[ocelot]

I have recently done an extended test drive in the F31. It will likely be my next car purchase, but have decided (rightly or wrongly) to wait a few months and possibly order the new 2017 model.

Firstly, as a wagon fan, I think this car is gorgeous, and as stated, will be probably purchased shortly, so obviously have a lot more on the 'pro's' list.

However I do find some 'cons'.

Aesthetically, I find the interior middle column to appear dated. With that said I like a cd player still, so maybe I am dated! But compared to our Kia Soul EV with 17 easily accessible radio preset stations, the idrive/system is way too complicated. I think a touch screen is needed.

The 'gearing' seems tuned strictly for gas mileage and no performance. Even in sport mode I would have to downshift twice to get any engine braking. My 2007 audi has a much more sporty feel, and downshifts automatically going into most corners. Maybe the dual-clutch makes a difference? Not sure. Either way though, a more aggressive factory tune, especially on the m-sport package is needed.

Hopefully with the new engine (I think coming) they will change things up a bit.

Anyhow, that F31 picture thread, is sure going to cost me a lot of money...as even with those two gripes, I hope soon to either find a nice m sport package used one, or will be plunking down some dough for a 2017 model.

Thanks for all the info here, it is a great read.

[ynguldyn]

The eight physical buttons are not radio presets, but more generally iDrive shortcuts. For radio presets, you have an iDrive screen where you can program as many presets as you want. The easiest way to call one up is with voice command: push the voice button, say "Preset twenty one", done.

All F31s come with shift paddles. Use them. I even configured my sport mode to affect only steering and suspension, because this way the eighth gear doesn't get locked out, and pulling the left paddle is all you need to get into the right gear for better acceleration. Still, you will definitely like the 2017 330i better, because the power band on the B46 is wider than on N20, and the TU transmission has wider gearing too (you can see the specifications if you check 340i, which is currently the only US 3 series with the TU gearbox).

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by ocelot

I have recently done an extended test drive in the F31. It will likely be my next car purchase, but have decided (rightly or wrongly) to wait a few months and possibly order the new 2017 model.

Firstly, as a wagon fan, I think this car is gorgeous, and as stated, will be probably purchased shortly, so obviously have a lot more on the 'pro's' list.

However I do find some 'cons'.

Aesthetically, I find the interior middle column to appear dated. With that said I like a cd player still, so maybe I am dated! But compared to our Kia Soul EV with 17 easily accessible radio preset stations, the idrive/system is way too complicated. I think a touch screen is needed.

The 'gearing' seems tuned strictly for gas mileage and no performance. Even in sport mode I would have to downshift twice to get any engine braking. My 2007 audi has a much more sporty feel, and downshifts automatically going into most corners. Maybe the dual-clutch makes a difference? Not sure. Either way though, a more aggressive factory tune, especially on the m-sport package is needed.

Hopefully with the new engine (I think coming) they will change things up a bit.

Anyhow, that F31 picture thread, is sure going to cost me a lot of money...as even with those two gripes, I hope soon to either find a nice m sport package used one, or will be plunking down some dough for a 2017 model.

Thanks for all the info here, it is a great read.

The eight buttons are not really presets but idrive shortcuts. They can be programmed to carry out a multitude of idrive functions. And as above, can be brought up via voice command. Incredibly useful.

Did you drive one with the 8 speed sport auto transmission? If not, it will make a difference, particularly in Sport/+.

Lastly, get a tune once you get a good 5k miles on the motor. The car comes to life with any of the piggybacks out there. I still wish they would send us a wagon with the N55/B58, but a tune goes a *long ways* towards mitigating that power gap here.

And, hopefully, welcome to the F31 club!

[joshvt]

One other thing to consider... I recently took delivery of a 16 f31. While at the dealer to pickup the ca mentioned that for 17 BMW is dropping to a 3 yr warranty. Not sure if this is true, but if it is I'd consider a '16 if you are purchasing and intend to keep for a while. The car has a lot of cool features, but as someone who typically hangs on to cars for a while I can't help but wonder about the long term cost of ownership once out of warranty. Good luck with the purchase!

[Monkeyboxers]

Inputting my 2 cents here. But I think the HUD display is one of the best features in my vehicle; we get this as standard in Australia.

Instead of looking at the screen for toggling thru radio stations and navigation, everything is infront of your face. You can change channels/radios via the scrolling wheel on the steering wheel.

At first I was like, I won't even use it, but I swear by it now.

No need for touchscreens

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by joshvt

One other thing to consider... I recently took delivery of a 16 f31. While at the dealer to pickup the ca mentioned that for 17 BMW is dropping to a 3 yr warranty. Not sure if this is true, but if it is I'd consider a '16 if you are purchasing and intend to keep for a while. The car has a lot of cool features, but as someone who typically hangs on to cars for a while I can't help but wonder about the long term cost of ownership once out of warranty. Good luck with the purchase!

The new car warranty is NOT changing. Still 4 years/50,000 miles. The included Maintenance Plan is changing, to 3 years/36,000 miles and brakes are no longer included.

But is doesn't matter to the OP, because he's in Canada.

[nicknaz]

Is that 325d wagon mentioned in the other thread coming to north america? that alone would make me want to wait for a 2017!

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Is that 325d wagon mentioned in the other thread coming to north america?

No.

[canukgtp]

I've got a 2014 F31, just loving the features and versatility and as somebody mentioned the piggy back is fantastic to bring the car to life, I've got the BMS stage 1...gives it that extra pop you seem to think is missing...good luck with your hunt for your wagon, you won't regret it!