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Of course BMW does not have this feature built in, but I thought if enough people raised hell, they may improve on it and release a s/w upgrade (long shot)
All I-drive customers, email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com
Anyway, it doesn't bother me, and I love the I-drive. I might feel differently if I didn't have NAV and voice activation, but I will never know.
By the way, the voice activation on the E60 530 is superior to almost every other vehicle I've driven- including Acura TL's and RL's, who are known for their "tech superiority" these days.
I am from the UK and would be grateful if you could let me know if you have solved the problem with your car. I have had the same problems as you. First of all got a new battery, then changed the battery as thought that could be faulty, was told by mechanic that it was my alternator, have had this done and my car is still unable to start of a morning due to the battery being drained.
With more and more computer systems, they started adding smart relay systems so that after a time period, the battery is disconnected from most of the drain.
Maybe worth asking the question as this would seem an obvious area of concern for a high battery drain condition (kind of like when your trunk light would stay on in the old days).
Not sure if any of you V-8 6-speed manual owners have noticed the difficulty with getting smooth shifts at times or smooth clutch releases in parking situations. This is not the first manual I have owned, but I have noticed at low speed stops and if driving with the other people in the car, that it is sometimes an effort to achieve smooth clutch transitions.
From a past posting regarding brakes, someone turned me on to Zeckhausen Racing www.zeckhausen.com
He has discovered this annomoly on certain BMW's which is caused by the Clutch Lock Valve or what he calls a Clutch Delay Valve (CDV). This is a valve that delays the release of the clutch and is only on certain BMW's. So, everytime you release the clutch, it actually causes it to slip and makes it more difficult to get a precise clutch release. I guess the reason behind it is to avoid drivetrain shock should you pop the clutch without enouph power to break the wheels free. It is on the 540/545 but is not on the E39 M5 - go figure.
He sells a modified CDV (approx. $35.00) which has the valving removed. You really need a hoist to install it, but it is only a 1/2-1 hour job. If your car is under warranty, don't take it to BMW directly, find a good independent BMW mechanic.
I just had one put in and the feel is great. I was scared of doing it myself on a brand new car. I think all the adverse effects are positive (smoother shifts and better clutch life). The only downside is if you regularly pop the clutch without enouph power you are going to put more strain on your drivetrain.
They all report being very happy with the mod.
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Is that true?
They also quoted me a price of $600 + 1.5 hrs of labor for bluetooth install.
The bluetooth: Is that a BMW system that will shutdown the radio and play through the speakers. That is one of the very nice features of the E60 bluetooth systems, but $600+ is alot.
Although I did not realize how convenient the integrated bluetooth was until I got it.
There are some good aftermarket systems coming out now that may be worth checking into.
However, I do have the original, so if I ever had a concern, I could switch it back.
Am I dealing with an incompetent service department, or has anybody experienced this type of failure? I am baffled with the lack of professionalism I have encountered with my first BMW in a decade.
with just shy of 45k when I got it.
7,000 miles later I've had no problems and it strikes me as a very sturdy, long lasting car as well as being great to look at and a blast to drive.
AFAIK you need a special tool to reset the service lights and there is one available from www.bavauto.com and other sources.
http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp
I don't do my own work but the straight six layout makes it look as if it'd be as easy to service as any modern car. Good luck.
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Anyway..........my first 24 hours have seen no signal issues. I can even get it in my garage- not that I am going to run the engine in there, but I thought I would at least lose the signal pulling in. Didn't happen.
First free year makes a little dent in the exhorbitant install cost.
Although, once I had setup the HVAC, I have never needed the I-drive to change any HVAC functions, the hard controls let me change temp, turn on/off A/C and defrost. And, the HVAC also kicks in the defrost when I need it.
Thanks.
Regards,
Waynef
My extended warranty does not cover $432 in replacement costs. What exactly does this air pump do, is it similar to "smog pumps" that were used
prior to cat converters?
I'm thinking if it's part of the emission control system BMW might legally be required to provide warranty repairs (up to 100K). Anybody know?
2001 BMW 330ci/E46, 2008 BMW 335i conv/E93
Siemens S66
Motorola V505
V551
V3Razor
Best Regards,
Shipo
Spent a weekend in BMW's racing program - You would be surprised at how great (depending on your perspective) that V8 sounds when accelerating! I was also surprised at how much vibration is quelled by the whole pipes/muffler combo.
Took it in on Tuesday, and waited while they did a repair. Tech said it was a separation at the weld... clean, and obvious that there was no impact to the pipe. He also said that he'd never seen this before. They welded it, and all returned to normal.
They've ordered a replacement, and I'll let you know how that goes. They also said that my pesky "service engine soon" light should finally be cured with the replacement.
My theory is that the weld was weakened when the rear bracket snapped a few weeks ago (some previous post), and the oscillating weight of the pipe, cat, and cans proved too much. Even though the bracket was replaced, the damage was done.
Thoughts?
BTW how do you like sirius? Is reception good?
After you drive the car, especially in my area, you find that the radio reception with the compact antenna sucks, you start thinking about it.
I have XM on another vehicle and the reception is perfect as would be true for the Sirus system.
HELP SOON PLEASE.
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I can't answer about the Armada or QX56, but I can give you my 2-cents worth on a 545i. Although for big SUV's I am partial to the Denali's - no problems and very impressed with the power and options.
I purchased a 545i-6 speed at the end of the 2004 model year. No rebates and the best discount you can probably get is 4% above invoice. This is my first BMW and have wanted one for a long, long time. The tag line "ultimate driving machine" is absolutely correct. Although you can possibly get better reliability with a Lexus, you will not find a better driving machine. I am thoroughly impressed everyday I get into it to drive - my 40 mile commute is no longer an inconvenience but a pleasure. I have not had to take it into the dealer with any problems in the first 8k miles and I am hoping that continues.
If cost is a concern, as pointed out, the 530 may be a consideration. The new 530 has boosted the HP to 255 (from 225) and equipping it with the sport package and same options as a 545 will save you about 8k. If the larger wheel size of the 545i is important, these rims/tires can always be purchased from BMW, but will run you around 3k.
I knew I was getting a good car but I didn't realize it would be THIS good! Like jas says, my commute is now a pleasure. And I just took it on its first long trip (360 miles; DC to New England) and what a true pleasure. it was like sitting on your living room couch. The car is so smooth, quiet and responsive that even the parking lot laughingly known as the Jersey Turnpike was a pleasure. I made the best time ever. In fact, had I not had to stop for a little chat with the New Jersey State Police, I would have made even better time.
I cannot praise the driving quality of this car enough. Nothing I have ever driven even comes close. The car feels solid and is extremely responsive.
The biggest problem is keeping it at the proper speed. The damn thing is so solid and smooth that the normal sensation of speed is barely detectable (see NJ State Police above).
Cornering is a joy as is acceleration. And I got 26 MPG. Were I to have had a lighter foot, it no doubt would have been better.
Also, not a single problem has cropped up. Nothing, zero, zip, nada.
And, is spite of its rear wheel drive, it is very well behaved in the snow (I did put snow tires on it at the advice of this very friendly forum).
You want super reliability, great ergonomics and a useable cup holder, get a Lexus. You want a car that gives you an electric thrill every time you turn the key and that even makes driving the Northeast corridor fun, get a 545.
One problem, actually not really a problem, but it is still bugging me: My MPG calc is not accurate - typically off by 4-5 mpg. Have you every checked yours (miles and gallons filled versus the computer)?
For my weekly driving it is actually 21 mpg and the computer says 26 mpg. A highway trip is around 24 mpg and the computer says 30 mpg (like you, I have a hard time holding the speed, although I am really not trying very hard and I do take full advantage of the 325HP).
If you ever have the opportunity, check it manually and let me know.
I'll run a manual check and let you know.
I doubt it. These cars are engineered to be most efficient at speeds well above 55. The week I had mostly (non-rush hour) Beltway miles, I got my best mileage. Usually I drive backroads, which gets me 22-23 mpg.
After looking at the computer calc. closely, I concluded that the way the computer does round up the numbers differs from the way that the tachometer does. In the computer, everything from - ,5 to + ,5 (either miles or gallons [kilometers and liters, actually]) falls into the intermediate unit. In the tachometer, the interval for the mileage is from 0,0 to 1.
Someone has other insight—apart from the computer or the tachometer being defective?
Jose
If I were to back my highway speed down, I am sure it would go up.
My annoyance is that the computer calculates 4-5 mpg higher than what the actual is. The error for the calculation should be around 1 mpg.
My annoyance is that I am consistently seeing 4-5 mpg difference in the calculation versus actual, where it should be about 1mpg error.
My guess is that there is a software error which would most likely be only on 545i's and could even be limited to manual 6-speeds.
I like this feedback, so I can go back to the dealer or BMW and let them know they have a problem and hopefully get it fixed. BMW's response is that driving conditions will affect MPG - DA!
Thanks again - it is much appreciated.