So finally after crunching certain number of miles( i.e. out of the break-in period here is the Intitial Ownership Report )
Current Miles: 1300 Days passed : 30 approx.
Did not have an oppurtunity to take it out for a very long trip, but here are the initial impressions:
Sport Mode: AMAHZING! Love the feel of power induced in this mode. The Engine note changes and can be clearly heard inside the cabin . I mostly switch off my radio/ bring it on low to enjoy the sound of it. Someone commented in a review before : when you have this (i.e. handling, feel et all) Who needs to check twitter feed, Facebook emails inside this car.
The steering wheel stiffens up ( Cannot say that it would stiffen up to the E90 level, but yes it does stiffen up quite a bit as compared to the COMFORT and the ECO-PRO mode )
COMFORT mode is my daily drive in and around the town. One day of the week I take it to my volleyball game which has nice twisties in the 25-30 MPH range. I havent seen active cops on that road since 2 years and is my playground for the SPORT mode!
ECO-PRO Mode : Had one chance to engage it on the highway and hated it. It turns into soft car (unlike any BMW ) and is all over the place. Steering is too light to enjoy any kind of drive on the German.
I mostly engage COMFORT;SPORT for my twisties and ECO-PRO Never in that order.
Things I like :
1) HUD : Absolutely stunning display, I haven't seen my speedometer since then. I just take a look when I need to fill in Gas is nearing empty. The Navigation directions on the HUD are a killer, describes the Lane departure as well.
2) Tried the cruise control and was really simple to use. I normally never use the cruise, but the functionality provided was really great and nice to use.This is the first time I liked and used cruise control extensively.
3) The inline-4 is a gem of an engine and feels more like a 6. Thanks to the Turbo!
4) On the twisties, one of my friend noticed that my Fog lights (which are normally off) were switching on and off i.e Once i am on the curve turning left, the left fog light tuns on and same with the right side. I did not know about this and haven't seen it in action myself. But if it is true then kudos to BMW.
5) The touch sensor is right on the money and very easy to use. I should say the whole iDrive system is 4/5. I am going to take this car to the city (NYC) and that is where this Nav will have to prove itself.
After praising a lot about the car, Here are some niggles observations that i feel would make this car complete:
1) The Tech package and the buttons on steering wheel leave a lot to be desired in terms of functionality. I cannot switch modes i.e Radio to USB device et all.
2) If I am at low speeds say 10 to 12 mph speeds and leave the foot of the gas, the car jerks a bit . I think it is switching gears and slight jerking motion isn't ideal.
3) Automatic start and Stop. : I have disabled that functionality and almost never use it.
4) The HUD has issues with polarized sun glasses which is widely known in the bimmer community.
Unfortunately, there is a possibility that my car could be a part of BMW recall (Loss of Braking), which was stalled during the Government shutdown as NHTSA was closed. Hopefully, it will be gaining traction now and will hear something from BMW on the same. Its due to lack of oil supply to the brake vacuum pump from the intake camshaft and BMW is probably going to add a ring in/around the camshaft to make sure the oil supply is uniterrupted. It also effects only a certain number of car and from a certain manufacturer who is responsible to provide the vacuum pump assembly.
Took my Friend's Audi S4 and 328i for Photo shoot in our area to add the Fall theme to it. Here are some of the pictures taken, Enjoy!
My friend taking it for spin.