Expenses: Rs.314967/- or Rs.43106/- per year or Rs.7.36 per km.




Excellent mileage/Low Fuel Expenses:

Total Fuel Expenses: Rs.208649/- or Rs.4.89 per km.
Overall mileage: 15.79 kmpl (Avg speed: 30.1 kmph)
Highway mileage (48%): 18.24 kmpl
City mileage (52%): 14.06 kmpl

Highest mileage from BLR to CBE:


Pure highway drive:



I find these costs very reasonable till date, although going forward expenses would increase.


Unbelievable Shelf Life of key components at 43000 kms: (17/7/24)

• Brake disc thickness : Front Brake Disc is 23.6 mm and Rear Brake Disc is 19.6 mm. Brake discs should be replaced if Front is <22.4 mm and Rear is < 18.4 mm. New Front Brake disc is 24.5 mm New Rear Brake disc 20.5 mm.
  
  
• Brake pad thickness is 5.5 mm (FR), 5.3mm (FL), 5.3mm (BL), 5.2mm (BR) - if it goes below 3mm as per BSI it has to be replaced. Brake pad cleaning and dust removal done with cleaning spray during service.
  
  iDrive still says 60000 kms to go for Front and 43000 kms to go for Rear
  
  
  
  
  
  This could be because 48% of my drives are on highways and I do a lot of engine braking by shifting the gear lever to Sport mode to brake while coasting in ECO Pro mode.
  
  
• Stock tyre tread thickness - 3.85mm (FR), 4.35(FL), 3.83mm (RL), 3.87mm (RR) - Legal limit is 1.6mm. Although BMW recommends change at 3 mm. New tyres will be 7 mm. Should be good for another 5000-7000 kms?
  
  
• Battery voltage checked with multimeter - Standby voltage is ~ 12.2V and Running voltage is ~ 14.8V. Voltage at the time of cranking the engine is 9.239V which is on the lower side. It seems new battery will be between 10-11V. Any of you have checked this? As per BMW, if it goes below 8V, battery should be changed. Good to go for now.
  
  
  
  I was told, iDrive should throw up a battery draining alert or the cranking will show multiple jerky starts indicating a weak battery. Did any of you get such an alert on iDrive?
  
  The BT dongle and Cigarette lighter power outlet could be draining the battery a bit since it takes around 5-6 min after engine stoppage for these to turn off automatically.

Key Repairs:

• EGR cooler recall: Replaced FOC by BMW twice : 27/7/19 & 22/3/24
• Replaced RR ABS sensor on 9/1/23 at 31467 kms
• Front suspension replaced at 37036 kms;
• Front right head light assembly replaced and front bumper painting done at 37958 km on 20/11/23. Zero dep insurance claim.
• Trunk painting and rear bumper painting done at 39603 km on 18/3/24. Induced another Zero dep insurance claim before renewal since NCB was anyway lost.

Way Forward:

• Rear wheel shock absorber check - Rear shock's rubber bush is slightly worn out but there is no leak in the shock absorber. As per technician, no need to replace the bush.
  
  Rubber bush:
  
  
  
• Battery replacement might be needed since there is a 1 sec delay at start. Hope iDrive gives a warning.
• Tyres are 2016 manufactured. Will need replacement in next 1 year - Need to decide on RFT vs Tubeless
• Slight creaking sound from rear while going up a large bump at 45 deg angle at slow speed - SA test drove the car and could hear the sound but said it needs detailed investigation with multiple test drives to isolate the issue. Issue is inconclusive. It's more like an irritant.

Overall, I am extremely happy with my 320d. It has aged like fine wine and hopefully will continue it's great performance in the years to come. I was getting an itch to switch to another car a few months ago, but decided to carry on for a few more years. Why wouldn't anyone with such a sterling achievement, right!

Thanks for viewing this long post and will be happy to take any questions!

[Kapany]

I think you could add a few more screens in there mate . You might be shortchanging yourself.

[Kelly66]

Originally Posted by Kapany

I think you could add a few more screens in there mate. You might be shortchanging yourself.

Ha ha, you have a point. I was initially thinking of swapping out the 6.5" for a 10" Android unit, but didn't want to risk it with those CANBUS connections and CID would show up as missing.

Now, if EGR needs a flash (I had 2 such instances), BMW will not do the update because of the missing CID. This would cause service issues as well. Also, RD apparently does not work well with these Android HUs and didn't want to lose out on its features.

Many use an additional screen for Maps or Mirroring. So its just 1 more screen. Doesn't bother me.

[sunikkat]

Nice one buddy. It’s a steal at 38.5 lakhs, considering the current prices. I think you should keep it for next few years, getting a sensible replacement will definitely be a challenge.
I know it’s personal preference, but those 3 screens are bit too much for my liking and an eyesore otherwise in such a fine car.

[Kelly66]

Originally Posted by sunikkat

Nice one buddy. It’s a steal at 38.5 lakhs, considering the current prices. I think you should keep it for next few years, getting a sensible replacement will definitely be a challenge.
I know it’s personal preference, but those 3 screens are bit too much for my liking and an eyesore otherwise in such a fine car.

Yes, to each his own, but I get your point. Since RD screen is more important to me, I will move it in front of iDrive as shown initially. Since I use iDrive mainly for TPMS and general service checks, I can take a quick glance when needed. Will move the 5" Display back near the cup holder only for reversing and switch it off when not in use.

Back to 1 screen then . Sounds good buddy? @Kapany?

[superblover]

It's super easy to knock someone's mod choices in a single line, but let's keep in mind that this person has spent many hours of their life trying to get everything to work. And mods by nature come with inherent incompatibility and cannot be expected to always integrate with the vehicle well.

That being said, there might be better ways to position the screens or unnecessary screens can be removed. Also after 7 long years, it might be time to boost up the powertrain with actual performance mods to put all those dials to good use. Do consider a remap to Stage 1 or 1+. It really does change the characteristics of your car and give it fresh new pep.
Keep on revving!

[LiamJose]

I get a Japanese tuner car vibe from this build. I love it. It's different. I don't really like covering the AC from an aesthetic point of view but I guess it's good for the tab as it may get really hot at times.

I'd have changed one thing about this build though. Why a Lenovo 8 inch tab with IPS? I think an OLED tab would have make it look way better, especially at night time. I wonder if I'm missing something here though.

[Aditya]

My BMW 320d | DIY Modifications | Highs and Lows - Posts moved to a new thread.

[MadHawk]

Wicked! This is your happy space and one thing for sure, whoever sits in your car is gonna remember the interior ��. It’s rare to see folks these days giving such TLC to their cars as they usually buy the top version and sell it in 3-5 years. The good ol days of folks commiting to a car and keeping her for 7-10+ years is rare today and too far between. Thanks for sharing and many more memories with your Beemer !

[AsphaltNomad]

Nice write up. Also kudos to what you have achieved with all the DIYs. Asthetically, its always a personal preference and things could be done differently (esp, with respect to number of screens). One question that pops up in my mind - is your car still on the 1st battery? If yes its positively surprising considering the addtional load due to the screens along with tons of electronics that come factory fitted in the BMWs.

[Kelly66]

Originally Posted by LiamJose

I don't really like covering the AC from an aesthetic point of view but I guess it's good for the tab as it may get really hot at times.

Why a Lenovo 8 inch tab with IPS? I think an OLED tab would have make it look way better, especially at night time. I wonder if I'm missing something here though

As preferred by many and hinted by me above, I have moved the Tab around to create a single screen solution.





Generally OLED tabs come in >10" sizes. Up to 8.9" is what is ideally suited for this arrangement. Beyond that it would look out of place since the height would also go up. In fact, a larger tab with max 5" height would be ideal. However, night view on IPS is pretty good.

Night mode:

[Kelly66]

Originally Posted by AsphaltNomad

Nice write up. Also kudos to what you have achieved with all the DIYs. Asthetically, its always a personal preference and things could be done differently (esp, with respect to number of screens). One question that pops up in my mind - is your car still on the 1st battery? If yes its positively surprising considering the addtional load due to the screens along with tons of electronics that come factory fitted in the BMWs.

Reg screens, pls see above post. Yes, first battery, first set of brake discs, brake pads, and tyres. Touchwood!

[1.2GT3GT]

Originally Posted by Kelly66

Reg screens, pls see above post. Yes, first battery, first set of brake discs, brake pads, and tyres. Touchwood!

@Kelly66, great to know about your positive long term experience and the amazing efficiency numbers you’ve got there (fuel consumption and service cost consumption).

Regarding the brake pads, you may have the condition based service alert available in your car’s iDrive system which can let you know when they are nearly worn out.

• Considering the age of the vehicle, a parallel track that you can follow is to ask your service centre to physically measure and show you the remaining thickness of the brake pads.

Coming to the brake discs, I believe the only option is to get a physical measurement of the remaining thickness of the brake discs.

• Additionally, the contact surface (where the disc touches the pad during braking) of the brake disc can be inspected for grooves (due to uneven wear possibly due to an issue with either the pad or the disc).

• Also, the brake disc can be further inspected for warpage (thickness of the disc wearing out differently at different points possibly due to scenarios such as coming to a hard stop from a high speed and keeping the pad pressed against the disc for an extended period of time and hence causing uneven heating and cooling of the different parts of the disc).

On the battery, even if your car is still starting up everytime, does it take longer than usual to start?

• Does it also struggle more to start especially after a previous short drive, let’s say in the city where the battery did not get to charge much after the hefty power consumption during the start.

• The intelligent battery sensor in F30 BMWs enables increasing the charging output of the alternator (yes it’s variable and can be adjusted by the relevant ECU) in proportion to the age of the battery. This starts to put additional wear on the alternator (by whatever quantifiable metric).

• Also, if you are observing any struggle during starts, it also means the older and hence a reduced capacity battery is putting additional strain and wear on the starter motor during each crank.

Finally on the tires, I hope you’ve had the minimum tread depth measured on all your tires.

• Irrespective of the remaining tread depth, if your tires are more than 6 years old, I believe that again is another reason to change the tires due to aged rubber compounds becoming brittle and becoming less able to perform their intended functions.

• Considering that your car is at about 7 years now, the age of your factory fit tires would be greater than or equal to 7 years old. You can check the DOT code in the sidewall of the tires to identify their age (week and year of production).

[1.2GT3GT]

Hopefully I’m not going too far off-topic with this addition to the previous post.

If the tires are worn out to the level where they more often lead to significant loss of traction, then during such low traction scenarios, the dynamic stability control system of the car will need to apply the brakes more often in the background as it will detect wheel slip more often.

This creates a situation where tires with more wear can increase the wear on the brake pads and discs as well.

[Kelly66]

Originally Posted by 1.2GT3GT

Hopefully I’m not going too far off-topic with this addition to the previous post.
.

Hey, I think you didn't read the entire post where have I mentioned the Shelf life of all these components.

All these were measured during the 7th service on July 17th.

Thanks for your inputs.