Borrowed a 2.0D today

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 08:38 AM

I finally got to drive an X3 today.

I was impressed with the 2.0D performance although when pushed hard there wasn't much more performance available. In normal driving it's perfectly quick enough, got to use DS mode though otherwise it's as though there's an elastic band on the throttle.

Handling with the UK spec SE suspension was good as was the ride with non-RFTs on 17's.

I checked the caulk in the hatch, not perfect but it was ok, closeup pics I suspect make it seem worse than it is.

The test car had a buzz/rattle in behind the dash, hopefully it's not typical.

I'm pleased I've ordered the 3.0D but I could easily live with the 2.0D. I hope the M Sport (UK spec) suspension on 18" RFTs is ok, there are no M Sports in my area to test.

Very, very impressed - and that's coming from a 335i Vert!

acey81 · 06-22-2011, 08:58 AM

Had the chance to drive a colleges 2.0d which has just been upped from 184hp to 215 and
from 380Nm to 450Nm. It gave the 2.0d that extra punch which was needed on the top.

The 3.0d is lovely however, not so much the performance as the sound and smoothness. The 2.0d is not as civilized. I'm sure you will be more than pleased if you enjoyed the 2.0!

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 09:06 AM

I was pleasantly surprised by the smoothness of the 2.0D but then as I'm getting the 6 pot 3.0D probably I didn't feel the need to analyse it too much. 560 Nm has to be a further step up! When I've heard the 3.0D in other cars it's sounded glorious.

sfax · 06-22-2011, 09:51 AM

You'll be fine with RFT 18s and sports suspension. I have RFT 19s and SS and was also concerned before it came but very pleased with the end result now and wouldn't change them if I had the opportunity (even to save £2000!)

sfax · 06-22-2011, 09:53 AM

2.0 has plenty enough power for me but I have to admit I know I would much prefer the sound of the 30d and also the knowledge that the extra power is available

. My fuel economy would suffer!

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

You'll be fine with RFT 18s and sports suspension. I have RFT 19s and SS and was also concerned before it came but very pleased with the end result now and wouldn't change them if I had the opportunity (even to save £2000!)

Good to know! Thanks.

Pugger · 06-22-2011, 10:12 AM

Just getting used to the engine and the manual box, yeah performace tails off at the upper limits but keep it in the zone and it really shifts for a 2.0L in a big car.
More impressed with the manual box the more I use it, it's smoother than the 2.0l pertrol I had previous and the changes are quick and easy. My only regret with my car. I should have ordered the sports seats.
Ah well, there always next time when I order my retirment present to myself, an M3 (I've started saving!)

ktjernstrom · 06-22-2011, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acey81

Had the chance to drive a colleges 2.0d which has just been upped from 184hp to 215 and
from 380Nm to 450Nm. It gave the 2.0d that extra punch which was needed on the top.

The 3.0d is lovely however, not so much the performance as the sound and smoothness. The 2.0d is not as civilized. I'm sure you will be more than pleased if you enjoyed the 2.0!

Which tuning company?

Karl

X3andZ4owner · 06-22-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acey81

Had the chance to drive a colleges 2.0d which has just been upped from 184hp to 215 and
from 380Nm to 450Nm. It gave the 2.0d that extra punch which was needed on the top.

The 3.0d is lovely however, not so much the performance as the sound and smoothness. The 2.0d is not as civilized. I'm sure you will be more than pleased if you enjoyed the 2.0!

Chiptuning = say goodbye to engine and gearbox warranty.. (5yrs in Norway)

sfax · 06-22-2011, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X3andZ4owner

Chiptuning = say goodbye to engine warranty.. (5yrs in Norway)

You can take most of them off when it goes in for service and then replace it afterwards. They probably won't know

clarence · 06-22-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

You'll be fine with RFT 18s and sports suspension. I have RFT 19s and SS and was also concerned before it came but very pleased with the end result now and wouldn't change them if I had the opportunity (even to save £2000!)

How's the ride quality compared with standard suspension? If sports suspension + 19" works in the UK then for me there's no need to add VDC.

X3andZ4owner · 06-22-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

You can take most of them off when it goes in for service and then replace it afterwards. They probably won't know

Doesnt the cars computer register and store a lot of functions during driving which is downloadet by BMW at service for analytical and scientifical purpose?
One can see the driving pattern, tork and even how many brakelight activations you have made.. Think its not so difficult when you analyze these data to see when the car was chipped...

sfax · 06-22-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X3andZ4owner

Doesnt the cars computer register and store a lot of functions during driving which is downloadet by BMW at service for analytical and scientifical purpose?
One can see the driving pattern, tork and even how many brakelight activations you have made.. Think its not so difficult when you analyze these data to see when the car was chipped...

They could spend the time analysing and attempting to prove that the car was chipped but could they prove it for sure? Unlikely. They might suspect it but then what? Take you to court over a warranty claim?

I know a few people who have chipped various BMWs and Audis and not had any problems with service and warranty. Doesn't mean it's a safe bet but I wouldn't not chip a car for fear of detection. I would be more concerned about the affects on the car itself and the extra wear and tear costs.

X3andZ4owner · 06-22-2011, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

They could spend the time analysing and attempting to prove that the car was chipped but could they prove it for sure? Unlikely. They might suspect it but then what? Take you to court over a warranty claim?

I know a few people who have chipped various BMWs and Audis and not had any problems with service and warranty. Doesn't mean it's a safe bet but I wouldn't not chip a car for fear of detection. I would be more concerned about the affects on the car itself and the extra wear and tear costs.

I think they would analize if you have an engine-/grearboxfailure on a fairly new car..
New car, newer technology and more powerfull car computer gives more variables for detection..

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 03:28 PM

Also what happens if you have a serious accident, maybe kill someone, and your insurance is invalidated?

sfax · 06-22-2011, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clarence

How's the ride quality compared with standard suspension? If sports suspension + 19" works in the UK then for me there's no need to add VDC.

I only have an hour of test driving a standard suspension X3 about 4 months before I got mine to compare it with but I think you feel the bumps a little more. However, it feels a bit less floaty with sports suspension and lower profile tyres. I also have performance control and servotronic steering which have an influence. Overall, I'm very happy with the setup and recommend it (and I would whinge and complain if I wasn't!). I would quite like to test drive a standard with 17s again to make a better comparison.

sfax · 06-22-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clivem2

Also what happens if you have a serious accident, maybe kill someone, and your insurance is invalidated?

You should obviously declare any mods on your insurance so this is irrelevant

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

You should obviously declare any mods on your insurance so this is irrelevant

I'd love to know whether everyone who chips their cars tells their insurance company.....well I know the answer to that, what should happen, often does not.

X3andZ4owner · 06-22-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clivem2

I'd love to know whether everyone who chips their cars tells their insurance company.....well I know the answer to that, what should happen, often does not.

Very relevent , if the insurance company finds out that you have powermodded you car, your insurance can be declared invalid.
And if they bring this further they can charge you for fraud.

clivem2 · 06-22-2011, 04:32 PM

What happens is that people with "mid-aged" cars which are chipped are more likely to be run with valid insurance. Because chipping cars in warranty invalidates parts of the warranty - and BMW have caught quite a number - these owners it seems are less likely to tell their insurance company.

How do I know? I've worked in Telematics industry with insurance companies (on PAYD) and vehicle OEMs, we connected various devices to the CANbus and OBDII port.

If it's all above board then chip away and have loads of fun!

clarence · 06-22-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X3andZ4owner

Chiptuning = say goodbye to engine and gearbox warranty.. (5yrs in Norway)

Not if it's done by AC Schnitzer or BMW Performance.

NYC_340i · 06-22-2011, 08:49 PM

I love it... if only it was in the United States.

06-22-2011, 08:38 AM	#1
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Borrowed a 2.0D today I finally got to drive an X3 today. I was impressed with the 2.0D performance although when pushed hard there wasn't much more performance available. In normal driving it's perfectly quick enough, got to use DS mode though otherwise it's as though there's an elastic band on the throttle. Handling with the UK spec SE suspension was good as was the ride with non-RFTs on 17's. I checked the caulk in the hatch, not perfect but it was ok, closeup pics I suspect make it seem worse than it is. The test car had a buzz/rattle in behind the dash, hopefully it's not typical. I'm pleased I've ordered the 3.0D but I could easily live with the 2.0D. I hope the M Sport (UK spec) suspension on 18" RFTs is ok, there are no M Sports in my area to test. Very, very impressed - and that's coming from a 335i Vert! __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-22-2011, 08:58 AM	#2
acey81 First Lieutenant 48 Rep 313 Posts Drives: F15 X5 40d M-sport; F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0)	Had the chance to drive a colleges 2.0d which has just been upped from 184hp to 215 and from 380Nm to 450Nm. It gave the 2.0d that extra punch which was needed on the top. The 3.0d is lovely however, not so much the performance as the sound and smoothness. The 2.0d is not as civilized. I'm sure you will be more than pleased if you enjoyed the 2.0!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 09:06 AM	#3
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I was pleasantly surprised by the smoothness of the 2.0D but then as I'm getting the 6 pot 3.0D probably I didn't feel the need to analyse it too much. 560 Nm has to be a further step up! When I've heard the 3.0D in other cars it's sounded glorious. __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 09:51 AM	#4
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	You'll be fine with RFT 18s and sports suspension. I have RFT 19s and SS and was also concerned before it came but very pleased with the end result now and wouldn't change them if I had the opportunity (even to save £2000!) __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 09:53 AM	#5
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	2.0 has plenty enough power for me but I have to admit I know I would much prefer the sound of the 30d and also the knowledge that the extra power is available . My fuel economy would suffer! __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 10:12 AM	#7
Pugger Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 4 GC 2.8i MSport Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cardiff iTrader: (0)	Just getting used to the engine and the manual box, yeah performace tails off at the upper limits but keep it in the zone and it really shifts for a 2.0L in a big car. More impressed with the manual box the more I use it, it's smoother than the 2.0l pertrol I had previous and the changes are quick and easy. My only regret with my car. I should have ordered the sports seats. Ah well, there always next time when I order my retirment present to myself, an M3 (I've started saving!)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 03:28 PM	#15
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Also what happens if you have a serious accident, maybe kill someone, and your insurance is invalidated? __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 04:32 PM	#20
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	What happens is that people with "mid-aged" cars which are chipped are more likely to be run with valid insurance. Because chipping cars in warranty invalidates parts of the warranty - and BMW have caught quite a number - these owners it seems are less likely to tell their insurance company. How do I know? I've worked in Telematics industry with insurance companies (on PAYD) and vehicle OEMs, we connected various devices to the CANbus and OBDII port. If it's all above board then chip away and have loads of fun! __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D Last edited by clivem2; 06-22-2011 at 04:46 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-22-2011, 08:49 PM	#22
NYC_340i Lieutenant 208 Rep 547 Posts Drives: '20 M340i xDrive, '11 X3 28i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I love it... if only it was in the United States.
	Appreciate 0 Quote