[OM3RTA]

Originally Posted by Sootchucker

Hi all, newbie here. Currently driving a 2018 MK7.5 GTI and have owned exclusively Volkswagen's for the last 20 years. I’m now thinking it might be time for a change. To be honest I’ve never really looked at BMW’s, but I have to say to really liking the new 2020 G20 3 series model.

So, as I have zero experience of BMW, I do have a number of questions please (apologies in advanced if there are too many). The model I’m looking at is the UK spec 320i (petrol) M-Sport or M-Sport Plus models (with a few options). Some of the questions might seem very obvious to seasoned BMW owners, but like I say, the brand would be entirely new to me.

So to the questions:

Can anyone tell me why on the new 2020 price list, the “standard” 320i M-Sport lists at £36,200, and the 320i M-Sport Plus Edition at £41,025 (a difference of £4,825), and yet in the options list, it list the M-Sport Plus package (code ZMS) at “only” £2,950 as an add on package to the M-Sport ?

Generally speaking, what’s the reliability like on BMW petrol modes. Whilst VW certainly isn’t at the top of the list in this regards, I have to say in the last 20 years and 7 cars, the list of issues or failures I can count on the fingers of one hand, and the last 3 MK7 Golf’s (touch wood), have all been faultlessly reliable.

I really like the Metallic Portimao Blue1, but as I understand it this colour isn’t available on M-Sport Plus models? Is there a blue in the Sport-Plus that’s similar?

As I’ll no doubt be going for 19” alloys (as that’s what my Golf has), I was considering the adaptive suspension but this only appears to be part of the M-Sport Plus package (i.e. not available separately) is that correct ?

Does the car have SD card slots for music or is it all now streamed by connected apps (I currently have most of my music on a 128GB SD card). Also, whilst we are talking about apps, I’ve heard that Spotify and Apple Carplay aren’t there as standard and have to be “downloaded” is that correct, and that BMW charges annually for Apple Carplay ?

Also, connected to the above, I’ve heard that BMW has never supported Android Auto (which is what I use all the time in the Golf as my phone is a Samsung Galaxy). I hear rumours that this is coming (finally) to BMW, but is this actually true and therefore does anyone know if it will be a “free” upgrade when it arrives (let’s not get into a discussion on Carplay vs Android Auto).

I don’t do much night-time driving on rural and country lanes so will not be specing the BMW laser light option (no matter how good they are), but are the standard adaptive headlights still good enough. My Golf has the adaptive LED lighting package, so not only bends around corners but can track cars ahead and mask off part of the main beam so as not to dazzle oncoming drivers whilst still maintaining main beam all the time. To be honest, I’ve used this feature twice since I’ve had the car in 2 years.

My Golf has active traffic sign recognition (i.e. a camera on the windscreen reads road signs and then active displays then on the digital dash). Does the M-Sport come with that feature as standard or are they just static signs and read off the cars Navigation data rather than via a camera ?

Sorry to keep referring back to my Golf, but that’s my only point of reference. This also has the upgraded “Dynaudio” hifi with a sub-woofer in the spare wheel. As I’m trying to keep the configuration costs reasonable, I’ve current not specified the optional Harman Kardon system for £820, so my question is what does the “standard” stereo sound like please ?

Think that’s all for now, and once again apologies for so many questions from a newbie, but you would be a big help if I could get opinions on a few of them at least ?

Q1 In addition to M Sport MSP gives you the paint choices of Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue II, Oxide Grey,Interior Trim Aluminium Fabric high-gloss BMW Individual and black mirror caps.

Q2 F30's as far as I know have been pretty reliable overall and pre LCI G30's are the same so outlook is looking good for the G20.

Q3 Yes, Tanzanite Blue II, it's beautiful.

Q4 Yes that is correct.

Q5 No but you can download to a USB stick or Bluetooth from phone, app Spotify and BMW Music. I Believe Carplay will be made free(MY 21 will have Apple Car Key industry wide first) Andriod Auto also coming this year free for ID7 owners.

Q6 I can't say for sure as I have laser.

Q7 HK is a must imo, base is crap

[Funboy78]

Like you I’m new to this as well. Swapped my RS5 last week for the 330i. You’ve had your questions answered, but for what it’s worth:

I purchased a used one, 69 reg, 5.9% apr on pcp so good repayments. I asked the dealer if they were quiet due to COVID and my sales guy said he’s never been busier and working silly hours.... but sold loads, so it appears a lot of demand. However, always a deal to be had - don’t ask, don’t get, so push your luck!

I thought mine was the M Sport Plus model, but it’s actually the M Sport pack meaning if not selecting a specialist colour or interior then it saved nearly 2k on RRP but contains everything else the pack has to offer.

I’ve got the Tech Pack, for me it was a must have! HK and heads up, but that’s just me, however the sound is worth it. Don’t be fooled by WiFi hotspot offering as if you want to use that feature it costs you, and not cheap.

I’ve also got laser lights, not something I was looking for but they were on their so a bonus.

IF I purchased new (but I wouldn’t again on any car) then I would love the 360 camera. It’s not that I would say it’s needed, but for the cost I would have definitely added it as I think it’s a neat feature!
Comfort pack for keyless entry is another option I would spec, getting the keys in and out my pocket now is rather annoying. Silly I know, but you just get used to things and getting keys out is something I’ve long forgotten about.... hard life!

Android for ID7 is supposed to be released next month I was told, so let’s see.

Music, personally I signed up for Spotify. I’m amazed at BMW how quick the sim is, ask for a song and it plays instantly, no buffering or waiting.... now that’s impressive!

[Ash_]

If you do a lot of driving on the motorway you should consider the driving assistant professional pack too.

[Keith_C]

Originally Posted by Beemer5to3

Really sorry to hear that - absolute scum car thieves.

What model was stolen out of interest? It's normally M cars that are targeted, but seeing a big increase in more general German marque theft, especially by house break-ins and grabbing keys.

Same as I have now 330i. There was a spate around ours at the time over a few weeks, on the same night a brand new S3 was took withing 500 yards of where mine was last located on the Connected App. The forensic team came to mine straight after visiting the S3 scene. Ironically the first thing to sort was the Autowatch Ghost, just never got the chance, made sure on the next one it wasn't coming home without the Ghost installed.

[Keith_C]

Originally Posted by Andy-1878

Absolute scum. Any kind of car crime, vandalism or theft really p****s me off! Obviously crime in general but that mentality of just taking or damaging whats not yours

Hope that nobody was hurt.

No, thankfully, we were all in bed, never even disturbed, they were in and out within seconds, left the keys to wife's 19 plate Qashqai, they just wanted mine.

[Andy-1878]

Originally Posted by Keith_C

No, thankfully, we were all in bed, never even disturbed, they were in and out within seconds, left the keys to wife's 19 plate Qashqai, they just wanted mine.

B******s! Main thing is none of you were hurt, just absolute and utter scum though! Sounds like they had some insider knowledge, how else would you know where brand new cars are going to be otherwise?

How much was your ghost system if you don't mind me asking? Also, what happens if the system ever failed, i.e you do the correct sequence but it won't start?

[Plates]

Originally Posted by Andy-1878

B******s! Main thing is none of you were hurt, just absolute and utter scum though! Sounds like they had some insider knowledge, how else would you know where brand new cars are going to be otherwise?

How much was your ghost system if you don't mind me asking? Also, what happens if the system ever failed, i.e you do the correct sequence but it won't start?

I'm also interested in the Ghost. Tried to get a quote but haven't received an email back yet and that was a couple of weeks ago.

[Beemer5to3]

Originally Posted by Plates

I'm also interested in the Ghost. Tried to get a quote but haven't received an email back yet and that was a couple of weeks ago.

Having a look on the web, it looks as though it's £399. Not a bad price really.

[del82]

Originally Posted by Sootchucker

OK then slightly different question please. Whilst I'm going to look at a G20 this weekend, for my wanted spec, the car is listing at around £44k.

Looking at how much 6 month old cars and demonstrators are for sale for (some up to 25% off list), as a private buyer, depreciation does bother me. So it would have to be a cracking deal to get me into one. So what sort of discounts off list should I typically be looking at for a factory build, and assuming I'd then take BMW finance (at least for a few months)?

If financing i.e. PCP then depreciation isn't an issue. But if buying outright or bank loan then yes I can see that.

I got 20% off my M340i in November 2019. There are two contributions to the deposit (discount)

1. BMW finance
2. Dealer contributions

On the BMW website finance calc that will show you the finance contribution. On top of that should be dealer contribution - it's this that they try to keep as much as possible off. The perfect customer for them are the ones that only see the finance contribution on the website and think it's a good discount.

The person you want to ask is TRL aka Tony Lewis. Super nice guy as well.

https://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=80

[mofomat]

Originally Posted by del82

The person you want to ask is TRL aka Tony Lewis. Super nice guy as well.

https://www.babybmw.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=80

My only interaction with Tony Lewis wasn't great. I'd heard lots about how he can give really good deals, so I emailed him about a year ago regarding purchasing a new G05 X5. He said that he wasn't dealing with X5s at the time, and that I could contact a different colleague in his dealership who deals with X5s, but he said I would be doing "very well" if I got a even a few % off an X5 as they're very new and selling well. Perfectly polite guy, and I've no reason to question what he was saying wasn't true, but I then contacted two other dealers and had no trouble negotiating 16% off an X5.

The best advice is to shop around.

[Keith_C]

Originally Posted by Andy-1878

B******s! Main thing is none of you were hurt, just absolute and utter scum though! Sounds like they had some insider knowledge, how else would you know where brand new cars are going to be otherwise?

As far as I'm aware they were just scanning the area, surprised how many decent cars parked up there is to choose from as hardly anyone uses their garages fro cars these days.

Originally Posted by Andy-1878

How much was your ghost system if you don't mind me asking? Also, what happens if the system ever failed, i.e you do the correct sequence but it won't start?

As long as you don't forget the code then it shouldn't fail, as it's non mechanical as far as I'm aware, just connects to the CAN bus and it comes with an emergency code if you do forget the sequence.

Originally Posted by Beemer5to3

Having a look on the web, it looks as though it's £399. Not a bad price really.

Yep, pretty much £399 across the board at the places I got quotes from and that's what I paid.

You can connect it to your phone via bluetooth and that deactivates the Ghost as well when you get in the car to save putting in your code sequence but I have never activated it as you have to remember to turn it off in the background of your phone because it can still transmit via bluetooth and if it's within 10 metres of the car it can deactivate the Ghost.

You soon get into the habit of turning it off as you enter the car, only takes a second and I currently start the car then deactivate it or you can do it before you start the car, whichever is your preference.

Well worth it for piece of mind.

[Andy-1878]

Originally Posted by Keith_C

As far as I'm aware they were just scanning the area, surprised how many decent cars parked up there is to choose from as hardly anyone uses their garages fro cars these days.



As long as you don't forget the code then it shouldn't fail, as it's non mechanical as far as I'm aware, just connects to the CAN bus and it comes with an emergency code if you do forget the sequence.



Yep, pretty much £399 across the board at the places I got quotes from and that's what I paid.

You can connect it to your phone via bluetooth and that deactivates the Ghost as well when you get in the car to save putting in your code sequence but I have never activated it as you have to remember to turn it off in the background of your phone because it can still transmit via bluetooth and if it's within 10 metres of the car it can deactivate the Ghost.

You soon get into the habit of turning it off as you enter the car, only takes a second and I currently start the car then deactivate it or you can do it before you start the car, whichever is your preference.

Well worth it for piece of mind.

If only garages were of a decent size, can't remember the last single garage I saw that was actually useful for an average size saloon, let alone anything else. In hindsight we should have looked at houses with double garages really.

May look to invest in the ghost for that extra piece of mind.

[Keith_C]

Originally Posted by Andy-1878

If only garages were of a decent size, can't remember the last single garage I saw that was actually useful for an average size saloon, let alone anything else. In hindsight we should have looked at houses with double garages really.

May look to invest in the ghost for that extra piece of mind.

I actually put an offer in on a house with a double garage but the sellers decided the weren't selling after all!! So ended up with a single garage, would have loved a double garage!

Another good feature is in winter you can obviously start the car and leave it running to warm up, as soon as it's put in gear without the code, it dies.

[Andy-1878]

Originally Posted by Keith_C

I actually put an offer in on a house with a double garage but the sellers decided the weren't selling after all!! So ended up with a single garage, would have loved a double garage!

Another good feature is in winter you can obviously start the car and leave it running to warm up, as soon as it's put in gear without the code, it dies.

Would also be handy when wanting to polish and wax the car etc, even when it's raining. Now I'm really sad we don't have a double garage

Ahhh I'm a tough northerner, don't need the car warming up, hop in and feel the cold leather on your shorts clad legs