[TaTaToothy]

Originally Posted by JamieA

It is so that if your fob goes flat or malfunctions while driving you can get to your destination safely, and without being stranded, even if you stall the car, as long as you restart it within 10 seconds.

Flat battery in the fob is only an issue for cars with CA, as non-CA cars charge their fobs while they are in the slot.

I learned this because, believe it or not, the first day I had the car I went out to lunch with some friends and realized while on the way back that I was late for a meeting. I had them drop me and drive my car back to the garage, but forgot to give them the keys, which were in my pocket. My co-worker then promptly stalled my car. Thank God he was able to restart it - otherwise it would have been stalled in the middle of midday traffic.

[mroach]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

You have CA?

If so, putting the fob into the slot won't help you. You may think it is charging the battery, but in fact it isn't. Replace the battery and the messages should subside.

Oh really? That's a bugger.

Thanks for the heads up. I'll go get a new one today!

[samurai1200]

Sorry if this has been posted already, but I got to page 15 and got too sick of the DSC talk to continue. Anyway...

Use the USB function to play MP3s (or MP3 CDs) instead of hooking up your ipod (you can get 16gb thumb drives for around $30). To me, though i'm a bit of an audiophile (but more for studio audio), sound quality is noticeably better. These weak Logic7 subs hit harder and tighter, and the highs are clearer. Sound stage is also expanded. The ipod headphone amp just can't hold up to whatever mp3 decoder/preamp BMW is using.

[typeszh]

Originally Posted by Russellnyc

Haven't had time to experiment with my car (do this with the windows open if you don't have a willing victim) but all previous BMWs had a feature called "double locking" where if you lock the door with the key rather than the fob, it cannot be opened from the inside. Also in past models, you could have your keyfob reprogrammed to always double-lock (it's a different signal). From my cursory reading of the manual, it looks like a keyfob lock now performs a double lock by default (I haven't tested). Pressing the console button to lock always sends a non-double-lock signal, since presumably someone is in the car who will need to get out in an emergency.

Double locking prevents smash and unlock theft (same reason the lock pin descends below the surface of the door sill and can't be pulled up like in old cars) and also disables the console lock/unlock button. If you put a really big valuable item that won't fit through the windows in the backseat of your car and then double lock, no matter what a thief does, it can't be stolen.

Maybe smash the windshield or back window?

[madman]

Originally Posted by BK

Tried this yesterday and I was amazed that it works. I can't believe I never knew. I want to go check the manual now, because I can't believe I would have overlooked this.

Does this work on all manuals?

[JIM E92]

Originally Posted by bsd107

No, it is for your improved visability in turns.

They only function below 25 mph, and on US cars they both turn on when in reverse.

I'm pretty sure that the fog lights not the cornering lights operate in reverse.

[bspears]

The top on an E93 will not go all the way down if you store the included thick pack of BMW manuals in one of the side trays of the trunk. Sharp lines will also mysteriously appear in the once attractive leather manual cover.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by madman

Does this work on all manuals?

Only those with Dynamic Cruise Control, which your 320i likely does not have.

[madman]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Only those with Dynamic Cruise Control, which your 320i likely does not have.

Gotcha!

[BK]

Originally Posted by madman

Gotcha!

FWIW to our US readers, "Dynamic" CC is the standard for US cars. The upgraded is "Active" CC, which adds the radar in front. So in the US, if you have cruise and a MT, you have this feature (still can't believe I never noticed).

It's easy enough to check if your car has it. Just drive in 5th gear on the highway and press in the clutch and hold it for a moment. Do RPMs drop to idle (600 RPM) or do they hold at where they'd be for 6th gear (~2200 RPM at 65mph on a 330i)? Pretty cool feature.

[Scimitar335i]

anyone can sum all these little tips up? The ones that work anyways?

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by TaTaToothy

I learned this because, believe it or not, the first day I had the car I went out to lunch with some friends and realized while on the way back that I was late for a meeting. I had them drop me and drive my car back to the garage, but forgot to give them the keys, which were in my pocket. My co-worker then promptly stalled my car. Thank God he was able to restart it - otherwise it would have been stalled in the middle of midday traffic.

Thank God for that, it could have turned out bad for your friends... explaining to police why they are driving a car they don't own, without the key

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Only those with Dynamic Cruise Control, which your 320i likely does not have.

Dynamic and Active cruise control features are not offered on 4 cylinder BMWs, they are 6 cylinder and above only features.

The feature is also available on cars with Active cruise control. I love it, as it makes driving so easy with an MT. BMW really thought about what MT drivers need with this car, and put some real engineering effort into it. It reflects the driving heritage of BMW, that their MT cars aren't afterthoughts, but engineered in their own right, with their own specific features. When I discovered this feature, it made me love BMW's work even more

[CyberGypsy]

Originally Posted by mbdurham

Cool thanks.

So I guess I should skip Sirius and stick with my ipod. I don't know if Stern is worth $140 year

there is a way to get it for 77 a year ")

[CyberGypsy]

He bought it for 500 something after rebate and I hope he makes out well

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by BK

FWIW to our US readers, "Dynamic" CC is the standard for US cars.

True, except for the M3. I believe neither Dynamic nor Active cruise control are available for the M3 worldwide.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by JIM E92

I'm pretty sure that the fog lights not the cornering lights operate in reverse.

nope, it's the inner cornering lights, not the fogs that come on in reverse with adaptives.

[kennethpetro]

Originally Posted by CyberGypsy

there is a way to get it for 77 a year ")

The only way to do that is to already have an account that you're already paying the full 12.99/month for. You only pay 1/2 price for all additional accounts after that.

After my 1st year is up with the Sirius i got through BMW, i'm thinking of installing my S50 and retrofitting it. I just hate that you can't scroll through the channel lineup through your iDrive and see the songs that are playing on the other channels without having to be listening to that actual channel. The S50 lets you see the other songs while still listening to the same channel.

[CyberGypsy]

Originally Posted by kennethpetro

The only way to do that is to already have an account that you're already paying the full 12.99/month for. You only pay 1/2 price for all additional accounts after that.

After my 1st year is up with the Sirius i got through BMW, i'm thinking of installing my S50 and retrofitting it. I just hate that you can't scroll through the channel lineup through your iDrive and see the songs that are playing on the other channels without having to be listening to that actual channel. The S50 lets you see the other songs while still listening to the same channel.

Not true, if you get close to the end of your contract, tell them you want to cancel , they offer it for 77 bucks a year been doing that since 05

[CyberGypsy]

PS thanks guy for all the tips read this thread this AM and learned alot

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

You have CA?

If so, putting the fob into the slot won't help you. You may think it is charging the battery, but in fact it isn't. Replace the battery and the messages should subside.

But putting the fob in the keyslot DOES upload the car's maintenance data to it, so you should do that before service so your SA can have the data in the fob.

-N

[ncoig]

Originally Posted by kronzprinz

the windows hum for exactly 12 seconds while going completely up or down.

WTF?

-N