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Post by Martin on Jul 22, 2019 9:22:01 GMT
A 6 CD changer in the boot? That brings back happy memories of my TT (if only I still had that hair salon). Car looks good, especially the wheels, and once you've gone auto it's difficult to go back. I don't mind tints, especially factory ones, on the back of Tourings as it keeps that area much cooler for the dogs. The roof rails come in hand too. I've just been loading the back of the car for our holiday, it's baking hot outside and the inside of the car is nice and cool. Tints are a win in this situation. That’s because they it’s ‘Sun Protection Glass’! I’m not a big fan, rather have the built in electric blinds, but I have had that option on my last couple of BMWs and it is effective. |
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Post by Boxer6 on Jul 22, 2019 10:10:01 GMT
I've said before, I really don't understand the hate for tints. They serve a dual function - cooler inside in warm weather and keeping prying eyes out of the interior too, plus in a lot of cases can enhance the appearance of the car (IMHO of course). Still, each to their own.  |
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Post by Blarno on Jul 22, 2019 10:34:59 GMT
Aircon is weak and needs a top uo.
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Post by johnc on Jul 22, 2019 10:44:50 GMT
I've said before, I really don't understand the hate for tints. They serve a dual function - cooler inside in warm weather and keeping prying eyes out of the interior too, plus in a lot of cases can enhance the appearance of the car (IMHO of course). Still, each to their own. My feeling too. The security aspect can be very useful at times. |
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Post by Tim on Jul 22, 2019 11:15:39 GMT
Nice looking car.
I had 2 E46 estates - both 320d manuals in SE spec - and quite liked them.
Mine were on the 7 spoke 16 inch alloys so that combined with SE spec gave a decent ride quality.
My bro in law's new E39 has a tape deck but he's got something that slots in there that links to his smartphone, I'll find out what it is.
I might have a set of swirl flap blanking plates at home - I bought thrm for the first E46 but never fitted them.
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Post by Tim on Jul 22, 2019 11:22:15 GMT
It's a Belkin cassette adapter but it needs a headphone socket on your phone.
Available from Halfords
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Post by Martin on Jul 22, 2019 12:15:10 GMT
It's a Belkin cassette adapter but it needs a headphone socket on your phone. Available from Halfords You can get Bluetooth ones, £20 Amazon / £30 Halfrauds. They give you Bluetooth music streaming and have a microphone for calls. |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 22, 2019 17:01:19 GMT
Just did a VIN check and the spec list is pretty huge. Someone went all out when it was new. It has Bluetooth, albeit a 15 year old system that doesn't seem to like my modern smartphone. Shame. That VIN check thing is helpful, turns out I have a heated steering wheel! |
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Post by johnc on Jul 22, 2019 17:14:53 GMT
Just did a VIN check and the spec list is pretty huge. Someone went all out when it was new. It has Bluetooth, albeit a 15 year old system that doesn't seem to like my modern smartphone. Shame. That VIN check thing is helpful, turns out I have a heated steering wheel! Roll on the cold mornings. The button is on the left side of the steering column just above the steering wheel adjustment lever. |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 22, 2019 18:15:05 GMT
That VIN check thing is helpful, turns out I have a heated steering wheel! Roll on the cold mornings. The button is on the left side of the steering column just above the steering wheel adjustment lever. Yes, can’t understand how I never noticed it. |
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Post by Tim on Jul 23, 2019 8:23:10 GMT
How do you do the VIN check thing, is it in the same place as the MOT check?
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 23, 2019 8:46:20 GMT
How do you do the VIN check thing, is it in the same place as the MOT check? I found this online. It seems to work well. decoder.bvzine.com/ |
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Post by Martin on Jul 23, 2019 8:47:09 GMT
How do you do the VIN check thing, is it in the same place as the MOT check? Bimmer.work I knew about all the options on mine but it’s funny to see such a long list and in the ‘BMW Individual’ section it breaks down the process for painting the car. First paint: - WBL glacier silver-met. A83 / 2C clear coat FF99-0141 Topcoat finish (error-grind/polishing/cleaning) Second paint: - WBL pure metal silver-met. P13 / 2C clear coat FF99-0141 |
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Post by Tim on Jul 23, 2019 9:03:38 GMT
How do you do the VIN check thing, is it in the same place as the MOT check? I found this online. It seems to work well. decoder.bvzine.com/Cheers I'll have to remember and write the VIN down when I get home |
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Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jul 24, 2019 11:55:13 GMT
I was surprised to read in Autocar that three quarters of 3 Series sold in Italy are Tourings and in Germany the figure is two thirds. As was pointed out why compromise on style and practicality for a given vehicle footprint?
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Post by Martin on Jul 24, 2019 12:17:41 GMT
Aircon is weak and needs a top uo. I hope you got it fixed, wouldn’t want to be without or with weak air con in the car today. I’m working from home so have moved the unit into the office from the bedroom, it’s lovely. |
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Post by ChrisM on Jul 24, 2019 13:24:30 GMT
I was surprised to read in Autocar that three quarters of 3 Series sold in Italy are Tourings and in Germany the figure is two thirds. As was pointed out why compromise on style and practicality for a given vehicle footprint? I recall reading a while back that Italians have a penchant for Estate cars; their sales (estate cars) are disproportionally greater than in almost all of the rest of Europe |
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Post by Tim on Jul 24, 2019 13:30:26 GMT
I was surprised to read in Autocar that three quarters of 3 Series sold in Italy are Tourings and in Germany the figure is two thirds. As was pointed out why compromise on style and practicality for a given vehicle footprint? I recall reading a while back that Italians have a penchant for Estate cars; their sales (estate cars) are disproportionally greater than in almost all of the rest of Europe A lot of the cars I see are more attractive as an estate. That's why we bought the estate version of the Stilo - we didn't need the space just preferred the look over the 3 or 5 door. However what I've realised is that having had a few estates I feel like I now need that version of whatever car I'm looking at and the fact they tend to be more attractive (to me) is just a bonus. |
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Post by Blarno on Jul 24, 2019 17:39:18 GMT
Almost without exception, every estate version of a medium or large car is better looking than the saloon equivalent.
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Post by Alex on Jul 24, 2019 18:24:28 GMT
Almost without exception, every estate version of a medium or large car is better looking than the saloon equivalent. I prefer my Golf that way but a lot of other people disagree with me! |
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Post by Martin on Jul 24, 2019 18:29:35 GMT
Almost without exception, every estate version of a medium or large car is better looking than the saloon equivalent. I prefer my Golf that way but a lot of other people disagree with me! It would look better than a Golf saloon and I think it compares OK with the hatch, until you get to the ‘sporty’ trim levels, which look a lot better as a hatch. Most small hatch based estates look terrible. Remember the Clio estate?! I agree with the generalisation, most estates do look better than the saloon equivalent, can’t think of any exceptions off the top of my head but there must be some? |
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Post by Andy C on Jul 24, 2019 18:46:45 GMT
Aircon is weak and needs a top uo. I hope you got it fixed, wouldn’t want to be without or with weak air con in the car today. I’m working from home so have moved the unit into the office from the bedroom, it’s lovely. I have a hire van for today and tomorrow . 17 plate Ford Connect . It has no air con |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2019 18:58:12 GMT
I think the old shape Insignia was better looking as a hatch. Peugeot estates are usually hideous, too.
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Post by Martin on Jul 24, 2019 19:06:35 GMT
I hope you got it fixed, wouldn’t want to be without or with weak air con in the car today. I’m working from home so have moved the unit into the office from the bedroom, it’s lovely. I have a hire van for today and tomorrow . 17 plate Ford Connect . It has no air con Terrible timing! |
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Post by Martin on Jul 24, 2019 19:07:37 GMT
I think the old shape Insignia was better looking as a hatch. Peugeot estates are usually hideous, too. They didn’t use to be, my 406 company car looked great back in its day. |
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Post by PG on Jul 24, 2019 19:11:25 GMT
The BMW almost looks small parked against the SAAB.
Good to see more and more people coming to their senses and going for autos. Changing gear is just so last century. ;-) And a right pain is the rrrr's in the traffic we all spend way too much time in.
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Post by Roadsterstu on Jul 24, 2019 22:00:24 GMT
Good choice. Will it be gettting winter tyres later in the year?
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Post by Tim on Jul 25, 2019 8:22:34 GMT
The BMW almost looks small parked against the SAAB. Good to see more and more people coming to their senses and going for autos. Changing gear is just so last century. ;-) And a right pain is the rrrr's in the traffic we all spend way too much time in. The E46 is tiny considering its only 15 years old. My F31 towers over them and is much wider/longer as well. |
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Post by Ben on Jul 25, 2019 15:13:12 GMT
Late to this but nice one Blarno. Looks very neat. Is the suspension lowered?  |
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Post by Blarno on Jul 25, 2019 16:42:41 GMT
Good choice. Will it be gettting winter tyres later in the year? Tyres only get changed when they need changing in my house. Although, at least one of the mix and match tyres on it currently is a winter/M&S tyre. |
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