[red-max]

Just went along to my local dealer for a 1-hour test-drive of the 335d Coupe this morning, and ... ended up placing an order.

One question for you guys who already have yours ... I deliberately did not order the Nav so my car will have no iDrive, and from the posted E92 Owners Manual it looks like most of the functions and settings are available in a non-iDrive car. However, can anyone confirm if the multi-function steering wheel buttons can be programmed by the driver or by the dealer? I'm thinking particularly of the "diamond" and "4-pointed star" buttons, which on iDrive cars are programmable, for example I have mine set to mute/unmute and radio/CD select today.

Back to the test-drive, yes the E92 really is that good; the new Steptronic is very impressive and the 335d engine is (as expected) superb. Even the ride (with sports suspension and monster 19" wheels on the demo car) was really good - a great balance between sportiness (very little roll) and comfort.

Just have to wait until December now...

[david_e]

My non-i-Drive 335i doesn't have the programmable buttons. In their place there is one to switch the radio to CD/aux (and back) and the other to turn on and off the internal/external air recirculation.

I would be interested to know what can be programmed without i-Drive. My lights are set to DLR although I asked for that to be off for when I took delivery. My dealer is not convenient to get to, so annoys me the thought of making a special trip

[2GPP]

I do not think the E90 or E92 offers the option of programming the multi function steering wheel buttons. I know in my E60 this could be done. There are no "star" or "diamond" buttons on the E90 or E92.

The DLR can be switched on/off without iDrive via the control on the indicator stalk. The menu options for this are shown in the OBC display on the dash...check out your driver manual.

[red-max]

2GPP wrote: I do not think the E90 or E92 offers the option of programming the multi function steering wheel buttons. I know in my E60 this could be done. There are no "star" or "diamond" buttons on the E90 or E92.

After looking at some interior pictures posted here on E90post, I think you're half right; the non-iDrive cars don't have star or diamond buttons. But I think the iDrive equipped E92s *do* have these, so that's at least one feature I won't be getting. Then again, I'd rather have buttons on the radio/CD itself than navigate through iDrive menus to change to another CD.

For those who didn't see them, the PDF 2007 E92 Coupe manuals are available here - there's one for iDrive and another for non-iDrive cars. Pretty useful to have as a reference, and the non-iDrive maunal does tell you how to program quite a number of different preferences.

[red355]

I am sure you not regret getting the 335D.
Its really an amazing combination of power, pace and grace (or is that another marques moto?)...plus that added bonus of sipping at fuel.

So far mine has done 1300 miles at just over 40 mpg.

[red-max]

Originally Posted by red355

I am sure you not regret getting the 335D.
Its really an amazing combination of power, pace and grace (or is that another marques moto?)...plus that added bonus of sipping at fuel.

So far mine has done 1300 miles at just over 40 mpg.

40mpg - you must have been driving carefully, I admire your self-restraint.

"Loves driving, hates garages" - borrowed from an old VW ad (I think).

I just found out my 335d has gone into production, and might be delivered mid November, rather than mid December as originally quoted.

[red355]

Originally Posted by red-max

40mpg - you must have been driving carefully, I admire your self-restraint.

More like stuck in a 45-50 mph train on a single carridgeway and not wanting to over rev the engine attempting any overtaking. One morning last week I the OBC was still showing 54 MPG, 23 miles after filling up!

Originally Posted by red-max

"Loves driving, hates garages" - borrowed from an old VW ad (I think).

I think that was the Citroen BX...long dusty road with a garage in the middle of nowhere. Gargae owners gets all excited at a getting a rare customer and the BX just sails straight bye..I bet its on your tube somewhere

Originally Posted by red-max

I just found out my 335d has gone into production, and might be delivered mid November, rather than mid December as originally quoted.

Mine was orginally due to arrive next week, then they said 14th Oct then it was actually in the country for the launch date of 23rd Sept. Something to do with me not ordering Sat Nav

[red-max]

Originally Posted by red355

Mine was orginally due to arrive next week, then they said 14th Oct then it was actually in the country for the launch date of 23rd Sept. Something to do with me not ordering Sat Nav

Interesting, since mine's also ordered without Nav.

One thing I noticed on the demo car I drove, the iDrive with Nav was extremely slow to respond to input, compared to my 2004 530d iDrive which has no Nav.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting the car sooner ... hopefully before the weather turns bad.

[335d coupe]

Mmmmm....my 335d coupe was scheduled to be built week 45 (early Nov) but actually left the factory yesterday..... And it too has no NAV. Now I'm even MORE glad I didn't spec NAV!!

Mike

(335d coupe - Space Grey. Jade Green Leather, 19s, Alu Trim, Anthracite Headliner, HiFi, Bluetooth, Adaptive Headlights, High Beam Assistant, Storage Compartment Pack)

[red-max]

Hey, that's a coincidence - my dealer called to tell me that mine has also left the factory and is now "in transit" - should hopefully be getting it in a couple of weeks. Can't wait ;-)