[immx]

Well, 8 days in and yesterday I passed 1,000 miles.

This is my first BMW, (well first one on the road anyway) and I am loving it. The 520d has more than enough power for an everyday car, I know a lot of you have the larger engined versions, but coming from a 110bhp Hyundai I30, this car is a treat!

The ACC is a fantastic option, takes all the stress out of the M25 and the reverse carmera makes parking in tight spots a lot easier. The speach recognition isn't perfect, but a hell of a lot better than other systems I've used, and the DAB radio is spot on.

The only bits that are not so good are the fuel economy isn't quite as good as I'd hoped, (I'm getting 43mpg, the pre-LCI 520 ED I tested was getting 55mpg) and I can't get the idrive system to reply to emails or texts. The option is just grayed out. I think I must be doing something wrong or it's because I'm using an iPhone.

Anyway all in all I'm still

[Sjoerd]

Originally Posted by immx

The only bits that are not so good are the fuel economy isn't quite as good as I'd hoped, (I'm getting 43mpg, the pre-LCI 520 ED I tested was getting 55mpg) and I can't get the idrive system to reply to emails or texts. The option is just grayed out. I think I must be doing something wrong or it's because I'm using an iPhone.

Anyway all in all I'm still

Cars need to run in before they can show the expected MPG figures. On the email/text; try standing still. If they are still grey than there is another issue. If not, DVDinMotion is your answer.

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Sjoerd

Cars need to run in before they can show the expected MPG figures. On the email/text; try standing still. If they are still grey than there is another issue. If not, DVDinMotion is your answer.

You do need to use DVD in Motion (and pay for it!). The features of DVD in Motion are available via coding; and this can be done free...

[Sjoerd]

Good to know it can be done free! Do you have an address?

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Sjoerd

Good to know it can be done free! Do you have an address?

I am in Winchester, Hampshire, UK.

DVD in Motion removes the Handbrake limitation. BMW have put in a limit that you need to have the HandBrake engaged to use certain car functions (like browse internet, use BMW online, view User manual, watch videos, etc...). DVD in Motion disables this check.

Coding a car can disable the check and change a few more characteristics of the car as well. e.g. Disable Auto/Start stop or memorise Auto Start/Stop to last use, enable DRL in halogen lights, change ringtone in car, enable different welcome light modes, enable/ disable rear lights in daylight running lights, etc...

[Technic]

Texting while driving, eh?

Originally Posted by immx

Well, 8 days in and yesterday I passed 1,000 miles.

This is my first BMW, (well first one on the road anyway) and I am loving it. The 520d has more than enough power for an everyday car, I know a lot of you have the larger engined versions, but coming from a 110bhp Hyundai I30, this car is a treat!

The ACC is a fantastic option, takes all the stress out of the M25 and the reverse carmera makes parking in tight spots a lot easier. The speach recognition isn't perfect, but a hell of a lot better than other systems I've used, and the DAB radio is spot on.

The only bits that are not so good are the fuel economy isn't quite as good as I'd hoped, (I'm getting 43mpg, the pre-LCI 520 ED I tested was getting 55mpg) and I can't get the idrive system to reply to emails or texts. The option is just grayed out. I think I must be doing something wrong or it's because I'm using an iPhone.

Anyway all in all I'm still

[immx]

Originally Posted by Technic

Texting while driving, eh?

I actually meant via voice dictation. I'm sure it was advertised somewhere?

I really do want to learn how to code, but I need to spend some time on it.

[Sjoerd]

There are actually 3 things I would like to get coded

1. DVD in Motion features
2. Doormirrors folding when locking the car (now you need to keep the lock button pressed)
3. Closing the rear boot with the button in the car and/or remote

I will be in the UK 1 or 2 times per year with my car but as I understand you need to code the car after service as they are resetting everything?

[gspannu]

Originally Posted by Sjoerd

There are actually 3 things I would like to get coded

1. DVD in Motion features
2. Doormirrors folding when locking the car (now you need to keep the lock button pressed)
3. Closing the rear boot with the button in the car and/or remote

I will be in the UK 1 or 2 times per year with my car but as I understand you need to code the car after service as they are resetting everything?

All 3 can be done fairly easily. I do not think the service guys reset anything. Service engineers only update the firmware if there is anything major that needs updating or if there is a specific BMW release; otherwise the service does not always change any of your settings.

Let me know closer to the time (when you come to the UK) and we can sort something out. I am unavailable from mid-Nov to Dec first week.

[Sjoerd]

Thanks for the offer! I will let you know but I don't expect myself by car in the UK this year. It usually depends on my stress level with UK airports. I had the pleasure of being in 6 UK airports the last two months; security asks a lot of my patience