Hi all
Sneaked in here from the f30 forum.

Ive been looking on AUTOTRADER in the UK for last 2 weeks and a little confused on options.
Was hoping you folks could put me straight.
I’m coming from a 2012 F30 3 series with no bells and whistles with small screen so looking for some nice tech /

1. Only 2020 onwards seems to offer digital cockpit?
2. I’m confused with the screen sizes of digital cockpit,are there 2 sizes and what dictates this?
3. Are the centre screens all same size on these models or if not what dictates this as I presumes all are 10.2”
4. Does parking assistant mean auto parking with 360 camera
5. Does park assist mean purely reversing camera assist
6. I drive 7 is standard in 2020 onwards?
7. Does MSPORT plus mean you don’t get the comfort softer ride of the normal M Sport as I have a bad back? I like the better brakes that’s all

Thanks in advance.

Thackers wrote

Hi all
Sneaked in here from the f30 forum.

Ive been looking on AUTOTRADER in the UK for last 2 weeks and a little confused on options.
Was hoping you folks could put me straight.
I’m coming from a 2012 F30 3 series with no bells and whistles with small screen so looking for some nice tech /

1. Only 2020 onwards seems to offer digital cockpit?
2. I’m confused with the screen sizes of digital cockpit,are there 2 sizes and what dictates this?
3. Are the centre screens all same size on these models or if not what discttats this as I presumes all are 10.2”
4. Does parking assistant mean auto parking with 360 camera
5. Does park assist mean purely reversing camera assist
6. I drive 7 is standard in 2020 onwards?
7. Does MSPORT plus mean you don’t get the comfort softer ride of the normal M Sport as I have a bad back? I like the better brakes that’s all

Thanks in advance.

1. The fully digital dash, which is a flat display without the stick on analogue trim on the display, is a feature option of iDrive 7. UK market may be different to others markets, so be mindful with responses on a global forum.

2/3. Larger touch display size is usually associated with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional Option, which includes a 10.25” touch display.

6. Watch the production dates (not registration) as iDrive 7 SP15 was introduced at some point for model year 2020 production, although I have read some early MY2020 cars still had ID6, so worth double checking

7. M Sport Plus usually means larger wheels and more trim options like M seatbelts, more shadowline stuff etc. Look for adaptive dampers/M adaptive dampers depending on model as this provides an Adaptive Driver Experience mode option, in addition to comfort and sport user settings. M Sport is usually a mix of cosmetic stuff,options, larger brakes, stiffer conventional fixed suspension etc.

This may help with options etc - https://www.ecofleetuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BMW-X3-Price-List-2020-.pdf

I just bought a 71 plate X3 M sport, has most but not all the bells and whistles. 10" touch screen and heated seats/steering wheel etc, but not electric seats as such (which I prefer). The dash display seemed to change around 2020 to the current digital type (that I have and prefer). Bought from a BMW dealer with a full warranty and all serviced up. Happy is not the word.
Reversing camera
Collision avoidance
Pretty much everything you can think of are fitted.
I would always advise to buy the latest and best spec you can afford. That applies to cars and motorcycles alike. The kit only gets better

HootOwl wrote

I just bought a 71 plate X3 M sport, has most but not all the bells and whistles. 10" touch screen and heated seats/steering wheel etc, but not electric seats as such (which I prefer). The dash display seemed to change around 2020 to the current digital type (that I have and prefer). Bought from a BMW dealer with a full warranty and all serviced up. Happy is not the word.
Reversing camera
Collision avoidance
Pretty much everything you can think of are fitted.
I would always advise to buy the latest and best spec you can afford. That applies to cars and motorcycles alike. The kit only gets better

Sounds great.
Does it have the parking assistant or assistant plus ?
The technology is scary lol …the car actually selecting a space and parking

Could you pm me the garage listing you purchased from so I could ask some questions from the spec if you don’t mind.

What mpg does the 420i petrol realistically achieve in your experience

avi66 wrote

1. The fully digital dash, which is a flat display without the stick on analogue trim on the display, is a feature option of iDrive 7. UK market may be different to others markets, so be mindful with responses on a global forum.

2/3. Larger touch display size is usually associated with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional Option, which includes a 10.25” touch display.

6. Watch the production dates (not registration) as iDrive 7 SP15 was introduced at some point for model year 2020 production, although I have read some early MY2020 cars still had ID6, so worth double checking

7. M Sport Plus usually means larger wheels and more trim options like M seatbelts, more shadowline stuff etc. Look for adaptive dampers/M adaptive dampers depending on model as this provides an Adaptive Driver Experience mode option, in addition to comfort and sport user settings. M Sport is usually a mix of cosmetic stuff,options, larger brakes, stiffer conventional fixed suspension etc.

This may help with options etc - https://www.ecofleetuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/BMW-X3-Price-List-2020-.pdf

Thank for taking the time to write the detailed feedback .
It’s really helpful and appreciated

Thackers wrote

The technology is scary lol …the car actually selecting a space and parking ��

If you find one with the DAP option, LCI MY22+ SP18 version is better, if you can stretch, the car will also essentially drive for you.

It's particularly useful on monotonous motorway journeys, so you don't drift off and can fiddle with the infotainment while just sitting back lol.

I never use the self parking, but the reversing assistant is very useful.

avi66 wrote

If you find one with the DAP option, LCI MY22+ SP18 version is better, if you can stretch, the car will also essentially drive for you.

It's particularly useful on monotonous motorway journeys, so you don't drift off and can fiddle with the infotainment while just sitting back lol.

I never use the self parking, but the reversing assistant is very useful.

Thanks for the feedback AVI.
Never hear of DAP but will have a google and keep an eye out in the vehicle spec

Was / is adaptive cruise available in 2020-2022 x3 models?

Don’t really wanna spend over £30k

Thackers wrote

Was / is adaptive cruise available in 2020-2022 x3 models?

Don’t really wanna spend over £30k

Yes, look for the following options.

Option 5DF = Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go.

Or

Option 5AT = Driving Assistant Plus (DAP), which includes 5DF but with longer range/higher speed than just 5DF.

Apologies for all questions.

If a 2020-2021 has the technology pack does it come with the HUD?
Or is it not guaranteed ?

Thackers wrote

Apologies for all questions.

If a 2020-2021 has the technology pack does it come with the HUD?
Or is it not guaranteed ?

If the Technology Pack is option Z0J it does according to the link I put in post #2.

The thing to watch out for is deletions due to COVID or other supply chain issues around that time.

The safest way to confirm the options installed, is get the VIN and enter into mdecoder . com or similar. This will show all the primary options codes fitted.

Has the OP looked on the BMW approved site?

I’ve started the search to replace my 2017 X3 3.0d and soon realised that there are cars on the BMW site that do not appear on Autotrader.

Also, there is an add on/extension for Chrome browser for Autotrader which will show when the car was first listed and any price variations. May give an upper hand in negotiations if the car has been in stock for a while.

MediaMan wrote

Has the OP looked on the BMW approved site?

I’ve started the search to replace my 2017 X3 3.0d and soon realised that there are cars on the BMW site that do not appear on Autotrader.

Also, there is an add on/extension for Chrome browser for Autotrader which will show when the car was first listed and any price variations. May give an upper hand in negotiations if the car has been in stock for a while.

Thanks for reply.
I had no idea there was a BMW approved website.
Is this a website used by BMW Dealers to avoid associated auto trader costs.
I’ll have a good look..thanks again

avi66 wrote

If the Technology Pack is option Z0J it does according to the link I put in post #2.

The thing to watch out for is deletions due to COVID or other supply chain issues around that time.

The safest way to confirm the options installed, is get the VIN and enter into mdecoder . com or similar. This will show all the primary options codes fitted.

Never knew this.
So I can ask the seller on AUTOTRADER for the vehicle vin number then use the decoder.com to confirm the specs . If so that’s great to know as some of the adverts are not the best when including the premium extra features

What’s people’s thought on M SPORT pro pack.
I’m not fussed about the wheel upgrade from 19s to 20s.
Is the adaptive suspension stuff reliable, just worried about additional expense on maintaining ?
Is it more of a resale benefit etc?

Thackers wrote

What’s people’s thought on M SPORT pro pack.
I’m not fussed about the wheel upgrade from 19s to 20s.
Is the adaptive suspension stuff reliable, just worried about additional expense on maintaining ?
Is it more of a resale benefit etc?

Honestly, reliability is a lottery down to individual car, and BMW’s out of warranty can be money pits.

Mechanically, the X3 G01 reliability is ok, but it’s the complex electronic systems, even on a base car, that are more likely to fail in my experience as the car ages.

What’s in the “M Sport Pro” package compared to the “M Sport Plus” package ? I think BMW did a thing of adding M Sport seats to a pack, or something like that as an M Sport Pro build.

I’d definitely go with a pack that offered adaptive suspension, and I haven’t seen any real issues with the adaptive suspension reported. The adaptive suspension is more of a driving benefit, as the dampers can adapt to road and performance inputs.

avi66 wrote

If you find one with the DAP option, LCI MY22+ SP18 version is better, if you can stretch, the car will also essentially drive for you.

It's particularly useful on monotonous motorway journeys, so you don't drift off and can fiddle with the infotainment while just sitting back lol.

I never use the self parking, but the reversing assistant is very useful.

With this in mind decided to Looked a few 2022 LCI online here in uk today. (Prices seem circa another £5k for the MY2022 even with less spec)
Most seem to have dap but not dap + which appears to be the all important adaptive cruise ctrl.

I’ve considered sacrificing the M sport pro pack on a 2021 for a 2022 with just tech pack but none appear to have hud or dap + which was the one add ons I really wanted 🙈

Is this down to Covid parts shortage perhaps..I need a beer

Thackers wrote

With this in mind decided to Looked a few 2022 LCI online here in uk today. (Prices seem circa another £5k for the MY2022 even with less spec)
Most seem to have dap but not dap + which appears to be the all important adaptive cruise ctrl.

I’ve considered sacrificing the M sport pro pack on a 2021 for a 2022 with just tech pack but none appear to have hud or dap + which was the one add ons I really wanted

Is this down to Covid parts shortage perhaps..I need a beer

IIRC Driving Assistant is standard on the LCI, but Driving Assistant Professional (DAP) is an optional extra.

There were some supply chain issues for DAP, so may be more difficult to find cars with it, as BMW either didn’t allow the option to be ordered, deleted it after ordering, or restricted availability to certain models.