[Rhino at Work]

Not because I want a 4 series (ETTO of course though) but because my dealer has a 440i demonstrator at the moment and I was keen to try out the B58 engine after reading so much praise for it on here. I managed to blag a lunchtime to lunchtime 24 hour test drive so thought I would share my thoughts.

The main question for me, having driven 6 pot diesels for 10+ years, was whether I would be disappointed with the low down pull in day to day driving. I was very pleasantly surprised by how good the B58 was in this regard and of course when you push on a bit it’s amazing as I was expecting.

I loved the growl on start-up but then once it’s idling it’s so quiet and smooth compared with my 330d. Even though you don’t really buy a car like that for economy, I drove my normal 16 mile commute which is part built up and part cross country and got 30 mpg compared with the 40 mpg my 330d would show so that was pretty much what I was expecting. I also think the petrol engine is better suited to auto stop/start as it fires up with much less of a clunk so is more unobtrusive. I think I would be tempted to use it unlike now when I never do.

A couple of non-engine things I noticed. Latest pro-nav is same but different to mine but the auto-zoom at junctions corrects an obvious omission from my 2014 version. Also, there’s now a microphone above the passenger seat – this always annoys my wife when she has to talk towards mine when we’re in the car together.

Getting back in my 330d it was a little bit agricultural at first but not for long and actually the experience has reaffirmed just how good BMW 6 pot diesels are.

So, the $64,000 question - do I want one? Hell yes! I am putting together a spec to get priced up although other comments on here suggest it may be a long wait. Never mind, I’m now convinced it’ll be worth it.

EDIT - also meant to say I really missed my HUD - I just couldn't not have it now.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by Rhino at Work

Also, there’s now a microphone above the passenger seat – this always annoys my wife when she has to talk towards mine when we’re in the car together.

My 2014 car has this extra microphone - I think this relates to the Enhanced Bluetooth package.

[Malone]

Originally Posted by JD6

My 2014 car has this extra microphone - I think this relates to the Enhanced Bluetooth package.

I think you might be right. Our 2013 M135i has passenger microphone and has EBT

[djcowlin]

Originally Posted by JD6

My 2014 car has this extra microphone - I think this relates to the Enhanced Bluetooth package.

That's right.

[Rhino at Work]

Originally Posted by JD6

My 2014 car has this extra microphone - I think this relates to the Enhanced Bluetooth package.

Thanks for the info - didn't realise that.

[TodmordenLad]

I read your post with interest as I'd set my heart on a 440i as a replacement for my F31 330d with MPPK and test drove a delivery mileage only 4GC at Coopers Reading a few weeks back.
I found it a bit underwhelming to be honest, particularly given the amount of praise which it gets on here - so much so that i checked the rear tailgate model designation as soon as I'd finished to make sure it was indeed a 440i I'd been driving! I guess I've got used to having 600Nm/286hp on tap from low down and moving to a petrol motor is going to take some getting used to. The 4GC is lovely looking car, mind you

[Scottiedog]

Originally Posted by Rhino at Work

Thanks for the info - didn't realise that.

For some reason 4 series has what looks like a microphone but if you look I believe it's a fake/blank. Iv been in 5 4 series' and they all had the extra "microphone" but none had enhanced Bluetooth.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by Rhino at Work

So, the $64,000 question - do I want one? Hell yes! I am putting together a spec to get priced up although other comments on here suggest it may be a long wait. Never mind, I’m now convinced it’ll be worth it.

A nice write-up and glad you enjoyed it.

Did you have a play with the different drive modes, they really alter it's character? Comfort mode (adaptive suspension as well as drivetrain), to Sport+, stick left is like two very different animals.

I'm still loving mine, almost 10 months in. I've only done just over 4k miles and it's only been in daily use for the last couple of months, plus my driving in 90% urban. This means I'm still wowed by any chance I get to open it up properly in sport/sport+. Also, the engine note has got distinctly harder edged in sport mode as the miles have built up

Good luck with your impending purchase

[Ti Rich]

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

I read your post with interest as I'd set my heart on a 440i as a replacement for my F31 330d with MPPK and test drove a delivery mileage only 4GC at Coopers Reading a few weeks back.
I found it a bit underwhelming to be honest, particularly given the amount of praise which it gets on here - so much so that i checked the rear tailgate model designation as soon as I'd finished to make sure it was indeed a 440i I'd been driving! I guess I've got used to having 600Nm/286hp on tap from low down and moving to a petrol motor is going to take some getting used to. The 4GC is lovely looking car, mind you

I felt exactly the same when i did a test drive. it really didn't feel as quick as my standard 330d. Not as impressive as i had hoped.

[bpc101]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

A nice write-up and glad you enjoyed it.

Did you have a play with the different drive modes, they really alter it's character? Comfort mode (adaptive suspension as well as drivetrain), to Sport+, stick left is like two very different animals.

I'm still loving mine, almost 10 months in. I've only done just over 4k miles and it's only been in daily use for the last couple of months, plus my driving in 90% urban. This means I'm still wowed by any chance I get to open it up properly in sport/sport+. Also, the engine note has got distinctly harder edged in sport mode as the miles have built up

Good luck with your impending purchase

Was great to read the original post and your comments, I put a deposit down for a 440i GC on Friday and already can't wait...

Have been enjoying a 335d Tourer for the last 3 years and thanks to this forum that helped me build a pretty awesome car. Downside is that I wanted all the same toys again in the new one.

I've been a big fan of the torque in the 35 diesels (E92 335d and the F31) but have also loved the smoothness of the 6 pot petrols (E30 320i, E36 323i Coupe, E39 528i, E60 530i).

Good luck with any purchases on the 440!

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by bpc101

Was great to read the original post and your comments, I put a deposit down for a 440i GC on Friday and already can't wait...

Have been enjoying a 335d Tourer for the last 3 years and thanks to this forum that helped me build a pretty awesome car. Downside is that I wanted all the same toys again in the new one.

I've been a big fan of the torque in the 35 diesels (E92 335d and the F31) but have also loved the smoothness of the 6 pot petrols (E30 320i, E36 323i Coupe, E39 528i, E60 530i).

Good luck with any purchases on the 440!

Cheers and congratulations on your new order

We need details of colour and spec....

[bpc101]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Cheers and congratulations on your new order

We need details of colour and spec....

I went with Black Saphire (loved the MG on the F31, but wanted a change).

Spec; M Sport Plus Package, Steering Wheel Heating, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, Reversing Assist Camera, Surround View (has saved my alloys), Folding mirrors, Split-fold seats, Adaptive LED headlights, Active Cruise, Head-up Display, Digital Cockpit, Speed Limit Display, Piano Black, Apple CarPlay.

Not many boxes un-ticked

[Nobby Clark]

Originally Posted by JD6

My 2014 car has this extra microphone - I think this relates to the Enhanced Bluetooth package.

Originally Posted by Malone

I think you might be right. Our 2013 M135i has passenger microphone and has EBT

Originally Posted by djcowlin

That's right.

Mine doesn't have EBT but has what looks like an extra mic on the passenger side. I suspect it's just a grille and they fit the mic behind according to country spec. Never really looked tho.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by bpc101

I went with Black Saphire (loved the MG on the F31, but wanted a change).

Spec; M Sport Plus Package, Steering Wheel Heating, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, Reversing Assist Camera, Surround View (has saved my alloys), Folding mirrors, Split-fold seats, Adaptive LED headlights, Active Cruise, Head-up Display, Digital Cockpit, Speed Limit Display, Piano Black, Apple CarPlay.

Not many boxes un-ticked

Mighty nice spec

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by Ti Rich

I felt exactly the same when i did a test drive. it really didn't feel as quick as my standard 330d. Not as impressive as i had hoped.

Having changed from a stock 330d to a stock 340i I understand your concerns. At low speeds there isn't much in at. But, above 50mph the 40i is noticeably faster. Though, the delivery of the 30d makes it feel faster.

One car is torque based, the other is power based. They were both sDrive and the petrol was much easier to accelerate in winter in narrow tyres.

I'm sure I read the 0-62 is 0.5s improved. But the 0-100 is about 2s better after my move.

On overtakes the speed builds much faster.

My 30d would ride the torque and be quick in all driving modes. However, the 40i is driving mode and especially gearbox mode sensitive. Stick right makes a huge difference, much greater than my 30d ever did.

Both are quick cars. The 330d feels quick, but the 40i is quicker than it feels.

[bpc101]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Mighty nice spec

Thanks.

Looking forwards to the digital dash as a bit disappointed by the F31 half way attempt. There always felt that there was too much wasted space that could have been LCD.

[Nobby Clark]

Originally Posted by Rich9600

Both are quick cars. The 330d feels quick, but the 40i is quicker than it feels.

And that's why I'd choose the D. Oh, and x Drive.

[Rich9600]

Originally Posted by Nobby Clark

And that's why I'd choose the D. Oh, and x Drive.

So, you prefer a (relatively) unrefined agricultural AWD car that feels quicker than it is?...



Sir, I humbly suggest you try and find a 1980's Fiat Panda 4x4... 30mph will feel like 90!






On a serious note, in normal driving conditions a 330d will be almost as quick as a 340i. Also, there are enough road conditions under which the 0.3s advantage of the 340i over a 330d xDrive will be switched to favour a 330d xDrive. My mate had a 330d at the same time I had mine, his was xDrive and he could get power down so much earlier than I could.

If I was ordering another big diesel I think I'd certainly consider xDrive. However, the delivery of the 40i is so different that, even with my very limited driving skills, I can make good enjoyable and reasonable progress in all conditions I've encountered so far.

As I said above, the 40i comes into its own at higher speeds when not traction limited and the power and rev range make the difference. xDrives will always win the traffic light GP.

[Ss66]

Having had the pleasure of owning the 30/35d the way the 40i delivers its power is deceptively quick.Agree the traffic light gp the Xdrive will get away quicker but not for long

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by Ss66

Having had the pleasure of owning the 30/35d the way the 40i delivers its power is deceptively quick.Agree the traffic light gp the Xdrive will get away quicker but not for long

The acid test for me is the giggle at 6-7k revs. Don't really care who is quicker, more who is enjoying the drive. I use the paddles to enjoy the noise, even though I know I would make better progress in auto.