BMW Animated Explanations

Since BMW introduced a new "navigation professional" when the BMW 7-series (F01) was put to the market, later spreading to other BMW-models, this system incorporated a lot of new features. One of these features was the onboard owners manual, in which videos explain the functioning of several of the options that the car is equipped with.

Recently some of these "animated explanation" videos have been filmed and posted to the Guitigefilmpjes channel. In this blog these videos are presented, in both English and German.

BMW Animated Explanations (Playlist English):

- Dynamic Stability Control
- High-beam assist
- Park Distance Control
- Rearview camera
- Runflat Indicator
- Speed Limit Information

BMW Animierte Erklärungen (Playlist German):

- Dynamische Stabilitäts Control
- Fernlichtassistent
- Park Distance Control
- Rückfahrkamera
- Reifen Pannen Anzeige
- Speed Limit Information
- Aktive Geschwindigkeitsregelung

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Video update: BMW 530d xDrive F10

A short while ago, we posted pictures of a new BMW 530d xDrive. This post has its spotlight on the videos on this particular car.

BMW 530d xDrive walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

BMW 530d xDrive Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

 BMW 530d xDrive Acceleration - Acceleration test from 0km/h

  BMW 530d xDrive Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn 

 

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Interesting licence plates

When driving on the road, one sometimes notices interesting licence plates. For a variety of reasons, maybe they are far off or the plates are quite rare. Here are a few examples spotted during the past year.

Some of you might think that plates from Illinois, United States, are not that special. However, overhere in Europa (Germany) they are quite rare.

 Goes without saying..

Searched quite a long time for the meaning of these Belgian plates, they turned out to be export plates.

Spells out "ass" in Dutch

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Car review: Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp) 4G / C7

Model (Code / Model Year): Audi A6 3.o TDI (4G / 2011)

Engine: 6-cylinder (V6) diesel engine (2967cm3)
Transmission: stepless automatic Multitronic CVT-transmission
Paintwork + Interior + interior trim + wheels: Phantom black pearl effect (metallic) + Leather Milano Black + Interior trim "blank" + 6-spoke-Design, 8 J x 17 alloy wheels
Optional Equipment: Audi Parking System front and rear, Front heated seats, Bluetooth preperation, Rearview mirror auto dimming, 4-way- lumbar support, Storage package, Exterior mirrors - heated, electrically adjustable and auto-dimming, CD-changer, Deluxe 4-zone automatic air conditioning, Pre Crash Basic, MMI Radio Plus, MMI Navigation, Smoking package, Xenon plus, Audi Music Interface (AMI)
Performance: 204hp / 400nm
0 to 100km/h: 7,2sec
Top speed: 240km/h (150mp/h)
Weight: 1620kg
Fuel tank (US gallons): 65 liter (17.17 US gallons)
Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 7,4 liter / 100 kilometer (31,8mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
Price (Germany): approximately €58.500
4G engines driven: 3.0 TDI (204hp / Multitronic)

Audi was the last of the three German rivals to introduce a new A6, after Mercedes Benz had introduced a new E-class in 2009 and BMW a new 5-series in 2010. One has to keep in mind that car manufacturers are constantly benchmarking their vehicles against the competition and consumer preference. The E-class therefore became a bit sportier, the 5-series improved the interior quality (once a strong advantage of Audi) and Audi has also made its car sportier, while mixing a relatively inconspicuous design with agressive LED appearance.

In this review the Audi A6 featuring an 3.0 TDI diesel engine with 204hp, the successor to the old 2.7 TDI with 190hp.

1. Exterior

Audi has always been famous for its relatively inconspicuous design, this has been a major factor for its success. The new Audi A6 (in the internal nomenclatura also known as the "4G", while the old A6 was called the "4F") has continued the basic designline of its predecessor. Exterior wise it has been adjusted a bit more towards the Audi-design that also could be seen on the current Audi A4 and the new Audi A8.

But contrary to the bland exterior design is the aggressive styling of the LED-lights, giving the new Audi a distinctive presence. For a walkaroud video of the Audi A6 4G, please click here.

2. Engine, Transmission and handling

The 3.0 TDI is available with either 204, 245 or 313hp

In this particular car, a 3.0 TDI engine with 204hp was mounted, replacing the previous 2.7 TDI with 190hp that had been available on the previous Audi A6 4F. It is a smooth, quit engine that has sufficient power available to navigate through everyday traffic. Combined with the stepless Multitronic transmission it tries to keep the revs in the low range, in order to conserve fuel*. Engine noise is also low and does, not bothering the driver during the journey. However, the transmission is relatively slow to respond to input from the driver, taking time to shift up a gear and building up revs from the lower range.

*For a video on the fuel consumption, please click here.

Handling has always been an issue with the combination of quite a sizable amount of HP, combined with front wheel drive. Just as with its 2.7 TDI predecessor, the 4G also is struggling to transfer the HP to the road, especially in wet conditions. Otherwise the handling is neutral, although in fast corners it tends to get somewhat "front heavy", due to the forces (FWD, weight of the engine) being concentrated on the front axle.

3. Interior

Interior design is, like the exterior design, always a matter of personal taste. However, an author can point out details and / or issues that might differ from the expectations one has from a product.

Audi used to be known for its superior interior quality, compared to its rivals from BMW and Mercedes Benz. One has to keep in mind that every brand uses benchmarking to compare its own product to that of the competitor, and tries to improve to match the strength that competitors have.

In this case Audi and BMW are the closest competitors, and BMW has recieved quite a large amount of negatieve feedback on the cold and industrial design of the BMW 5-series E60, while the interior of the previous Audi A6 (4F) was recieved quite well. So wenn BMW introduced its new 5-series in 2010, it came with a superb interior design.
Although Audi dropped the ball when it comes to interior quality, the ergonomical layout of the new A6 is satisfying. All the functions to operate the car and its systems are located in a logical way, although the software interface of the (small) satnav is somewhat confusing. The satnav itself is again not a leap forward but rather a continuation of the previous generation level, but that could be attributed to the small satnav and might be much better when opting for the "large" system. 

In contrast, with the new A6 Audi seems to have dropped the ball in the interior department. Altough the center console has a fresh and modern design, the use of plastic material gives it a somewhat cheapish feel, which does not fit a premium brand car.
Instead of a leap forward from the previous generation, it rather reminds of quality finish of the late 90ies combined with some current technology (satnav, use of LED's, modern gear leaver). This is excarbated by the use of plastic materials that have been painted silver, in order to mimic the impression of aluminium. You can feel it also, BMW uses real metal parts that remain cold while the silver painted plastic in the Audi matches the temperature of the other materials around it.

4.Optional Equipment

This section discusses (part of) the optional equipment available on the F01. Ranking from 1 (definitely a yes), 2 (nice to have, but not a minimum requirement) to 3 (not worth the money).

• Audi Parking System front and rear: A car of this size does need a watchfull eye when navigating in small environments. Ranking 1
• Front heated seats: If it does not come standard with leather upholstery in your country, it is a very neat feature to warm up a cold seat very fast, as cold leather otherwise might be an unpleasant affair. Ranking 1
• Bluetooth preperation: In many countries calling while driving is already prohibited, so a direct integration for the cellphone into the cars system is money well spent. Ranking 1
• Rearview mirror auto dimming: comfort feature. Ranking 2
• 4-way- lumbar support: comfort feature. Ranking 2
• Storage package: comfort feautere. Ranking 2
• Exterior mirrors - heated, electrically adjustable and auto-dimming: comfort feature. Ranking 2
• CD-changer: if one can play the music from the phone, no need to play CDs. Ranking 3
• Audi Music Interface: if one can play the music from the phone, no need to use the AMI. Ranking 2
• Deluxe 4-zone automatic air conditioning: comfort feature. Ranking 2
• MMI Radio Plus: comes automatically with the satnav. Ranking 1
• MMI Navigation: the small navigation has a small screen with basic graphics, compared to other systems this is outdated. Rather opting for the larger MMI Navigations plus that has more possibilities and better graphics. Ranking 3, instead buy the larger!
• Smoking package: extra power outlet is always welcome. Ranking 2
• Xenon plus: nice addition for a business class car. Ranking 1

Final thoughts:

It direct competitor, the BMW 5-series is a though nut to crack. Unfortunately, Audi did not crack that nut. Although the exterior design is all that we expect from Audi, a simple yet elegant design that will attract a large customer base, the interior quality has been a large let down. Not only does it not give the driver a premium feeling, it seems that Audi has not made any progression compared to previous generation, regarding the interior.

However, the engine, transmission and handling are exactly what one might expect from an Audi. It is a neutral, upper class drive that will take a driver to its destination with good fuel efficiency and a good level of comfort.

Audi A6 3.0 TDI 4G / C7 media:

Audi A6 exterior & interior (pictures)
Audi A6 walkaround (video)
Audi A6 fuel consumption (video)
Audi A6 acceleration (video)
Audi A6 flatout (video)

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Guitigefilmpjes Youtube playlist 2

As an addition to the previous blog, here is a link to a youtube playlist in which all the "Fuel Consumption Test Videos" are put together.

Click here for the playlist: "Fuel consumption test"

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Guitigefilmpjes Youtube playlist

On our youtube channel we constantly add our videos to playlist, in order to have an organized overview for our viewers devided in the main categories. Please take some time to check them out:

• The co-drivers view: click here.
• Walkaround: click here.
• Flat out: click here.

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Video update: Audi A6 3.0 TDI C7 / 4G

A short while ago, we posted some pictures of a new Audi A6 3.0 TDI. This post focusses on the videos on this particular car.

Audi A6 3.0 TDI walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Audi A6 3.0 TDI Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Acceleration - Acceleration test from 0km/h






 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn

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Executive car poll

Some time ago a poll was posted with the question which your preferred executive car is. Today we present your with the results, with the most votes going to the BMW 5-series (F10).

Audi A6: 11 votes (15%)

BMW 5-series: 32 votes (45%)
Chrysler 300C: 0 votes (0%)
Jaguar XF: 2 votes (2%)
Lexus GS: 2 votes (2%)
Mercedes Benz E-class: 21 votes (29%)
Volvo S80: 2 votes (2%)
Other: 1 votes (1%)


Total votes: 71

Thank you very much for participating!

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Picture update: Audi A6 3.0 TDI C7 / 4G

On the 1st December 2010 Audi introduced its new A6, in the nomenclatura referred to as "C7" or "4G".  It is the fourth generation A6 and produced in Neckarsulm, Germany. In this blog we take a look at an Audi A6 3.0 TDI with frontwheel drive, Multitronic automatic transmission, 204hp and a top speed of 242km/h. 

Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp) Multitronic 

Phantom Black, pearl effect
6-spoke-Design, 8 J x 17 alloy wheels
Leather Milano Black


Audi Parking System front and rear
Front heated seats
Bluetooth preperation
Rearview mirror auto dimming
4-way- lumbar support
Storage package
Exterior mirrors - heated, electrically adjustable and auto-dimming
CD-changer
Deluxe 4-zone automatic air conditioning
Pre Crash Basic
MMI Radio Plus
MMI Navigation
Smoking package
Xenon plus
Inlay Blank
Audi Music Interface (AMI)

Some pro's and con's on the Audi A6 3.0 TDI (204hp) Multitronic:

Pro:

• Low noise levels
• Good standard stereo system
• Neutral handling

Con:

• Dissapointing interior finish / quality
• Outdated navigation system (small one)
• No USB-connection

Pictures of this Audi A6 3.0 TDI 4G can be found here, please scroll down.

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The co-drivers view: Oldenburg

Driving through the German city of Oldenburg in the northwest of Germany (Lower Saxony / population of 160.000).

In the first section the (small) harbor and industrial area next to the city center is shown. Then continuing into the city where a lot of new buildings have been constructed in the old part of the former harbor. Taking a turn to the right and driving towards the central station. Next we take a tour of the city, turning into a residential area at the end.

Car used: BMW 530d xDrive (MY 2011 / F10).

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Video update: BMW 520dA F10

A short while ago, we posted some pictures of an Alpine white BMW 520dA F10. This blog however contains the videos shot about the same car.

BMW 520dA walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

BMW 520dA Technical Features - Back up camera, Park Distance Control / Navigation Professional with google streetview / on board manual

BMW 520dA Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption of the BMW 520dA under real life conditions

 BMW 520dA Acceleration - Acceleration test from 0km/h


 BMW 520dA Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn

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Picture Update: BMW 530d xDrive F10

Last year BMW introduced its new BMW 5-series, the F10 for the sedan and the F11 for the wagon.

• Pictures of the a BMW 520d Touring can be found here. 
• Pictures of an alpine white BMW 520d can be found here.

€54.600,00 BMW 530d xDrive F10


€980,00 Sophisto Grey II metallic
€900,00 18x8J V-spoke alloy styling 328
€2010,00 Black Dakota leather
€530,00 Fineline anthracite wood trim


€0,00 8-speed automatic gearbox 


€380,00 Sunblind – rear windscreen, electric
€400,00 Air conditioning, automatic with extended features
€590,00 Sunblinds for side and rear windows


€3.660,00 Adaptive Drive
€0,00 Dynamic Drive
€1.300,00 Variable Damper Control
€280,00 Ambient Lighting
€150,00 High-beam Assistant
€0,00 Floor mats, velour
€790,00 Comfort Access
€420,00 Reversing Assist camera
€1.330,00 Electric glass Sunroof
€0,00 12v power sockets
€140,00 Sport Steering Wheel
€30,00 Smokers package
€1.550,00 Active Cruise Control with “Stop and Go” function


€520,00 Exterior trim, matt aluminium


€360,00 Lumbar support, driver and front pass.
€380,00 Seat heating, front
€100,00 Through-loading ski bag
€500,00 Split-folding rear seats
€2.260,00 Comfort seats, front


€150,00 Apps
€0,00 BMW Assist
€1.390,00 Head-Up display
€0,00 BMW Online
€150,00 Black panel display, full
€0,00 Internet
€100,00 Telephone USB audi interface
€3.800,00 Navigation system – Professional with bluetooth preperation
(€750,00 Bluetooth preperation "Business")
€320,00 Speed limit display
€410,00 Voice Control
€300,00 USB audio interface
€590,00 Loudspeaker system - BMW Business / HiFi


€450,00 Adaptive Headlights
€340,00 Exterior mirrors – folding, auto dimming
€210,00 Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
€620,00 Lange change warning system
€930,00 Xenon headlights
€270,00 Headlight wash
€810,00 Park Distance Control, front and rear




Total price in Germany: €82.400,-*


*Prices are the German prices in september 2011


Some pro's and con's on the BMW 530d xDrive sedan:


Pro:

• Good interior finish
• Good “HiFi” stereo system for a comparable low price (€590)
• Excellent comfort seats
• Excellent 3d navigation system
• Excellent handling
• Excellent acceleration even on a wet surface, due to the 4-wheel drive system “xDrive”

Con:

• Bad location of the cup holders, right in front of the airconditioning
• Somewhat high fuel consumption (9,7l / 100km), caused by the 4-wheel drive system and high weight
• Steep price

Pictures of this BMW 530d xDrive can be found here, please scroll down.

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The co-drivers view: Randweg Eindhoven

Eindhoven has been a traditional bottleneck in the south of the Netherlands, but in the period from 2006 until 2010 massive construction works prepared the ring road around the city for the next century. However, the ring road still misses a crucial part on the eastern side, but money is already put aside and plans are made to consttruct the final part of the ring.

Please enjoy the view of a new stretch of road that resembles the current Dutch road design perfectly.

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At Guitigefilmpjes, we are interested in your opinion and preferences. So if you haven't done so, please take a few seconds to vote in our poll: "What is your preferred executive car?", that can be found at the right side of the blog. ---->


Thank you very much for participating!

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Video update: Volkswagen Golf VI GTI "Adidas"

A short while ago, we posted some pictures of a Volkswagen Golf VI GTI "Adidas". This blog however contains the videos shot about the same car. First we start of with a walkaround and then two videos on the performance of the GTI.





Engine: 2,0 l TSI 155 kW (210 HP) with a 6-speed automatic gearbox DSG.

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Picture Update: BMW 520d F10

Last year BMW introduced its new BMW 5-series, the F10 for the sedan and the F11 for the wagon. Pictures of the a BMW 520d Touring can be found here. Now pictures of a BMW 520d sedan (F10 / MY2011) in Alpine white (non-metallic) have been posted in the F10 / F11 folder, a link can be found after the short discription below.

€40.400,00 BMW 520d F10

€0,00 Alpine white, non-metallic
€900,00 18x8J V-spoke alloy styling 328
€2010,00 Black Dakota leather
€530,00 Fineline anthracite wood trim


€2.200,00 8-speed automatic gearbox 
€400,00 Air conditioning, automatic with extended features
€140,00 Sport Steering Wheel
€420,00 Reversing Assist camera
€810,00 Park Distance Control, front and rear
€1.330,00 Electric glass Sunroof
€210,00 Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
€30,00 Smokers package
€1.100,00 Electrical front seats + driver memory
€100,00 Through-loading ski bag
€500,00 Split-folding rear seats
€580,00 Sport seats, front
€380,00 Seat heating, front
€150,00 High-beam Assistant
€930,00 Xenon headlights
€270,00 Headlight wash
€300,00 USB audio interface
€3.050,00 Navigation system - BMW Professional Multimedia
€750,00 Bluetooth preperation "Business"
€410,00 Voice Control
€590,00 Loudspeaker system - BMW Business 
€320,00 Speed limit display

Total price in Germany: €58.400,-*
*Prices are the German prices in september 2011

Some pro's and con's on the BMW 520d sedan:

Pro:

• Excellent fuel economy (stay tuned for a fuel consumption video later)
• Excellent sport seats
• Good interior finish
• Excellent 3d navigation system
• Excellent handling

Con:

• Nervous drive during gusts of wind
• Bad location of the cup holders, right in front of the airconditioning

For the complete folder of the BMW 520d sedan, please click here.

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The co-drivers view: the Hague

Although Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, the Hague is the seat of the dutch government and many political organisations. This makes the Hague a city of high importance, and as it is located near the sea it also is the end of the highway A12 that runs west from Germany right through the middle of Holland.

In this movie we drive west on the A12 towards the city, which then turn into a local road that ends near the city centre. After turning right onto the Benoordenhoutsweg and left onto the van Alkemadelaan, we continue towards the sea but turn towards the military barracks first (not visible).

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Picture update: Volkswagen Golf VI GTI "Adidas"

In 2010 Volkswagen brought a special version of the Golf VI GTI on the market, the "Adidas Edition". This included some extra features:

Volkswagen Golf GTI "Adidas" 2,0 l TSI 155 kW (210 HP) 6-speed automatic gearbox DSG

Adidas edition includes:

- 4 alloy wheels (225 / 40 R18) "Serron"

- Adidas Badging
- LED taillights
- Bi-Xenon headlights with LED-daytime running light
- Alloy trim
- Headrests in leather with red stitching
- Adidas logo on the seats
- Gearshifter in "golfball style"
- Cloth design: "white stripes"
- Floor mats with red stitching
- Doors wrapped in leather
- Lumbar support
- Heated front seats

Apart from the options offered together with the Adidas edition, the car in below is equipped with:

Paint: Black (non-metallic)
Interior Upholstery: "White Stripes" (cloth


Optional Extras:

Storage pack
Parking sensors, front and rear
Lighting package
Removal of badges
RNS 310 Touch-screen navigation
4 Doors and electric windows front and rear
Cruise control
Multifunction steering wheel (3 Spoke) with Alu-optics, gearshifters
Privacy glass for the rear windows 65%
Bluetooth telephone preparation

Some pro's and con's on the Volkswagen Golf VI GTI:

Pro:

• A lot of power and a relatively light car = lots of driving fun
• Excellent sport seats
• Excellent DSG-automatic gearbox
• Steering wheel feels very nice

Con:

• When it is raining, the power combined with the FWD is incapable to bring the power onto the road

 For the complete folder of the Volkswagen Golf VI GTI "Adidas Edition", please click here.

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