BMW Animated Explanations part 2

One of the features that BMW offers with its "Navigation Professional" is the onboard owners manual, in which videos explain the functioning of several of the options that the car is equipped with. In these videos, the owners manual of the BMW 5-series F10 / F11 is consulted.

Recently new "BMW Animated Explanation" videos have been filmed and posted to the Guitigefilmpjes channel. These are videos regarding the Adaptive Cruise Control and the Adaptive Headlights. In this blog these, among with the olders videos are presented, both in English and German.

BMW Animated Explanations (Playlist English):

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

BMW Animierte Erklärungen (Playlist German):

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

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The co-drivers view: Rotterdam

In this episode of the co-drivers view, the Dutch city of Rotterdam. Starting on the highway A20 just east of the city, we continue towards the city on two approaches. From the north along the Ring A20 and the Schieweg (where some police actions take place) in the first video.

In the second video we start at the same spot but change at interchange Terbregseplein onto the highway A16 for a short spot in order to leave the highway east of the city, continuing onto the Abraham van Rijckevorselweg and the Maasboulevard taking a tour of the city (including the Erasmusburg, Wilhelminapier, Noordereiland and the Willemsburg).

For more "The co-drivers view", please click this link.

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Car review: BMW 318d Touring (MY2010)

Car: BMW 318d Touring (MY2010)
Engine: 2.0 Liter R4 Diesel engine
Exterior: Titansilver Metallic
Interior: Leather Dakota Black; Interior trim Black high-gloss
Optional equipment: Steptronic automatic transmission (6-speed), 16-inch alloy wheels styling 283, Xenon headlights, ParkDistanceControl front and rear, Panoramic sunroof, Navigation Professional with BMW Online / Assist, Bluetooth, USB-connection, Exterior lighting package, Extended luggage features, Extended storage 
Price (in 2010): €48.980,-
Performance: 143hp / 300nm - 9,7s from 0 to 100km/h
Top speed: 210km/h
Fuel consumption: 7.3l/100km (32mpg / US)
In 2008 BMW gave the 3-series, internally know as the E90 (sedan) and E91 (Touring), a facelift. LED-technology modernised the design, the front was slightly reworked, and the newest communication technology was incorporated (new SatNav Professional, BMW Assist / Online).

1. Exterior

For the car manufacturer, the facelift always poses a dilemma. On the one side, existing customers should not get the feeling to drive an outdated car, while the car needs to be updated with recent technology in order to compete with more modern cars.

When comparing the 3-series (2005) against its direct rivals, the Mercedes Benz C-class (2007) and Audi A4 (2008), it is obvious that the 3-series the oldest one is. In the then available model range (7-series E65 and 5-series E60, the previous models), the 3-series was designed in a more conservative way. However, when introducing the facelift (also known as the LCI - Life Cycle Improvement), BMW did not try to match the competition, but to surpass it.

The exterior design has lost its sharp edges as the curves have been redesigned more "smoother". Looking alongside the hood, several lines have been added to represent a more muscular design, the front spoiler also has been "smoothened" and has been integrated deeper into the design of the car. These smoother lines represent the departure of the steep curves that Chris Bangle used in the BMW-design. Unfortunately, due to EU-regulations, the sleek rear-view mirrors have been replaced with larger "elephant ears".

Apart from the aforementioned changes, LED-technology has been introduced into the front and rear indicators, the rear lights (with LEDs in the distinctive "L-shape"). In contrast to the competition that fixed LED-technology "onto" the car, BMW was able to make it an integral part of the design.

Instead of the standard rims, this BMW 318d Touring is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. Although the small size, the styling 283 rims still give a good impression and are able to fill out the room in the wheel arches very well.

Styling 283 16-inch alloy wheels

2. Handling & Engine

Handling of the BMW 3-series is good, the car gives the driver enough feedback to the driver in order to feel what is happening. Although the car handling is good, the ride never is too hard or uncomfortable. Therefore the BMW 3-series is an excellent car for driving long distances. When comparing the handling to the Audi A4, it is very comparable, the main advantage for the 3-series stems from the rear wheel drive.

Although the BMW 318d has 143hp, one should not expect the performance of a 6-cylinder engine. It provides adequate power for most situations, while only on the highway the performance could be better, as the diesel engine loses its momentum at higher revs.

One of the main strenghts is the fuel consumption, including fast driving segments (160km/h+) on the German Autobahn, an calculated average of 7,3l / 100km was the result. But when driving at routine speeds, the consumption may even fall below 6,0l / 100km/h without becoming an obstacle to the other traffic. Lastly it is not only the fuel consumption that matters, but also the range you have without needing to stop for refuelling. Driving for 1.000 kilometer without having to refuel should be possible, when driving on secondary roads and on the highway.

3. Interior, multimedia and communication

BMWs standard seats are a constant object of discussion. Especially taller people view them as uncomfortable, while the seats are perfectly ok for people with a regular height. The interior itself has quite a fair amount of plastic, however it does not feel cheap, compared to the plastic in different brands / lower classes (Asian cars, Opel / Peugeot etc.). In direct comparison the interior of the Audi A4 is feeling somewhat better, while the Mercedes Benz C-class has risen to the same level after introducing the facelift in 2011. But the interior clearly represents the previous generation of BMWs, that now has been replaced with a new interior design. On the high gloss black interior trim dust and scratches are easily seen, therefore the aluminium trim might be a better option when selecting a dark upholstery.

Another excellent feature is the panoramic sunroof, both closed and opened it is a great additional feature to the car. Because of its sheer size, the car interior receives a lot more daylight, giving the impression of a more "open" and "larger" interior. But when opened the roof is only useful on secondary roads and in the city, as on the highway too much wind noise develops.

Combined with the facelift, the BMW 3-series also received an updated navigation system professional with an internal hard disk. It is the same that has been introduced in the new BMW 7-series F01 / F02 (in late 2008), with not only an upgrade regarding the iDrive-controller but also the software and interface of the system itself.

One new feature it the possibility to show the map with a satellite view

Together with the new navigation system Professional, BMW also introduced "BMW Online" for the 3-series. This gives the driver access to a wealth of online information, ranging from the weather to the new. As can be seen in the video below, the new also can be red to the driver in order to keep the focus on the road.

One point of bother is the placement of the USB-connection inside the armrest. As can be seen on the picture below, it causes an USB-stick to be placed vertically, therefore it is unable to close the armrest. You either need to have an extra USB-cable in order to let the device rest horizontally, or keep the armrest open.

4. Final thougths

The 2010 BMW 318d Touring LCI is a very good car, there are no major points of bother. The facelifted design, the modern navigation system Professional that included BMW Online / Assist and connecting the car to a large amount of information, the economical engine, the BMW 318d is even after having been on the market for 7 years a remarkable good car. Only a few minor details tell its age, while it still is not less then the current competition (Audi A4, Mercedes Benz C-class).

Although it has a steep price of almost €50.000 new (including the options this car has), you still should be able to get good discounts on a new E91, as its successor is only a few months away from introduction. If receiving a good discount, the BMW 3-series E91 is still a very good car that gives excellent value for money.
5. Videos & Pictures

More pictures of this BMW 318d and other 3-series can be found here: BMW 3-series LCI E90 / E91

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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 Titanium Silver Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here. 
• Pictures of an Alpine White BMW 520d can be found here.
• Pictures of a Sophisto Grey II Metallic BMW 530d xDrive can be found here.
• Pictures of an Imperial Blue Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here.

€54.700,00 BMW 530d xDrive F10

€980,00 Sophisto Grey II metallic
€900,00 18x8J V-spoke alloy styling 328
€2010,00 Oyster / 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
€0,00 Fahrerlebnisschalter incl. ECO PRO
€150,00 High-beam Assistant
€0,00 Floor mats, velour
€790,00 Comfort Access
€640,00 Soft close doors
€1.330,00 Electric glass Sunroof
€0,00 12v power sockets
€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 audio 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
€980,00 Loudspeaker system - Professional

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

Total price in Germany: €82.370,-*

*Prices are the German prices in May 2011

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

Pro:

• Good interior finish
• Good combination of the light leather with a dark lower area, keeping dirt from becoming visible
• Excellent stereo system
• Excellent comfort seats
• Excellent 3d navigation system
• Good handling
• Excellent acceleration even on a wet surface, due to the 4-wheel drive system “xDrive”
• Size of the sunroof

Con:

• Bad location of the cup holders, right in front of the airconditioning
• Somewhat high fuel consumption, caused by the 4-wheel drive system and high weight. A comparable Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro is somewhat more economical (0,5 to 1,0l/100km less consumption)
• Steep price
• The button to open the trunk is located in an incovenient place
• Storage space for personal items is scarce

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

Navigation Professional shows at what speed the traffic is moving in real time. Green is the normal situation, while yellow, orange and red indicates slower traffic up to a traffic jam.

The orange triangle on the left indicates any obstruction on the route that the satnav is programmed to follow. In this case only the two first messages are intented for us, while the ones with the grey traffic signs indicate obstructions NOT on our route.

Efficient Dynamics allows the driver to see the fuel consumption during the last 60 minutes. In this case the two bars above 15l / 100km are the result of driving in a traffic jam, while the others bars indicate driving at normal speeds on the highway.

BMWs Head Up Display in the current 5-series F10. On the left is the Speed Limit Info, then the current speed at which you are travelling. The orange car indicates that the Adaptive Cruise Control is switched on while the arrows on the right represent directions from the satnav (the kilometers is when the next turn needs to be made).

The onboard computer showing the range left for the remaining fuel, the red bar will gradually move to the left as the fuel diminishes.

Unfortunate location of the button for the trunk, below the dashboard.

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Video update: Mercedes Benz C220 Facelift

A short while ago, pictures of a Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Facelift have been posted on the Guitigefilmpjes blog. Today the attention turned its spotlight on the videos of this 2012 Mercedes Benz C220 CDI with 170hp. A picture comparison between the pre-facelift and the facelift version can be found here.

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn 

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Picture update: Mercedes Benz E350 CDI Estate

Today a picture update of a Mercedes Benz not featured on Guitigefilmpjes before, a 2010 Mercedes Benz E350 CDI Avantgarde in calcite white. It is a moderately equipped car, with the main features the xenon headlights and APS-50 satnav.

Click here for the complete folder with W212 pictures.

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Fuel consumption: BMW 530d xDrive & Mercedes Benz C220 CDI

As the fuel prices continue to rise, the fuel consumption of a car is becoming a more important part of the operating cost of a car. On an early morning drive to work, during a general rush hour, I tried to see what fuel consumption could be achieved by driving as economically as possible.

This includes accelerating modestly, not driving at speeds above 120km/h (75mp/h), trying to anticipate stops by letting the car roll instead of braking and using cruise control as much as possible. The onboard computer was set to 0 before departing, although the largest part of the trip was made on the highway (including several kilometers of traffic jam), the value in the pictures also displays the parts driving in the city center at the beginning and end of the trip.

Possible some drivers are able to still lower this consumption, when the traffic congestion (lots of stopping and accelerating again) is taken out of the equation, it is probable that it will further reduce consumption. On the other hand, the onboard computer usually displays a lower consumption then really took place, but still I hope that these pictures will give you an impression of the fuel consumption of these cars.

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI (170hp / MY2012 / 6-speed manual gearbox / diesel)

BMW 530d xDrive (258hp / MY2011 / 8-speed automatic gearbox/ diesel)

BMW 530d xDrive: the screen shows the fuel consumption during the last hour. On the left a small increase due to city driving can be seen. The extreme increase on the right was due to a traffic jam causing stop and go traffic.

Over a longer period (last time since resetting the onboard computer), the fuel consumption was 8,4l / 100km. Important, this was calculated over a longer trip as the one presented above, hence the difference.

Representing the "Eco-pro" mode, this screen shows the increase in range after having engaged the "Eco-pro" mode.

Previous Fuel Consumption reports: Audi A4 2.0 TDI / Audi A6 3.0 TDI / Mercedes Benz E220 CDI

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