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      05-25-2018, 05:28 PM   #1
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New (to me) 2017 330i xDrive Sports Wagon

Picked up my new 2017 330i Sports Wagon at a dealer in Virginia on Wednesday and drove it back to the Boston area. It was a demo vehicle, so I am the first owner. I looked quite a while for a wagon with both the M Sport Package and the Track Handling Package. They are not easy to find. It came pretty loaded.

White
Black Dakota Leather w/ Oyster Highlights
Cold Weather Package
Driving Assistance Package
Driving Assistance Plus
Lighting Package
M Sport Package
Premium Package
Technology Package
Track Handling Package
Harmon Kardon Sound

The 500 mile trip home was a great introduction to the car. And today, I had installed the Dinan Shockware software package for the Adaptive Suspension. I knew before I bought the car that I planned to have that added. It really does tighten up the suspension and makes it corner flatter. Basically, it makes the Comfort mode simulate the Sport mode, the Sport mode simulate the Sports Plus mode, and has a more aggressive Sports Plus mode map.

I've had several BMWs over the years. My first was a 1977 320i that I bought new (gives you an idea as to my age - of course I bought it when I was only 8 years old. Right.). I've also had a 1987 535is, a 2000 540i, and a 135i. All were manuals. The 540i and 135i had upgraded suspensions (Dinan for the 540i and the M Performance Suspension for the 135i). The Sports Wagon will not handle like those cars did. And the electric steering is a far cry from the old hydraulic steering. But I still think I'm going to enjoy the car.

My other car is a 2014 Porsche Boxster S. I love that car. It's also my fourth Porsche. The BMW will be my "alternate" to provide more space and practicality, AWD in winter, and yet still be relatively fun.
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2017 BMW 330i xDrive Sports Wagon, White/Black, M Sport, Track Handling Package
2018 Porsche Carrera T, Guards Red, Rear Axle Steering, PDK

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      05-25-2018, 05:34 PM   #2
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Welcome to the wagon family! Your gonna love its utility and its fun!
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      05-25-2018, 05:37 PM   #3
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Thanks!
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      05-26-2018, 05:46 AM   #4
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Beautiful Touring!

Congrats.
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      05-26-2018, 07:16 AM   #5
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Wagons rule FTW - welcome to the club!

Get some Autotecknik paddles best $200 you can spend much better feel than stock and a much more sporty look.
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      05-26-2018, 10:12 AM   #6
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Thanks for the suggestion about the paddles. I’ll look into them.
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      05-26-2018, 10:16 AM   #7
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Nice wagon congrat.
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      05-26-2018, 10:50 AM   #8
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Congrats. Nice car, and very hard to find, especially with those options.

You get used to the electric power steering after a bit. The majority of cars have it now anyway.
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      05-26-2018, 09:51 PM   #9
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Thanks everyone for the congratulations. I'm definitely enjoying the car.

This is the first BMW I have had with electric steering. My Boxter S has electric steering, and I must admit that it is far superior. It's not as good as the hydraulic steering of my previous Porsches, but it's a far better implementation than BMW's. That's unfortunate, because, as has been discussed repeatedly in this and other forums, it's apparently a choice that BMW is making to satisfy non-enthusiasts.

Fortunately, the Dinan Shockware software has, in my opinion, improved the situation. Prior to the flash, I was bothered by a dead on center feel. It's like there was a hesitation in taking it off center, which was not at all good. After the flash, that feeling seems gone in Comfort mode and in Sports Plus mode. It's almost gone in Sports mode, although perhaps not entirely. I know that the software is supposed to only impact the dampers. But there must be some interaction between the steering modes and the suspension. So far, I think the Shockware is a really good investment. We'll see if I continue to be as impressed as I get more experience with the car.

Other than the steering, I'm really happy with the car. The handling, for an AWD vehicle, is very good (especially with the Shockware). The ride is comfortable in all modes. I like the space, the seats, and the utility. And it looks good, too!

I'm glad to be part of the F31 community!
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      05-26-2018, 10:50 PM   #10
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Love it, awesome spec too! (I'm a tad biased of course)
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      05-26-2018, 11:23 PM   #11
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Cool New to the Family! Sport+ on a non msport?

Just bought my first car, a 2013 328i xdrive (f30). I've been a car guy all my life, and have been wanting a BMW for quite some time.

Question: How would I go about getting sport+ on my F30, since it is not an msport? If coding is the only option, is it better to learn how or to get it done by someone (how much)?

Question 2: what first mods (if any) should I do?
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      05-26-2018, 11:24 PM   #12
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Congratulations
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      05-27-2018, 01:22 AM   #13
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Nice, another stormtrooper. Beautiful car. Congratulations!
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      05-28-2018, 09:10 PM   #14
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Thanks. I looked up the "stormtrooper" thread. Pretty cool!
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      05-28-2018, 10:01 PM   #15
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Hey, welcome to the AW F31 club! Alpine White F31 thread https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1360588

Yes you do have a Stormtrooper too, would love to see your car there too.
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      03-10-2021, 10:05 AM   #16
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Nearly 3 years later, do you still own this car? How has ownership been?
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      04-20-2021, 09:16 PM   #17
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Yes, I still have it. It's a very good car. Great utility. Pretty fun to drive. I really like the looks with the M Sport package. The seats are excellent. The stance is good. Overall, I really nice car. The engine isn't inspiring, but it's got quite good acceleration. I really enjoy putting the transmission in manual mode and controlling the shifts. It's an excellent transmission. Not a Porsche PDK, but still pretty good.

My only real complaint is that I consider the steering very poor - especially with the staggered Michelin Pilot Sports. In "normal" for the adaptive suspension, it's not too bad. But the engine lugs too much. In "sport" the steering is really bad. It feels like it's on roller skates. In "sport +" it's not as bad. Seems more connected. But still not confidence inspiring.

Last year, with the pandemic, I kept the winter tires (also Michelins) on throughout the summer. The steering is fine with those tires. The grip, of course, is not as high. But the steering gives confidence. Last week I switched back to the summer tires. If I keep the inflation up to spec (38 psi all around), it's not too bad. If I let the inflation pressure go down, it's really not very good. I've complained about this to the dealer, but, of course, I'm told it's normal. If anyone else out there has the staggered setup on summer tires, I'd be very interested to hear what their experience is. I'd love to find out that there is something "off" with my car that I could fix.

So.... I'm happy with the purchase, and I have no plans to sell the car. I just wish I could improve the steering. When the PSS tires wear out, I'll try something not as aggressive and see if that solves the problem.
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      04-22-2021, 11:14 AM   #18
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I love wagons and you certainly scored with the M Sport and track package! Looks great!
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      05-04-2021, 03:00 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlm50 View Post
So.... I'm happy with the purchase, and I have no plans to sell the car. I just wish I could improve the steering. When the PSS tires wear out, I'll try something not as aggressive and see if that solves the problem.
Thanks for the great response! I can totally understand what you're feeling. Potentially going to one of these from my current E82 will be a huge change in that respect. I know I'll have a hard time finding a used one with the right spec--you really nailed it with the Track Handling Package and AW exterior. Beautiful car and good luck with continuing ownership!
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      05-05-2021, 11:03 AM   #20
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Wow, what a great car! This will hold its value for years to come!
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      05-06-2021, 04:50 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wlm50 View Post

My only real complaint is that I consider the steering very poor - especially with the staggered Michelin Pilot Sports. In "normal" for the adaptive suspension, it's not too bad. But the engine lugs too much. In "sport" the steering is really bad. It feels like it's on roller skates. In "sport +" it's not as bad. Seems more connected. But still not confidence inspiring.
Very interesting to read this - thanks for sharing. Do you have the 2VL option, Variable Sports Steering? I believe it is includes with the Track Handling package, but figured I would ask. Thanks!
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      05-08-2021, 07:23 PM   #22
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Thanks for the responses. To triax37, yes it has Variable Sports Steering. I haven't driven a similar vehicle without it, so I can't compare to standard steering. I like the weighting ok. It's the match to the mixed summer tires that isn't so good, and I don't know if the VSS contributes to it or not.

I'm hopeful that I will eventually find a solution to my dissatisfaction with the steering on summer tires. Maybe changing to a less aggressive tire. Maybe some mod on the suspension. Otherwise, I'm really very happy with the car, and I have no plans to move away from it.
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Last edited by wlm50; 05-08-2021 at 07:28 PM..
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