After 2 days of ownership I thought I would post my initial thoughts.

I am very pleased, the ride is comfortable but sporty. The chunky steering wheel sets the scene.

I obviously haven't extended the engine yet, but the performance is strong and a definite inprovement on the pre-LCI 525d that I tested in June. There is a slight growl at around 1700 rpm (about 75mph) which goes away as the revs increase. Anyone experience this?

The engine is exceptionally quiet when started even from cold so that few are likely to know it is a diesel.

As I had hoped, the performance seems to mirror the 204bhp engine in E46 330d cars. The 235bhp and 286 bhp LCI diesels must be something else of course.

I have (only) covered 185 miles so far at an average of 41.5mpg.

I had an initial panic attack when the parking display didn't come up, but found it in I drive and fixed that.

The display when you play a CD could be a bit more interesting and the CD player is a bit noisy when you choose a different disk.

The favourite buttons have been found tasks already including my nearest and dearest's phone number plugged in.

Unless I am doing something wrong, the buttons can be programmed to choose a CD but not a particular track.

Bluetooth seems to be working fine with my Nokia 6230i although the storage under the armrest is a bit on the small size.

I also seem to be learning the difference between cruise control and the indicator!!

The brakes are good although I am trying not to "cook" them until I have done a few more miles.

I am very please with my choice of interior (complete with black mats), and the 172M wheels do justify the extra ?780.

The best option so far is the heated front seats. As I prefer not to wear a jacket when I drive, the quick warm up from the seat is appreciated on these cool mornings.

Regards,

 

Thanks for the review. Roll on the 1200 miles and then you can open it up a little.

The Titanium Silver and the 172's is spot on

 

Thanks for the review and good to hear you are pleased with your choices

The black mats is a wise move, and in my opinion really complements the black roof lining and trim -- gives it a bit of a bi-colour exclusive look. The cream beige may take a bit more cleaning, but with titanium silver on the outside, you'll save some cleaning time there!

As for the seat heating, I too wouldn't live without it now. And like yourself, I do not like driving with a coat or jacket on, so the quick warmth is appreciated. Its also very soothing on long journeys, even in summer when on the lowest heat setting.

Enjoy...

 

I too was looking forward to the heated front seats but it seems that my broker has left this out on the spec he quoted me. I had two options, wait for the right spec car (approx 6 - 8 weeks) or take it as it is. I have taken it without the heating as I am impatient.

I wonder if they can be retofitted?

 

Heated seats comes standard with Dakota Leather, so I do not understand why you do not have it on your car?? My advice would be to double check with your broker that it is included with the leather.

 

Hi, thanks for the reply. Front Seat Heating is a cost option for the UK (?255). I have just had a look on the BMW UK site and there is no mention of it being standard. That would have been nice.

 

nice car, I'd love to have the biege leather but I know I'd be too lazy to clean it

Oh and if you love heated seats you'd love the heated steering even more, has to be my favourite gadget

 

Congrats for your new baby...

In Belgium, heated seats are not standard with Dakota leather neither.
On the other hand, I think (but not sure) that it's part of comfort seats.

Anyway, enjoy...