Gallery

Sunday, March 13, 2011

BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included

Power (Thoda hai thode ki zaroorat hai):
320i is not very powerful. Depends on what lens you use to measure this. I am comparing it to 320D, A4 and C220 Petrol. Comparing petrol with petrol, c220 felt like a monster in comparison to 320i. However for my practical needs, i find 320i pretty adequate. I am not the type who would just try and do the max speed wherever i can. I am more of those sober types :-) trying to enjoy the nature while i am driving. I dont like the side images blurred.
With the available power, on the Highways, though i was able to overtake almost all vehicles (maybe there were no better cars). The power delivery is not linear and massive turbo (turbo = some extra power) kicks in at around 2200 rpm and it also produces some extra noise. Initially I and my wife both were a bit annoyed with this, as it is sudden and throws you back. Though i must admit, i did "Wow" when i test drove it. However over the long drive, i tried manipulating with the force you put on the pedal and soon got adjusted to the way it is to be handled so that it behaves smoothly. Now i feel quite comfortable with it. Max that i went on this trip was around 110 Kmph. I just didnt feel the roads (though empty) were good enough to go beyond this. With amount of pedal space and RPMs left, I feel taking it to 160 should be pretty easy and without too much Hum and loss of grip.
Transmission:
Driving in the city traffic was a very good experience. This is my first with Automatics and it really is very relaxing and much less stressful. Although 320i isnt a very powerful car, but still it never disappointed me in over taking or providing muscle when i needed. Steptronic is awesome. On highway I put it on sports mode and was using manual up/down shifts and it is truly a great feature. The feel and the feedback to the whole mechanism is spot-on and instantaneous. At no point it leaves you with any ambiguity. I guess without Steptronic, it would have been boring to drive on the highways.

Handling and Ride:
The biggest plus point of the car i would say is its handling. It is just too damn good. It feels so obedient and sincere in its actions and follows every command like a Samurai disciple. Visibility is pretty good as well and hence moving around with the large bonnet of 3 isn’t too difficult. In fact I was at ease pretty much from day one. Steering is extremely responsive and makes one feel extremely safe around the corners even at high speeds. This is especially in comparison to my ikon, where steering just gives off beyond 90/100Kmph. But at the same time, steering feels quite heavy at low speeds especially during parking. My security guy watches me in amusement everyday on why I have to use both my hands to steer, almost like a truck,[FONT=Wingdings]J[/FONT]. Amongst my wish list for 3 series would be a dynamic steering which is calibrated across different speed bands.
Ride is stiff and most of the modest bumps are felt easily. However the suspension is smooth and there is that rounded edge to the bumps and pot holes so it wouldn’t give you those spine aching rides but also not that good to let your co-passengers sleep. This is after they have softened the suspension of 08 3 series cars. I wonder how it would be for the earlier ones.
In terms of Cabin Noise level, Ride is pretty decent. Cabin masks quite a lot of noise. On one stretch where the road was good, we experienced almost a perfect silence.
Fuel Economy:
At this point, the overall Mileage that the Trip Comp shows is 9.3 Kmpl. I assume I would get around 8-8.5 Kmpl in city. The Mileage meter on the odo is very useful. It dynamically shows you whats the mileage you are getting currently, its analog so it is easy to adjust the Acceleration and RPM to optimize the figure. And from my independent calculation and its own readings, I believe its quite accurate. My initial worries that even the highway mileage might be below 10, have been rested. I was able to get around 11 Kmpl for the Tirupati Trip. With proper driving (don’t mean slow or lethargic) i guess one can attain around 13 Kmpl on highways.
Audio/Interiors/Gadgetry:
I am not an Audiophile (anymore ;-( ), so my audio requirement bars are set pretty low. You can gauge this from the fact that I was happy even with my company fitted audio system of Ikon (8 years old now). So to me 320i’s Audio is pretty good and contrary to the views I have seen and read, I found the controls on dash very intuitive. Interior quality is great and I feel it is between A4 and C. A4 being the best in the class. 320i's interiors are clearly better than current Superb and Passat (which actually compare to discounted 320i in terms of cost.) Leather and wood quality is very good and definitely upclass.
Seats are comfortable especially Rear ones. The recline is just perfect. Though due to a high Wind Tunnel passing through the median, it is strictly a 4 seater. Seating 3 people in rear would be a gruesome act and can almost be tagged as a crime. Front seats are very well placed however I must admit that visibility f
On gadgets front, I was initially very skeptical of Audio based Park assist system, but now I am comfortable with it. But surely visual indication would have been very cool. iDrive would have looked gorgeous but I cant see how much of use could I have made other than what is available on Trip Comp. Controls for Trip are pretty intuitively placed and I am at ease with them now. Mirror Retraction is indeed very useful, I wonder why Merc decided to take it out of new C class. Unbelievably new C doesn’t have electric Retract. You have to manually push them back.
Sun Roof is cool, if not very useful, it is a feature that you can boast/demo around and people do "Wow" with the electromechanical system in action. Bi-Xenons are cool as well in looks and utlity both. They look awesome and offer a perfect illumination in the night. I was able to see its full advantage during the night drive from Tirupati. I am starting to like the Daytime Corona rings even more than A4's LED Eyes

Road Presence and Snob Value:
BMW kicks *** in this department. Not only in India, BMW holds a certain respect, across most geographies, evident from the fact that few friends (atleast mine) residing in US and Europe praise it like we do. Blame it to their roots [FONT=Wingdings][/FONT]. Road presence is tremendous, maybe due to its long bonnet. It doesn’t fail to turn heads. This is despite the fact that it is only as long as Civic or Corolla. Another Big point is Unprecedented Female attention. Wish i had got this 5 years back but then such is Life.

Dealership (Navnit Motors) :
I am happy with the response of the dealer on most accounts. Especially Mr. Jeevan, from Sales, with whom I have been interacting. He has been of great help in resolving the last issue that I had. Guys from Service Dept are little less responsive; though get the work done on time. I just wish they communicate a little more.

Road to Tirupati:
Roads are pretty decent and not much traffic on them either. However they aren’t expressways so average max speeds remain at around 90kmph. One gripe is that once you are beyond 60 kms away from Bangalore, there aren’t many good Fuel stations. As on my other thread, I have become the victim of poor fuel on one such station. It may be that I was pure unlucky and other stations are better. Also Food available is just okay at most places nothing to talk about or relish once you have filled your bellies.
Problems:
I had one serious looking problem while on my way back form Tirupati. It showed an Engine warning sign. Manual said the Engine cannot provide the full power and hence drive it at modest speeds. I kept at around 80 and reached home. Further diagnosis showed that Exhaust-Cam-Shaft Sensor had malfunctioned. Upon checking physically it showed that there was moisture clogged around that area and hence the false alarm. That was cleant and tested again and the whole problem is resolved now.
Pictures:
Da-Car
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01020.jpg

BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01032.jpg

IDrive missing, else perfect. Beige Interiors- nightmare to maintain.
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01021.jpg

Double power sockets at the rear, handy for chauffeur driven. Also eats up the middle seat.

BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01026.jpg

Looks neat isnt it? Never go near a State transport bus with the roof open. Our Indian brothers consider SPITTING as one of their fundamental and constitutional rights.
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01025.jpg

Da-Boot
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01028.jpg

No Spare means extra space
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01030.jpg

CD Changer in the boot. This one cant play MP3s. Looks like someone cleared their 20th century stock.
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01029.jpg

Fully electrical seats = more convenience
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01038.jpg

And Finally, The Turbine
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01035.jpg

Some other misc pics:
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01022.jpg
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01037.jpg
BMW 320i: First 10 days/700 Kms Review- Pics included-dsc01039.jpg
source: www.team-bhp.com

BMW 320i Sports Test Drive Review

BMW has recently launched the Sports series to complement the 3 Series lineup with the introduction of the 320i Sport and the 325i Sports models. According to BMW Malaysia, these Sports versions offer buyers a sportier version of the standard 320i SE and 325i models. BMW invited us to test drive the 320i Sports model, so let’s see how it stands up to expectations after the jump.

BMW 320i Sports
Looks
The 320i Sports model has quite a number of differences as compared to the standard 320i SE (base model). The most noticeable difference would be the M Aerodynamics kit which is made part of a front air dam with bigger air inlets and an integrated rear diffuser. The Sports version also features a 17 inch Dual Spoke M Light Alloy wheels, fitted with run flat tyres.
Another distinctive exterior feature of the Sports to help complement its looks is the Shadow Line high gloss black window recesses and mirror frame. The 320i Sports is also lower than its base model, with a total height reduction of 15 millimeters.
I would say BMW has done a good job in terms of styling the 320i Sports to outline its sportier characteristics. The car does feature a more aggressive look but let’s keep our fingers crossed for the driving experience and hope it complements the masculinity of the 320i Sports.
BMW 320i Sports
Performance
The 320i Sports version is fitted with a 2.0 liter inline-4 Valvetronic power plant that is supposed to be uprated with an additional of 6 horsepower revving it up to a total of 156 bhp @ 6400 rpm as opposed to the 320i SE’s 150 bhp. It sounds like the 320i Sports is more powerful but unfortunately based on our test drive we did not feel any difference.
Acceleration is modest with 0 to 100 km/h taking 9.7 seconds (same as 320i SE). Maintaining about 110 km/h on the freeway, I put my foot all the way down on the accelerator (a typical overtaking maneuver, or what you’d do when you encounter a long nice straight road); it shifts into lower gear, the rev increased and the engine ‘rumbles’, but it feels like forever before the speedo needle even touches 150 km/h.
You’ll probably reach its supposed 218 km/h top speed (same as 320i SE), but you’ll definitely need lots of road and patience.
BMW 320i Sports
Handling & Ride Comfort
The Germans have hit the right spot in terms of handling and ride comfort with the 320i Sports. The Sports version is fitted with an M Sports Suspension with an optimized lightweight stiff chassis and axle. Both on slow and high speed corners, the car sticks on the road and it gives the driver more confidence to push it to its limits.
The fact that the car is lowered by 15 millimeters and that it has a diffuser at the back means that 320i Sports is much more stable through curves and bends as downforce is increased and it actually gives the driver more room to play with. In terms of ride comfort, it is a little on the stiff side due to the stiff suspension and runflat tyres but you would pardon it is an acceptable balance between sporty handling and ride comfort.
BMW 320i Sports
Interior
You would first notice a thick rimmed M leather (perforated Aero leather) steering wheel which will prompt the thought of taking the longer way back home. This feeling intensifies as you notice that the sports seat which nestles you nicely while you adjust the how much you want the seat to wrap your back with just a press of button on the lower side of the seat. The built in air compressor pumps the side support of the seat, and the left front passenger also enjoys this cool feature.
Another neat feature in the inside is the multi-functional front center arm rest which features a USB port for your iPod or any other MP3 player or thumbdrive, and a strap holder for it. There is alsoa refrigerated cup holder.
Other than that the interior is rather standard with its cool Aluminum Glacier Silver finish on the dashboard, fully black trim and standard controls such as dual cabin temperature control and cruise control.
BMW 320i Sports
Verdict
The initial idea of BMW to offer a sportier version of the 320i SE and 325i range is obviously a fantastic one, but the issue with the 320i Sports is that you can’t really enjoy those extra bits to the max, especially the neat suspension setup with an engine that seems to go like its has something stuck up its exhaust. Its engine lets down the rest of the package, making it look like it overpromises and underdelivers.
However some of us may argue that the 320i Sports may be worth since it is only RM 9,000.00 more than the standard 320i SE.
Story by Harvinder Singh Sidhu and photos by Leong Tik Tsin and Paul Tan.
BMW 320i Sports
BMW 320i Sports
BMW 320i Sports
BMW 320i Sports
BMW 320i Sports
Click for high resolution photo
BMW 320i Sports
Click for high resolution photo
BMW 320i Sports
source: paultan.org

BMW 320i

bmw 320i review

According to the World Car Guide, BMW's 3-series vehicles are the benchmark to which compact executive vehicles are compared. Test-drive or own the BMW 320i, and you will see why.
To begin with, the looks of the BMW 320i combine modern aerodynamic features with the traditional, distinctive BMW grille, which blends harmoniously with the curvilinear lines of the 320i. From the side, view, the looks are both curvaceous and dynamic, hinting at speed and smooth handling - and they have a drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd.
And the BMW 320i has the zest and zoom promised by its looks. The 2-litre engine, with a quick shifting manual transmission, is capable of racing from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds, and achieves this thanks to a maximum power of 115 kW at 6400 rpm and a maximum torque of 200 Nm at 3600 rpm. The BMW 320i has a vigorous top speed of 220 km/h (218 for the six speed automatic version), and is capable of pulling 695 kg (unbraked) if required. The fuel economy of the manual variant of the BMW 320i is very commendable, averaging 5.9 litres/100 km on the open road through independent reviews.  Around town, as one would expect, the BMW 320i consumes slightly more (11.3 litres/100 km), giving an average of 7.4 litres/100 km. The figures for the automatic BMW 320i are only very slightly higher, being 6.0 litres/100 km in the country and 11.4 litres/100 km in town, which average to 8.0 litres/100 km.
BMWs have always been well-made and reliable in a crash, and the 320i continues to uphold this worthy reputation. The standard DataDot technology is complemented by ABS, dynamic brake control, cornering brake control, automatic stability control plus traction and dynamic stability control, which all combine to make the BMW 320i safe and very stable. If you are unfortunate enough to have a crash (or if some stupid drip collides with you), the driver and front airbags will come into play (these airbags have an occupant detector function), as will the front side airbags, and the head airbag front and rear. All seats in the BMW 320i have been fitted with three-point seat belts, and the centre rear seat has a headrest, as do the other seats. Night driving is also made that little bit safer with a nice anti-dazzle mirror.
On the inside, the BMW 320i is tastefully decorated.  Depending on the variant, you will enjoy comfortable seating upholstered  in cloth trim for the BMW 320i and premium Dakota leather for the BMW 320i Executive, which can be offset by a range of trims, including natural poplar, burr walnut or brushed aluminium. A retractable front armrest gives an extra edge of driver comfort, especially when driving long-haul; this comfort is enhanced in the executive version of the BMW 320i, which has partial electric seat adjustment for the front seats. The automatic climate control, which comes complete with microfilter, helps you keep comfortably cool in all weathers. An in-dash CD/radio, a through-loading system with ski bag, an onboard computer and preparation for a Bluetooth mobile complete the standard offerings inside the entry-level BMW 320i.
As if the standard features weren't impressive enough, BMW offers a wide range of options for the 320i. Exterior options include metallic paint, fog lights (which already come as standard on the BMW 320i Executive), electric sunroof, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights and headlight washer system. On the inside, optional extras on offer range from electric lumbar support in the front passenger and driver seats to an 8.8" colour monitor and professional navigation system which includes TV and voice recognition.
What sort of driver would enjoy the BMW 320i?  Well, most drivers would enjoy the experience behind the wheel in either sedan or wagon guise and we certainly enjoyed our BMW 320i review. Certainly a small young family would be more than adequately transferred from A to B in the snug, well designed cabin. And, if extra space was required then the BMW 320i Touring model provides estate room.  The fine new BMW 320i is a very attractive proposition to any would-be buyer looking for the top of the class driving dynamics, and a state of the art driving experience - especially when the price tag starts at a little over fifty thousand dollars. 
The current model series includes the:
  • BMW 320i Sedan
  • BMW 320i Touring
For any more information on the BMW 320i, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you'd like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of BMW dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet - car buying made easy!

BMW 320i Parts, Drawings, and Tech-Tips Page

On this page you will find photos and descriptions of various 320i components. Toward the bottom of the page are Fuel Injection System, Fuel Supply System drawings, AC, ignition wiring diagrams and other drawings, Tech-Tips and interesting items via direct links to large images. Feel free to suggest future photo's or text.
All BMW 320i's for the U.S. use Bosch K-Jetronic CIS fuel injection and most of the photo's are from my 1981 320i - sold a few years ago.
Here's a site on Bosch K-Jetronic worth reading


Here's an overview of the engine bay.



This is the Cold Start Injector. It gives extra fuel during starting and briefly when very cold.



This is the PCV T-fitting. Air gases from the crankcase is vented through these hoses. Make sure its a tight fit or put on clamps as shown here.


This is the Auxilary Air Valve. When the engine is cold it allows extra air to bypass the throttle plate. This in turn forces extra fuel to be introduced. It acts basically as a choke in the traditional sense.



This is the Fuel Distributor. The heart of the fuel system that provides fuel to the injectors. The Line Pressure unit is the hex shaped thing toward the right on the base of the distributor.



Here is one of four Fuel Injectors which are mounted on the cyl. head. They open at specific pressures rather then electronically.



This is the Thermo Time Switch. At specific cold tempuratures in tells the cold start valve to activate.



This is the Warm-up Regulator. Its allows extra fuel to flow when the engine is cold. Inside the unit is an electrically heated steel rod which changes the flow rate of the unit. Its mounted under the starter area. Note: There is a tiny screen filter on the fuel inlet.



This is the Frequency Valve. Its mounted between the fuel distributor and the engine and under the air plenum. Very difficult to see when in place. Not 100% certain what it does but here goes. The valve is electrically controlled by the fuel injection computer based on readings from the oxygen sensor. The rigid line goes to the fuel distributor and the outlet with larger plastic hose connects with the fuel return hose to send excess fuel to the tank. Basically it richens/leans the mixture by controling the pressure within the fuel distributor.


This is the access hole under the back seat for the fuel tank sender/pickup/booster pump. Hoses here are often soft and weeping fuel. There are electrical connections for the booster pump (small plug) and the fuel level sender (large plug).



This is the Fuel Tank Pickup. It has a screen filter at the bottom, a booster fuel pump, and fuel level sender.



This is the Left Fuel Tank. I had to remove it to replace the upper vent hose to stop a fuel leak when the tank was full.



In this photo I am testing the fuel pressure. I connected a T-fitting on the outlet of the fuel filter at the back of the car. Pressure should be better than 71psi.



Here is the Ignition Distributor and Coil behind it.



The Ignition Module. Part of the point-less ignition system. See schematic drawings toward the bottom too!



The Fuse and Relay Box in the engine bay.



This is the Brake Master Cylinder and Reservoir.



Injection System donor cars: Any car running K-Jetronic CIS could be a good donor for a 320i. The only thing I can think of is the injectors themselves may be metered differently depending on the displacement of the donor and the fuel distributor on 6 and 8 cyl models. Many VW's have most of the system high up in the engine bay which makes getting parts a lot easier than from a donor 320.
According to a Fuel injection manual I have the following cars used Bosch K-Jetronic:
Audi, 100LS 76-77, Fox 76-79, 4000 & coupe 80-on, 5000 & Turbo & Quattro 78-on
BMW 320i 77-83
Mercedes Benz 280E & SE & CE 77-81, 450SL SLC SE SEL 76-80, 6.9 78-79, 380SL SLC SEL SEC 81-on
Peugeot 505 80-on
Porsche 911SC 76-77, 911Turbo 78-83, 912E 76-79, 924 76-81, 928 78-79
Saab 99 76-78, 99 Turbo 78, 900 & Turbo 79-on
Volkswagen Dasher 76-81, Jetta 80-on, Rabbit 77-on, Scirroco 76-on, Quantum 82-on
Book is from 1983 so when years are listed as '-on' assume at least 1983 and possibly onward.

Here's a great site on Bosch K-Jetronic worth reading

Now I'll detail some of the components of the Air Conditioning system. Here is the Compressor Pump. This is a Bosch unit while most had York.



Here is the AC Evaporator and blower assembly which would be installed in the dash.



Inside the evaporator is the Expansion Valve. Few people will ever see this in person fortunately.



This is the Condensor which is mounted in front of the radiator.



 
source: www.lexam.net