Almost a week with my F30

Originally Posted by Hagen21

Ok one small complaint now that it is 10 degrees here in NJ. I wish the heated steering wheel and seats would heat up a little faster!

This is the first car I've ever had with a heated steering wheel, and after the last few days, it's probably my favorite feature on the car! I've been surprised at how quickly mine heats up. Perhaps there's something wrong with yours.

I've noticed the heat to the steering wheel cuts off when the A.S.S. shuts down the engine. The drop-off in wheel temperature is rapid and quite obvious.

Originally Posted by DZeckhausen

This is the first car I've ever had with a heated steering wheel, and after the last few days, it's probably my favorite feature on the car! I've been surprised at how quickly mine heats up. Perhaps there's something wrong with yours.

I've noticed the heat to the steering wheel cuts off when the A.S.S. shuts down the engine. The drop-off in wheel temperature is rapid and quite obvious.

I may just be impatient in the frigid temperatures. How long does yours take to warm up?

Originally Posted by Hagen21

I may just be impatient in the frigid temperatures. How long does yours take to warm up?

I notice it warming up in just a few seconds. Yesterday, when the car was sitting outside my office in 12 degree weather, it took a bit longer to notice any warmth. Probably a full minute. But then again, I had put gloves on. I keep gloves in my door pocket, but almost never use them, thanks to the heated wheel.

Originally Posted by chiba

I think I may be the only ASS man here :P The quietness of my car in standby accompanied by the savings on gas / emissions to the atmosphere. The slight jerk is an endearingly quirky part of my cars character.
I even find myself missing it when the engine is to cold to work. Am I drinking the koolade here?

Chiba

Yes, too much Kool-Aid...that slight jerk is not endearing as it cheapens the car.

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Since I had my ASS re-coded I haven't even thought about it a bit, it's like it was never even there.

BJ

+1 If I wanted ASS, I would've gotten Cameron Diaz's Prius.

Originally Posted by Hagen21

I'm amused by the 70 degree setting. I just got done telling my kids to just leave it at 70, and don't touch it.

LOL!

EDIT: By the way, it looks great!

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Get the painted reflectors, really changes the look, cleans it up a bit.
BJ

I'm sorry to intrude, but what does this mean, please? Is this an aftermarket thing, something that comes with one of the lines, or a simple option?

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Since I had my ASS re-coded I haven't even thought about it a bit, it's like it was never even there.

BJ

Is that because it's not there? Meaning you always keep it off?

I will get the ASS adjustment, but I might work with it for a while to see whether (a) I get used to it and/or (b) it smooths out over time as someone else has suggested. I live the the second largest city in the country and we do a lot of stopping for some very long lights.

I like the option, though, of switching it off permanently if I end up not liking it. I like it even better when the sales guy offered that up proactively when we discussed the car. That's an ex-mechanic for you!

Hagen, can you comment on the level of engine noise in the cabin? I'm looking at the 328i, manual transmission, and I'm concerned that over the radio/road noise the engine will be too quiet to give audible feedback about how hard it's working.

Originally Posted by 408Racer

Yes, too much Kool-Aid...that slight jerk is not endearing as it cheapens the car.

Wrong.

Originally Posted by BmwFlooner

Hagen, can you comment on the level of engine noise in the cabin? I'm looking at the 328i, manual transmission, and I'm concerned that over the radio/road noise the engine will be too quiet to give audible feedback about how hard it's working.

The only time I cannot hear the engine (with the stock exhaust and intake) is at idle at a light when the engine is warmed up. It's almost hard to tell the engine is running.

All other times, I have no problem audibly hearing the engine, never had a mis-shift, or some kind of moment caught off guard and I have my radio at a decent volume as I am not an old man yet lol.

Originally Posted by jjcruiser

I'm sorry to intrude, but what does this mean, please? Is this an aftermarket thing, something that comes with one of the lines, or a simple option?

It's an aftermarket cosmetic tweak. The orange reflectors on the front fenders are a US regulation and not in keeping with what the car looks like in Europe.

Get a set of these, they pop in and replace the orange color with the color of your paint.

http://parts.ind-distribution.com/product/IND%20Painted%20Reflectors-INDF30^845.php

BJ

Originally Posted by BmwFlooner

Hagen, can you comment on the level of engine noise in the cabin? I'm looking at the 328i, manual transmission, and I'm concerned that over the radio/road noise the engine will be too quiet to give audible feedback about how hard it's working.

I have no problem hearing the engine even with the radio on. I think the level of sound is appropriate. I have the auto but I have driven manuals before and I doubt you would have a problem.

Originally Posted by BmwFlooner

Hagen, can you comment on the level of engine noise in the cabin? I'm looking at the 328i, manual transmission, and I'm concerned that over the radio/road noise the engine will be too quiet to give audible feedback about how hard it's working.

An adjustment for the radio can be set to increase the volume level as you speed up. It' location is on the iDrive / Radio / Tone. I have adjusted mine up two notches.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm coming from a v6 Eclipse that wants for nothing as far as engine noise is concerned, and I'm getting a BMW soon. I'm looking forward to a quieter ride (...and more torque and HP) but was concerned it would be *too* quiet in normal commutes. I'm giving up the coupe lifestyle for carseats and kids, but I can't give up driving a manual.

Originally Posted by BmwFlooner

Thanks for the feedback. I'm coming from a v6 Eclipse that wants for nothing as far as engine noise is concerned, and I'm getting a BMW soon. I'm looking forward to a quieter ride (...and more torque and HP) but was concerned it would be *too* quiet in normal commutes. I'm giving up the coupe lifestyle for carseats and kids, but I can't give up driving a manual.

If you are coming from an Eclipse, you are going to be very pleased with the noise level. I came from an Acura TL and the BMW is quieter. It is quieter than a Cadillac ATS. The BMW manual is the best available. But when you put your foot into it you will hear it, you will feel it and you will enjoy the whole experience!