[m@rco]

After extensive research, I bought a 1-year old 540i with 20k miles earlier this year: BMW Certified Pre-Owned, most likely driven by a BMW sales rep (not a loaner car!). I've now had the car for some 8 weeks and like to share a couple of observations and would be interested to hear your views on the same:

1. AC - I am unclear how and when the AC compressor is actually running. I do not like the AC to be on automatically but noticed that sometimes, the car has the AC on whilst the AC light is switched off. Is this normal? I am aware that the AC turns on when hitting "defog", "auto", or "recycle" (the latter two I particularly do not like but I understand that that can be reprogrammed). I noticed that if I shut off the car with the AC on, and - say a day later - immediately after start up switch off the AC button, the AC will come on (and I feel the cold air and hear the fan come on in the engine compartment) even it it is 65F outside and I don't want the AC...
2. Fuel tank capacity - I noticed that when refilling a nearly empty tank, the pump will auto-shut off after about 18 gallons. However, if you slowly continue filling, you can add some 2 gallons. I guess the neck of the gas tank is designed too narrow... I wish we could just fill it to the top in one go. I added 20.4 gallons the other day.
3. Parking Distance - I don't understand why the car activates auto shut-off when you're trying to park. Very annoying if you have to park in a tight garage. I've worked my way around it by shifting to 'sport mode' but find it a design mistake.
4. Steering Wheel height - I wish the wheel could be lowered further. If you have your chair in a low position, the wheel is too high to reach comfortably and I cannot 'rest' my arm on my leg comfortably while holding the wheel. Is that just me?
5. Paint quality - I find the paint (on the doors at least) of so-so quality. Easily scratched with finger nails or accidently touching a garage wall or car. I have more scratches from nails on this one-year old 540i car than my 14-year old 328i with 160k miles on it...
6. Radio switch off - I can't figure out how to switch off the radio/apple airplay after parking the car. Sometimes it shuts off, sometimes it stays on.
7. Remote open window AND roof - When I hold down the remote control "doors open" button for a long time to slide down the windows (and let the hot air out while I walk up the car), the roof does not open. Why not? That is standard on the E90/328i. I wish the windows and roof also close when keeping the remote control button "doors close" down for a longer period but I understand that that feature has been disabled in US for regulatory/safety purposes. I'll have to (find someone to) reprogram that.
8. Sound at start-up - I understand that one of the tail pipes is closed until the engine is at operating temperatures but I'm not too fond of the loud noise after start up. I bought a quiet limousine, not some wanna-be noisy open pipe car... The sound will reduce after about 2 minutes but it sounds silly.
9. Navigation system - Overall pretty pleased but the accuracy is so-so. My experience is that that Waze App is better at redirecting around traffic and estimating arrival time (on a long-trip) than the new BMW system. Why can't BMW get this right? Is it worth paying extra for the Traffic Information upgrade?
10. Last but not least: I want my classic, red, round, dials/gauges! With such a fancy LCD screen, why is there no option to pick your old-school BMW standard view? Better readable, more fun to see the RPM needle move, better visibility over the consumption needle, and for sure, a better view on the fuel gauge. The electronic gauge is nearly invisible after you reached a quarter of a tank. I know: modern times, modern design. But I bet you there is plenty of (older?) guys like me that just like what they're used to... Isn't there some genius out there who can design and program this into the software and make it available through a download of some sort?

Other than my complaints above, I'm pretty happy with the car: very smooth, comfortable, pretty silent, fuel economic (34+mpg on the highway), stylish - a limousine compared to my 2007 E90 MT6 Sports Package. Although, every time I drive the 328i, I tell my self: that is real driving. Until I get back into a 1969 Renault 4TL. Now, THAT is real driving!

[ericvt]

#6 took me awhile to figure this out / search on here
- if you open the door before your press the start/stop button. The music will stay on.
- if you press the start/stop button First and then open the door the music will shut off

[COBodom]

Originally Posted by m@rco

4. Steering Wheel height - I wish the wheel could be lowered further. If you have your chair in a low position, the wheel is too high to reach comfortably and I cannot 'rest' my arm on my leg comfortably while holding the wheel. Is that just me? (...)

Congrats on the new ride !

No, It's not just you. I feel exactly the same way. I kinda, sorta gotten used to it since Dec 2017 when I first got G30, but even today I still find myself trying to lower the wheel more in LCI.

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by COBodom

Congrats on the new ride !

No, It's not just you. I feel exactly the same way. I kinda, sorta gotten used to it since Dec 2017 when I first got G30, but even today I still find myself trying to lower the wheel more in LCI.

My goal is to have the top of the steering wheel just at the top of the binnacle display and the center of the steering wheel at the bottom of the display so that I can see the entire display comfortably while seated in my preferred position.

I am able to do that. Set the steering wheel location to my preferred position and save it.

Are you not able to do that?

[AP]

1) air conditioning. In eco pro mode you can configure that mode to switch off ac to save fuel . You may find that the cabin is a bit warmer that normal. If it gets too warm it will switch on again

This behaviour is not present in any other modes. You can obviously configure eco pro mode not to do that if you wish

Satnav

I think this is a country specific thing as regards how good the traffic info is. In the U.K. I find the RTTI to be very good indeed, accurate to a couple of hundred yards.
How RTTI is in each country I guess varies based upon the source of that info

[Scotty B]

1. I only notice the compressor working when AC light is on. Compressors will generally turn off when climate control detects the right temp. Then kick back on. Can notice better if you are sitting still. All cars I have had do this.

2. Have not tried this but was always told not to try to overfill. G30 tank size is around 17-18 gallons.

3. Code auto start stop off with Bimmercode. Most useless feature ever.

4. No issues with me. I'm 6ft tall and keep steering wheel where I can see gauges between the steering wheel space.

5. Yes.

6. Need to turn car off and wait half a second before opening door.

7. Have not actually tested this but will report back. I'd say this could be coded.

8. Can be coded off. Reason for this though is to pre heat cats.

9. I use Waze for navigation. BMW navigation used rarely except to look at street names when not using another GPS app.

10. 2018-2019's gauges were so much better.

[Starbot1]

Was I the only one hoping for a more balanced list? There are certainly 10 positive observations to be made on the G30 540.

Anyway I'll take a hit at your list. You might have opted for a 2017 and had fewer complaints (I picked one up last year, a 2017 CPO 540xi with 24k miles).

2. You very well may be overfilling-- the stated capacity is around 18gallons. Why push it further than the spec you bought it at?

3. Agreed-- auto-shut off sucks. Glad the 2017 recalls the auto start-stop state each time you turn it on. That was gone with 2018.

6. Switch off car before opening car OR just hit the volume knob..

8. I love the start-up sound... can't help you there. Get a 530e.

9. Can't comment on built-in nav in the year 2021. Carplay and Android Auto both exist on your car (I thought on the 2020... maybe just 2021 for android auto).

10. This is a give-in for the 2017-2019. You got the LCI and one of the big feature some, but not all, were after was the full digital dash.

Originally Posted by m@rco

After extensive research, I bought a 1-year old 540i with 20k miles earlier this year: BMW Certified Pre-Owned, most likely driven by a BMW sales rep (not a loaner car!). I've now had the car for some 8 weeks and like to share a couple of observations and would be interested to hear your views on the same:

1. AC - I am unclear how and when the AC compressor is actually running. I do not like the AC to be on automatically but noticed that sometimes, the car has the AC on whilst the AC light is switched off. Is this normal? I am aware that the AC turns on when hitting "defog", "auto", or "recycle" (the latter two I particularly do not like but I understand that that can be reprogrammed). I noticed that if I shut off the car with the AC on, and - say a day later - immediately after start up switch off the AC button, the AC will come on (and I feel the cold air and hear the fan come on in the engine compartment) even it it is 65F outside and I don't want the AC...
2. Fuel tank capacity - I noticed that when refilling a nearly empty tank, the pump will auto-shut off after about 18 gallons. However, if you slowly continue filling, you can add some 2 gallons. I guess the neck of the gas tank is designed too narrow... I wish we could just fill it to the top in one go. I added 20.4 gallons the other day.
3. Parking Distance - I don't understand why the car activates auto shut-off when you're trying to park. Very annoying if you have to park in a tight garage. I've worked my way around it by shifting to 'sport mode' but find it a design mistake.
4. Steering Wheel height - I wish the wheel could be lowered further. If you have your chair in a low position, the wheel is too high to reach comfortably and I cannot 'rest' my arm on my leg comfortably while holding the wheel. Is that just me?
5. Paint quality - I find the paint (on the doors at least) of so-so quality. Easily scratched with finger nails or accidently touching a garage wall or car. I have more scratches from nails on this one-year old 540i car than my 14-year old 328i with 160k miles on it...
6. Radio switch off - I can't figure out how to switch off the radio/apple airplay after parking the car. Sometimes it shuts off, sometimes it stays on.
7. Remote open window AND roof - When I hold down the remote control "doors open" button for a long time to slide down the windows (and let the hot air out while I walk up the car), the roof does not open. Why not? That is standard on the E90/328i. I wish the windows and roof also close when keeping the remote control button "doors close" down for a longer period but I understand that that feature has been disabled in US for regulatory/safety purposes. I'll have to (find someone to) reprogram that.
8. Sound at start-up - I understand that one of the tail pipes is closed until the engine is at operating temperatures but I'm not too fond of the loud noise after start up. I bought a quiet limousine, not some wanna-be noisy open pipe car... The sound will reduce after about 2 minutes but it sounds silly.
9. Navigation system - Overall pretty pleased but the accuracy is so-so. My experience is that that Waze App is better at redirecting around traffic and estimating arrival time (on a long-trip) than the new BMW system. Why can't BMW get this right? Is it worth paying extra for the Traffic Information upgrade?
10. Last but not least: I want my classic, red, round, dials/gauges! With such a fancy LCD screen, why is there no option to pick your old-school BMW standard view? Better readable, more fun to see the RPM needle move, better visibility over the consumption needle, and for sure, a better view on the fuel gauge. The electronic gauge is nearly invisible after you reached a quarter of a tank. I know: modern times, modern design. But I bet you there is plenty of (older?) guys like me that just like what they're used to... Isn't there some genius out there who can design and program this into the software and make it available through a download of some sort?

Other than my complaints above, I'm pretty happy with the car: very smooth, comfortable, pretty silent, fuel economic (34+mpg on the highway), stylish - a limousine compared to my 2007 E90 MT6 Sports Package. Although, every time I drive the 328i, I tell my self: that is real driving. Until I get back into a 1969 Renault 4TL. Now, THAT is real driving!

[RonronEG]

Originally Posted by m@rco

2. Fuel tank capacity - I noticed that when refilling a nearly empty tank, the pump will auto-shut off after about 18 gallons. However, if you slowly continue filling, you can add some 2 gallons. I guess the neck of the gas tank is designed too narrow... I wish we could just fill it to the top in one go. I added 20.4 gallons the other day.

That extra probably went straight into the vent tube or the charcoal canister. Everything I've read says fill to auto stop and that's it.

[ksoze]

Originally Posted by Starbot1

3. Agreed-- auto-shut off sucks. Glad the 2017 recalls the auto start-stop state each time you turn it on. That was gone with 2018.

Believe I had to code my ASS to get it to default to OFF in my 2018. Not sure what model year when it was changed to be off.

[LogicalApex]

Some of the complaints you have will go away as you get more familiar with the car and undo some of your bad habits as well. I have a 530e so I won't comment on things I'm less familiar with (like start-up engine notes).

1. I'd strongly suggest you stop trying to "manage" the AC. You have to remember that AC isn't purely about "cooling". It has a secondary function that is just as important to AC function that is useful even outside of cooling -- dehumidification. The car will run the AC in more conditions than you immediately think it "should" as it will dry out the air to improve the cabin temperature, reduce window fog, and etc. Focus your attention on the temperature you want and you'll have a much better overall experience. This applies to all modern cars not just BMW.

2. The gas station owner really loves you. According to the other posts here your car has an 18 gallon tank. You're thinking you're "winning" by magically stuffing an extra 2 gallons into that tank because it can hold those two gallons "in the neck" -- or so you think. Truth is the EPA has very strict requirements on gasoline spillage in both liquid and vapor form. The gas pump is required to recapture any excess gas it pumps after the pump clicks off as it can't allow the gas to spill out onto the ground. As a result, you're basically paying for 2 gallons of gas that you're not getting.

3. I have a 530e so I don't have this issue. That being said, doesn't the car only shutoff when you're stopped? If so, then while parking the trick is to use the engine "creep" more and braking to a full stop less?

4. --

5. Scratching from nails? What do you have bear claws? I haven't noticed any scratches around my doors from fingernails or anything else. I haven't accidentally touched any walls though.

6. You can set it in iDrive to shutoff once you lock the car. That's probably the safest way to trigger it to shutoff properly. The car tries to optimize "comfort" so you'll often have it keep the radio on until everyone gets out and etc. I street park so locking is natural to me and that 100% shuts it off every time.

7. Hold it longer? I can open and close my windows and sunroof from my keyfob. So I'm sure if it is working on my MY2020 530e it should be on your MY2020 540i. The sunroof activation is after all windows are open though so try holding a bit longer, literally.

8. --

9. For me, the BMW navigation works pretty well. Including getting me around nasty traffic situations. I'm sure this varies by location though. It depends on how well your highway system reports data back and how many BMW and other modern cars are in the area feeding data back. Waze, Google, and Apple Maps will have an advantage as they don't require newer cars to feed back or good data feeds from highway systems.

The good news is you have access to CarPlay and Android Auto so you can get Waze or whatever else you want without an issue

If your car lacks Android Auto you can get it via a dealer installed software update. Details are all over the forum.

10. --

Congrats on the great car!

[540iSUP]

Originally Posted by COBodom

Congrats on the new ride !

No, It's not just you. I feel exactly the same way. I kinda, sorta gotten used to it since Dec 2017 when I first got G30, but even today I still find myself trying to lower the wheel more in LCI.

Add me to that list. I end up feeling like I'm sitting in a high chair compared to the rest of the passengers in the car.

[m@rco]

Thank you for you all your comments and suggestion. I agree, I might have sounded a bit negative while there are a lot of positives to mention as well! Nice to read that some of my 'complaints' are shared with other G30 drivers.

A few comments back:
1. AC - I appreciate that the car should create the most optimal conditions. But if I chose to switch off the AC, I'd like it switched off. Why else is there a button? Yesterday, for example, it was pouring rain, 66F, and the AC won't shut off. When the windows fog up, I'm happy to turn on the AC but they didn't. If you drive with the windows down or roof open, I just like fresh air from outside and don't need an AC running.
2. Gas tank capacity - Yes, I agree. Overfilling may not be the right thing. But if you drive off right away (and consume gas), and drive a lot and don't want to get gas frequently, I just like to make use of the full tank capacity. I don't think the pump will actually 'retake' my pumped gas. It will only suck the gasses (not fluids) away. But you're right: the pump's metering system is not accurate at slow/low quantity flows, so I may be paying more than I'm getting.
3. Engine Shut Off - will actually happen just before full stop. So when you 'creep' it will actually already shut off. Not practical...
4. If you sit low, the angle of your foot to the accelerator is just more comfortable. I like to place my whole foot on the pedal. And in that case, you can't place your finger comfortably on the low side of the wheel while resting your wrist on your leg. I see i'm not the only one...
5. The scratches are from the previous owner but I (my son) created one very easily by just touching the wood, not concrete, of the garage wall. Not a very big deal, it's a car to me but I had the idea the quality is just less. I haven't tried to polish them away thinking that BMW would have tried to do so when the detailed the car for becoming a
CPO... I should give it a try.
6. Agree. Locking solves that problem but when the car is in the garage, I typically leave it open so, for the next trip, the kids can get in themselves (and I don't need to first stand next to the car).
7. You're correct! I didn't hold the button long enough. And when locking, they actually shut too. Great to see that feature. Only the windows do not fold when locking. Oh well...
8. We'll get used to it. My wife thinks its embarrassing Well, she can drive the E90 then.
9. I've been using WAZE for most of the longer trips because it offers better alternatives for delays. Is that maybe because in the US we (I) have only TI (Traffic Information) and not RTTI (Real Time Traffic Info) like in Europe? Or is that a service we'd have to purchase additionally. With Apple CarPlay things work great.

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

Some of the complaints you have will go away as you get more familiar with the car and undo some of your bad habits as well. I have a 530e so I won't comment on things I'm less familiar with (like start-up engine notes).

1. I'd strongly suggest you stop trying to "manage" the AC. You have to remember that AC isn't purely about "cooling". It has a secondary function that is just as important to AC function that is useful even outside of cooling -- dehumidification. The car will run the AC in more conditions than you immediately think it "should" as it will dry out the air to improve the cabin temperature, reduce window fog, and etc. Focus your attention on the temperature you want and you'll have a much better overall experience. This applies to all modern cars not just BMW.

2. The gas station owner really loves you. According to the other posts here your car has an 18 gallon tank. You're thinking you're "winning" by magically stuffing an extra 2 gallons into that tank because it can hold those two gallons "in the neck" -- or so you think. Truth is the EPA has very strict requirements on gasoline spillage in both liquid and vapor form. The gas pump is required to recapture any excess gas it pumps after the pump clicks off as it can't allow the gas to spill out onto the ground. As a result, you're basically paying for 2 gallons of gas that you're not getting.

3. I have a 530e so I don't have this issue. That being said, doesn't the car only shutoff when you're stopped? If so, then while parking the trick is to use the engine "creep" more and braking to a full stop less?

4. --

5. Scratching from nails? What do you have bear claws? I haven't noticed any scratches around my doors from fingernails or anything else. I haven't accidentally touched any walls though.

6. You can set it in iDrive to shutoff once you lock the car. That's probably the safest way to trigger it to shutoff properly. The car tries to optimize "comfort" so you'll often have it keep the radio on until everyone gets out and etc. I street park so locking is natural to me and that 100% shuts it off every time.

7. Hold it longer? I can open and close my windows and sunroof from my keyfob. So I'm sure if it is working on my MY2020 530e it should be on your MY2020 540i. The sunroof activation is after all windows are open though so try holding a bit longer, literally.

8. --

9. For me, the BMW navigation works pretty well. Including getting me around nasty traffic situations. I'm sure this varies by location though. It depends on how well your highway system reports data back and how many BMW and other modern cars are in the area feeding data back. Waze, Google, and Apple Maps will have an advantage as they don't require newer cars to feed back or good data feeds from highway systems.

The good news is you have access to CarPlay and Android Auto so you can get Waze or whatever else you want without an issue

If your car lacks Android Auto you can get it via a dealer installed software update. Details are all over the forum.

10. --

Congrats on the great car!

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by m@rco

Thank you for you all your comments and suggestion. I agree, I might have sounded a bit negative while there are a lot of positives to mention as well! Nice to read that some of my 'complaints' are shared with other G30 drivers.

A few comments back:
1. AC - I appreciate that the car should create the most optimal conditions. But if I chose to switch off the AC, I'd like it switched off. Why else is there a button? Yesterday, for example, it was pouring rain, 66F, and the AC won't shut off. When the windows fog up, I'm happy to turn on the AC but they didn't. If you drive with the windows down or roof open, I just like fresh air from outside and don't need an AC running.
2. Gas tank capacity - Yes, I agree. Overfilling may not be the right thing. But if you drive off right away (and consume gas), and drive a lot and don't want to get gas frequently, I just like to make use of the full tank capacity. I don't think the pump will actually 'retake' my pumped gas. It will only suck the gasses (not fluids) away. But you're right: the pump's metering system is not accurate at slow/low quantity flows, so I may be paying more than I'm getting.
3. Engine Shut Off - will actually happen just before full stop. So when you 'creep' it will actually already shut off. Not practical...
4. If you sit low, the angle of your foot to the accelerator is just more comfortable. I like to place my whole foot on the pedal. And in that case, you can't place your finger comfortably on the low side of the wheel while resting your wrist on your leg. I see i'm not the only one...
5. The scratches are from the previous owner but I (my son) created one very easily by just touching the wood, not concrete, of the garage wall. Not a very big deal, it's a car to me but I had the idea the quality is just less. I haven't tried to polish them away thinking that BMW would have tried to do so when the detailed the car for becoming a
CPO... I should give it a try.
6. Agree. Locking solves that problem but when the car is in the garage, I typically leave it open so, for the next trip, the kids can get in themselves (and I don't need to first stand next to the car).
7. You're correct! I didn't hold the button long enough. And when locking, they actually shut too. Great to see that feature. Only the windows do not fold when locking. Oh well...
8. We'll get used to it. My wife thinks its embarrassing Well, she can drive the E90 then.
9. I've been using WAZE for most of the longer trips because it offers better alternatives for delays. Is that maybe because in the US we (I) have only TI (Traffic Information) and not RTTI (Real Time Traffic Info) like in Europe? Or is that a service we'd have to purchase additionally. With Apple CarPlay things work great.

1. The core feature here is that you shouldn't have to manually fiddle with the climate control all the time. If the car detects window fog, for instance, it can use the AC to correct it. You can just focus on the driving. If you want to open the windows and get the cross breeze you can just turn the climate system off entirely. Also, the car will mix in outside air when the HVAC is running as that's a safety feature (even if you put on recirculate it will eventually have to let in outside air so you don't die from lack of oxygen).

Of course, you're free to fight with it if you prefer

2. Yes, the gas pump will certainly recapture liquids as well as vapor. Trust me. You're not putting an "extra" two gallons in your tank via this method. Physics is still physics. If you're concerned about how often you're filling up you'll need to moderate driving to be a bit more economical or go with the PHEV . Either way, I'd say buy yourself a latte instead of wasting money on gas you're not getting.

3. Ah, didn't know this. That sounds a bit less than ideal.

4. --

5. --

6. A bit annoying, but you can lock the car and unlock it right after to get the best of both worlds.

7. Not sure what you mean by the windows not folding? I assume you mean the mirrors? If so, you can set this in iDrive settings. Mine fold on locking the car.

8. --

9. We have RTTI in the US and it is included in the car for the first 4y free. Your experience with it will vary based on things like I mentioned earlier. WAZE is able to benefit from every Waze, and likely every Android user, data being thrown into the pile automatically. Apple CarPlay is able to similarly use iPhone data to get accurate data no matter what the highway system is feeding back. BMW gets this data from other BMW cars on the road (and some other manufacturers too, but no published list of who else). In Philly area the data is extremely good and works very well, but we have BMWs all over the place here. I imagine in rural PA it might not be as accurate.

The good news is you have options and aren't locked into the BMW Maps since you get CarPlay and Android Auto for free.

[Joe-BMW33]

I have had my car 3 months and driven 2,500 miles. My takeaway on your list:

1
You need Bimmercode (for a bunch of your complaints)

2
You need to read the manual

3
You need Ceramic or you need to tell the person getting in on the passenger side to stop wearing metal bracelets or the like. No way are fingernails scratching your paint. My car is older than yours and there is not a mark on it.

4
It better for the car to always have the AC compressor on.

5
I can't remember the last time I used a cars on-board NAV in the last three years. I have not even launched it. Car manufacturer navigation is a throw in and almost obsolete because, as you said, smart phones are better and easier to use.

6
I agree, it's debatable what is more of a drivers car, my E39 or this, but ~550-600hp is fun.

I really don't have any complaints, wants or confusion. I'd say my list is what I am pleasantly surprised with:

1
It rides much smoother and handles road imperfections a lot better than I thought.

2
Steering assist is the balls, I use it all the time. Not to sit back and take my hands off the wheel, but just to "assist" me.

3
Bowers and Wilkins - much better than I thought after hearing all the people complain it is not worth $3,600, maybe not, but it sounds much better than the HK in my old F10.

4
Comfort mode is fast, a lot of cars have to be in Sport mode to feel like there is something there. The car is just overall friggin fast.

[turbobeagle]

I miss the analog gauges from my F25. So classy and elegant. I stare at screens all day. I need fewer screens not more.