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2019+ BMW 3 AND 4-SERIES FORUMS (G2x Generation) Local Forums UK My first new BMW

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      10-12-2021, 02:49 AM   #1
Elliston
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My first new BMW

Like many people I suspect, I joined the forum here just after I ordered my G20. Full of excitement and enthusiasm I wanted to read about ownership and any potential woes I might encounter.

I ordered a G20 M Sport 320i, Oyster leather, mineral grey with sun glass protection first week of July. Collected last week from the dealership (Week 40). Context is import in my experience, as while I understand a lot of excitement is around the 340i/340d, for me this was my first ever new car, my first ever BMW, and I was leaving my almost life long journey with Ford. I traded in a 2014 1.6 diesel Mondeo - which was all about fuel efficient driving and cheap road tax. So for me, stepping up to a 320i was a big leap forward in performance.

My first new car has been a fantastic experience. If the last 2 years has taught me anything, it's that I should live a little while I can. I loved choosing the model, colour, and the colour of the leather. Start to finish the whole experience was fantastic.

As I say, even the fairly basic(!) M Sport model was a huge step up for me. I love the car. Every time I get in, driving is now an experience. I love the iDrive system. My old ford touch screen seems so old fashioned compared to this. I love heated seats, this week its gone a bit colder so that's arrived just in time! I love the app and the online connectivity. I love the auto gear box, which makes the journey that much easier. And most importantly, I love the drive. Boy do I love the drive.

I understand why so much attention is set on the 340's, of course I do. No doubt, when I trade this is, I will be going up the engine or hybrid range to something a little more powerful, however for someone in their early 40's who experiencing this for the first time, its like Christmas morning.
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      10-12-2021, 03:08 AM   #2
zorroone
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I was a 'Ford' person from the Ford Escort through to the Mondeo before buying my first BMW.

Enjoy!!
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      10-12-2021, 03:14 AM   #3
P-ToK72
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Congratulations on the new car...
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      10-12-2021, 03:24 AM   #4
330Stevie
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Each model and engine has a place in the line up for a very valid reason. It’s not all about being in an x40i/d….

Enjoy your well deserved car! I am pleased the experience so far has surpassed your expectations.
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      10-12-2021, 03:35 AM   #5
jtd1010
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Congrats! Enjoy it! I'm sure you'll be converted for life now!

I had my first brand new BMW last month, a G22 430i and my god it's epic! I've had a few BMWs but the G20/G22 is a massive step up from my 2016 4 Series!

I think the grille is finally growing on me too ��
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      10-12-2021, 04:14 AM   #6
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It’s a great feeling, sliding into a car that no other owner has slipped into! I too had my first new car when I’d turned 40ish and it was an adventure into something that little bit different with a bit of performance (RX8-231).

The BMW G20/21’s are a bit of a step up from the norms IMO, especially the G21’s. I’m lucky in the fact that our G21 is a ‘second’ car, but fast being my car of choice to take on any trip, 3 dogs and 3 grandkids influenced the decision to go with this car and I was more attracted to the practicality than anything else initially.

That being said, the tech, the styling, the ease of driving has super impressed me, someone who has resisted anything German, for no other reason than everyone was driving a German car, now I realise why

The natural thing now, for me at any rate, is a better specced car with a couple of more cylinders, but a G21, so minimum 330d or M340d on the cards. We don’t need more power, we don’t really need more spec, but it’s intoxicating all the tech and effortless driving.

For special days and high days, I’ve always got my 6th gen 5.0 Mustang GT (a very special but in comparison, agricultural vehicle ).

I truly wish the OP a full and happy relationship with the new car and don’t ever listen to anyone that tells you it’s the ‘wrong’ car, they will not be ‘believers’

Nice write up
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      10-12-2021, 04:27 AM   #7
Riccardog
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Thanks for sharing, good story and very similar to mine! I'm also in my 40's and in July I collected my first brand new BMW, a 320i MSport Touring. Even with relatively basic spec its a fantastic car. I'm hoping to run it for 10 years as I like to keep my cars long term, lets see...

Since I was a teenager I had always wanted a 3 series. I came from an older 5 series and also had other "nice" cars, but never had a 3. Still very excited to own it!
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      10-12-2021, 05:31 AM   #8
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To the OP: welcome! As others have said, it's a terrific and heartfelt story (one that I can certainly identify with as a fellow forty-something who stepped into the world of BMWs from the perfectly competent, if rather sensible, land of Skoda). I'm pleased that you're impressed with the 320i. Your spec sounds terrific and the MSport trim lifts the G20 to another level of road presence. There's no doubt that the mineral grey/oyster combination is really flattering too.

Going forward, just try not to get too distracted by us 40i/d owners gushing over the 6-pot capabilities and exhaust acoustics of our machines on this forum... Don't get me wrong: the M340i is a brutally powerful and charismatic creature. But it doesn't take anything away from how complete the rest of the offers are in the G20 line-up. And the 320i model, objectively, is by no means a 'basic' car in any shape or form; instead, it does a very good job of beating any competitor in its segment in terms of agility, chassis, interior refinement, and everyday adaptability. Hope you enjoy it and that exploring its abilities will continue to give you that sense of occasion.

D
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      10-12-2021, 05:50 AM   #9
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Congratulations and an early Merry Christmas!!
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      10-12-2021, 06:52 AM   #10
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Great post Elliston.

It's always worth remembering that nobody drives a 6 pot BMW because they need to, they do it because they can.
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      10-12-2021, 07:46 AM   #11
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Great to hear you're so pleased with your early Christmas present! Sounds really special, only surprised you haven't been asked to post some pics yet......so I'll ask!
Can't really think of anything to add to what has already been said by so many on here already other than to say 'welcome to the fold' on the best BMW owners' forum there is!
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      10-12-2021, 09:50 AM   #12
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I had my first BMW, and my second new car, as a company car back in 1990 - a 318iS.....I loved it, probably more than I have loved any car since. Not because it was the fastest or the best but it was my first car that I had been able to spec as I wanted (well subject to co car budget!)in my colour choice....

Enjoy, you really do not need any more than a 320i in real life.

(I've had 3 other new BMWs since the E30, an E46 320d, an E90 330d and an F90 M5. The E30 was still the most special in my memory..)
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      10-12-2021, 12:48 PM   #13
Elliston
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Thank you all for the encouraging and welcoming words.
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      10-12-2021, 01:02 PM   #14
tyranniux
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Looks lovely that mate, great feeling driving a brand new motor, especially a BMW. I have a lot of love for the 20i engine, I have a g30 520i saloon and I can't think of a better engine for everyday use, very quiet and smooth around town and fairly efficient and more importantly, quiet on the motorway. A real mile muncher that's a pleasure to spend time in. Enjoy 🙂
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      10-12-2021, 01:35 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elliston View Post
Thank you all for the encouraging and welcoming words.
Looks like you're about a millimetre off backing into the wall. Careful with your new toy!
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      10-12-2021, 01:40 PM   #16
Elliston
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhino at Work View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elliston View Post
Thank you all for the encouraging and welcoming words.
Looks like you're about a millimetre off backing into the wall. Careful with your new toy!
You sound like my wife!!!

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      10-12-2021, 01:42 PM   #17
goodbyalfa
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Welcome to the fold. Great motor isn't it.
See you in 3 years for the next one...
We'll help you into the next model up in due course..
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      10-12-2021, 02:13 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhino at Work View Post
Great post Elliston.

It's always worth remembering that nobody drives a 6 pot BMW because they need to, they do it because they can.
This is true. However this place has a lot to answer for.. I joined convinced I wanted a F31 estoril blue 330d and ended up with Mineral Grey 340i ! Drove a mazda 6 at the time.

That was my first bmw and was hooked, lucky enough to have bagged a great deal on an m340 now but any new 3er is a great car.

In no measurable way is an m340 a sensible choice but this is a bmw forum so am preaching to the converted about wants vs needs and associated man maths required!

I really like the standard msport look and wheels much better than a standard f30 did and MG looks brilliant. Enjoy the new car feeling as you can't beat it and welcome!
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      10-12-2021, 03:42 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elliston View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhino at Work View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Elliston View Post
Thank you all for the encouraging and welcoming words.
Looks like you're about a millimetre off backing into the wall. Careful with your new toy!
You sound like my wife!!!

Well this thread took an unexpected turn.
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      10-13-2021, 12:20 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elliston View Post
You sound like my wife!!!

Maybe it is your wife, just under a different pseudonym

She has finally discovered search history, and thought she would check out the multiple hits for Bimmerpost on your iPad.

You’re busted my friend.

And yes, move forward a bit, my ocd not coping .
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      10-13-2021, 04:15 AM   #21
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I ran a G20 320i for just under a year - absolutely fantastic car. My only real gripe was on journeys 90+ mins I found the seats to be overly firm (well discussed on this forum).

The B48 is a cracker of an engine though - so smooth and quiet, and the 20i feels spritely enough in every day driving. I easily saw 45mpg on a long run, and being more careful could get it to 48/49, which is cracking for a petrol engine.

Enjoy your new car!
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      10-13-2021, 04:36 AM   #22
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Weird, I find the seats to be much more comfortable than all the previous cars myself or my wife have had!?
I always ended up with a sore back on longer journeys but haven't ever had that in a G20...
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