[skw]

After 2 months of tracking online and anxiously waiting, I finally picked up my 320i at the Performance Center last Thursday. I apologize in advance for the length of this post as well as if you also see it on the other board. I had quite a few questions myself and I've been seeing other folks asking similar things so hopefully I can answer some here.

We flew out from Boston Logan on a 6am flight and landed at GSP a lil after 10AM. Called the Marriott for pickup and by the time we got our bags and walked outside (to the left by the flag poles and fountain), they were there about 3 mins later. They picked us up in a loaded F15 X5. When I say loaded, I mean as in B&O sound, 4 zone climate, rear entertainment, etc. The driver had a package for us which had a welcome letter and the waiver you have to sign for your activities at the PC. When going, keep in mind that they shuttle for the Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn as well. So it seems as if for your airport pick up, it is almost always in one of the X5's for PC guests Anywhere else you want to go, they'll try to use an X5 but you may also end up in one of the shuttle buses depending on where they're doing at the moment.




We were early but they had a room ready for us. Seems like BMW has a block of rooms reserved each night for PC guests. At check-in you get vouchers for a drink at the bar. They ask what time do you want to reserve for your table at dinner and to call down if there is anywhere you want them to take you. You are able to add extra nights either before or after your delivery date by calling the hotel and asking for the BMW transient rate (approx $118) and then sending the PC your confirmation number. This ensures you get to stay in the same room. The room and hotel all around were clean and typical for a Marriott so everything was good. Also had a small fridge in the room. There's a spa onsite, small gym, and outdoor pool. We walked down the street to get a few things at Walgreens, had breakfast at a place called Le Peep in a small strip mall (I love southern grits!), then hit the Walmart next to that which sells beer (need I say more?). Went back to sit by the pool for a bit and relax as we had been up since 3:30am. We then had them take us to downtown Greenville, got to ride in the other X5. Nice area, pleanty of shops and bars. At the bottom of Main St is a nice park to walk thru. Including stopping for a quick drink, we were down there for about an hour and a half. Called the hotel to be picked up and one of the shuttle buses was in the area so we didn't have to wait.




For dinner, there's a menu for PC guests. You get a salad, entree, side dish, and desert. The hotel itself seemed to have somewhat of a limited menu in comparison to the Marriott hotels in my area. Not a complaint, just an observation. The next morning is a typical Marriott buffet breakfast and made to order omelettes. The shuttle to the PC leaves at 7:40-7:45 so plan your wake up time accordingly.

At the PC your luggage is kept in a back room and the waivers are collected. You get a brief introduction to the instructors and some of their backgrounds. My wife was amazed that these were real race drivers. They were all extremely friendly. You also get an overview of what to expect for the day and some of the guidelines.


While they have over 100 cars, they only have certain cars and there's several programs going on at the same time. So what you get to drive "may be similar" to what you ordered. I ordered a 320i rwd 6MT but was given a 335i rwd 8AT M-sport. Another guy ordered a 328i rwd 6MT sportline and given the same 335 M-sport. Another couple ordered a 535 and were given a 550. Once in your cars, each has a radio over which they guide you into the proper seating position. Then the instructors change the channel for those that are going w/ them. Our instructor just had us and another couple in a M235i. You've seen the other posts and videos on the skid pad, braking, off-road, and hot lap so I can skip all that. After the hot lap, they split us up into 2 groups. My group took the X3's over to the museum for a short video w/ footage from the factory since it was still closed to tours. Included in the package w/ the waivers is a voucher to come back to tour the factory. We then got to go at our own pace thru the museum and gift shop before heading back to the PC for lunch. The other group took delivery of their cars during this time. Lunch was good and as there are other events (corporate, schools, etc...) going on, there were other food stations as well. Our instructors guided us through where we were supposed to go. All very well organized. After lunch we went through the PC gift shop. Their items have the M logo and BMW Performance Driving School stitched on them whereas items at the museum just have the roundel. Picked up a sweater and a polo shirt for myself. While in the gift shop, I saw them backing my car into the building, my 1st time seeing it. A product specialist goes through it w/ you, top to bottom. The iPod y-cable was in my glove box. They then drive it out for you after which we went back to the museum for the infamous photo op at the fountains.













Now the drive home. Car had 9 miles on it as I left the PC. For break-in, I was instructed to keep it under 100mph, under 4500rpm's, no cruise control, and no sport mode for the 1st 1,200 miles. My odo read about 1,050 when I pulled into my driveway. Drove a few hrs and stayed the 1st night in Raleigh, NC. The next day, drove up to Times Sq, NY where it stayed valet parked in the hotel garage for the w/e. Wasn't easy giving over my new car to a valet only 30hrs after I got the keys myself! Drove from NYC to Boston on Sunday. More than enough seat time to get acquainted. Averaged about 31 mpg.

First thing to get used to was the BMW clutch and gearing in the 6MT as I've been driving 5speed manual Hondas for the past 6yrs. I'm 5'5" and my wife is 5'2" and we both feel like we could use the seat height to come up about another inch or so. I have to have the steering wheel almost in my lap to be able to still see the screen between the speedo and tach. We're used to Mercedes COMAND system so going through the iDrive screens was and still is a bit of a learning curve. BMW's comfort access is basically the same as Mercedes keyless-go. On our ML, we can lock it by touching the handle on any of the 4 doors whereas on the F30 it only locks from the front 2 doors.

Another difference from the MB is the auto wipers where it just stays in auto but on the F30 you have to press the button on the stalk each time the car is started. My other annoyance, and please don't flame me here, I know fog lights are for driving in fog. But I hate that you have to press the button to turn them on each time. In my E39, the fog switch would stay on and they just came on anytime the parking lights came on, it wasn't a separate function. I also have to get used to the double tap of the start/stop button to shut the car down.

Where do you guys keep your sunglasses? I haven't figured that out yet. I usually have a water w/ me so the power outlet ahead of the cup holders is a lil inconvenient. I found myself using the outlet on the rear of the center console to keep my phone plugged in. Even though I have the 320i and just spent the day driving a 335i, at no time on the drive home did I find myself wanting for more power and I encountered all kinds of traffic situations.

As for the ride, I have the 704 sport suspension w/ the 18" staggered Bridgestone run flat summer performance tires. The ride is firm w/o a doubt. H&R sport springs is on my list of mods but I'm 2nd guessing now. Especially coming up I-295 in Virginia, it was almost punishing. Not sure if it was just the road, the suspension itself not being settled yet, or the run flats. I'll give it some time and possibly try a set of conventional tires before making up my mind. I really don't like these wheels but they're staying till at least next summer.

Make no mistake about it, I love the car and I'm enjoying the way it drives and handles. Just this afternoon had to do a quick avoidance maneuver to avoid being t-boned by a UPS truck. He pulled out of parking lot w/o stopping on my passenger side where my wife was in the front and my 5y/o was in her car seat in the back. His bumper had to be inches from their doors and I'm grateful no one was coming in the other direction at that moment. My wife did one of those screams where her mouth was wide open w/ nothing coming out. Flipping the wheel to the left then quickly back to the right, the car just tracked perfectly and never felt unsettled. Am I giving the car too much credit? Possibly. But it was one of those moments we both felt we got our money's worth. I installed the M-Performance shifter today and next will be a cf wrap on the silver interior trim pieces.

[.BMW.]

Great write up and congrats on your new car!

[jacobbmw]

Great thread. Love the car. Enjoy!!
I do have a question, since when did they go back to the Y connector for the ipod. I thought you only need the white usb cable? Thats what I use in my 2013??

[300hp]

BMW has the 4 door comfort access on the 5ers/x5s and up. Not sure about the X3.

The rest get a 2 door comfort access. I am sure most F3X competitors have the 2 door comfort access so this is standard in the segment.

The two tap shutdown can be reduced to one if you use ASS.

Congrats on the new ride

[BimmerQuest]

Thanks for such a thorough writeup!

Originally Posted by skw

Another difference from the MB is the auto wipers where it just stays in auto but on the F30 you have to press the button on the stalk each time the car is started.

This is going to drive me crazy.

[blk88verde]

Nice write up! I agree - first thing I had to do was raise the seats for my self and wife to max height. I find the transmission and clutch to be fabulous in my 320i MT sport.

[alex2364]

I think you were in the same group as this guy.

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=992772

[justinnum1]

sunglasses go here
[IMG][/IMG]

[drob23]

Originally Posted by 300hp

BMW has the 4 door comfort access on the 5ers/x5s and up. Not sure about the X3.

The rest get a 2 door comfort access. I am sure most F3X competitors have the 2 door comfort access so this is standard in the segment.

The two tap shutdown can be reduced to one if you use ASS.

Congrats on the new ride

I have keyless entry for all 4 doors with the Audi (believe this is case for A4 with advanced key), and only front 2 doors with the GTI.

F30 has folding mirrors though while mine doesn't...I also don't have front PDC...so there are always some +/- to every make/model option boxes.

[crono06]

Our Q5 also has Advanced Key lock/unlock on all 4 doors. I was actually a bit surprised when I found out the 3 series only had it on the front doors.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by drob23

I have keyless entry for all 4 doors with the Audi (believe this is case for A4 with advanced key), and only front 2 doors with the GTI.

Audi is ahead of the curve on this one then. Most in the segment are still using the two door approach and as you move up the product line, 4 door comfort access becomes common.

[skw]

Originally Posted by 300hp

BMW has the 4 door comfort access on the 5ers/x5s and up. Not sure about the X3.

The rest get a 2 door comfort access. I am sure most F3X competitors have the 2 door comfort access so this is standard in the segment.

The two tap shutdown can be reduced to one if you use ASS.

Congrats on the new ride

I tried to use the ASS while in traffic coming thru DC on Friday, couldn't do it. Too much shudder as it turned off and then back on. Getting myself used to coasting to a stop, clutch in to put it into gear, one press to turn the engine off, foot off clutch (so it doesn't start again), 2nd press of start button, press door lock button, and e-brake on.

Originally Posted by alex2364

I think you were in the same group as this guy.

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=992772

Yes I was! In fact him and his wife and myself and my wife were the only 2 w/ Paul M. as out instructor. Thx for the link, gonna go say hi on his thread now.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

sunglasses go here
[IMG][/IMG]

Nice, I may have to go get a sunglass case then. Someone also mentioned putting them in the cubby hole to the left of the steering wheel.

[rjpeaks]

great write up OP

stoked for you

[skw]

Originally Posted by rjpeaks

great write up OP

stoked for you

Thanks!

[DrivenByE30]

WOW OP !! I have to give it to you and your wife for ordering the "Jalop" "Jalopnik" BMW !!

320i 6MT !!

Thank you for making this thread !

I applaud and salute your choice ! Congrats on finally getting the car.

Just for info, the clutch and transmission feel is typical of BMW.

I have been driving 6 MT since the E30 and the notchy-ness is normal for a BMW.
I would suggest you switching gears without forcing, instead letting the transmission "drop" in after that "notch": push it to the notch and then let it drop in.

You cannot just shove it or do it in a one motion... it has to be savored...

PS: Justinnum1 is always correct, but in this case i have to say sunglasses do not go on top of the Handbrake. Left cubby hole is the correct answer




PS2: There should be a second power outlet upfront on the passenger side UNDER the glove box, before the lower vent

PS3: you dont have to double tap the S/S button when you are done. Just do it once will shut the engine. The second one is for the Accessory, but you dont need to, because as soon as you lock the car: EVERYTHING WILL BE OFF ! Alternatively, you can also have it coded it that when you open the door (after the one tap) the entertainment will be off.

PS4: Personally, i think those 704 wheels looks really nice !!!

PS5: i believe you can set in "i-Drive" how you open and lock your doors...

Happy and safe motoring !

[S4NoMore]

Originally Posted by jacobbmw

I do have a question, since when did they go back to the Y connector for the ipod. I thought you only need the white usb cable? Thats what I use in my 2013??

I asked "where's my y-cable?!" when I took delivery. Turns out that with the option of enhanced BT & USB the y-cable is not needed, as the audio can be pulled via USB. Without that option the audio comes via the aux port, hence the split connector.

[dt20011]

Great write up, congrats! Can never go wrong with Alpine!

[crawfordbay]

Great write up! It was awesome to do this together. You had a much longer ride home than me. Mine is now at 600 miles.

[GOLFFRR]

fantastic write up and as you know PCD is always a great experience

[skw]

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

WOW OP !! I have to give it to you and your wife for ordering the "Jalop" "Jalopnik" BMW !!

320i 6MT !!

Thank you for making this thread !

I applaud and salute your choice ! Congrats on finally getting the car.

Just for info, the clutch and transmission feel is typical of BMW.

I have been driving 6 MT since the E30 and the notchy-ness is normal for a BMW.
I would suggest you switching gears without forcing, instead letting the transmission "drop" in after that "notch": push it to the notch and then let it drop in.

You cannot just shove it or do it in a one motion... it has to be savored...

PS: Justinnum1 is always correct, but in this case i have to say sunglasses do not go on top of the Handbrake. Left cubby hole is the correct answer




PS2: There should be a second power outlet upfront on the passenger side UNDER the glove box, before the lower vent

PS3: you dont have to double tap the S/S button when you are done. Just do it once will shut the engine. The second one is for the Accessory, but you dont need to, because as soon as you lock the car: EVERYTHING WILL BE OFF ! Alternatively, you can also have it coded it that when you open the door (after the one tap) the entertainment will be off.

PS4: Personally, i think those 704 wheels looks really nice !!!

PS5: i believe you can set in "i-Drive" how you open and lock your doors...

Happy and safe motoring !

Thank You! After reading your post last night, I started paying more attention to not trying to switch gears in one smooth motion (wasn't really happening anyway). Messing w/ it today, I noticed the keeping the proper revs up for each gear help it drop into the next gear. So again, I thank you for the tip.

Re ps1: They're in the cubby hole now.

Re ps2: Have to look for it and see it that works better to let the phone charge while driving.

Re ps3: This part may be more of a personal adjustment as our ML350 it's one press to turn the engine off, and then when you open the door, radio, etc goes off. In the 320, when I open the door and the radio stays on, I'm thinking I left the car on. Doesn't feel natural yet that it'll shut off when I lock it. Esp when I park in my garage, I usually don't lock it. Looking to get a few other things coded so will add this to the list as well.

[steve111]

Another difference from the MB is the auto wipers where it just stays in auto but on the F30 you have to press the button on the stalk each time the car is started.

When I first got my F31, I thought this was the dumbest thing ever. Now I actually like it. Any other car I've driven with auto wipers will occasionally just wipe a dry screen for no reason - I hate that. The BMW doesn't do it. Auto wipers stay off, till it rains. One touch of a button, and they're on. I can live with having to touch a button once if I notice droplets on the windscreen.

As for the y-cable - I've got Professional Nav, but not Extended BT. The regular white Apple USB cable works just fine (and the y-cable didn't work).

[dmath]

Another post making me sorry I didn't know about PCD when I bought my car. Congratulations on the car and the great experience.